“Night at the Farm” promises an exciting evening including live music, a bourbon station and culinary delights from Eaton’s Beach.

In 2016, the college received its largest gift on record from a longtime Marion County supporter of education and agriculture. The gift of the 103-acre Vintage Farm has allowed CF to expand its Equine Studies and Agribusiness programs, which now include both a bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness and Equine Studies.

Since 1989, the CF Foundation has raised more than $1.46 million for College of Central Florida student scholarships through “Taste of Ocala.” This year, proceeds from “Night at the Farm” will continue to support student scholarships at CF.

To purchase tickets, visit NightAtTheFarm.org or call the CF Foundation office at 352-873-5808.

Hoyle’s work is on display in the Appleton’s Balcony Gallery now through June 21 in a solo exhibition titled “At Home and the World.” Hoyle has spent the last two decades traveling the world and documenting diverse customs, beliefs and lifestyles. Every country has its own identity, and the collection of environmental portraits in “At Home and the World” explores these differences.

Hoyle is a traditionalist who adheres to the philosophy that photographs are never altered or cropped. His “decisive moment” technique is evident in his photographs. In his typical street photographer style, Hoyle’s photographs are unexpected encounters that give an authentic look into the lives of his subjects.

Appleton Curator of Exhibitions Patricia Tomlinson will join Hoyle onstage for a conversation on his inspirations and technique. After, join them in the exhibition for an opportunity to meet the artist and ask questions about his work.

This event is free for Appleton members and included with museum admission fee for nonmembers.

Owned and operated by the College of Central Florida, the Appleton Museum of Art is located at 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, east of downtown on SR 40 (exit 352 east off I-75 or exit 268 west off I-95). Parking is free. For more information, call 352-291-4455 or visit AppletonMuseum.org.

First Saturdays at the Appleton Museum of Art, College of Central Florida, are about to get an upgrade! First Saturdays have always been free for children, and beginning in March every visitor will receive free entry on the first Saturday of the month.

This monthly, community appreciation day will be year-round and continue to include a special art activity in the Artspace for the whole family. New to First Saturdays, the Appleton will host a Museum & Me story time and art activity for ages 2-5 from 10:30-11:30 a.m.; children must be accompanied by at least one adult.

The Appleton welcomes you to take advantage of this opportunity to see the ever-changing permanent collection galleries, as well as the special exhibitions on loan from artists and other museums. The Artspace features art activity stations, children’s art books and a toddler play area. There’s something for everyone.

“The College of Central Florida’s Appleton Museum of Art is Ocala and Marion County’s arts gem and community-centric educational and creative hub. It’s multi-faceted, truly reflecting our communities coming together to generate and enjoy an authentic and one-of-a-kind nexus space, said Appleton Director Jason Steuber. “Free First Saturdays continue the generous vision of the Appleton family that started over 30 years ago in partnership with Ocala civic leaders. The Appleton is a safe gathering place to witness masterpieces from the past 5,000 years of human creativity. Free admission on First Saturdays grants opportunities for everyone to visit, appreciate and recognize the important roles the visual and performing arts play in our everyday lives.”

Free First Saturdays are scheduled on the first Saturday of each month from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

2020 Free First Saturday Dates:

March 7, April 4, May 2, June 6, July 4, Aug. 1, Sept. 5, Oct. 3, Nov. 7 and Dec. 5.

Owned and operated by the College of Central Florida, the Appleton Museum of Art is located at 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, east of downtown on SR 40 (exit 352 east off I-75 or exit 268 west off I-95). Parking is free. For more information, call 352-291-4455 or visit AppletonMuseum.org.

The College of Central Florida’s Theatre Department presents “The Great Gatsby,” Thursday-Saturday, March 5-7, starting at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, March 7-8, at 3 p.m., in the Dassance Fine Arts Center, 3001 S.W. College Road.

This play is directed by Dr. Kathleen Downs, CF associate professor of Theatre, and presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service Inc. in New York. The story is about Jay Gatsby, a self-made millionaire, who passionately pursues the elusive Daisy Buchanan. Nick Caraway, a young newcomer to Long Island, is drawn into their world of obsession, greed and danger. The breathtaking glamour and decadent excess of the 1920s Jazz Age come to the stage in this retelling of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel.

Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for non-students. CF students, faculty and staff are free with CF identification. For tickets and more information, call the CF Box Office at 352-873-5810 or visit tickets.cf.edu. The box office is located in lobby of the Fine Arts Center and is open from 1-4 p.m. and an hour before show time.

The College of Central Florida is conducting information sessions for Health Sciences programs including Emergency Medical Services, Nursing, Physical Therapist Assistant, Dental Assisting, Radiography and Surgical Technology. Potential students must attend a session this spring before applying to any of the programs, which begin this fall.

Sessions provide details about admissions criteria, program requirements, costs and more.

There is no waiting list for any of the Health Science programs. Some programs have part-time enrollment options.

Upcoming information sessions include:

Emergency Medical Services

• Friday, Feb. 21, 2-3 p.m., Ocala Campus, Building 35, Room 105, 3001 S.W. College Road.
• Friday, March 27, 2-3 p.m., Ocala Campus, Building 35, Room 105.

Nursing (Associate Degree Nursing, Bridge, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing)

• Wednesday, Feb. 12, 4-5 p.m., Ocala Campus, Building 20, Room 209.
• Wednesday, March 4, 12:30-1:30 p.m., Citrus Campus, Building 3, Room 107, 3800 S. Lecanto Highway, Lecanto.
• Tuesday, March 24, 5-6 p.m., Ocala Campus, Building 16.
• Tuesday, March 31, 12:30-1:30 p.m., Jack Wilkinson Levy Campus, 15390 N.W. Highway 19, Chiefland.
• Monday, April 13, 3-4 p.m., Ocala Campus, Building 16.

Physical Therapist Assistant

• Tuesday, March 3, 4-5:30 p.m., Hampton Center, Room 102, 1501 W. Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala.
• Monday, April 6, 4-5:30 p.m., Hampton Center, Room 102.

Dental Assisting

• Tuesday, April 14, 4-5 p.m., Hampton Center.

Radiography

• Tuesday, Feb. 11, 4-5 p.m., Ocala Campus Building 20, Room 209.
• Tuesday, March 10, 4-5 p.m., Ocala Campus Building 20, Room 209.
• Tuesday, April 14, 4-5 p.m., Ocala Campus Building 20, Room 209.

Surgical Technology

• Wednesday, Feb. 19, 1-2 p.m., Ocala Campus, Building 19, Room 108.
• Wednesday, March 25, 4-5 p.m., Ocala Campus, Building 19, Room 108.
• Wednesday, April 15, 4-5 p.m., Ocala Campus, Building 19, Room 108.

For information about any of the programs or sessions, call 352-873-5817, or call 352-873-5800, ext. 1655.

Students who submit an application on site will have their $30 college application fee waived and may enter a drawing to win a scholarship to pay for one three-credit undergraduate class at the in-state rate.

The college will showcase the many career and educational opportunities it offers. Prospective students can attend workshops on Dual Enrollment and Financial Aid. They may also interact with faculty and staff to learn about workforce and certificate programs, and advanced degrees, including CF’s baccalaureate programs.

For more information about the free event, call 352-746-6721 or visit www.CF.edu/PreviewNight.

The conference will be held from 7:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Ewers Century Center. Registration is $40 before Feb. 25, then $60 after.

Attendees can participate in sessions and discover ideas to enhance the social and emotional development of children and participate in meaningful learning activities. The theme for this year’s conference is Roaring ’20s: Look How Far We’ve Come. Nearly 600 participants will enjoy an opening keynote presentation and more than 30 breakout sessions during this daylong conference.

Keynote speaker is Lisa Murphy, founder and CEO of Ooey Gooey Inc. Murphy is nationally and internationally renowned for her educational presentations on topics related to early childhood education. She is known for her ability to link hands-on activities to educational standards, her outspoken advocacy, and her commitment to creating child-centered, play-based early childhood environments.  Featured presenter is Family Violence Prevention Coordinator for the Marion County Children’s Alliance, Monica Bryant presenting, “The Boogey Man: Not always a child’s imagination.”

Educators may be eligible to receive in-service credit and Continuing Education Units. For more information, contact Bebe Rahaman at rahamanb@cf.edu or 352-854-2322, ext. 1405.

From Dec.17-Jan. 19, children’s shoes were collected at the Appleton and TJM Promos in exchange for a one-year individual membership to the Appleton and a members’ only thermos donated by TJM. The community responded in an overwhelmingly generous way and 364 pairs of new and like-new shoes were collected between the two sites. The Appleton reciprocated with 147 memberships.

“We are so thankful to our members and the community for responding in such a thoughtful and generous way,” said Victoria Billig, assistant director at the Appleton Museum of Art. “As a nonprofit ourselves, we know that every bit helps and that everyone benefits from teamwork. We wanted to do something for the children in our community who are in need, and for the Pearl Project, which so compassionately serves them.”

The Pearl Project is a nonprofit organization that provides services for foster and adoptive families. Like pearls, many children’s stories begin in hard places. The Pearl Project offers hope and practical help to these families through educational opportunities and support groups. The shoes will stock The Pearl Project’s Kid-2-Kid closet, which serves children of all ages.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Appleton and TJM Promos for providing an opportunity for people to support local foster/adoptive families,” said Joy Zedler, board member and executive director of the Pearl Project. “We are blown away by all the beautiful shoes that now fill our Kid-2-Kid Closet. There will soon be a lot of happy feet in Ocala. Thank you to everyone who gave!”

To learn more about the Pearl Project, visit www.thepearlprojectflorida.org.

Owned and operated by the College of Central Florida, the Appleton Museum of Art is located at 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, east of downtown on SR 40 (exit 352 east off I-75 or exit 268 west off I-95). Parking is free. For more information, call 352-291-4455 or visit AppletonMuseum.org.

The College of Central Florida’s International Film Series wraps up the 2019-2020 season  with “The Salesman” on Tuesday, Feb. 11, “XXY” on Tuesday, Feb. 25, and “A Man Called Ove” on Tuesday, March 3. Shows start at 2 p.m. at the Appleton Museum of Art and at 7 p.m. at the Ocala Campus in the Humanities and Social Sciences Building 8, Room 110.

• “The Salesman” features a young couple living in Tehran who is forced to move into a new apartment with a violent history. Their lives are dramatically changed. This film is in Persian with English subtitles. It is rated PG-13 and has a total run time of 125 minutes.
• “XXY” is about 15-year old Alex who has had to deal with being born as an intersexed child growing up in a small town in Uruguay. When a plastic surgeon is invited for gender reassignment surgery and brings his son, the sexual attraction of the two teens soon complicates an already tense situation. This film is in Spanish with English subtitles. It is not rated and has a total run time of 90 minutes.
• “A Man Called Ove” is based on Fredrik Backman’s international best-selling novel. Ove is the angry old man next door whom we have all known. An isolated retiree with strict principles and a short fuse, he spends his days visiting his wife’s grave and enforcing block association rules that only he cares about. This film is in Swedish with English subtitles. It is rated PG-13 and has a total run time of 120 minutes.

Films on the CF campus are free. Films at the Appleton are free to members; nonmembers pay the museum admission price to see the films. To become a film series member, pay $15 for individuals, $25 for dual membership at www.CF.edu/MakeaGift. For information about membership, call 352-873-5808.

For more information on the International Film Series, contact Joe Zimmerman at 352-854-2322, ext. 1233, or visit www.CF.edu/filmseries.

The College of Central Florida will host its annual College Preview open house Saturday, Feb. 29, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the CF Jack Wilkinson Levy Campus, 15390 N.W. Highway 19, Chiefland.

Students who submit an application on site will have their $30 college application fee waived and may enter a drawing to win a scholarship to pay for one three-credit undergraduate class at the in-state rate.

The college will showcase the many career and educational opportunities it offers. Prospective students can attend workshops on Dual Enrollment and Financial Aid. They may also interact with faculty and staff to learn about workforce and certificate programs, and advanced degrees, including CF’s baccalaureate programs.

Preview Night at the Citrus Campus will be held on Thursday, March 12, from 5-7 p.m. at the Citrus Learning and Conference Center, 3800 S. Lecanto Highway, Lecanto.

For more information about the free event, call 352-658-4077 or visit www.CF.edu/PreviewNight.