A look at happenings for the 'Week Ahead' in Alachua County

Dec. 8--Dec. 8-14

Editor's note: Please submit your event at least one week before the date of the event and include name of the event, date, time, location with address, cost, brief information about the event and other relevant information, if any. Send via email to [email protected]

EVENTS

Teen Maker Night: Stamps and Jewelry: 5:30-10:30 p.m. Tuesday, Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention, 811 S. Main St. Ages 13-19. Cost $25 per person. Laser-cut etched rubber stamps. Create your own stationary with your new stamps in the Creativity Lab. Jewelry making tables will be open to create pendants, bracelets, cuffs, and earrings. Make something for you or for presents to go with your new laser cut stamped stationary and gift tags you create. Register at https://bit.ly/3832Psm

Merry Melrose Christmas Parade: 10 a.m. Saturday, Melrose, State Road 26 with floats, music, horse drawn carriage and more. The Heritage Craft Festival will be held immediately following the parade at Heritage Park, 203 State Road 26.

Happy Holy-brays: noon-4 p.m. Saturday, Critter Creek Farm Sanctuary, 12626 NW County Road 231, Gainesville. Annual holiday open house featuring critters, tours, live music, a tasting table with samples of plant-based foods and vendors with foods for purchase, local beer on tap and ciders in adult and kid-friendly versions, citrus from Critter Hills for sampling and gift baskets for purchase, face painting and crafts, and holiday shopping vendors. ([email protected])

Hawthorne's 37th Annual Christmas Festival and Parade -- A Toyland Christmas: 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Saturday, downtown Hawthorne. Parade at 3 p.m.; 4-5 p.m. photos with Santa at the library. Kids carnival, arts and crafts, food booths, live entertainment includes performances by Clay Brooker and Second Chance at the community center. Tree lighting ceremony at dusk. (363-5125)

Christmas Express: 1-3 p.m. Saturdays through Dec. 28, Hawthorne Historical Museum and Cultural Center, 7225 SE 221st St., Hawthorne. Free. (481-4491) A Disney-themed Christmas train with colorful engine and cars on a fully mounted table display including buildings, roads, cars and streetlights.

Holiday Open House at Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park: 5-7:30 p.m. Saturday, 18700 S. County Road 325 Cross Creek. Free admission. Live seasonal music, refreshments, and tour of the old farmhouse at twilight to experience every bit of its holiday charm -- the tree, the mistletoe, the fruits and pine boughs. All surrounded by the fully ripe orange grove. (466-3672)

Drew Smith: 1 p.m. Saturday, Meeting Room A, Headquarters Branch Library, 401 E. University Ave. Free. (aclib.us) Drew Smith, one half of The Genealogy Guys, will help ancestry buffs improve their research skills. Smith will cover "Your ancestor's FAN club: Using cluster research to get past brick walls" and "Organizing your genealogy research process."

Joseph Ribkoff Holiday Event: 3-7 p.m. Wednesday, Ilene's Gator Store at Shoppes At Thornebrook. 2441 NW 43rd St. Free event includes wine and light bites. Fall/Winter and Holiday collections from Montreal designer Joseph Ribkoff, and a preview of the 2020 Spring line. Representative Kara Slankard will discuss the collection and answer questions. Browse in-store only sales. (256-0042)

Holiday Open Studio Sale: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and 1-4 p.m. Dec. 15, 926 NW 40th Drive. Paintings by Annie Pais and jewelry by Candace Hollinger. Celebrate creativity and hunt for original treasures. [email protected]

Winter Solstice Psychic Faire: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, The Seraphim Center of Gainesville, 1409 NW Sixth St. Psychics will be on hand for attendees. [email protected]

Depot Park parkrun: 7:30 a.m. every Saturday, Depot Park, 874 SE Fourth St. Free timed 5K run. All ages and abilities welcome. Parkrun is a non-profit organization that started in England 13 years ago, bringing a free timed 5k run to communities, now World-wide. There are 39 locations in the United States with a goal to have a parkrun in every community that would like one. Free, onetime registration www.parkrun.us/register or [email protected]

Florida Free Speech Forum: 11:30 a.m. Monday, Wyndham Garden Hotel. 2900 SW 13th St. Adam Friedman, founder of Voter Choice Massachusetts, and John Severini, Information Technology Professional, speaking on "Rank Choice Voting." Registration at www.floridafreespeechforum.org.

"Tom Petty's Gainesville: Where Dreams Began": Matheson History Museum, 513 E. University Ave. Exhibit that focuses on the early days of Petty's 40-year history in rock 'n' roll including never-before exhibited memorabilia, such as handwritten lyrics to his hit song "Don't Come Around Here No More," instruments and equipment used by his first band, Mudcrutch. In addition, there are personal items that his local childhood friends and family have shared with the museum. Runs through Jan. 11. (378-2280)

"Exploring Our World": Florida Museum of Natural History, 3215 Hull Road, Exhibit highlighting ongoing UF and museum research and initiatives in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math, and offers videos, photographs and discovery drawers to allow visitors to view specimens and learn about the museum's 100-year history; "Florida Fossils" highlights the museum's internationally acclaimed fossil collections encapsulating the last 65 million years of Earth's history including the jaw of the extinct Megalodon, the largest shark that ever lived; "Our Energy Future" offers hands-on activities about energy consumption and conservation, and how individual behaviors can make a significant difference. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. (846-2000)

GFAA GALLERY: Annual member's Winter Showcase: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 1314 S. Main St. Smaller original artworks are presented in the Boutique. Exhibit runs through Jan. 4. (gainesvillefinearts.org)

Black C Art Gallery: Gallery and performance space featuring the work of dancer, photographer and visual artist Ani Collier. Gallery hours are noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, noon to 4 p.m. Saturday. 201 SE Second Place. (blackcgallery.com)

Melrose Bay Art Gallery 2019 Invitational: Exhibit features 47 guests and member artists, runs through Dec. 29. Gallery hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays and 1-5 p.m. Sundays.

"Cuban Ingenuity -- The Artistry of the Everyday Inventor": showcasing the creativity, inventiveness and resourcefulness of the Cuban people, continues through December; "The Sweat Solution," permanent interactive exhibit detailing the invention and impact of Gatorade. Museum features interactive science and technology exhibits, as well as educational programs and events. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday and Tuesday. $12.50, $10 seniors and college students, $7.50 ages 5-17, free ages 4 and younger. Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention, 811 S. Main St. (371-8001)

Matheson History Museum: Permanent and temporary exhibits tell the story of Alachua County, including a look at area history from the Timucuan Indians and the Spanish occupation of the area to William Bartram's travels and more. Free. Hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 513 E. University Ave. (378-2280, mathesonmuseum.org)

"Gorillas in the Mist: Dian Fossey's Legacy": 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays, 1-5 p.m. Sundays, through Jan. 5, 2020, Florida Museum of Natural History, 3215 Hull Road. Take an up-close look at mountain gorillas in the new gallery exhibition featuring 27 historic high-resolution images by renowned nature photographer Bob Campbell, who captured the first images of peaceful human-gorilla contact with conservationist Fossey in 1970 and 1971, and sparked public interest in their preservation. It includes 3D-printed gorilla skull models from the UF's department of anthropology, an interactive touch table with photos, videos and audio recordings of mountain gorillas as well as a panel with current conservation statistics.who captured the first images of peaceful human-gorilla contact with conservationist Fossey in 1970 and 1971.

"Crocs: Ancient Predators in a Modern World": 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays, 1-5 p.m. Sundays, through Jan. 5, 2020, Florida Museum of Natural History, 3215 Hull Road. Exhibit admission is $8 adults, $7 Florida residents, seniors and college students, $5.50 ages 3-17 and free to museum members and UF students with a valid Gator 1 card. (846-2000) Guests can test their strength against a crocodile's bite, learn to speak "croc" and make the water dance like alligators. An interactive map will showcase where crocodiles live around the world, and a mini-theater will play videos documenting conservationists' efforts to save these creatures in the wild. Visitors can step into the shoes of a paleo-artist and create a 3-D animation of an extinct crocodilian, as well as view the skull of one of the University of Florida's last live mascots.

Harn Museum of Art: Main exhibition hall features "53rd SA+AH Studio Faculty Art Exhibition," with more than 30 recently created works of art by University of Florida School of Art and Art History faculty. The works, some on view for the very first time, offer visitors a glimpse into the creative and professional work of the artists and educators. On view through Jan. 5. "ClayCurvyCool" ongoing exhibit featuring contemporary Japanese ceramic artists; "Elusive Spirits: African Masquerades" ongoing exhibit featuring masks from the mid-20th century to the early 21st century show the continuity of masking but also feature new directions in masquerades, such as the fancy dress masks of Ghana. Museum hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, 3259 Hull Road. Free. (392-9826)

"Synchronica": Framing Time": 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and 1-5 p.m. Saturday through Jan. 4, Historic Thomas Center, 302 NE Sixth Ave. (393-8532 or visit historicthomascenter.org). Exhibition of 150 photo portraits made of and by young adults between 14 and 21; they capture a moment in time and place -- Gainesville 2019.

Gainesville Fine Arts Association Gallery: "Gainesville: The heART of Florida," in celebration of the city's 150th anniversary, on display 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. today, 1314 S. Main St. Front gallery featuring self-curated collections of art. Smaller original artworks are presented in the boutique. ([email protected])

MUSIC

Peter Kinzie: 2 p.m. today, Episcopal Church of the Mediator, 501 NE Cholokka Blvd., Micanopy. Free. (466-3364) Part of the Second Sunday music series. Theater organist Peter Kinzie returns for a fifth year to get everyone in the holiday spirit by turning the historic church building into Radio City Music Hall South. Light refreshments follow.

Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols: 5 p.m. with seasonal music at 4:30 p.m. today, First Presbyterian Church, corner of Southwest Second and Third streets. Free. Come sing and hear lessons and carols for Advent and Christmas showing the development of the loving purposes of God as seen through the windows and words of scripture. Gainesville Brass Quintet and First Presbyterian Jubilate Ringers present seasonal music. Festival is patterned on the annual Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols of King's College,Cambridge, the backbone of which has remained virtually unchanged since it originated in England during the Victorian period.

Gainesville Flute Ensemble: 3 p.m. today, Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1001 NW 98th St. Free. (gnvflute.org) The ensemble will perform its holiday concert.

Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols: 5 p.m. with seasonal music at 4:30 p.m. today, First Presbyterian Church, 300 SW Second Ave. Free. (1stpc.org, 378-1527) First Presbyterian Church choirs will perform.

Tim Fik Birthday Concert: 5:30 p.m. today, High Dive, 210 SW Second Ave. Tickets: $20 general admission, $10 North Central Florida Blues Society members, $5 students and veterans with ID. (ncfblues.org) Four top blues bands, including three national touring and one of Gainesville's most popular bands, will celebrate local blues guitarist Tim Fik's birthday. Fik is the guitarist for the Bridget Kelly Band and a geography professor at the University of Florida. The show includes Toronzo Cannon, Albert Castiglia, Patti Parks and the Bridget Kelly Band.

"A Peter White Christmas": 9 p.m. Tuesday, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, 1050 A1A North, Ponte Vedra Beach. Tickets: $59.50-$110. (pvconcerthall.com, 904-209-3759) Holiday concert starring contemporary jazz guitarist Peter White, saxophonist Euge Groove, multi-instrumentalist Vincent Ingala and vocalist Lindsey Webster.

The Heavy Pets and Roosevelt Collier Band: 8-11 p.m. Wednesday, Heartwood Soundstage, 619 South Main St. Two energetic South Florida acts bring the funk to make Gainesville dance. Tickets $12-$20. Heavy Pets weave the sound of Florida with elements of indie rock, funk and reggae into a unique style. Roosevelt Collier plays the pedal steel guitar. He performs alongside many of music's most prestigious acts, from the Allman Brothers, Tedeschi-Trucks, Los Lobos, the Del McCoury Band and countless others. His long-awaited Roosevelt Collier debut record features a mixture of blues, gospel, rock, and funk all rolled up by producer and bandmate Michael League.

Cherish the Ladies: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $25-$45; $10 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) This Celtic music ensemble has been sharing timeless Irish traditions with audiences worldwide for more than 30 years. In their Celtic Christmas program, the Ladies arrange classic carols such as "O Come All Ye Faithful" and "Silent Night" in a way that highlights the group's unique Celtic instrumentation, beautiful harmonies and spectacular step dancing.

Colter Wall and Wade Sapp: 8 p.m. Thursday, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, 1050 A1A North, Ponte Vedra Beach. Tickets: $31. (pvconcerthall.com, 904-209-3759) As a folk singer, Colter Wall places equal importance on crafting songs as well as carrying older songs into the present day. Like many of his heroes, Wade Sapp originally turned to music to mend a broken heart.

Chiappini's Concert: 6 p.m. Friday, Chiappini's, 326 State Road 26, Melrose. Free (475-9496). Snow Day, featuring Amy Webster and Al DeLuca, will perform and a food truck will be on-site. Bring a chair; no dogs or coolers permitted.

Someday Honey: 8-10 p.m. Friday, Heartwood Soundstage. 619 South Main St. Kaleigh Baker and her band will be playing a combination of covers by the greats and stand-out original songs. Tickets: $12-$20.

"Holiday Harmonies VII -- It's That Time Again": 1 and 4 p.m. Saturday, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 4225 NW 34th St. Tickets: $15 adults, $10 children 12 and younger. (gainesvillechorus.com) The Gainesville Harmony Show Chorus and The Barbergators Chorus will perform a capella music in this seventh annual concert. Carols will include four-part harmonies from each chorus and several quartets, with a grand eight-part harmony finale with both choruses combined.

Roy Book Binder: 8 p.m. Saturday, Heartwood Soundstage, 619 S. Main St. Tickets: $25 general admission, $15 North Central Florida Blues Society members. (ncfblues.org, heartwoodsoundstage.com) Roy Book Binder, a singing, songwriting, storytelling bluesman troubadour, will perform as part of a North Central Florida Blues Society concert.

Chiappini's Concert: 11 a.m. Saturday, corener of SR 26/Sr 21. One-Eyed Cat featuring Nora and Gil Gauk. Bring chair, no coolers. no dogs. (475-9496)

THEATER

"9 to 5": 2 p.m. today, and Dec. 15, 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Chief Theater, 25 E. Park Ave., Chiefland. (Tickets 493-2787, svplayers.com) The raucous musical, based on the 1980 film of the same name, follows the lives of Judy, Violet and Doralee as they navigate the struggles of working in the world of big business. Hilarity ensues as these friends face the trials of working women everywhere. With music and lyrics written by Dolly Parton.

"Disney's Beauty and the Beast": 2 p.m. today, Vam York Theater, 4039 NW 16th Blvd. Tickets: $23 general admission, $19 seniors, $12 students. (gcplayhouse.org, 376-4949) A wandering enchantress transforms a cruel and vain prince into a hideous beast, leaving him only one way to reverse the curse -- fall in love with another and earn her love in return.

"Scrooge in Rouge": 7 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays and 2 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays through Dec. 22. Hippodrome Theatre, 25 SE Second Place. Tickets: $37 general admission, $25 seniors and patrons younger than 30, $15 youths in grades K-12; $10 Nov. 26. (thehipp.org, 375-4477, [email protected]) This quick-witted, cross-dressing version of the Charles Dickens classic -- done in style of the British Music Hall -- abounds in bad puns, bawdy humor and witty songs.

"A Christmas Carol": 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Saturdays, 6 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 22, Hippodrome Theatre, 25 SE Second Place. Tickets: $37 general admission, $25 seniors and patrons younger than 30, $15 youths in grades K-12. (thehipp.org, 375-4477, [email protected]) The theatre joins a troupe of veritable Victorian actors as they weave the web of this cherished holiday tale. A Gainesville tradition of singing and storytelling that all ages will enjoy. This production is not included in season subscription packages.

"Exit Santa": 2 p.m. today and Sundays at 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays through Dec. 15, Acrosstown Repertory Theatre, 619 S. Main St. Tickets: $20 general admission, $15 seniors, military and students. (bit.ly/ExitSanta19) It's Christmas Eve, and Santa has abandoned Mrs. Claus and the North Pole for a Florida condo and his mistress. But all is not as it appears in this madcap adult comedy that lampoons familiar stories even as it affirms the holiday spirit in us all.

"The Very Hungry Caterpillar": 1 and 4 p.m. today, Florida Theatre, 128 E. Forsyth St., Jacksonville. Tickets: $20-$50. (floridatheatre.com, 904-355-5661) Based on Eric Carle's most-known and -loved children's books, "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" moves from the page to a stage production created by Jonathan Rockefeller. The journey will bring to life more than 70 puppets. The show also includes classic tales such as "Brown Bear, Brown Bear," "10 Little Rubber Ducks" and "The Very Lonely Firefly."

DANCE

"Cinderella": 1:30 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $15. (performingarts.ufl.edu) The traditional ballet will be performed by the dancers of Danscompany of Gainesville.

PAGES

Local Author Series: 2:30-4 p.m. Saturday, Headquarters Library, Meeting Room A, 401 E. University Ave. Free. Gainesville-grown author and musician, former Mayor-Commissioner Gary Gordon will present his satirical novel, "Chief Mican's Revenge." The program is sponsored by Alachua County Library District Headquarters and Writers Alliance of Gainesville. (aclib.us/headquarters, writersalliance.org)

Writers Alliance of Gainesville: Group usually meets the second Sunday of every month at 2:30 p.m. Millhopper Branch Library. 3145 NW 43 St. Open to the public. (www.writersalliance.org)

Tempting Reads Book Club: 6-7 p.m. every fourth Wednesday, Newberry Branch Alachua County Library, 110 S. Seaboard Drive, Newberry. Free. (472-1135) Discusses popular and recently published books including books recommended by participants.

Gainesville Poets & Writers: Group meetings, 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Lucky's Market Community Room, 1459 NW 23rd Ave.

Weekly Poetry Jam: 8 p.m. Thursdays, Civic Media Center, 433 S. Main St. (373-0010, CivicMediaCenter.org). Cost: $3-$5 donations appreciated. Gainesville's longest-running open poetry reading.

Word Weavers Writing Group: 6 p.m. the first and third Wednesday of each month, Crone's Cradle Conserve, 6411 NE 217th Place, Citra. Writing group for women. Each meeting begins with a potluck dinner followed by writing, reading, discussion and sharing.

CASTING CALL

ShabbaTones Chorus: The new North Central Florida Jewish choir is recruiting singers. Visit bit.ly/ShabbaTones or email [email protected] for more information.

Voices Rising Community Chorus: 6-7:30 p.m. Jan. 5 new-singer registration, Trinity United Methodist Church, 4000 NW 53rd Ave. (vrccgainesville.org, 978-766-6706) This intergenerational chorus is open to adults and youths ages 8 and older.

"Skeleton Crew": 7 p.m. today and Monday auditions, Actors' Warehouse, 619 NE First St. Rehearsals Jan. 6-30, 2020. Show runs Jan. 31-Feb. 16, 2020. Actors will be asked to cold read from the script. Actors are encouraged to present a monologue (two minutes maximum), if possible. (actorswarehouse.org)

Sunshine State Book Festival: Call to authors. For details and registration visit http://www.sunshinestatebookfestival.com/

Harvest Holiday Food Drive: Now through Dec. 22, Harvest of Gainesville, 3833 SW Archer Road is accepting donations of canned goods and hygiene products to benefit Bread of the Mighty Food Bank. For every three items donated, customers will receive a free Harvest swag item.

MEETINGS, CLUBS & CLASSES

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide training session: 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Millhopper Branch Library, 3145 NW 43rd St. Introductory training sessions for prospective volunteers. Tax-Aide is the nation's largest free, volunteer-run tax help and e-filing resource and is a service of the AARP Foundation in conjunction with the IRS. Tax-Aide serves low-to moderate-income taxpayers from January 27 to April 15. (372-6707 or email [email protected])

Gainesville Orchid Society: 7 p.m. fourth Monday of the month, Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, 4700 SW 58th Drive, Gainesville. Free. (gainesvilleorchidsociety.org)

Bridge Class: 1-3:30 p.m. Monday, Unitarian Church, 4225 NW 34th St., Gainesville. Text $25; lessons $6. Information, e Email [email protected]. Novice/Intermediate; Rubber Players or Duplicate PLayers; essential conventions, defense and strategy.

Laura Stewart Bridge Club: 9:20 a.m.-1:50 p.m. every Tuesday, Senior Recreation Center, 5701 NW 34th St. Play five rounds of contract or rubber Bridge, each with a different partner. New members welcome. (904-305-8011)

Bingo: 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, American Legion Post 16, 4701 NW 6th St. 18 games, benefits war veterans and the needy. Smoke free; smoking lounge available. (372-8802)

Pop-Up Free Store: 2-5 p.m. third Saturday of the month. Civic Media Center, 433 S. Main St., Gainesville. Free. Call 373-0010.

Eckankar Public Community events: 6 p.m.Tuesday, SF College Blount Center board room, 401 NW 6th St. (TheSoundofSoul.org, 378-3504)

AARP Gainesville Chapter 363: 10 a.m. Monday, Alachua County Senior Recreation Center, 5701 NW 34th Blvd. Free. The chapter meets on the first Monday of the month from September to June at Alachua County Senior Recreation Center, 5701 NW 34 Boulevard. Not held July and August. (386-418-0242)

American Association of University Women: Annual Red Stocking Tea, 3- 5 p.m. today, 504 NW 24th Terrace. Host: Dr. Kayser Enneking. Fundraiser for Florida AAUW's STEM emphasis Tech Trek summer camp for rising Alachua County 8th grade girls. AAUM Meetings are held at 10 a.m. the second Saturday at different locations. (No meetings on June, July and August) ([email protected])

Back to Work 50+ Job Seekers Workshop: 2-4 p.m. Tuesday, Santa Fe College, Northwest Campus, Building I, Room 49. (395-5184)

Free English Classes: 9- 10 a.m. Sundays, University City Church of Christ, 4626 NW Eighth Ave. One-on-one tutoring in grammar and conversation with modern, interactive texts, for all levels of English proficiency. Optional and brief Bible discussion follows. No registration required. (peggy.sedlacek@ gmail.com)

First Friday: Downtown High Springs Block Party: 5-8 p.m. on the first Friday of the month, Downtown High Springs. Free. (256-8115) Block Party featuring live music, an art walk, activities for children, a guided tour of the Florida Quilt Trail sites, and specials at participating venues.

Gainesville Street Rods Cruise-In: 5:30-8:30 p.m. second Saturday of the month, Springhill Publix, Northwest 39th Ave. and Interstate 75. Open to all makes of legal street driven vehicles. Vehicle registration for the cruise-in is a $5 donation, and free to all spectators. There's a $100 jackpot drawing for one lucky registered vehicle. and a trophy award for the "Young Cruisers of the Month" (age 25 and younger). Music with disc jockey, and a 50/50 drawing.

Gainesville International Folk Dancers Practice: 7-10 p.m. Thursday, Rosa B. Williams Recreation Center, 524 NW First St., Gainesville. $6. ( [email protected]).

Gainesville Amateur Radio Society: 6:30-8 p.m. third Tuesday of the month, Trinity United Methodist Church, 4000 NW 53rd Ave. Presentations on ham radio communications. (www.gars.club)

Gainesville Greenway Challenge: 9-11:30 a.m. first Saturday of the month. Visit gnvgreenwaychallenge.org or call 262-6670. Participants work in local nature parks, removing non-native, invasive plants to restore native habitat for the plants and animals that live there and for people to enjoy. Volunteers work outdoors and should bring sunscreen, insect repellent, protective gloves and closed-toe footwear appropriate for wet conditions. Staff provides removal buckets and water.

Gainesville Galloway Walking Group: 7 a.m. Saturday, UF/Center for Performing Arts parking lot, corner of Bledsoe and Hull Roads, near Southwest 34th St., Gainesville. Email [email protected].

Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous (FA): 10:30 a.m. Thursdays, Holy Faith Catholic Church Parish Life Center, room 9, 747 NW 43rd St. Weekly meetings are free and available for anyone suffering from food addiction, food obsession, obesity, bulimia, or undereating. There are no dues or weigh-ins.(226-4559)

The Incarcerated Workers Organizing Committee: 6 p.m. Tuesday, Civic Media Center, 433 S. Main St. (373-0010)

Non-Violent Communication Skills Workshop: 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Civic Media Center, 433 S. Main St., Gainesville. Free; donations accepted. Call 373-0010 or email [email protected]. First and third Wednesdays of the month.

Food Truck: 3-4 p.m. First and third Saturdays of the month, VFW Post 2811, 1150 NE Waldo Road. Sponsored by the Country Baptist Church. Brig box or basket for food items. $5 donation. (Jack Harris 376-7660)

Mindfulness Meditation: 7-8 p.m. every Wednesday, Unity of Gainesville, 8801 NW 39th Ave., time of silent reflection (373-1030, unitygainesville.org)

Soul Food book discussion group: 10 a.m.- noon Thursdays, Unity of Gainesville, 8801 NW 39th Ave. Studying the writings of Eric Butterworth, minister, author, and radio personality. He earned high respect for his delivery of universal spiritual ideas. (373-1030, unitygainesville.org)

Heart-Centered Qigong classes: 10:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. every Wednesday, Unity of Gainesville, 8801 NW 39th Ave, Eight per one-hour class. Led by Anne Young, Flowing Zen-certified Qigong Instructor.

Qigong (chee-gong) is an ancient Chinese form of meditative and expressive movement shown to improve health and increase energy. Qigong is accessible for people who are not athletic or have mobility limits. May be done standing or sitting. (665-6727)

Reiki Healing Circle: 7 p.m, first and third Friday of the month, Unity of Gainesville, 8801 NW 39th Ave. Led by Dee Mitchell, Certified Reiki Master.

Center yourself in the consciousness of your heart and re-align your body-mind-spirit energy, learn and experience Reiki healing energy from the heart. Love offering accepted. (373-1030, unitygainesville.org)

A Course in Miracles classes: 9:30 a.m. Sundays, 6:30 p.m. Mondays, and 10:30 a.m. Thursdays, Unity of Gainesville, 8801 NW 39th Ave. A unique, universal, self-study spiritual thought system that teaches that the way to Love and Inner Peace is through Forgiveness. (373-1030, unitygainesville.org)

Bingo Play: 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays, VFW Post 2811, 1150 NE Waldo Road, Gainesville. 18 games of play; benefits war veterans and their families; food available for purchase. (376-7660)

Second Sunday Concert Series: 2 p.m., Episcopal Church of the Mediator, 501 NE Cholakka Blvd., Micanopy. Free (466-3364)

Community Meditation: 9 a.m. Saturdays, Civic Media Center, 433 S. Main St., Gainesville. Free. (373-0010) Non-denominational, non-dogmatic group meets Saturday mornings.

High Springs Merchants' Friday First Night: 5-8 p.m. first Friday, Downtown High Springs, Northwest First Avenue and Main Street, High Springs (474-9922) Downtown Merchants hosts its monthly event featuring sales, specials and door prizes at participating businesses. This month's event also features a sidewalk chalk art contest with cash prizes; $5 entrance fee required.

Guided Walk: 10 a.m.-noon first Saturday of the month, Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, 4700 SW 58th Drive, Gainesville. $10, regular admission price for non-member, $5 children 5-13 and free for children under 5 and members. For special event prices and other information, call 372-4981.

Kids Day: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. second Saturday of the month, Dudley Farm Historic State Park. (472-1142. $5 per vehicle. www.friendsofdudleyfarm.org

Bluegrass : 9 p.m. third Fridays, Civic Media Center, 433 S. Main St. (378-5655)

Spiritual Book Club meeting: 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays, The Seraphim Center, 1409 NW Sixth St. Suite 110, Gainesville. Offerings accepted. (792-8075).

"Meditation for Self Healing (formerly Reiki Healing for Pain Relief): 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, The Seraphim Center, 1409 NW Sixth St. Taught by Christopher Salazar, Reiki Master.

Yoga in the Park: 9:30-11 a.m. today, Northeast Park, 400 NE 16th Ave. Free. (792-6166) Outdoor class led by Yogi James.

Tai Chi with Yogi James: 5:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Wilhelmina Johnson Resource Center, 321 NW 10th St. $5-$10 donations welcomed. (792-6166).

Senior Fun Day Bowling: 10 a.m. Fridays, Splitz Lanes, 1301 NW 76th Blvd., Gainesville. Tickets: $11 (260-4816 or 262-4200). Weekly 55 and over bowling event held on Fridays. First

Sensory Storytime: 11 a.m. Saturday, Alachua County Public Library Headquarters, 401 E. University Ave., Gainesville. (386-3467). Sensory Friendly Storytime is an educational, interactive and fun event that can be enjoyed by all children, especially for children with sensory and integration challenges.

Third Thursdays at Thornebrook: 6-9 p.m. Thursday, The Square at Thornebrook Village, 2441 NW 43rd St., Gainesville. Free. Call 514-4996 or email [email protected]. Free, family-friendly concerts.

Startup Mentoring: 9-10 a.m. every Wednesday, Santa Fe College CIED, 530 W. University Ave. Free. All entrepreneurs welcome from elementary school to retirees, including Santa Fe College and UF students. Give a practice presentation for free feedback and mentoring.

Yoga At The Brewery: 1-2 p.m. Sundays, First Magnitude Brewery, 1220 SE Veitch St. Free, but a suggested donation of $5 per person goes directly to a partner organization. First Magnitude hosts Brewery Yoga in its warehouse. Bring your own mat, all experience levels are welcome. www.facebook.com/EckankarinGainesville) Based on the book, "How to Survive Spiritually in Our Times," by Harold Klemp. (You may attend with or without the book).

Gainesville Music Association Symposium: 6:30 p.m. the first Monday of every month, Aurora Downtown, 109 SE Fourth Ave. Free and open to the public. (354-7461, www.gainesvillemusicassociation.com) A workshop on the music business, a moderated open-forum discussion on the needs of the area's music community and networking activities.

Ukulele Club Of Gainesville: 7 p.m. on the first and third Monday of the month, United Church of Gainesville, 1624 NW 5th ave. (373-1049, [email protected]) Open to all ages who are interested in learning to play the ukulele and improve their skills.

Gainesville "Has Beens": 7:30 a.m. the first Tuesday of each month, Brown's Country Kitchen, S. US 441, Alachua. (331-3680) Old high school friends welcome those with memories of the "good old days."

Newcomers Club Of Gainesville: 11:30 a.m. first Wednesday of each month, Wyndham Garden Hotel, 2900 SW 13th St. Cost: $18. (262-8623, Gainesvilleflnewcomers.webs.com) Meetings include lunch and a speaker of interest.

Quilters Of Alachua County Day Guild: 9:30 a.m.-noon first Thursday of each month. Senior Recreation Center, 5701 NW 34th St. Free. (373-7791, www.qacdg.org) Meetings for sewing and embroidery enthusiasts.

Shine Medicare Counseling: 10 a.m.-noon first Thursday of each month, Department of Community Support Service, Alachua County Health Department, 224 SE 24th St. Free. (1-800-963-5337, www.floridashine.org) Helps seniors and the disabled navigate health insurance.

Quilts of Valor Sewing group: 10:30 a.m. first Thursday of each month in the city of Alachua at the Julies Pins and Needles Quilt Shop. Bring your red, white and blue fabric and come sew with us. (Susan Holloway 352 377-1341 or Julies Pins and Needles Quilt Shop 904 214-6633)

Parents Of Child Loss: 1-3 p.m. first Thursday of the month, Headquarters Branch Library, 401 E. University Ave. Unplug Grief is a new organization with a positive intention to help families who are dealing with the loss of a child (or even the potential of losing a child) and families with losses.

VEG4LIFE: 6:30 p.m. first Saturday of the month, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 4225 NW 34th St. Cost: $2, or $8 with no potluck dish. (www.meetup.com/Veg4Life-Gainesville) Bring a vegan dish for 6 or 12 (couples) plus serving utensils and your own place setting.

Free Women's Self Defense Class: 2-4 p.m.15Mat Life Training Center, 4000 W. University Ave. Unit F. Gaineville. Free women's self defense full seminars each quarter. (www.trainmatlife.com, 371-1007)

Gainesville Bird Fanciers: 1:30 p.m. the second Sunday of each month but may change, so please contact for details, United Way of North Central Florida, 6031 NW First Place. Free. (378-9796, www.Fireline.org/gbf) Join the local bird club offering educational and social programs for people who love birds.

Tree City Quilt Guild: Meets second Monday of each month, doors open at 6:30 p.m. for socializing, checking library and signing up for workshops, meeting at 7 p.m., Westside Baptist Church, Family Life Center, 10000 W. Newberry Road. Cost: $25 per year.

Afro-fitness: Group meets every second and fourth Thursday from 5-6 p.m. to exercise to African drum beats and rhythms. Cone Park Branch Library, 2841 E. University Ave. (334-0720, www.aclib.us/cone-park)

Combat Veterans Breakfast: 9 a.m. fourth Saturday of each month. Monthly meeting with free dinner, 6 p.m. second Thursday of each month, VFW #2811, 1150 NE Waldo Road. (376-7660)

Civil War Roundtable Of North Florida: 6:30-8 p.m. second Thursday of each month, Trinity United Methodist Church, 4000 NW 53rd Ave., Education Building, room 232. Open to the public. (359-1442, [email protected]) Promotes interest in learning about the American Civil War.

Community Coalition For Older Adults and the League of Women Voters: 1:30 p.m. meet and greet, 2-4 p.m. civic classes, Tuesday, Senior Recreation Center, 5701 NW 34th Blvd. Dec. 10 "Rank Order Voting," an in-depth presentation by Jean Chalmers, former mayor of Gainesville. Group meets on the second Tuesday of the month at the Senior Recreation Center. (222-2978, [email protected])

A Girl and a Gun: 3 p.m. second Sunday of the month and 10 a.m. second Tuesday of the month, Harry Beckwith Gun & Range, 12130 S. Highway 441, Micanopy. ([email protected], 494-4774, www.hbguns.com) A Girl and a Gun Gainesville/Micanopy Shooting Chapter gives women of all experience levels safe gun training.$50 annual fee.

Gainesville Photography Club: Meetings are open to the public and are held every third Monday of the month from 7-9 p.m. at LifeSouth Community Blood Center, 4039 Newberry Road. (www.gainesvillephotoclub.com)

Gainesville Amateur Radio Society: 6:30-8 p.m. third Tuesday of the month, Trinity United Methodist Church, 4000 NW 53rd Ave. Presentations on ham radio communications. (www.gars.club)

Humanist Society Of Gainesville: Regular meetings, 7 p.m. the third Wednesday of each month, fellowship hall of the Gainesville Unitarian Universalist Church, 4225 NW 34th St. ([email protected])

Sweetwater Shape Note Singers: 3:30-5:30 p.m. Sunday after the third Saturday of each month, Church of the Mediator, 501 Cholokka Blvd., Micanopy. ([email protected] or call Les Singleton 208-9582) Welcomes listeners and singers at the monthly open Sing.

Talking Gators Toastmasters: 5:45 p.m. every Tuesday, UF Entomology Building, room 1031, 1881 Natural Area Drive. (www.talkinggators.toastmastersclubs.org) The mission of Toastmasters is to provide a supportive and positive learning experience in which members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills, resulting in greater self-confidence and personal growth.

Drum Classes: Studio Percussion Music and Dance Center, 2512 NE First Blvd. (338-8302, www.studiopercussion.org) Weekly hand drum, drum set, and drumline classes available for all ages.

National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association: 10 a.m. the second Monday of the month, September through May, Trinity United Methodist Church, 4000 NW 53rd Ave. Nonprofit group dedicated to improving the benefits of retired federal employees.

Duplicate Bridge: Card game meets four times per week, 7:15 p.m. Mondays, Unitarian Church, 4225 NW 34th Blvd; 12:50 p.m. Tuesdays, Southwest United Methodist Church, 2400 SW Williston Road; 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Oak Hammock, 2511 SW 25th Blvd.; 12:30 p.m. Fridays, Unitarian Church. Cost varies, visit website for details. (www.gainesvillebridge.com)

Gainesville Barbergators: Men's singing group specializing in barbershop harmonies, 7-9:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Grace Presbyterian Church, 3146 NW 13th St. (258-1915, www.BarberGators.com)

Yoga For Health and Well-Being: Yoga class teaching body posture, mindful breathing and relaxation. Beginners and experienced practitioners welcome. Students must bring their own mat. 4-5 p.m. Tuesdays, Wilhelmina Johnson Center, 321 NW 10th St. Cost: $3-5, sliding scale. ([email protected])

Slow-Pitch For Seniors: Trinity United Methodist Church offers slow-pitch senior softball for ages 55 and over. Games start at 9 a.m. every Tuesday and Thursday. 4000 NW 53rd Ave. (Ben Haines, 416-3072)

Sweetnotes: Harmonizing group of women that performs for senior citizens at nursing homes and assisted living facilities. New members are welcome. Rehearsals are 1 p.m. Wednesdays, Covenant Church, 3115 NW 16th Ave. (682-1610)

Art In Motion -- Loving The Hands That Shake: Arts and crafts workshops for individuals with Parkinson's and other movement disorders, 2-4 p.m. Wednesdays, Criser Cancer Resource Center, Shands Cancer Hospital, 1515 Archer Road. Free. (733-0880)

Adventures in Spirit -- A New-Thought Book Study: 7 p.m. Wednesdays, Unity of Gainesville, 8801 NW 39th Ave. "Autobiography of a Yogi," by Paramhansa Yogananda. The reading will be a revision of the original writing, which has a blue cover. (373-1030, unitygainesville.org)

Free Acupuncture Clinic For Veterans: Clinic for veterans and their immediate family, 6-7:15 p.m. Thursdays, veterans please bring DD214 or VA ID, Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs Clinic, 305 SE Second Ave. Free. (548-2332, Acupuncturist.edu)

Gainesville Harmony Show Chorus: Part of Sweet Adelines International, group meets and welcomes women singers in all voice ranges, rehearsals are 7-9:30 p.m. Thursdays, Grace Presbyterian Church, 3146 NW 13th St. (870-5555, www.GainesvilleChorus.com)

Gainesville Shambhala Meditation Group: Newcomers can receive meditation instruction 30 minutes before the start time on both days. 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays and 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Sundays. 1899 NE 23rd Ave. Newcomers can receive mediation instruction 30 minutes before start time. Yoga from 6-7:30 p.m. (214-1334, gainesville.shambhala.org)

Voices Rising Community Chorus: An intergenerational community chorus open to adults and youth age 8 and up. Rehearsals are from 6-8 p.m. Sundays, Trinity United Methodist Church, 4000 NW 53rd Ave. (www.vrccgainesville.org, (275-6624)

Focus on the Future: The program offers assistance to displaced homemakers making the transition into the job market for those over 35, looking for a job and need computer skills. (395-5047, www.sfcollege.edu/displacedhomemakers)

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