COLLEGE OF CENTRAL FLORIDA

OCALA, Fla. — If you’ve taken a cool photo on your phone, now is your chance to shine. The Appleton Museum of Art and the College of Central Florida are hosting a photography contest for people to submit up to two photos. Artists of all ages can participate in the eighth annual Mobile Photography Contest and Exhibition with a creative photo taken on a mobile device or tablet. Read: Orlando Museum of Art parts ways with CEO following raid of Basquiat exhibitThere is no fee to enter the contest and all levels of experience are welcome. For more information on how to enter the contest, click here.

TEDxOcala will hold its sixth event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 7 at the College of Central Florida. This years theme: "Voices." Speaker applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. June 5. Visit www.tedxocala.com to learn more, apply, and watch previous talks.

Area students excel in higher educationProvost's ListTeresa Blaes, Ocala, Troy UniversityHonor Society InitiatesMaricruz Andrews of Summerfield was initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi at Florida International University. Shady Alshorman of Clermont was initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi at Fordham University. Charles Gick of Clermont was initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi at The University of Tampa. This scholarship is granted annually in memory of the Catons, who were both lifelong educators in Marion County. Dennis took part in the "We the People" competition, which the Ocala chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution helped judge.

Hotlines: Marion County governments citizen information line, 369-7500, is answered 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week. Distance learning for Marion County Public Schools is underway. Marion County governmentMarion County government buildings are now closed to the public; services provided by phone and online. Staying positive: Marion County government wants to see your home videos: "We are encouraging you to share your videos with us! To sign up for vote by mail: Call the Marion County Supervisor of Elections Office at 620-3290.

Andy is going to the Florida State Science Fair, held in Lakeland in March, and the International Science Fair in May. Approximately 300 CF students receive Veterans Administration benefits.To learn more about the rankings, visit www.militaryfriendly.com. Proceeds from past events have gone to Florida State Fire College Scholarships, Scholarships to the College of Central Florida, and other greater Ocala area charities, the release stated. CF students win vocal awardsCollege of Central Florida students won numerous vocal awards last month during the Central Florida National Association of Teachers of Singing State chapter audition held at the University of Central Florida, according to a CF news release. I am proud to coach people who care more about the message than the potential award.Students will go on to the Florida Intercollegiate Forensics Association competition at the University of Central Florida.

Monday: Chicken thigh in lemon-pepper sauce, yellow corn, mashed potatoes, wheat bread, margarine cup, Mandarin oranges, fat-free chocolate milk. Tuesday: Roast beef w/marsala sauce, squash medley, green peas, whole-grain bread, margarine cup, peaches and 1% low-fat milk. Wednesday: Jambalaya (diced chicken, ham, sausage, rice, vegetables), diced sweet potatoes, green beans, whole-grain bread, margarine cup, mixed fruit and 1% low-fat milk. Thursday: Stuffed peppers, winter mix vegetables (cauliflower & broccoli), whole-grain bread, margarine cups, oatmeal cookie and 1% low-fat milk. Awardees must be enrolled full-time in an accredited college, university or vocational/technical school located in Florida by the end of 2020.

Monday: Chicken thigh in lemon/pepper sauce, yellow corn, mashed potatoes, wheat bread, margarine cup, mandarin oranges, fat-free chocolate milk. Tuesday: Roast beef w/marsala sauce, squash medley, green peas, whole-grain bread, margarine cup, peaches, and 1% low-fat milk. Wednesday: Jambalaya (diced chicken, ham, sausage, rice, vegetables), diced sweet potatoes, green beans, whole-grain bread, margarine cup, mixed fruit, and 1% low-fat milk. Thursday: Stuffed peppers, winter mix vegetables (cauliflower and broccoli), whole-grain bread, 2 margarine cups, oatmeal cookie, and 1% low-fat milk. The Gnome and Fairy Festival will be held 1-4 p.m. Feb. 23 at the park, 7110 SW 80th Ave., Ocala.

We Are CF shares budget cuts they believe could save basketball and volleyball programs. Many longtime Marion County residents continue to fight to save three College of Central Florida sports programs slated to be cut for the 2020-21 season. In December, CF President Jim Henningsen announced that those programs would be cut to save $625,000. Clymer wrote that the "basketball and volleyball programs are not the cause of the drop in student enrollment, so why punish the athletes?" There is one post addressing Henningsens decision to apply for a job at Palm Beach State College back in 2015.

The Feb. 20 event is for students in grades 7-11 and designed to promote higher education and assist in identifying career paths. The College of Central Florida will host a conference for black males in grades 7-11, and their families, from 6-8 p.m. Feb. 20. The conference speaker, Forest High School alumnus Anthony D. Thomas, is the managing partner of Thomas Thomas Law LLC in Tallahassee. Thomas wants to help black male students and their parents create a vision for success and make their dreams a reality, the release states. The facilitators will promote higher education, career exploration and self-development.

The Feb. 20 event is for students in grades 7-11 and is designed to promote higher education and assist in identifying career paths. The College of Central Florida will host a conference for black males in grades 7-11, and their families, from 6-8 p.m. Feb. 20. The free event, called the Dare to Dream Black Male Enrichment Conference, will be held in the Ewers Century Center, 3001 SW College Road, Ocala. The conference speaker, Forest High School alumnus Anthony D. Thomas, is the managing partner of Thomas Thomas Law LLC in Tallahassee. The facilitators will promote higher education, career exploration and self-development.

Beginner Tai Chi: 10 a.m.-noon, Mondays through Feb. 24, the University Center, College of Central Florida. For Love of Film: Dance, Dance, Dance: 1-4 p.m., Mondays through Feb. 17, the University Center, College of Central Florida. Great Decisions 2020: 10 a.m.-noon, Wednesdays through March 4, the University Center, College of Central Florida. The Greek Pantheon: 10 a.m.-noon, Jan. 21 and 28, the University Center, College of Central Florida. 2020 Florida Springs calendars availableThe 2020 Florida Springs calendars are available for sale at the Marion County Museum of History and Archaeology, 307 SE 26th Terrace, Ocala.

Free cancer awareness luncheon set for Jan. 23Wellness for Cancer Prevention and Survival will be held at 11:30 a.m. Jan. 23 in the Ewers Century Center at the College of Central Florida, 3001 SW College Road. This free event will feature two guest panelists discussing liver and pancreatic cancer and what is new in prevention and treatment. The next event will be Jan. 19: "The History & Origin of the 1918-1920 Spanish Flu Pandemic." For information, go to www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/collectorsdayIHMC lecture set for Jan. 23The first IHMC lecture of 2020 will take place at 6 p.m. Jan. 23 at the institute, 15 SE Osceola Ave., Ocala. Ocala Camellia Society hosts flower show and saleThe Ocala Camellia Societys annual camellia show will feature more than 1,000 blooms in a variety of colors, sizes and types.

CF closed for winter break Dec. 19-Jan. 1All College of Central Florida campuses will be closed for winter break from Dec. 19 through Jan. 1. The Ocala Campus Bookstore will be open Dec. 16-30, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m., and Dec. 31, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The Ocala Bookstore will be closed Dec. 24-26 and Jan. 1. Lane snapper closed Dec. 13-31Lane snapper fishing is closed through Dec. 31 in Gulf of Mexico state waters. It will be closed Dec. 24-25 and Dec. 31-Jan.1.

The College of Central Florida has announced it is ending its mens and womens basketball programs, as well as womens volleyball, after this season. As unemployment has plummeted to one of its lowest levels in decades, CF enrollment has followed suit. "While state funding has increased slightly, the difference is not significant enough to cover the cost of ongoing operations," Henningsen wrote. "Significant resources are dedicated to CF Athletics, and expenses include scholarships and waivers, housing and meal supplements for students." "We will close the volleyball and mens and womens basketball programs and will continue to offer the baseball and softball programs."

CF is among the top 150 two-year colleges in the nation. Every two years, Aspen selects 150 of 1,000 two-year state colleges around the country to compete in the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. The Aspen Prize, awarded in the spring of odd years, is based on performance in student outcomes, including graduation rates, improvement in student success and equitable student success. The Aspen Prize is funded by the ECMC Foundation, Joyce Foundation, The Kresge Foundation, and Siemens Foundation. The agency honors institutions that significantly improve student outcomes, especially for the growing population of low-income and minority students nationwide.

The College of Central Florida announced on Monday that it has received an $80,000 state grant to launch a hospitality management apprenticeship program to help train residents in a three-county area for hospitality opportunities. The grant is part of the Pathways to Career Opportunities program launched in January via an executive order by Gov. The news comes soon after Marion Technical College received an $186,276 state grant to develop carpentry apprenticeship programs to meet the areas construction needs. The grant will allow Marion Technical College, which is operated by Marion County Public Schools, to partner with the Marion County Building Industry Association to train needed carpenters. The apprenticeship program will allow participants to earn a college credit certificate and an industry certification as a certified hospitality supervisor.

On Top of the Worlds foundation has informed the College of Central Florida that it plans to build a $10 million aquatic complex to serve Marion Countys growing swimming programs. That is more than two years after Ocala Aquatics lease expires. That prompted a community outcry that led Marion County officials to explore building a public aquatic complex using bed tax dollars. The CF board of trustees voted in 2017 to extend Ocala Aquatics lease for two years until the end of this year. The news comes a year after the County Commission said it was committed to building a $23.3 million aquatic complex.

Send news to calendar@starbanner.comTHIS WEEKParelli Foundation Celebrating Heroes and Horsemanship: 11 a.m. Sunday, Golden Ocala Golf and Equestrian Club. Organizers say this will be "an evening of fun and fellowship, with a testimonial dinner showcasing our residents." Transitions Life Center and Community: The Champagne Dreams Casino Night will be held at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 9 at the Ocala Hilton. Critter Trail 5K: The Friends of Silver Springs State Park is sponsoring the Critter Trail 5K at 8 a.m. Nov. 16 at the park, 5656 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Silver Springs. Preregistration is available, but not required, at makingstrideswalk.org/ocalaflBeer & Bags: A Cornhole Tailgate for Literacy!

Living Hope Community Church is home to Three Angels Clinic and the Birdwell Foundation. Grove, a Navy veteran, said he looks forward to working as a collective with the Birdwell Foundation branch and the medical clinic. He said the members of Birdwell Foundation group sessions have "been there" and have insight into what each member has endured. Living Hope Community Church is the clinic's "biggest supportive partner," Barrett stated. He said he first came to Three Angels Clinic looking for primary care and described the clinic as prompt, relaxing and non-judgmental.

Ocala Toastmasters: Noon, Ewers Center, College of Central Florida, 3001 SW College Road, Room 206. Ocala Harmony: noon-3 p.m., College Park Church of God, 3140 SW 26th St. Womens barbershop chorus. Arts College Fair: 4-6:30 p.m., College of Central Florida Stearns Learning Resources Center Caf, 3001 SW College Road, Ocala. Information technology information session: 12:15-1:45 p.m., Ewers Center, College of Central Florida, 3001 SW College Road, Ocala. Free English classes for adults: 6:15-7:45 p.m., College Road Baptist Church, 5010 SW College Road.

Apollo 11": Senior Learners Inc., 1-4 p.m., University Center, College of Central Florida, 3001 SW College Road, Ocala. Ocala Toastmasters: Noon, Ewers Center, College of Central Florida, 3001 SW College Road, Room 206, Ocala. Ocala Model Railroad Historical Preservation Society: 7 p.m., 1247 NE Third St., Ocala. (763-607-1055)WEDNESDAYSummer Shorts: Fort King Environmental Days: 10 a.m.-noon, Fort King National Historic Landmark, 3925 E. Fort King St., Ocala. Music: Rob Burgess, 7 p.m., Cup O The Irish, 3233 SE Maricamp Road, Ocala.

Funding availableThe Ocala/Marion County Visitors and Convention Bureau is now accepting letters of intent for its High Impact Signature Event funding program through Aug. 20. The program offers financial support to help organizations promote high-caliber events and attract visitors to Marion County. A High Impact Signature Event is defined as an event attracting national and/or international audiences and held over several days, either consecutively or as a collective progression of events, that lead to a high-level annual event. To request support through the High Impact Signature Event funding program, a separate application summary form and proposal must be prepared as part of the competitive annual award cycle. The First Friday Art Walk is a free event located within Ocalas historic downtown.

Pinochle: 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Eighth Avenue Adult Activity Center, 830 NE Eighth Ave., Ocala. Summer Shorts: Fort King Environmental Days: 10 a.m.-noon, Fort King National Historic Landmark, 3925 E. Fort King St., Ocala. Tap dancing for seniors: 10:30-11:30 a.m., Eighth Avenue Senior Center, 830 NE Eighth Ave., Ocala. Karaoke open mic: 2-3 p.m., Eighth Avenue Adult Activity Center, 830 NE Eighth Ave., Ocala. Bingo and popcorn: 3:45-5:30 p.m., Eighth Avenue Adult Activity Center, 830 NE Eighth Ave., Ocala.

Brain classSenior Learners Inc. will hold a brain class from 10 a.m.-noon Wednesday and July 31 at the University Center of the College of Central Florida, 3001 SW College Road, Ocala. Open houseThe College of Central Florida will hold an open house from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday in the Ewers Century Center at the College of Central Florida, 3001 SW College Road, Ocala. The open house is open to recent high school seniors and those looking to advance their career. Free, but registration is required. The preview will be $15 for members and $20 non-members (tickets are required, and the sale is free.

Bingo: Doors open 9 a.m., bingo starts 11 a.m., Angela S. Santos VFW Post 4781, 9401 SW 110th St., Ocala. College of Central Florida Information Session: Nursing: Noon-1 p.m., Building 16, College of Central Florida, 3001 SW College Road, Ocala. Maricamp, 2626 SE Maricamp Road, Ocala. Santos Historical Committee: 5 p.m., Sheriffs Station, 3260 SE 80th St., Ocala. Bar bingo: 6 p.m., Angela S. Santos VFW Post 4781 Auxiliary, 9401 SW 110th St., Ocala.

Send local business news to calendar@starbanner.com and write "business news" in the message lineOcala Heath System honoredOcala Health System was named the Public Education Foundation of Marion Countys 2019 Business Partner of the Year at a recent event in Orlando. This award recognizes the valuable contributions local businesses and organizations make to increase the importance of education and successful partnerships. Ocala Health raises dollars for Take Stock in Children scholarships by sponsoring the annual Sneakers & Smores 5K. Ocala Health also serves as the official business partner of West Port High School. Local jeweler receives advanced trainingDallas Mitch has successfully completed goldsmith training at the New Approach School For Jewelers in Arrington, Tennessee.