Holiday Train Display Returns to CF for 25th Season

The Webber Gallery is located at the CF Ocala Campus, 3001 S.W. College Road.

This display will feature model train layouts built and maintained by the Ocala Model Railroaders’ Historic Preservation Society. Every year, CF is honored to partner with the society to bring their beautiful model train collection to the community. As Jim DeLawter, OMRRHPS president, said, “The CF Express has been chugging along for 25 years!”

Viewing the trains is a holiday tradition for many local families, and thousands of patrons, young and old, visit each year. The display features modular train layouts and railroad memorabilia. Many of the layouts are inspired by historic Ocala landmarks, such as the Six Gun Territory theme park that operated in Marion County until 1984.

The display will open Saturday, Dec. 18, and will be on view from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. through Jan 2, with holiday hours of 12-3 p.m. on Dec. 24 and 31. The gallery will be closed Dec. 25-27 and Jan. 1. Admission is free. Visitors are highly encouraged to wear masks inside the gallery, and masks are provided at the front desk. For more information, call 352-854-2322, ext. 1664, or visit cf.edu.

CF Presents ‘Back on Stage: an Evening of Musicals and Zombies’

CF Theatre and Musical Theatre will present “Back on Stage: An Evening of Musicals and Zombies” on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 5-6, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 7, at 3 p.m., in the Dassance Fine Arts Center, 3001 S.W. College Road, Ocala.

The performance will include four 10-Minute Musicals: “A Most Average Musical,” book and lyrics by Jonathan Keebler and music by Bob Kelly; “The Hipster Sister” by Andy Roninson; “Pellets, Cherries, and Lies” by Erik Przytulski; and “Any Ordinary Sunday” by Joshua L. Mazur. Students will also perform the one-act play “10 Ways to Survive the Zombie Apocalypse” by Don Zolidis.

“A Most Average Musical” finds college freshman Jenny spending her first Friday night at college alone. “The Hipster Sister,” set in Brooklyn in 2015, is the story of Chelsea, who’s fed up with her slacker singer-songwriter sister and roommate. “Pellets, Cherries, and Lies” takes a look at addiction through the life of a video game golden boy struggling to keep his family together while dealing with late-night binges. “Any Ordinary Sunday” is the work of Florida singer, composer and musician Joshua L. Mazur.

The comedy “10 Ways to Survive the Zombie Apocalypse” invites the audience to consider what to do when it’s the end of the world and hordes of rampaging zombies are about to attack.

The 10-Minute Musicals are presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International. The play “10 Ways to Survive the Zombie Apocalypse” is produced in special arrangement with Playscripts Inc.

Tickets are free and no advance reservations are required. Doors open 30 minutes before showtime.

For more information about CF events, visit CF.edu.

CF Appleton Museum of Art Celebrates the Holidays with the Urban Family Holiday Exhibition

This beloved collection adorns the first floor of the museum with themed trees and other holiday decor from the collection of Ocala cardiologist Dr. Paul Urban, his wife, Joyce, and daughters, Katie, Kristie, Kassie and Karlie. In addition to ornately decorated trees, see the architecture, customs and history of Victorian England come alive in the popular miniature Dickens Village. Also on display, an extensive collection of nutcrackers from all around the world features handmade Byers’ Choice caroler dolls.

On the second floor, see trees decorated by community groups and organizations. Participating organizations include: Agapanthus Ocala; Appleton Artspace; Association of Florida Colleges CF Chapter; CF Student Activities Board; NOMA Gallery; Ocala Civic Theatre; TJM Promos; and Urban Family Counseling.

On Saturday, Dec. 11, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., the annual Urban Family Community Day event offers free admission to enjoy the permanent collection and special exhibitions, including “A Dickens Christmas” and “Alphonse Mucha: Master of Art Nouveau,” and holiday crafts in the Artspace. From 1-4 p.m., take photos with Santa. Food trucks will be onsite throughout the day.

Looking for the perfect holiday gift? An Appleton membership is truly the gift that gives all year. Multiple membership levels are available to fit the needs of every individual, couple or family. Visit AppletonMuseum.org for membership details. You can also visit the Appleton Store any time with no admission fee to find unique gifts for all ages including artist-made and vintage jewelry, art books and activities for adults and children, holiday home decor and more.

About the Urban Family Collection

Joyce Urban’s love of Christmas began when she was a child in the city of Philadelphia. Every year she would go see the elaborate decorations at the department stores that were set up along the path she walked as she went to see Santa. This wonder of Christmas has stayed with her through the years. She began publicly displaying her collection in 1989 because she wanted to provide a place for children of all ages to experience the holiday magic she enjoyed as a child. Over the years her Christmas Tour has raised money for many local charities including Harvest International, Interfaith, Pilot Club, Women’s Pregnancy Center and the Counseling Resource Center where she once worked as a counselor. In 2012 Joyce opened Urban Counseling where she continues her legacy of helping others.

 

The Appleton Museum, Artspace and store are open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, noon-5 p.m. A campus of 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.

CF Appleton Museum of Art to Open Show of Botanical Paintings by Susan Martin

Florida artist Susan Martin’s photorealistic canvasses explore the botanical world by concentrating on small portions of plant life. Her explorations, in exquisite detail, are influenced by the photographs of Russell Lee, of whom she was a protégé. Lee’s lasting influence can be observed in her sharp, clean examination of the subject, her preference for strong contrast that reveals surface quality and detail, and an emphasis on composition that comes from years of work in black and white.

Martin, who works out of her home studio on south Merritt Island, was raised in Texas. She received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art from the University of Texas at Austin, and then continued coursework in art education and art history. A significant part of her educational experience was the opportunity to study photography and composition under the eminent photographer Russell Lee.

Early in her career, the artist turned to acrylics in her quest for the clean edges that a quick drying medium can deliver, adding depth of color through multiple layers of paint. Her work developed “super-real” characteristics, creating an image beyond the scope of the camera.

Upcoming Event with the Artist

Artist’s Outlook Online Talk

Thursday, Dec. 16, 7 p.m.

Join Curator of Exhibitions Patricia Tomlinson and Martin for a free talk on Zoom to discuss the artist’s work, inspirations and more.

Meeting ID: 302 190 0088 │Passcode: 352352

 

The Appleton Museum, Artspace and Store are open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, noon-5 p.m. A campus of 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.

Appleton Museum to offer Free Admission on Veterans Day

In honor of United States military veterans, visit from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 11, with no admission fee. Special exhibitions on view will include “Alphonse Mucha: Master of Art Nouveau,” “Heart of the Horse: Photographs by Juliet van Otteren,” and “A Dickens Christmas: The Urban Family Holiday Exhibition.” Visitors can also enjoy self-guided artmaking and activity stations in the Artspace.

Additionally, military veterans enjoy free admission year-round at the Appleton by showing an ID or discharge papers.

The Appleton Museum, Artspace and Store are open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, noon-5 p.m. A campus of 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.

HEERF III/American Rescue Plan Report: Sept. 30, 2021

Sept. 30, 2021 Report (Revised Nov. 23, 2021)

The College of Central Florida (CF) has signed and returned the Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF) Certification and Agreement Form. CF has used, or intends to use, no less than the required amount of funds received to provide HEERF grants to students.

CF has been awarded $18,645,368 under the American Rescue Plan (ARP). It is our goal to reach as many students as possible and comply with all U.S. Department of Education guidelines. Under the ARP (a)(1) program, as authorized under section 2003 of the ARP, fifty-percent ($9,322,684) of the awarded funds is to be distributed to students. The other fifty percent will be used for allowable institutional needs.

As of Sept. 30, 2021:

CF has disbursed a total of $2,577,000 to 1,853 students under the ARP (a)(1). Distribution of funds is anticipated to occur in two phases in the Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 semesters.

In Fall 2021, CF has disbursed $2,577,000 to 1,853 students.

  • Eligible students are currently enrolled students. Eligible students were not required to apply to receive funds. It is estimated that 5,900 students are eligible to receive funds.
  • Federal Pell Eligible students received $1,500.
  • Non-Federal Pell Eligible students who are eligible for other Title IV funding received $1,000.
  • Non-Title IV Eligible students received $500.

HEERF II/CRRSAA Report: Sept. 30, 2021

Sept. 30, 2021 (Revised Nov. 23, 2021)

The College of Central Florida (CF) has signed and returned the Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF) Certification and Agreement Form. CF has used, or intends to use, no less than the required amount of funds received to provide HEERF grants to students.

CF has been awarded $5,063,708 under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA). It is our goal to reach as many students as possible and comply with all U.S. Department of Education guidelines. The college is required to disburse the same amount on student grants under CRRSAA as was required under the CARES Act. Therefore, $2,531,854 (50 percent) of CRRSAA funds is to be distributed to students. The other fifty percent will be used for allowable institutional needs.  In addition, the institution received $427,179 in Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP) funds.

As of September 30, 2021:

  • CF has disbursed a total of $2,929,646 to 4,934 students under Section 314(a)(1) of CRRSSA. Funds have been disbursed in two phases as of September 20, 2021.
    • In Spring 2021, CF disbursed $2,222,800 to 4,128 students (restated/see Mar. 31, 2021 report for award levels.)
    • In Summer 2021, CF disbursed $706,846 to 2,328 students (see June 30, 2021 report for award levels.)
    • In Fall 2021, no HEERF II funds have been disbursed.

CF Alum Ire Bethea to Receive Statewide Hometown Hero Award

Award recipients must have achieved success within their college service district and demonstrated notable community involvement.

Ire Bethea retired after a combined 30 years of service with the City of Ocala and the Boys and Girls Club of Marion County and currently represents District 2 on the Ocala City Council. He is a lifelong resident of Ocala and a graduate of Ocala High School, Central Florida Community College (now the College of Central Florida) and St. Leo University.

Bethea has volunteered with multiple organizations and committees throughout his career and retirement, and many of his volunteer efforts are focused on helping Marion County’s youth. He is a graduate of Leadership Ocala/Marion Class XVII, Past-Polemarch of the Gainesville Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., serves as a deacon at New St. John Missionary Baptist Church and is chairman of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Commission.

His many honors include the CF Distinguished Alumni Award in Spring 2021; Man of the Year Award in 2006 from the Alumni Chapter, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.; the Racial Harmony and Cultural Awareness “Unsung Hero Award” in 2011; the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People “Service and Uplift to the Community Award” in 2015; and the Rotary “Service Above Self Award” in 2019. He was also was inducted into the African American Museum of Marion County in 2015.

Visual Artists’ Society ‘Best of the Season’ Exhibition at CF

“After a year with virtual exhibitions, unexpected closures, and many uncertainties, the VAS artists return with an exhibition that allows us to see how they have come through the pandemic,” said Tyrus Clutter, Visual Arts faculty at CF. “We have all been changed in some way, and this exhibition will give us a peek at the best works these artists have produced during these tumultuous months.”

The exhibit will be judged by Marcella Martin who is a sculptor, watercolorist and rocket scientist. She has exhibited in Stockholm, Sweden; San Diego, California; and now Florida. She has a signature membership with the San Diego Watercolor Society.

“Best of the Season” is one of two VAS exhibitions each year and has always been an important and exciting part of the Webber series of exhibits, which showcase a variety of styles and mediums, including more traditional paintings and photographs, as well as jewelry, sculpture and digital media.

VAS has more than 85 members from all over Marion County and Central Florida including professional and amateur artists, and many of CF’s talented students.

Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday. The gallery is closed Friday through Sunday and college-observed holidays. There is no fee to visit the gallery. For additional information, call 352-873-5809.

CF Partners with UF Online to Increase Student Opportunities

Through the University of Florida’s Finish@UF program, students can start a Patriot and become a Gator!

The partnership provides CF students an accessible and smooth transition via UF Online’s clear, criteria-based admissions process. UF and CF teams work in concert to ensure full and coordinated student support from application, admissions, enrollment, via academic advising and coaching, through to graduation. Since students receive advising support from both CF and UF, they might also find a shorter time to degree completion.

“We are excited to offer this opportunity to our students in Marion, Citrus and Levy counties,” said Dr. Jim Henningsen, CF president. “UF has been one of our top transfer universities for many years, and Finish@UF will help expand opportunities for those students who need flexibility to complete their bachelor’s degree. With UF Online, these students will be able to earn the very same UF degree but in a more accessible and agile format.”

CF ranks among the top colleges in the nation for quality, according to the Aspen Institute for Community College Excellence. The University of Florida’s online undergraduate experience, UF Online, is ranked third in the nation for online bachelor’s programs by the U.S. News & World Report in 2021. This online pathway to UF has earned the No. 2 spot in the nation for selectivity, yet provides students a more flexible pathway and format to complete their students and earn their UF degree.

Students will find that the CF and UF Online combination is a highly supportive but also an affordable choice. CF is among the top 1% of colleges in the nation for affordability, and UF Online tuition and fees are the most affordable within the State University System of Florida and ranked No. 1 most affordable online bachelor’s program in the nation by Affordable Colleges Online.

To learn more about CF, visit www.CF.edu. To learn more about UF Online, visit www.ufonline.ufl.edu.