Tree Campus USA is a national program that honors colleges, universities and their leaders for promoting healthy management of their campus forests and for engaging the community in environmental stewardship. Tree Campus USA is a program of the Arbor Day Foundation.

“Tree Campuses and their students set examples for not only their student bodies but the surrounding communities showcasing how trees create a healthier environment,” said Dan Lambe, president of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Because of College of Central Florida’s participation, air will be purer, water cleaner and your students and faculty will be surrounded by the shade and beauty the trees provide.”

CF met the five core standards of tree care and community engagement in order to receive 2019 Tree Campus USA status. The standards are establishing a campus tree advisory committee; providing a campus tree-care plan; dedicating annual expenditures on the campus tree-care plan; participating in an Arbor Day observance; and instituting a service-learning project to engage students.

“We engage our students in a number of environmentally focused activities each year, and in recent years have collaborated with CF Appleton Museum of Art to include an art element in our appreciation of the environment,” said Stephen MacKenzie, CF senior professor of Environmental Sciences. “

The Arbor Day Foundation launched Tree Campus USA 12 years ago and continues to honor colleges and universities for effective campus forest management and engaging students and staff in conservation goals. Currently, there are 385 campuses across the United States with this recognition.

Josh Plante received first place in his category, Second Year College Musical Theatre Men, and Jillian Capps received third place in her category, First Year College Musical Theatre Women. Plante and Vicky Juliano performed in the winner’s concert that evening. Participants included other voice performance majors from the University of Central Florida, Rollins College, Bethune-Cookman University and Daytona State College.

Each year the National Association of Teachers of Singing celebrates the art of singing through a series of competitions and programs that are designed to showcase the talented singers and performers who are soon to be rising stars in the profession.

College of Central Florida will showcase the talent of its Visual Arts and Digital Media students in an exhibition that opens on Monday, March 30, at the Webber Gallery, Ocala Campus, 3001 S.W. College Road. The student exhibition is an annual tradition for CF and the Webber Gallery, and provides students with an opportunity to present their work in a professional environment. There will be a variety of work on display.

“With the increasing expansion of the Visual Arts and Digital Media programs at the College of Central Florida, the annual student exhibition is the best venue to see the talents of CF students on display,” said Tyrus Clutter, associate professor of Visual Art. “Each year our students submit work that leaves little doubt as to why so many of them are able to easily transfer into the programs of their choice at various state universities.”

The exhibition will be judged and juried by Shelia Goloborotko, associate professor of Printmaking at the University of North Florida. Purchase Awards will also be given to students whose work has been chosen by the college to become a part of its permanent art collection.

The public is invited to the opening reception and awards ceremony on Monday, March 30, from noon to 2 p.m. The exhibit and reception are free. The exhibit will continue through Thursday, April 30.

Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday. The gallery is closed Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and college-observed holidays. For additional information, call 352-873-5809.

The College of Central Florida’s Musical Theatre Department presents “Chicago,” Friday-Saturday, April 3-4, starting at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 5, at 3 p.m., in the Dassance Fine Arts Center, 3001 S.W. College Road.

The musical explores the themes of celebrity, scandal and corruption in Chicago during the Jazz Age. “Chicago” centers on two murderesses, a vaudevillian and a housewife, who find themselves in jail together awaiting trial in 1920s Chicago.

Book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, music by John Kander, lyrics by Fred Ebb, “Chicago” is based on the play by Maurine Dallas Watkins and script adaptation by David Thompson. “Chicago” is presented by special arrangement with Samuel French Inc., a Concord Theatricals Company, and includes adult content, simulated gun shots and is recommended for audiences age 14 and up.

Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for non-CF 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 team earned Readers Theater State Champions and Third Place Overall Team Sweeps and Second Place Individual Events Sweeps. Student Eileen Hernandez was named State Champion in Persuasive Speaking and Programmed Oral Interpretation and fourth place for Informative speaking. She and other team members brought home numerous individual awards including Brionna Lassiter, second place for Programmed Oral Interpretation and fourth place for her Poetry. Emily Brouwer was awarded second place for her Extemporaneous speech and sixth place in Informative. Zachary Williams was awarded fifth place for his Impromptu speech.

“CF Forensics is founded on the philosophy of Finding Your Voice. Meaning, we want our students to become better communicators and to talk about issues they find important through an activity that develops their critical thinking, writing and performative skills,” said Associate Professor of Speech and Director of Forensics, Dr. Matthew Maddex. “The results at the FCSSA two year state championship shows that we are not only working hard but finding our voice. 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. In intercollegiate forensics, which includes speech and debate, students compete in team and individual events in a variety of areas including interpretation of literature (prose, poetry), public address (informative and persuasive), limited prep events and several platform speeches. The forensics association enables students to not only improve their speaking skills but also develop a stronger understanding of the communication field as a whole.

Associate Professor Angela Martin of the College of Central Florida has been honored with the Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty designation in honor of former American Association of Community Colleges President and CEO. Recipients demonstrate passion for students and the classroom, show willingness to support students, inside and outside of the classroom, are recognized for participation in college committees, and go above and beyond what is required to ensure that students are successful in their academic careers.

Martin teaches in the Associate Degree Nursing program at CF. In 2018 she developed and implemented an innovative priority simulation for third semester nursing students to improve prioritization and critical thinking in nursing students that involves one student caring for three complicated patients. This novel approach to simulation has been nationally recognized through presentations at the National League for Nursing/University of Central Florida Simulation Conference and the Organization for Associate Degree Nursing Conference. Martin has been recognized as the recipient of the Instructor Award for the 2019 Celebration of Nurses from Ocala Magazine.

To learn more about CF’s Health Sciences programs, visit CF.edu./Health.

She was awarded winner of the Florida Flute Association’s Piccolo Masterclass Competition in November, and chosen as one of two flutists in the state to perform on Dr. Troy Paolantonio’s Orchestral Excerpt Masterclass in January at the Florida Flute Association Convention. Paolantonio is a flutist in the U.S. Army Field Band.

Gandiongco, who is a sophomore and an active member of the Student Activities Board, won a spot to perform in the Piccolo Masterclass Competition with Dr. Sarah Jane Young, professor of Flute from the King Hussein Foundation National Music Conservatory in Amman, Jordan.

Each year the Florida Flute Association sponsors competitions in various categories, open to advanced collegiate and professional flutists from across the state. Gandiongco won her competitions for the second consecutive year.  She was the only community college student in the state to receive this recognition.

“It has been a pleasure to teach Dominique during her two years at CF,” said CF Visual and Performing Arts Department Chair and Professor Dr. Sarah Satterfield. “She has excelled in our music program, winning spots to perform not just at the Florida Flute Association Convention but also, for two years, at the Florida State College Winter Music Symposium.  Dominique has an amazing gift for music.”

This is the first time that a CF student has won spots on the Florida Flute Association master classes.

“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.