COMMUNITY NEWS
AIHOM and veterans, HUGS fundraiser and MCPS meals
Arts in Health Ocala Metro Executive Director Patricia Tomlinson, left, and AIHOM Artist Practitioner Loretta Bell present ornaments to Joseph Maisonneuve, an independent living coach for the Ocala Ritz Veterans Village. [Photo courtesy Arts in Health Ocala Metro]
AIHOM supports veterans
Arts in Health Ocala Metro is a nonprofit organization that supports mental and physical health through interactive arts programming. The Ocala Ritz Veterans Village offers clinical treatment, transitional housing and case management for veterans experiencing homelessness in Marion County.
AIHOM received funding through the Creative Forces: NEA Military Healing Arts Network – Community Engagement Grant program and in November 2024 began offering free, weekly art instruction for veterans and active military members of the Ocala Vet Center.
On Dec. 23, 2025, AIHOM Executive Director Patricia Tomlinson and AIHOM Artist Practitioner Loretta Bell delivered hand-painted ornaments to veteran guests and staff at the Ocala Ritz Veterans Village. The ornaments were created during AIHOM’s weekly veterans painting workshops at the Ocala Vet Center.
“The workshop participants conceived the idea to gift their fellow veterans in transitional housing love and mental health support during the holidays, which can be a difficult time,” the news release noted.
To learn more, go to aihocala.org
HUGS fundraiser set for Feb. 26
Whitney Basel Griffith [Photo courtesy HUGS Charities of Ocala]
HUGS hosts a signature fundraiser every year and its 16th annual event is set for 6 p.m. Feb. 26 at the Ocala Downtown Market at 360 SE Third Ave.
This year’s event will honor cancer survivor Whitney Batsel Griffith and the College of Central Florida Nursing Program. It will include heavy hors d’oeuvres, beer and wine, live music and a silent auction.
To learn more and get tickets, go to hugscharities.org
MCPS expands evening meal sites
The Marion County Public Schools’ Food and Nutrition Department recently expanded its Afterschool Meals Program, which is part of the Child Care Food Program, by adding Belleview High to the participating schools.
Last August, MCPS added Ross Prairie and Winding Oaks Elementary Schools to the list of locations providing meals to children enrolled in Marion Afterschool Programs. Belleview High is the first high school in Marion County to join the program.
Each day, MCPS students consume more than 2,300 evening meals district wide at no cost regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability, the news release stated.
To see the full list of participating schools, go to marionschools.net/news/what_s_new/m_c_p_s_expands_evening_meal_program_again
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