COMMUNITY NEWS BRIEFS
Blue Star initiative at the Appleton, hospice organization names director, CF offers GatorTracks program, supporting foster families
The Appleton Museum of Art in Ocala is participating in the Blue Star Museums initiative. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]
Blue Star initiative at the Appleton
The Appleton Museum of Art, College of Central Florida, joins museums nationwide in the Blue Star Museums initiative, which provides free admission to currently serving U.S. military personnel and their families this summer. The 2026 program will begin on Armed Forces Day, May 16, and end Labor Day, Sept. 7.
Blue Star Museums is a partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts and Blue Star Families, in collaboration with the Department of Defense and participating museums across America, the news release noted.
The free admission program is available for those serving in the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy and Space Force, members of the Reserves, National Guard, U.S. Public Health Commissioned Corps and NOAA Commissioned Corps, and up to five family members. Qualified members must show a Geneva Conventions common access card (CAC), DD Form 1173 ID card (dependent ID), DD Form 1173-1 ID card or the Next Generation Uniformed Services (Real) ID card for entrance.
The Appleton extends free entry to U.S. military veterans, who receive free admission year-round. Veterans can show a Veteran ID Card (VIC), Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) or veterans’ designation on state-issued driver’s license or ID for entrance.
The Appleton Museum, Artspace and Store are open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, noon-5 p.m. at 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala.
For more information, call (352) 291-4455 or visit appletonmuseum.org
Rochelle Kelly Wristen [Photo courtesy Hospice of Marion County Foundation]
Hospice organization names director
The Hospice of Marion County Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Empath Hospice of Marion County, has named Rochelle Kelly Wristen as its new executive director.
Wristen most recently served with Compassus Hospice and Gentiva Hospice in Colorado and previously served on the board of directors for Sangre de Cristo Community Care. She has held senior philanthropy, marketing and community engagement roles with organizations including Special Olympics, St. Mary‑Corwin Hospital and Primrose Retirement Community, according to the news release.
[Photo courtesy Hospice of Marion County Foundation]
Founded in 1983, Hospice of Marion County is a not-for-profit organization and a member of Empath Health. The Hospice of Marion County Foundation helps ensure access to essential hospice and supportive services through charitable giving and community partnerships.
CF announces Gator Tracks partnership
The College of Central Florida is offering students the Gator Tracks Transfer Pathway, designed for learners who want to earn an associate in arts degree at CF and then have an expedited admissions decision from the University of Florida College of Agricultural and Life Sciences.
Tuition at CF is about half the cost of a Florida public university and offers support systems including small class sizes, award-winning faculty and free tutoring and counseling. More than half of CF students are enrolled in the associate in arts degree, which prepares them to transfer to a university after two years, the news release noted.
Through the Gator Tracks partnership, qualifying students interested in one of 20 eligible majors, such as agricultural operations management, geomatics, entomology and nematology or wildlife ecology and conservation, can work with a UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences academic advisor as they prepare to transition
For more information, visit cf.edu/gatortracks
Supporting foster families
The Fostering Foundation is a nonprofit organization based in Marion County, whose organizers work to bridge gaps between caregivers, children and the community.
“With years of experience in foster care, we know that each child is unique and deserves individualized attention. We are committed to helping children in foster care deal with their challenging circumstances and build a brighter future together with their foster family,” the website notes.
During May, which is Foster Care Awareness Month, Lane’s Preferred Drywall LLC is partnering with The Fostering Foundation to raise $500 to support local foster children. The business will match every dollar donated toward the foundation’s Summer of Smiles event on June 5 at the Church at the Springs. Each donor will be entered into a raffle. To learn more, call Dakota Lane at 352-693-8205 or email [email protected]
For information about the nonprofit, go to thefosteringfoundation.org; to get tickets for the June 5 event, email [email protected]
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