Forum to have holiday program

BRADENTON -- Manatee Forum, Republican Women Federated meets at 6 p.m. Dec. 11 at Pier 22, 1200 First Ave. W. There will be a musical salute to veterans. Members are asked to bring Crystal Lite packets for troops, to be delivered by Manasota Operation Troop Support. Also planned: installation of officers, recognition of new members and a Christmas gift exchange.

Dinner: $20. RSVP: Janebgrace@aol.com

Democratic Womento have Christmas party

BRADENTON -- Manatee Democratic Women will hold their Christmas party at 11:30 a.m. Dec. 11 at Bradenton Country Club, 4646 Ninth Ave. W. Cost: $16. Bring a gift for a newborn wrapped and marked for a boy or girl to go to Healthy Start. All invited.

Information: Pat Benson at 941-758-4610.

East Manatee GOP plans Toys for Tots brunch

PERIDIA -- The East Manatee Republican Club will meet at 9:30 a.m. Dec. 13 for its annual Toys for Tots brunch at Peridia Golf and Country Club, 4950 Peridia Blvd. Members are asked to bring an unwrapped toy or toys. They will be collected by the club's own Marine, David Miner, for distribution.

Guest speaker will be Scott Bill, father of the Navy SEAL, Brian Bill, who was killed in the helicopter crash in Afghanistan along with many of his SEAL Team 6 after the killing of Osama Bin Laden. Christmas music will be played by Cathy Faust. All Republican elected officials are invited to attend.

Reservations: Diane at 941-739-3813 or longboatfl@aol.com. Cost: $15.

Economist to addressIsland Democrats

BRADENTON BEACH -- The Anna Maria Island Democratic Club will meet for lunch at noon Dec. 17 at the BeachHouse Restaurant, 200 Gulf Drive N. Guest speaker will be Tarron Khemraj, associate professor of economics at New College of Florida.

Everyone is welcome. Reservations are not required. Lunch is $12 for members and $15 for guests.

Ranch GOP to have holiday brunch meeting

LAKEWOOD RANCH -- Lakewood Ranch Republican Club meets at 10 a.m. Dec. 22 at Lakewood Ranch Holiday Inn, 6231 Lake Osprey Drive. Reservations by Dec. 21 at www.lwrrc.com. Brunch cost: $10.

ACLU official to addressLWR Democratic Club

LAKEWOOD RANCH -- Pete Tannen, president of the Sarasota/Manatee/DeSoto ACLU and chair of the ACLU State Public Education Committee, will be guest speaker for the Lakewood Ranch Democratic Club meeting at 7 p.m. Jan. 8 at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall.

Historical look to be taken at political messaging

PERIDIA -- Robert Toplin, retired professor of political science at the University of North Carolina Willmington, will speak on "The Power of Words: Political Messaging from Jackson to Obama" at the Southeast Manatee County Democratic Club meeting at 11:30 a.m. Jan. 17 at Peridia Golf and Country Club, 4950 Peridia Blvd.

RSVP by calling Paul Dain at 941-756-4050.

-- Herald staff reports