ACLU official to address Democrats

LAKEWOOD RANCH -- Pete Tannen, president of the Sarasota/Manatee/DeSoto ACLU, will speak to Lakewood Ranch Democratic Club at 7 p.m. Jan. 8 at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall, 8175 Lakewood Ranch Blvd.

Democrats host discussion of health care law

BRADENTON -- Manatee Democratic Women's Club hosts Suzanne Dickie for a discussion of the Affordable Health Care Law at 11:30 a.m. Jan. 8 at Bradenton Country Club, 4646 Ninth Ave. W. Cost $16. Reservations: 813-230-2257.

Charlie Hunsicker to address East Manatee GOP

PERIDIA -- The East Manatee Republican Club will meet for lunch at 11:30 a.m. Jan. 10 at Peridia Golf and Country Club, 4950 Peridia Blvd. E. Cost is $15.

Guest speaker will be Charlie Hunsicker, who heads up the Manatee County Natural Resources Department. He will focus on the county's new environmental land restoration efforts.

The club also will induct officers for 2013-14.

Reservations: Diane at 941-739-3813 or email longboatfl@aol.com.

Historical look to be taken at political messaging

PERIDIA -- Robert Toplin, retired professor of political science at the University of North Carolina, will speak on political messaging 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