Memorial set for Post 24 commander Bill Field

BRADENTON -- There will be a memorial service 2 p.m. Friday at American Legion Kirby Stewart Post 24 for deceased post commander Bill Field.

Field, 80, died Monday in a traffic crash on his way to Post 24 from his home in Ellenton.

He was a former Manatee County Veteran of the Year and commander for the past four years at Post 24, the largest veterans organization in Manatee County with 1,200 members.

American Legion Kirby Stewart Post 24 is at 2000 75th St. W., Bradenton.

For more information, call 941-794-3489.

Audubon bird watching class has openings

MANATEE -- Openings are available for the 2013 beginning bird watching course, offered by Manatee County Audubon Society. This course includes four classes on Jan. 18, 21, 24 and 31. Each class is set for 6:30-9 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Palmetto, 330 11th Ave. W. Included are two full-day field trips, which begin at 7 a.m. Jan, 26 and Feb. 2.

About 100 bird species will be seen and identified on these two field trips, probably including painted buntings, the signature bird of Felts Audubon Preserve in Palmetto. This year several rarely seen birds are present in Manatee and Sarasota counties.

Fee is $50 plus the 2013 membership fee of $20. To participate, contact Nancy Dean at 941-792-9235 or nancybobdean@juno.com.

Three iconic World War II aircraft to visit SRQ

MANATEE -- Three of the most famous World War II aircraft are visiting Rectrix Aviation at the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport on Jan. 23-25 as part of the "Wings of Freedom" tour. The public is invited to tour the restored aircraft and even take to the skies in an ultimate 30-minute flight experience aboard the B-17 "Flying Fortress" or B-24 Liberator, or get some "stick time" in the world's only dual-control P-51C Mustang.

Walkthrough tours: Adults $12; Children 12 and under $6. For information: www.collingsfoundation.org/menu.htm

Water district asks homeowners to skip a week

MANATEE -- The Southwest Florida Water Management District is reminding residents who irrigate their lawns to skip a week or more of watering during the cooler months of January and February.

According to research by the University of Florida, grass doesn't need to be watered as often during the cooler months. One-half to three-quarters of an inch of water every 10-14 days is sufficient.

Poker run to benefit No Kill Manatee

MANATEE -- A Poker Run to benefit No Kill Manatee is set for Saturday. The event starts with registration at 10 a.m. at Manatee River Harley Davidson, 624 67th Street Circle E.,Bradenton. Last bike out 11 a.m. with stops at Peggy's Corral, Skinny's, Island Time, and the finish at O'Shucks, 12012 Cortez Road.

Cost: $10 hand or two for $15. Prizes for best and worst hand. Post run party at O'Shucks includes 50/50 drawing, gift certificates, raffles and prizes. Live entertainment set for 1-4 p.m. All proceeds to No Kill Manatee.

-- Herald staff reports