recreation calendar

Recreation Calendar lists upcoming events first followed by ongoing events in rotation, in alphabetical order, as space permits. Send items to Recreation Calendar, P.O. Box 921, Bradenton, FL 34206; email to sports@bradenton.com or fax to 745-7097.

UPCOMING EVENTS

March 16: CB's Saltwater Outfitters will host a fly-fishing school March 16 on Siesta Key. The schools will cover fly-casting basics, line control, shooting line and the roll cast. Capt. Rick Grassett also will cover leader construction, fly selection and saltwater fly-fishing techniques. The course, designed for beginning and intermediate fly casters, will focus on basics but also work with more advanced casters on correcting faults and improving skills. The cost for the school, which will run from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., is $150 per person and includes the use of fly tackle, a text book and lunch. To make reservations, contact CB's Saltwater Outfitters at 941-349-4400 or info@cbsoutfitters.com.

April 6: The Sarasota-Manatee Ohio State Alumni Club will sponsor its 11th annual Scholarship Fund Golf Outing at 9 a.m. April 6 at the Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club's Cypress Links Course. Two-time Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffin will be the guest host and speaker. The cost for golf and lunch is $125 per player. Other activities including a golf ball drop with the winner taking home $1,000. The Scholarship Fund supports nine students from Manatee and Sarasota counties currently attending Ohio State. Sign up at www.sarasotabuckeye.org or contact Larry Hedden at lhedden@tampabay.rr.com.

Ongoing: Champions MMA, 1980 First St., offers several classes to keep children active as well as build and maintain confidence and a positive attitude. Lil Champions Kids Classes for ages 4-8 are held from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays. Champions Youth Classes for ages 9-13 are held from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays. Champions MMA also offers professional instruction in kickboxing, Brazilian jui-jitsu, wrestling, Muay Tai and fun fitness cardio MMA games. Classes for beginners, advanced and fighters both amateur and pro are offered to men and women ages 13 and older from 6:30-8 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Contact Marley Gail, program coordinator, at 758-2857 or championsmmaofbradenton@yahoo.com.

Ongoing: Bradenton Senior Softball League play for men 60 and older is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. every Monday and Thursday at Palma Sola Park. Call Lloyd Grantham at 792-5576 or Al Youmans at 795-6783 for more details.

Ongoing: Palma Sola Botanical Park is offering the following classes:

n Yoga/pilates with Laura Bennett from 6-7 p.m. Tuesdays. Call 758-1741 for information.

n Introduction to yoga with Pat Richmond from 10-11:15 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. There is no charge for the class, but donations will support the botanical park. Call 795-8223 for more information.

n Yoga with Angela Simone from 1-2:15 p.m. Tuesdays and 6-7:15 p.m. Thursdays.

n Full body cardio and strength conditioning with Key Fitch from 8:45-9:45 Tuesdays and Thursdays. Call 779-4082 for information.

No reservations are necessary.

Ongoing: The Salvation Army Community Sports Program is considering expanding. Coaches, players and teams are needed for a possible new indoor soccer league. Information: Tom Vick at (941) 755-3248.

Ongoing: Tyler Pastornicky, a two-time Minor League All-Star and current Atlanta Braves prospect, will be conducting professional hitting lessons in the Bradenton area. All ages and ability levels are welcome. Information: (941) 716-4890.

Ongoing: Game Ready Scout Team is looking for baseball players from 13-18-under that want to play at the next level. For more information, call Game Ready Scout Day at (863) 559-4405 or e-mail chuck.grsd@yahoo.com.

BASEBALL

Ongoing: The Manatee Adult Baseball League is accepting applications from adults of all ages and talent levels for roster positions. All players joining the league are assigned to a team. Positions are open for regular roster players and taxi squad players. Walk-on players are welcome to participate subject to opening availability. All games are played Wednesday nights at Lakewood Ranch High. Information: (941) 748-8470 or www.ManateeBaseball.com.

BASKETBALL

Ongoing: Manatee County Parks and Recreation is looking for officials ($20 a game certified, $17 a game uncertified) and scorekeepers ($7.50 a game) for its ongoing leagues. Information: (941) 742-5926.

BOXING

Ongoing: The PAL Boxing Program offers classes year-round for ages 6 and up from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday. Cost is $20 a month. Information: (941) 747-1118, ext. 153 or (941) 587-1671.

BROOMBALL

Ongoing: Broomball is being played 9-10 p.m. Saturdays at the Ellenton Ice and Sports Complex. Cost is $5 a person. Groups interested in playing should call Cindy at (941) 723-3663. Combo rates are available for broomball and public ice skating.

CHEERLEADING

Ongoing: The Gulf Coast Cheerleading and Tumble Teams and Classes in Bradenton are available for ages 4-18. Information: (941) 75-CHEER.

DARTS

Ongoing: The Manatee County Dart Organization has a Tuesday night league at 7:30 p.m. The cost is $25, and the location varies week to week. Information: (941) 228-0975 or tendrwrior@aol.com.

FITNESS

Ongoing: The YMCA is starting the Tracey Sanders Winning Edge Training Program designed to improve overall athletic skills for ages 10-18. The cost is $150. Classes are Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 4:30-6:30 p.m. on the back fields of the Lakewood Ranch Branch YMCA, 5100 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. Information: 782-0220.

Ongoing: Palma Sola Botanical Park is hosting a yoga/pilates class from 6-7 p.m. Tuesday; for information, call Laura Bennett at 758-1741. There is an introduction to yoga class from 10-11 a.m. Monday and Wednesday; for information, call Pat Richmond at 795-8223.

GOLF

Ongoing: Suncoast Golf Center offers instructional clinics for ladies at 6 p.m. Thursdays, for juniors at 9 a.m. Saturdays and for adults at 11 a.m. Saturday. The course and driving range are lighted and open until 9 p.m. There is also video analysis instruction by a PGA qualified golf professional. Information: (941) 351-2666 or www.suncoastgolfcenter.com.

Ongoing: River Run offers two-day schools for adults and juniors. There are a limited number of openings per school. Information: Clint Wright at (941) 708-8459.

HORSESHOES

Ongoing: Players are wanted for an NHPA Sanction League from 12:30-4 p.m. Thursday and for a Tuesday fun league. Beginners welcome. Show up at the courts at G.T. Bray off 2100 51st St. W. If you are interested in a 6-9 p.m. evening league, call 755-5222.

ICE HOCKEY

Ongoing: Hockey 101, instructional classes for players of all ages, is held 8-9 a.m. Saturdays at the Ellenton Ice and Sports Complex. Cost is $12. Information: (941) 723-3663, ext. 14.

Ongoing: Learn to Play Hockey classes for women only are held at 8 p.m. on Mondays at the Ellenton Ice and Sports Complex. Cost is $20 per session. Information: (941) 723-3663, ext. 14.

ICE SKATING

Ongoing: Ellenton Ice and Sports Complex offers skating lessons for all ages. Classes run Tuesday-Thursday and Saturday. Information: (941) 723-3663, ext. 13 or www.ellentonice.com.

Ongoing: Ellenton Ice and Sports Complex offers open skating from 10 a.m.-noon Monday-Friday, 1:45-3 p.m. Wednesday, 1-3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday and 8-10 p.m. Saturday. The cost for admission is $8.00, $6.50 for ages 55-older, free for ages 3-under, and skate rental is $3.00.

INLINE HOCKEY

Ongoing : The Stardust Center, 2571 12th St., Sarasota, offers instructional roller hockey (beginners, intermediate, advanced) for ages 6 and older; recreational hockey leagues for ages 7-11, 11-14 and 14-17; and adult (18 and older) pick-up hockey. All classes and leagues compete at 6 p.m. Wednesdays. Instructional classes are $90 for a 10-week session; recreational leagues are $125 (10 weeks); and adult hockey is $8 a week. Information: Ronni or John at (941) 365-6888.

KARATE

Ongoing : Mixed Martial Arts, grappling and kickboxing for adults and children from 6-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday at 1980 First St. W., Bradenton. Champions Mixed Martial Arts owner/instructor Andy Glenn and Paula Ellis. Information: 753-2850 or 730-3130.

Ongoing : Hollobaugh's Karate and Kickboxing Center offers classes at 6:30 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays. Cost is $65 a month. No signup fees or contracts. Center is in the second story of USA Bostock's Tae Kown Do, 3322 Manatee Ave. W. A Lakewood Ranch Dojo is offered 6-7 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at the Lakewood Ranch YMCA. Information: (941) 726-6202.

Ongoing : Manatee Martial Arts offers instruction in Okinawan Shuri Karate for men, women and children. Shuri Ryu is a traditional form of karate with student emphasis on self-defense, forms and controlled sparring. Classes are held in the Activity Center at G.T. Bray, 5504 33rd Ave. W. Classes meet 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Fee is $42 a month. Information: (941) 742-5974 or 722-0335.

Ongoing : EMK Fitness and Martial Arts at 4259 14th St. W., offers classes 5:30-8:30 p.m. Monday-Friday for kids and adults. A summer program is available for kids at $85 a week. An after-school program is also available, including transportation. Information: (941) 744-0400 or www.xtrememarshallarts.com.MARTIAL ARTSOngoing : Martial Smart is having its grand opening and offers eight-week classes for $129, which includes uniform. The classes offer training in Shim Shin-Do MMA and Original Tae Kwon-Do. Information: (941) 962-4044 or www.martialsmart.com.

OUTDOORS

Wednesdays : Boater's World at 3904 Tamiami Trail in Sarasota holds a series of free seminars with local captains. All sessions are at 7 p.m.

Ongoing: The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation has Dove Club permits good for Saturday, half-day hunts, enabling the permit holder and a youth to each take a daily bag limit for birds. Permits cost $150 and are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Information: (888) 486-8356.

PAINTBALL

Ongoing : Crossfire Extreme Indoor Paintball is offered at the Ellenton Ice and Sports Complex from 9:30-11:30 p.m. on Friday; 1:30-3:30 p.m., 4:30-6:30 p.m. and 7:30-10:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The cost is $45 for an entire day, $25 for two hours and $5 for a 15-minute session. It's $3 per tank refill for air, and you get unlimited balls. Information: (941) 723-0560.

PICKLE BALL

Ongoing : The Anna Maria Island Community Center has a league for people 21 and older 1:30-3:30 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. Monday, 9-11 a.m. Wednesday and 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday. The game combines ping-pong, tennis and badminton. The cost is free for members, $10 for nonmembers. Information: (941) 778-1908.

RUNNING

Ongoing : The Bradenton Runners Club has weekly activities for walkers, joggers and runners -- 6 p.m. Tuesdays, Manatee County Library (3-6 miles); 7:30 a.m. Saturdays, Beacon Lake at Heritage Harbour (3-6 miles); 8 a.m. Saturdays, Coquina Beach; 7 a.m. Sundays (May-October) or 7:30 a.m. (November-April), Cafe on the Beach (9-11 miles). Information: (941) 750-8572 or www.bradentonrunnersclub.com.SKATINGOngoing : The Ellenton Ice and Sports Complex is available for school fundraisers. Public skating sessions can be set aside for fundraisers, as a portion of the total sales for those sessions will be sent back to the school. Information: Cindy at (941) 723-3663.

Ongoing: Roller skating lessons for all ages, and well as training for competitive artistic skating, are available at the Stardust Center, 2571 12th St., Sarasota. Five 30-minute skating lessons are $40. Lessons are 10:30-11 a.m. Saturdays. Cost includes roller skate rental and five free skating passes. Information: Ronni or Dawn at (941) 365-6888.SOCCEROngoing : MVP Arena Sports, located inside the Ellenton Ice and Sports Complex, is forming adult and youth indoor soccer leagues. Information: (941) 723-0560 or www.mvparenasports.com.SOFTBALLOngoing : Bradenton Senior Softball is holding winter season games from 9-11 a.m. on Monday and Thursday at G.T. Bray for players age 60 and older. Information: 795-6783 or 792-5576.SWIMMINGOngoing : Lessons are available at all three YMCA branches -- Lakewood Ranch Branch at (941) 782-0220, South Branch at (941) 755-4606 or Bradenton Branch YMCA at (941) 792-7484. Ages available are 6 months to adult. There are a variety of days and times from which to choose. Cost for YMCA members is free, all others $55 a session.TAE KWON DOOngoing : Bostock's USA TAE KWON DO offers ongoing martial arts classes, self defense classes and martial arts fitness classes that are available for children ages 3 and up as well as adults. After-school pick up is also available. Bostock's USA TAE KWON DO has four locations. Information: (941) 749-5400.TENNISOngoing : G.T. Bray is featuring introductory programs for beginners of all ages and those returning to the game. There will be a Kids Program, Adult Program and Cardio Tennis open to the public. Information: www.gabrielferrer.com or (941) 545-5729.

Ongoing : Kidz Kourt Tennis is available for kids of all ages from 5-6 p.m. Monday and Wednesday at G.T. Bray. You can register at www.gabrielferrer.com or 448-4079.

Ongoing : Bradenton Country Club is offering a cardio tennis class from 8:30-9:30 a.m. on Fridays. The cost is $15. Information: Laurie Tinnell, 792-2293 or bcctennis@tampabay.rr.com.

Ongoing : The Manatee County YMCA Bradenton Branch, 3805 59th St. W., offers tennis lessons. The six-week program is held at the Sugg Middle School tennis courts on Saturday mornings. Information: 792-7484.VOLLEYBALLOngoing : Adult leagues are held 8-10 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays and 7-9 p.m. Sundays at the South Branch YMCA, 3675 53rd Ave. E. The Cost to YMCA members is free, all others $5 a visit. Information: (941) 755-4606.

Ongoing : The Gulf Coast Volleyball Officials Association is looking for high school officials. Part-time work is available, and training is provided. Information: (941) 359-7806.WRESTLINGOngoing : The Manatee Kids Wrestling Club is open to K-8 wrestlers from Manatee and Sarasota counties. The club meets at 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Manatee High wrestling room. Advanced practices are available for experienced wrestlers on Wednesday nights. Information: coach Todd Fulk at (941) 322-9823.

Ongoing : Youth wrestling practices for the East Manatee Wrestling Club will be held 6-7:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at Lakewood Ranch High School. Practices are open to youths ages 5-15. No experience is necessary. Wrestlers will learn basic techniques, improve their conditioning and have the opportunity to compete both as a group and individually. Tournaments are held locally, and costs are minimal. Information: (941) 749-1360.