Published: Friday, Nov. 06, 2009

Updated: Friday, Nov. 06, 2009

Adopt needs muscle to do heavy lifting

Adopt-a-Family of Manatee needs a few good men.

The volunteer program has begun its annual application process with low-income families and needs help with long lines, assembling toys and moving boxes filled with Christmas gifts for kids.

Call Adopt at 748-4424.

n Julie Tillett is 41. Cheers from the Tilletts and DeLeslines.

n BayNews 9’s Summer Smith, state Rep. Bill Galvano, Hizzoner Wayne Poston and yours truly will judge the inaugural Chowdown for Charity at 5 p.m. Nov. 12 at Gold Coast Eagle Distributing, 7051 Wireless Court, Sarasota.

It’s sponsored by the Manatee Chapter of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association.

Proceeds will benefit the South Florida Museum and Manatee County Food Bank.

Tickets are available at Beachhouse and any Anna Maria Oyster Bar.

For details, e-mail amanda@oysterbar.net or call Stephany Alcorn at 761-7797.

n Dick Vitale, who was at Hawkins Stadium for last Friday night’s showdown between Venice and Manatee, gave major props to Venice QB Trey Burton and Manatee coach Joe Kinnan on Tuesday on ESPN Radio’s “Mike & Mike in the Morning” show.

“Remember this kid’s name,” Vitale said Burton, a future Florida Gator.

n Southeast grads interested in joining the alumni march at tonight’s homecoming game against Bayshore, marking the school’s 50th anniversary, can call Jason Schiessl at 741-3366, ext. 2052.

There will also be a registration booth at the Kiker Stadium gate.

n LRHS Marching Mustangs flutist Lexi Shirey is 18, clarinetist Sabrina Geraci and color guard Alexandra Kroll are 15, percussionist Drew Skinner is 16, and percussionist Lloyd Hartline is 18.

n Emmanuel United Methodist Church’s Fall Bazaar begins at 7 a.m. Nov. 14 at 5115 Cortez Road. Call 792-3497.

n Big ups to Sean Murphy, whose Beach Bistro was selected one of America’s top restaurants by Zagat, the restaurant rankings, and again received the highest Zagat score in the state for food excellence.

n Tickets to the 25th Mr. Sugar ’Cane Show, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 14 at the MHS Davis Building, are on sale from any Sugar ’Cane or by contacting Lori O’Leary at olearyl@ manateeschools.net.

It’s $5 in advance, $8 at the door.

Fashions will be provided by Bealls, Rusty Crickett and Memory Maker.

n Catch Ryan T. Boyd at 2 p.m. Monday on 1490-AM WWPR. Call the show at (941) 745-1490.

n LRHS cheerleader Kiana Broadbridge is “Sweet 16.”

n The U.S. Marine Corps 234th Birthday Ball is 6 p.m. Nov. 14 at Renaissance on 9th. For details, call (941) 524-7092, (941) 807-4943 or (941) 741-8762.

Vin’s People is by local columnist Vin Mannix. Have an item to share? Call Vin at 745-7055, write him at Bradenton Herald, P.O. Box 921, Bradenton, FL 34206 or e-mail vmannix@bradenton.com.