Community calendar: March 16
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Email information to calendar@bradenton.com. A list of ongoing classes is available at www.bradenton.com/community. DEADLINE: Information must be received 10 days in advance of publication.
GENERAL
Renaissance on 9th: Special events at the Enrichment Center at Renaissance on 9th:
Pancake breakfast: chocolate chip and traditional buttermilk, 8-10 a.m. March 25; $4 members, $5 nonmembers.
Movie and a Meal, 1:30 p.m. March 29; $6 members, $8 nonmembers.
Rest Assured Workshop: the do's and don'ts of sleep apnea, 1:30-3 p.m. March 31; $5, free for members.
The Renaissance on 9th is at 1816 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Unless otherwise noted, for information and reservations call 941-749-0100, ext. 2100 or visit renaissanceon9th.org.
REUNIONS
Lincoln Memorial High School Class of 1966: The Lincoln Memorial High School Class of 1966 Reunion will be June 24-26. Theme: "Let's Do It Again." For location, details and information: 941-545-8739 or 941-773-9438.
FUNDRAISERS
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe "April Fools' Fete": The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe will host its spring fundraiser, the "April Fools' Fete" 6-9 p.m. March 31 at Michael's On East, 1212 East Ave. S., Sarasota. Tickets: $100. Proceeds will benefit WBTT. Information: 941-366-1505 or westcoastblacktheatre.org.
Girls Inc. 2016 Celebration Luncheon: Girls Inc. will host its 2016 Celebration Luncheon 10:30 a.m. April 1 at the Ritz Carlton, 1111 Ritz Carlton Dr., Sarasota. The event will feature an award presentation, a memorial tribute, and a prize drawing. Tickets: $125. Proceeds will benefit Girls Inc. Information: 941-366-6646 or girlsincsrq.org.
Leadership Manatee Alumni Association Award Luncheon: The Leadership Manatee Annual Kent C. Schulz award luncheon will be at noon April 13 at the Manatee Players Ballroom, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton. The award will be given to a graduate of Leadership Manatee who deserves to be recognized for their professional work and their selfless service to our community. Cost: $25. Information: 941-3622020 or leadershipmanatee.org.
Walk A Mile In Their Shoes: Turning Points fourth annual "Walk a Mile in Their Shoes" will begin with registration at 4 p.m. followed by the walk at 5:30 p.m. April 16 at South Coquina Beach, Bradenton Beach. The fun, family event will feature a one-mile walk, a sand blast/castle competition, prize drawings, family pictures, face painting, kids activities, Zumba, and music by Disney's #1 DJ, and a post walk party and sunset watch at 6 p.m. Registration: $45 families, $20 adults, $10 students and children, free to children ages 4 and younger. Proceeds will benefit Turning Points' program for homeless children. Information: 941-747-1509 or tpmanatee.org.
Inaugural Navy Seal Golf and Gala benefit: The inaugural Navy Seal Golf and Gala Benefit will begin with registration at noon followed by a shotgun start, scramble format at 1:30 p.m. and a gala dinner at 6:30 p.m. at The Ritz Carlton Members Golf Club, 15150 70th Terrace E., Lakewood Ranch. There will be live and silent auctions and prominent guest speakers. Golf and gala: $2,500 for a foursome; gala dinner: $250 a person. Proceeds will benefit "Brian's House," a retreat house where Navy Special Warfare families can come together for support and healing. Information: brianbillfoundation.org.
Annual Orange and Green Scholarship Gala: The Florida A&M University National Alumni Association Sarasota-Manatee Chapter will host its 14th annual Orange and Green Scholarship Gala beginning with a pre-gala reception at 6 p.m. followed by a program at 7 p.m. April 23 at the Renaissance on 9th, 1816 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. There will be a silent auction, prize drawings and live music entertainment. Guest speaker will be Lt. Colonel Gregory Clark. Tickets: $50. Proceeds will benefit Florida A&M University scholarship efforts. Information: 941-773-1717 or saramanarattlers.com.
Forty Carrots Family Center 'Firefly Gala': Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame Joan Jett and the Blackhearts will perform at Forty Carrots Family Center's Firefly Gala 6 p.m. April 30 at the Ritz-Carlton Members Golf Club, 15150 70th Terrace E., Bradenton. The event includes a gourmet dinner and an auction. Tickets: $375, includes dinner and concert. Proceeds will benefit the Forty Carrots Family Center. Information: 941-365-7716 or fireflygala.org.
Manatee Habitat for Humanity inaugural ReStore Spaces: The Manatee Habitat for Humanity will host its inaugural ReStore Spaces 6-8 p.m. May 19 at the ReStore, 1227 Hardin Ave., Bradenton. Guests will enjoy food, drinks, music and a silent auction. Tickets: $25. Proceeds will benefit Manatee Habitat for Humanity. Information: 941-748-9100, ext. 107 or manateehabitat.org.
DATED CLASSES
Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Service: The Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Service offers the following variety of educational classes:
Rain barrel and home composting workshop combo, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. March 19. Materials: $33 rain barrel workshop, $40 home composting workshop.
Master Gardeners preserve tour, 9-11 a.m. March 20: Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. NW., Bradenton.
Faerie Gardening with friends, 9:30 a.m.-noon March 23. Materials: $10.
Taking the mystery out of micro-irrigation, 1:30-3:30 p.m. March 29.
Dazzling Florida-friendly landscape designs, 10-11:30 a.m. March 30.
Ground cover - plants that work, 1:30-3:30 p.m. March 31.
Termite discovery 101, 10 a.m.-noon April 2.
Coastal system module, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. April 7-12, includes field trips. Cost: $230. Registration at masternaturalist.org or call Lisa Hickey at 941-722-4524.
Stormwater pond system and Florida-friendly landscaping, 10-11:30 a.m. April 9.
Master Gardeners nature hike, 9-11 a.m. April 9 at Riverview Pointe Preserve/DeSoto National Memorial, 8300 Desoto memorial Hwy., Bradenton.
Master Gardeners nature hike, 9-11 a.m. April 11 at Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. NW., Bradenton.
Worm composting "vermicomposting," 9-10:30 a.m. April 20.
Irrigation with water conservation in mind, 1:30-3:30 p.m. April 26.
Landscape tips for water conservation, 1:30-3:30 p.m. April 28.
Container water gardening, 10 a.m.-noon April 30; $30.
Unless otherwise noted, all classes are free and are at the Manatee Agriculture and Extension Service, 1303 17th St. W., Palmetto. Minimum workshop size is required and workshop size is limited. Registration for all classes, workshops, and tours is required. Information: 941-722-4524 or manatee.ifas.ufl.edu.
Florida Maritime Museum Spring Lecture Series: The Florida Maritime Museum will offer the following educational lecture series at 4415 119th St. W., Cortez: John Beale, the Museum's Education and Volunteer Coordinator, will explore the history of commercial fishing in Florida including fish and shellfish, regional fisheries, and the types of boats used in Florida waters, March 16; Brendan Burke, author of the book Shrimp Boat City, will highlight stories, pictures and people from the early days of shrimping and boat building in the Sunshine state, April 2. Lectures are at 3 p.m. and admission is free. Seating is first come fist served. Information: 941-708-6120.
Floral Design Study Series: The Manatee River Garden Club will be holding a Basic and Advanced Floral Design Study Series at the 3120 First Avenue W., Bradenton, 9:30 a.m. Thursdays with Advanced classes: Advanced creative designs, March 17; Creative containers, March 31. Classes are three hours of lecture and demonstration in the morning and a two-hour workshop after lunch break. Attendees are requested to bring their own lunch. Iced tea and coffee will be provided. Classes are taught by accredited National Garden Clubs Inc. Certificates are awarded at completion. Cost: $60 each. Information: Brenda Johnson at 941-776-1478 or email gamblecrk@msn.com.
Art Classes at the 'Y': Mara Trumbo offers the following painting classes at the YMCA, 12214 U.S. Hwy. 301 N., Parrish: "Forest Walk," acrylic, March 19; "Wild Tudor Rose," oil, April 9; "Cascades," acrylic, April 23; "Mom's Geraniums," oil, May 7.; "Amazonia," acrylic, May 21; "Hydrangeas," oil, June 4; "Life's A Beach," acrylic, June 18.
All classes are 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Cost per class for patterns and tuition is $35. There is a palette charge of $10 which includes canvas, plus use of studio brushes, paint, mediums and easel. Prebooking is recommended to ensure availability. Information: 941-417-2324.
Holocaust Awareness Lecture Series: The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee presents the following Holocaust Awareness Lecture Series with Dr. Andre Krauss: "Psycho-Dynamics of Nazi-Semitism," March 24, "Jewish Resistance in Europe during the Holocaust," April 28, and "The Vital Importance of Holocaust Education." All classes are at 10:30 a.m. and are held in the Zell Room at the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. Lectures are $5 each. Preregistration is required. Information: 941-552-6304 or email jnew@jfedsrq.org.
Lofting class: The Florida Maritime Museum offers a Lofting class 9 a.m.-4 p.m. March 26 at 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Learn how to read traditional offset tables and transform this list of numbers into a set of plans. Class size is limited. Students should bring pencils and erasers. Cost: $100. Reservations are required by Feb. 27. Information: 941-708-6120.
Citizenship classes: Goldman and Loughlin, a law firm with experience in immigration issues, is offering a free citizenship class 5-6 p.m. April 4 at the Ivey Professional Building, 435 12th St. W., Bradenton. Classes are designed to help those seeking to become U.S. residents. Participants may attend more than one meeting, and meetings are open to everyone. Registration is not required. For more information, call 941-773-1523 or email tom@usimmigrationteam.com.
Ninth Annual Make Your Own Ceremonial Hand Drum: Unity Church, 3023 Proctor Road, Sarasota. Make a native American style ceremonial hand drum in a day-long workshop 10 a.m.-5 p.m. April 9. All materials will be provided for the drum and hide or your choice. For deer, elk or horse hide: $175-$195; for buffalo: $190-$210. Registration is required by March 28: $100. Materials must be ordered in advance. Information: Rev. Zan Benham at 941-922-7839 or woman-spirit.com.
ONGOING CLASSES
Adult skating classes: Ellenton Ice and Sports Complex offers adult Learn-To-Skate classes 5:30-6:15 p.m. Wednesdays, 12:15-1 p.m. and 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Saturdays, and Tropical Spice on Ice Adults Synchronized Skating practices most Mondays 12:30-2 p.m. Mondays. Adults-only Freestyle sessions are 12:15-2 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. Adult Learn-To Skate classes are $150 a person, once a week for eight weeks. For more information or to schedule a try-out, call Kelly Paige at 941-350-5491 or ellentonice.com.
AARP Driver safety classes: Driver Safety Classes for Manatee County are held monthly at various locations including the public libraries. This is a state-approved safety class and the certificate you receive is good for three years with your insurance company. The class is open to anyone age 50 and older. For registration, cost, full schedules and locations call 800-253-2017, ext. 35846.
Anna Maria Island Community Center: The center offers the following classes and workshops at 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria: Mah Jongg, Bridge, Watercolor class, Zumba, introduction to Tai Chi, Staying Strong strength training for mature adults, and conversational Spanish. For full class and workshop schedules and cost, call 941-778-1908 or islandcommunitycenter.com.
ArtbyCMac Home Studio, 7506 17th Ave. W., Bradenton
This school is offering 3 levels of Spanish, acrylic painting and watercolor painting to adult students. Tuition is $8 per hour in classes of 2-4 students. Information: 941-727-5183artbycmac.com.
ArtCenter Manatee: ArtCenter Manatee offers classes and workshops at 209 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. For full class and workshop schedules, call 941-746-2862 or visit artcentermanatee.org.
Ballet classes: Dancing Thru The Years is offering ballet classes for beginners, intermediate and advanced students at 2726 Sixth St. W., Bradenton. Classes are Saturday, Monday, and Wednesday mornings. All classical ballet levels are taught by Mo Dye. Classes are $12 each. Information: 941-758-5270.
Ballet and dance classes: Allegro Music Academy, 241 Whitfield Ave., Sarasota, offers basic ballet kids ballroom dance classes for children ages 4-7 and 8-18, adult classes, salsa graduation dances, first wedding dance and adult dance fitness. Dance summer camp will begin in June. Information: 941-358-8511 or email allegromusic241@aol.com.
Cheerleading clinic: Elite One Athletics is offering a cheerleading clinic for students ages 7-15. New York cheerleader will be teaching proper motion techniques, jumps, and standing tumbling. All levels welcome. Cost: $10 a person. For clinic schedule and dates, call 941-567-6108.
Concealed weapons classes: Self Defense Firearms and Hobbies will offer Concealed Weapons Classes at 421 Ninth Ave. W., Palmetto. For a full schedule of classes and cost, call 941-840-1327.
Counted cross stitching: A stitch-in is every first and third Saturday of the month at Cross Stitch Magic, 1222 12th St. W., Bradenton. The meetings are for counted cross stitchers to compare notes and projects. Information: 941-746-4163.
Dancing Through the Years Adult Ballet Classes: Dancing Through the Years resume their Adult ballet classes, all levels, including pointe, Mondays and Saturdays, at Bradenton Dance & Performing Arts Center, 2726 Sixth Ave. W., Bradenton, and Wednesday and Friday classes are held at 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria Island. Classes are $10-$12. All classes at both locations are accepting beginning to experienced level students. Age range is 18-65. For a complete schedule, hours and location, call 941-779-1108 or 941-758-5270.
English language tutoring: Raymond Rossi, a retired Certified English teacher offers tutoring to students in need of increasing their academic levels and to students with special needs as well as students with average and above average needs at 3711 Fourth Ave. Blvd. E., Palmetto. For rates and detailed information, call 941-730-7179.
Firearms Safety Training: Right On Target, a firearms safety training school offers a variety of classes and training options, including concealed carry firearms license courses, security courses, safety training, defense tactics, handcuffing techniques, officer safety, report writing, advanced training and State Security D and G license courses. Cost: $150 for "D" course in June and July only, $225 for "G" course. Most of the courses exceed the State of Florida requirements for the Concealed Carry License. Call for hours and full schedule. All classes are held at Right On Target LLC Training Center, 3659 Cortez Road W., Suite 100, Bradenton. Information: 941-737-1727.
Free boat building classes: Boatworks of Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage (FISH), will offer a free boat building class for beginners, including those who lack skills or confidence 9 a.m. Saturdays 4404 116th St. W., Cortez. If enough people are interested, the class will meet every Saturday. Participants will be able to participate or witness the building of a small plywood boat similar to an Optimist pram, under eight feet. The classes are free. Information: 941-580-1036.
G.T. Bray Recreation Center: G.T. Bray Recreation Center offers the following classes at 5502 33rd Ave. Drive W., Bradenton: Yoga, Yoga-lates for women, and Yoga for Tennis, Pilates, Butts N' Guts, Spin, Boot Camp, Recess, Water Aerobics, Body Sculpt and Sculpt and Burn, Strength and Length, Zumba, Ballroom Dance, and Tennis Stretch. Some classes require memberships. Classes are $5 for nonmembers, excludes spin classes on Wednesdays. For a full schedule of classes, hours and prices, call 941-742-5923. ext. 6086.
Palmetto Art Center: Palmetto Art Center offers art and fitness classes at 907 Fifth St. W., Palmetto, including ceramic art classes, Zumba, tai chi, aerial yoga, Breath and Body and more. For a full schedule of classes, hours, and prices, call 941-518-2109.
Women's Resource Center of Manatee: The Women's Resource Center of Manatee will offer the following classes at 1926 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton:
45 minutes to feel alive, 10-10:45 a.m. Mondays. Cost: $5 members, $8 nonmembers.
Alzheimer's support group, 2:30-3:30 p.m. every second Thursday of the month. No charge.
Preregistration for all classes is required. Information: 941- 747-6797 wrcmanatee.org.
Writer's workshop: The State College of Florida offers free weekly Writer's workshops 2-4 p.m. Mondays in the Science Building, Room 139 at 5840 26th St. W., Bradenton. Bring fiction, memoirs, non-fiction, novels, children's stories, poetry, prose, paranormal, mystery, and science fiction. The workshop will provide instant critiquing and sharing of ideas by a group of many published authors, and former members of Recognized Educators and Professionals. The workshop is open to the public. Information: John Garzone at 941-753-8680 or 941-360-2654.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
The Arthritis Foundation is looking for volunteers that can both help with the Jingle Bell Run Walk Dec. 5, and spread the holiday cheer with the participants. The event will be held at 8100 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Bradenton. A flyer can be sent upon request. For information, call 800-850-9455 or email cgonzalez@arthritis.org.
Literacy Center of Manatee: The Literacy Center of Manatee has openings for volunteer teachers in the morning and evening to teach English to adult English learners at 1104 14th St. W., Bradenton. Volunteers are asked to serve three hours at a time. Training is provided. Information: 941-745-1659.
HOPE Family Services: HOPE Family Services has volunteer opportunities available for greeters and cashiers at their thrift store 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays at The HOPE Chest, 1215 Eighth Ave. W., and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays at The Hope Chest2 located at the Red Barn Flea Market, 1707 First St., Bradenton. The organization's primary purpose is to provide services to survivors of domestic violence. Information: Donna Cripe at 941-747-8499.
Prospect Riding Center: Prospect Riding Center, a non-profit organization that offers therapeutic and recreation directed equine activities for enhanced well being to those with special needs, is seeking volunteers to assist with students in the arena and with barn activities. Prospect Riding Center is at 34250 S.R. 70 E., Myakka City. Information: 941-713-1736.
Anna Maria Island Art League special events and festival volunteers: Special events and festival volunteers are needed at the Anna Maria Island Art League in December and March. The Art League is located at 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-2099 or islandartleague.org.
AARP Tax Aide: AARP Tax Aide program for Manatee County is seeking volunteers for the upcoming tax season. Training is provided for new and returning volunteers in early January. Tax preparation begins February 1 and continues through April 15. Tax preparation sites are located throughout the county and meet one or two days a week. For information visit arp.org, click on TaxAide, and then "become a volunteer."
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast is recruiting volunteers to mentor children ages 6-18 in Manatee County. There are currently 45 youth waiting for a mentor of which 29 are boys and 16 are girls. Many options are available, such as the School-Based Program where the volunteer/mentor meets with the youth in school for one hour per week, or the traditional Community-Based Program where the volunteer/mentor meets with the youth outside of school, spending time enjoying common interests. Information: Sandra Hawkins at 941-746-700 or bbbssun.org.
Free tutoring program: Support A Child offers free tutoring, open to children and adults, to focus on core math and reading skills. The primary objective of this program is to raise a child's self-esteem by providing the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in school and in life. Adult programming focuses on English as a second language and GED fulfillment. Coursework is designed to address disengaged learners and others who are not reaching their potential. Information: 941-773-6676 or 941-301-1055 or email mregis@support-a-child.org.
Florida Department of Elder Affairs and West Central Florida Area Agency on Aging: Volunteers are needed to provide free and unbiased health insurance counseling through a dedicated network of volunteers, empowering Florida seniors to make informed health care choices. Volunteers will have the opportunity to learn new skills through professional training programs to meet new people during outreach and partnership, and to acquire healthcare related knowledge that can be applied. Volunteers will provide information and counseling assistance about Medicare, Medicaid, health insurance, prescription assistance, and long term care planning and conduct education presentations in the community and participate in health fairs and outreach events. For more information on becoming a SHINE volunteer, call the Elder Helpline at 800-963-5337 or visit Floridashine.org.
Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage Boatworks: F.I.S.H. Boatworks, 4404 116th St. W., Cortez, has volunteer opportunities available for people, skilled or unskilled but interested in boats, to built, rebuilt, or restore boats of various kinds with emphasis on historical wooden boats with a Florida heritage. Volunteers can participate in support efforts such as motor repair, maintenance, and other boat related works on both wood and fiberglass boats. Those interested can visit F.I.S.H. Boatworks Thursday-Saturday to obtain information or call 941-580-1036.
Graphic design volunteer opportunity: Turning Points, 701 17th Ave. W., Bradenton, is looking for a volunteer with graphic design experience who can offer several hours of graphic design assistance on two projects. Turning Points is a nonprofit organization that provides, coordinates, and facilitates services to the homeless and those at risk of being homeless in Manatee County. Information: Cheryl Hedger, volunteer coordinator, at 941-747-1509 or email chedger@tpmanatee.org.
Habitat for Humanity: Manatee Habitat for Humanity is seeking volunteers who are able to donate time 8 a.m.-noon Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Volunteers are needed to help with a variety of tasks and projects geared at eradicating substandard housing. Volunteers do not need previous construction experience. Information: Stephanie Hansum at 941-748-9100, ext. 110, or email shansum@manateehabitat.org.
Humane Society Lakewood Ranch: The Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch, 7334 Trade Court, Lakewood Ranch, is looking for volunteers in several areas of its organization. Volunteer positions are available in their dog and cat care facilities. Dog care positions are for four separate shifts a day and consist of walking dogs, feeding and socializing. The duties of the cat care positions are for two separate shifts and consist of feeding the cats and cleaning their rooms. There is also a need for consignment shop sales people, desk help and off-site adoptions. For information, call 941-361-1071 or email info@hslwr.org.
Manatee County Agricultural Museum: The Manatee County Agricultural Museum, 1015 Sixth St. W., Palmetto, has several volunteer opportunities available at the museum or as work at home. Duties include preparing mailings, manning the front desk, historical research, data entry, assisting at special events or elementary school programs, craft and materials preparation, gardening and yard work, restoration of tools and equipment, and carpentry. For more information call Melissa Dagenais, Curator and Volunteer Coordinator, at 941-721-2034.
Manatee County Agricultural Museum is looking for volunteer to assist with its museum collection. Volunteers who enjoy working in a library environment and are willing to learn scanning photos and documents, are willing to catalog collections of agricultural yearbooks and research books and performing data entry, are invited to contact Melissa Dagenais at 941-72-2034 or melissa.dagenais@manateeclerk.com.
Manatee Technical Institute: Manatee Technical Institute, 5505 34th St. W., Bradenton, is looking for retired educators and business people to volunteer in helping foreign students in the Adult Education Department with mathematics and English in preparation for the GED diploma. A great number of students are inadequately prepared to successfully participate in the courses for the GED diploma. Retirees are needed for one or two days throughout the school year. Those interested are encouraged to contact Olga Rodriguez at 941-209-6800, ext. 2244.
Master Gardening program: The Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Service is accepting applications from members of the community who are interested in joining the Master Gardener Volunteer Training Program. Requirements are an interest in learning about gardening and horticulture, time to attend the intensive training course and study many areas of horticulture, and a willingness to share what you learn with others. Applicants can download an application from manatee.ifas.ufl.edu and click on the Master Gardener Program link or call 941-722-4524.
Palmetto Historical Park is looking for volunteers to help catalog its exciting collection of historical artifacts. No experience or special skills are needed. Technology savvy volunteers with basic computer skills are needed to do basic data-entry and help digitize our Alice V. Meyers Archive Center. Volunteer positions are also available for those with specific skills or have a passion about history, Palmetto or its heritage, Information: Tori Edwards at 941-723-4991 or tori.edwards@manateeclerk.com.
Parent aides: Family Partnership Center, a local agency that gives support to families before crises emerge, ensuring that children can enjoy their right to grow up in a healthy and happy home, seeks parent aide volunteers. The parent aide visits an overwhelmed family one hour, once a week on Monday-Saturday mornings, afternoons or evenings. The volunteer teaches parents effective discipline, age appropriate behavior, and anger and stress management. The position requires a one-year commitment. Volunteers will serve both English and Spanish speaking families in the center's in-home parenting education program. Schedules are flexible, and a 1-hour orientation and a 20-hour training session are required. Volunteers will work under ongoing supervision. Information: 941-756-3007.
Senior Enrichment Center: The Senior Enrichment Center at Renaissance on 9th, 1816 Ninth St. W., Bradenton, is looking for volunteer instructors to enhance their offerings for the over-50 group. The SEC is the premier gathering place for active seniors in Manatee County with regularly scheduled classes, activities and special events. Volunteers are needed to lead classes in fitness, arts and crafts, foreign language, photography, woodworking, painting, watercolor, etc. Information: 941-749-0100.
Turning Points, is in need of licensed barbers and beauticians, willing to volunteer a few hours a week to cut hair. It is a great opportunity for retired or semi-retired persons. Turning Point also has other volunteer opportunities available, including Spanish bilingual volunteers. Turning Points is at 701 17th St. W., Bradenton. Information: 941-747-1509, ext. 334 or chedger@tpmanatee.org.
United Way ReadingPals: Join the United Way of Manatee County in its third year of its ReadingPal program and become a ReadingPal volunteer and help a child learn to read. Through mentor/teacher relationship, volunteers can help increase the probability of success for children in school. The goal is to enlist 200 community volunteers for a 25-week program in which each volunteer will be matched with two students once a week, for an hour long session, 30 minutes per student. The initiative, which will take place September-May, is a one-on-one, guided reading program for kindergartners housed in five Manatee County schools. The schools' names, locations and times are:
Ballard Elementary, 912 18th St. W., Bradenton, 1:30-2:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Blackburn Elementary, 3904 17th St. E., Palmetto, 9:20-10:20 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Daughtrey Elementary, 515 63rd Ave. E., Bradenton, 8:30-9:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Rogers Garden Elementary, 515 13th Ave. W.. Bradenton, 8:30-9:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Samoset Elementary, 3300 19th St. Ct. E., Bradenton, 8:30-9:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer or would like additional information, please contact Sandra Holmes at 941-748-1313 or e-mail at readingpals@uwmc.net.
Volunteer mentors: Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast needs volunteers to mentor children ages 6-18 in Manatee County. There are 38 youth ready to be matched, of which 35 are boys and three are girls. Many options are available to mentors, such as the Bigs-in-School Program, where the volunteer/mentor meets with the student in school for one hour a week, or the traditional community-based program, where the volunteer/mentor meets with the child outside of school. Information: 941-746-7000 or bbbssun.org.
Volunteer drivers needed: Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee is looking for volunteer drivers. Volunteer drivers are needed to help deliver hot meals to homebound seniors. Time requirement for delivering meals is approximately 1-1.5 hours, 1-5 days per week. Meals are prepared at 811 23rd Ave. E., Bradenton and delivered by volunteers between 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday-Friday. Information: 941-747-4655 or mealsonwheelsplus.org.
This story was originally published March 23, 2016 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Community calendar: March 16 ."