Community calendar: May 24

Renaissance on 9th will host the following events and classes:

▪ Device clinics, 30 min, sessions on phones, tablets, laptops etc., 3:45-4:45 p.m. May 25; $10, free for members.

▪ Bingo, 1 p.m. May 26; 25 cents a game.

▪ Tai Chi for balance, a six-week series, 1-2 p.m. Fridays through June 9; $6 members, $18 nonmembers. DVD purchase is required.

Other monthly activities include computer lab, book club, political clubs, free services from Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders, ballroom dancing with live music, tours of the facility, lunch clubs, and various weekly exercise and wellness activities. Unless otherwise noted, reservations are required for all events and classes. Memberships are available. Renaissance is located at 1816 Ninth St. W., Bradenton, 941-749-0100 or renaissanceon9th.org.

The Players Centre for Performing Arts will hold auditions at 838 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, for their 2017-18 Broadway Series season shows, and The Players New Play Festival. Auditions for The Players New Play Festival is 6-7:45 p.m. June 26, and the Broadway Season auditions for “The Will Rogers Follies,” “Moon Over Buffalo,” and “The 1940s Radio Hour,” are 10 a.m.-3:45 p.m. July 29. Auditioners should come prepared with a one-minute long monologue if it is a straight play. If a musical, a monologue as well as a one-minute song and clothes for movement will be required. Prospective auditioners should sign up by either contacting The Players Box Office at 941-365-2494 or online at theplayers.org and “purchasing a ticket” for the time slot desired from the “buy tickets” tab.

The UF/IFAS Extension Manatee County will offer three free educational series to help improve relationships. SMART Couples Florida classes are:

▪ “Before You Tie The Know,” a premarital workshop for couples, 6-8:30 p.m. May 31, June 7, June 14, June 21, and June 28.

▪ “Elevate,” a relationship enhancing workshop designed to help couples improve communication skills, 6-8:30 p.m. May 30, June 6, June 13, and June 27.

▪ “Smart Steps,” a step family workshop designed to help strengthen relationships of couples and their children, including non-custodial parents, 6-8:30 p.m. June 1, June 8, June 15, June 22 and June 29.

A light meal is served at each session. All classes are held at 1303 17th St. W., Palmetto. Registration and information: 941-722-4524 or smartcouples.ifas/ufl.edu/classesevents/manatee/.

Come enjoy an elegant Victorian Cream Tea presented by Bonnie Calliotte of De’Tours Traveling Tea Room 2-4 p.m. June 10 at Manatee Village Historical Park, 1404 Manatee Ave. E., Bradenton. Sample English tea, refreshing lemonade, delicious sweet treats, and brush up on your Victorian manners, etiquette, and conversation. The event is suitable for children and adults alike. Dress-up is encouraged. There will be a best hat contest. Seating is limited. Cost: $15 adults, $5 for children ages 11 and younger. Information: 941-749-7165 or manateevillage.org.

Evan Longoria will make a third appearance at the Manatee County downtown Library as the spokesperson for Reading with the Rays’ “Read Your Way To The Ballpark” summer program for children in grades Kindergarten-12, arriving between 11-11:30 a.m. June 9 at Manatee County Central Library, 1301 Barcarrota Ave., Bradenton. Longoria is expected to read a few short books, discuss the importance of reading, ask a few trivia questions and hands out prizes. Also making an appearance again will be CJ Kitty. Rays representatives plan to provide pre-event games. Information: raysbaseball.com/reading.

In support of lacrosse in our community schools MC Lacrosse is hosting a fundraiser 6 p.m. May 24 at Gold Coast Eagle Distributing, 7051 Wireless Ct., Sarasota. The event will feature an evening of fun, beer, wine, heavy hors d’oeuvres, prize drawings and a silent auction. Tickets: $25 at the door. For event details, email moralesp@manateeschools.net or courtni.darpino@yahoo.com.

An auction reception for the fourth annual MASHterpieces art exhibition, an eclectic and entertaining art exhibition of artwork created using second-hand goods, will be 6-8 p.m. June 8 at Art Center Sarasota, 707 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Ten area businesses will be competing against each other to showcase their creativity and their green business practices. The public can bid on the artwork and, additionally, over the course of the exhibition which runs May 25-June 30, visitors can vote, for a $1 donation, for their favorite artwork. Funds from the sale of artwork and voting will benefit both Goodwill Sarasota and Art Center Sarasota. Information: 941-355-2721 or 941-365-2032.

Join Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast for a culinary extravaganza “Chefs Cooking For Kids” 6-9 p.m. June 1 at IMG Academy Golf and Country Club, 4350 El Conquistador Pkwy., Bradenton. The event will feature leading local chefs and restaurants offering delicious culinary samples. There will be an auction and life music. Tickets: $75. Proceeds will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast. Information 941-746-7000 or bbbssun.org/events.

The premiere of the movie “Wonder Woman” will begin with a pre-party 5:30 p.m. followed by the movie, June 2, at Cinebistro, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. There will be hors d’oeuvres, prize drawings, paparazzi/photobooth, popcorn and a silent auction. Tickets: $75. Proceeds will benefit Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee. Information: Dana Gerling at dlaganella@gerlinglawgroup.com.

Florida Studio Theatre will be hosting a Southern-style Back Lot BBQ fundraiser 6 p.m. June 6 in the Goldstein Cabaret, 1241 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota. Live music will be provided by the Manatee River Bluegrass Band. Tickets: $100. Information: 941-366-9017 or floridastudiotheatre.org/development-events.

The Bradenton Christian Women’s Connection will host a jewelry fashion show and luncheon 11 a.m.-1 p.m. June 8 at Renaissance on 9th, 1816 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Debi Richards will present “Mirror, mirror on the wall.” Cost: $20. Reservations are required by June 1. Information: 941-750-8786 or cwcfl.net.

The public is invited to be inspired by the mission of Selah Freedom while enjoying nature’s beauty of a brilliant sunset and the tranquil sound of the ocean at “Sail Into Freedom” 6-8 p.m. June 15 at the Sarasota Yacht Club, 1100 John Ringling Blvd., Sarasota. Featured guest will be Dr. Jason Quintal. Tickets: $75. Proceed will benefit the programs of Selah Freedom. Information: 941-677-8840 or selahfreedom.com.

Thirty bestselling authors from around the country are coming to town for a one-day event to meet readers, sign book and take pictures 10 a.m.-4 p.m. July 15 at the Ritz-Carlton, 1111 Ritz Carlton Dr., Sarasota, to raise funds for the Tiny Hands Foundation of Sarasota. Tickets: $10, veterans enter at no cost. Information: fortheloveofbooksandauthorevents.com.

Adult ballet classes resume full activity now through August 2017 with all levels on Saturday, Monday and Wednesday mornings. Advanced level, pointe, intermediate and mixed elementary levels. A Saturday late morning boot camp for all adults, whether beginning or for those returning to ballet. There will be floor warm-ups, barre, floor cool down and stretch. Classes open to all adults of all ages. $12 a class. 2726 Fifth St., Bradenton, 941-758-5270 or 941-779-1108.

The Florida Maritime Museum has announced the following class at The Folk School:

▪ Learn how to make soap, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. May 26; $35.

▪ Basic fermenting class, 10 a.m.-noon June 3; $20.

▪ Crocheting 201, 1-3 p.m. Tuesdays June 6-27 and July 11-Aug. 1; $80 each, series of four classes.

▪ Canning 101, 9-11 a.m. June 10; $30.

▪ Hand-color photography, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. June 10; $35.

▪ Advanced fermenting class, 10 a.m.-noon June 17; $35.

▪ Sea shell flowers, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. July 22; $35.

▪ Yoga, 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays; free will donation.

Preregistration for all classes is required. Classes are held at 4415 119th St. W., Cortez, 941-708-6120 or email kristin.sweeting@manateeclerk.com.

The Women’s Resource Center is offering two new programs: “Get Connected,” facilitated by Dr. Gaye Freedman, is an opportunity for people new to the area, empty nesters and women going through life transitions to meet new friends, learn new skills and explore the community and is offered 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesdays through June 6 at 1962 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. The “Challenge” program is facilitated by Dr. Ellen Akhavein, and is divided into six units. The first unit “Who Am I,” meets 5:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesdays through June 7 at 1926 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton and 1-2 p.m. Tuesdays through June 6 at 340 S. Tuttle Ave., Sarasota. The second unit “What is Causing Me Stress” meets 5:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesdays June 21-July 26 at the Manatee Avenue location and 1-2 p.m. June 20-Aug. 1 at the Tuttle Avenue location. All programs are $2 per session. Registration is required. Information: 941-747-6797 for Bradenton, or 941-366-1700 for Sarasota.

The Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Service offers the following variety of educational classes:

▪ Salad table gardening, 10-11:30 a.m. May 24.

▪ Master Gardeners educational stroll, 9:30-11 a.m. May 20. Rye Preserve, 905 Rye Wilderness Trail, Parrish.

Unless otherwise noted, all classes are free and at the Manatee Agriculture and Extension Service, 1303 17th St. W., Palmetto. Minimum workshop size is required and size is limited. Registration for all classes, workshops and tours is required. 941-722-4524 or manatee.ifas.ufl.edu.

Local financial experts, attorneys and divorce therapists unite in helping women navigate the challenges of “untying the know” at their nationally acclaimed Second Saturday Divorce Workshops 9 a.m.-noon June 10 at Modern Wealth LLC, 6710 Professional Pkwy. W., Suite 201B, Sarasota. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. Workshops are $45 each and are offered second Saturdays of each month. Information: 941-251-0510 or modern-wealth.com.

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. 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 tryout, call Kelly Paige at 941-350-5491 or ellentonice.com.

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.

Aging in Paradise Resource Center offer the following ongoing classes:

▪ Zumba for beginners, 10-10:45 a.m. Thursdays; $10 per class.

▪ Refresher bridge sessions, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Fridays; $10 per session.

▪ Mat Pilates for beginners, 10-10:45 a.m. Thursdays; $10 per class.

▪ ACBL open pairs duplicate bridge games, 1-4 p.m. Tuesdays; $11 per game, snacks included.

Reservations are required for all classes. All classes are held at Aging in Paradise Resource Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Longboat Key. For class details, call 941-383-6493 or email maryannbrady@aginginparadise.org.

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.

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.

Dancing Thru The Years is offering adults-only 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. 941-758-5270.

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. 941-358-8511 or email allegromusic241@aol.com.

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.

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. 941-746-4163.

Right on Target Security Academy now offers the Red Cross CPR/AED and First Aid Courses at 3659 Cortez Road, Suite 100, Bradenton. The certification is valid for two years. The academy also offers the state “D” license course for Unarmed Security Officers. For class hours, cost and registration, call 941-737-1727 or email don@rightontargetfts.com.

Dancing Through the Years resumes its 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.

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 details, call 941-730-7179.

The Language House offers basic through intermediate level English classes 6-8 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 505 26th St. W. in Palmetto and 6:30-8 p.m. Mondays at the Central Library, 1301 Barcarrota Ave., Bradenton. The classes are free. Registration and information: Alan Gedeon at 941-749-3029, ext. 3662 or Yoshira Castro at 941-722-3333, ext. 6341.

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. 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. 941-737-1727.

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. 941-580-1036.

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 membership. 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 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.

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. John Garzone at 941-753-8680 or 941-360-2654.

Weekly yoga classes with instructor Sharon Meier. Bring a yoga mat, water and a block and straps, if you have them. $12 per class. Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez, 941-708-6120. 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays.

This story was originally published May 23, 2017 at 1:56 PM with the headline "Community calendar: May 24."