Community calendar: July 28

iTNSuncoast needs volunteer drivers to provide rides to seniors and adults with vision impairments. Requirement is one or two hours a week. Mileage reimbursement and other benefits will be provided. iTNSuncoast is located at 1704 Honore Ave. N., Sarasota. For detailed information call 941-364-7530 or visit itnsuncoast.org.

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

▪ Pancake breakfast: white chocolate and raspberries, 8-10 a.m. July 30. Cost: $4 members, $5 nonmembers.

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

▪ Master Gardener volunteer training class, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Aug. 9-Dec. 6. Class fee: $200, includes all workbooks, textbooks, and field trips. Class size is limited, apply by July 3.

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/.

The Aesthetic & Wellness Center will offer a free seminar on the most up-to-date science an research in weight loss 5:30 p.m. Aug. 10 at 5219 S.R. 64 E., Bradenton. Attendees will learn how to lose weight while changing their life with regular physical activity, healthy eating habits, body conditioning and strengthening, and self-control to create a more positive well-being and existence. Seating is limited, registration is required. Information: 941-749-0741 or email info@tawcenter.com

De Soto National Memorial is looking for volunteers to help out 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Aug. 12-13 with a vital shoreline stabilization project in which scientists and students from the University of Central Florida Coastal and Estuarine lab in conjunction with De Soto National Memorial Rangers and volunteers will place oyster shell bags and plant mangrove seedlings in an effort to stabilize and create new shorelines. For information call 941-792-0458 or email deso_interpretive_staff@nps.gov.

Florida author Sarah A. Younger will discuss her historical fiction book, “A Bend in the Straight and Narrow,” 10 a.m. Aug. 5 at The Woman’s Club of Palmetto, 910 Sixth St. W., Palmetto. The book is available in libraries, bookstores and at amazon.com. Information: floridaheritagenovel.com.

The third annual Adopt-A-Palooza will be 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 5 at the Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto. The event is the largest one day adoption and expo-style event and will feature over 100 adoptable puppies, dogs, cats and kittens from Manatee County Animal Services, local shelters and animal rescues, and will include retail vendors selling a variety of pet products and information tables with special pricing on services such as spay and neuter, chipping, vet services and more. FELD Monster Truck “Monster Mutt” and favorite FELD characters will be on hand as well as a demonstration by the Peace River Search and Rescue K-9 team. Food and beverages, prize drawings and silent auction items will be part of the event. Attendees are asked to bring cat and dog toys as donations. Proceeds from the event will benefit Friends of Manatee County Animal Services. Admission and parking are free. All pets will be spayed or neutered, vaccinated and micro-chipped. Manatee county pet license tags will be for sale. Information: 941-742-5933 or mymanatee.org/pets.

The Exchange Club will host the third annual Sangria Showdown 6-9 p.m. Aug. 11 at Renaissance on 9th, 1816 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Sample sangria and tasty treats as local restaurants pit their secret sangria recipes against one another. Tickets: $35. Event admission is for persons ages 21 and over. Proceeds will benefit the Family Partnership Center. Information: sangriashowdown.org.

The Bradenton Christian Women’s Connection will host an Affordable Fashion Show and Luncheon 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Sept. 8 at the Renaissance on 9th, 1816 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Carole Bardacos will present “Looking at life through rose colored glasses is not what it’s cut out to be!” Reservations are required by Sept. 1. Cost: $20. Information and reservations: Linda Cilles at 941-750-8786 or Jenny at 941-744-0337 or cwcfl.net.

The Sarasota Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. and the Sarasota-Bradenton Kappa Alpha Psi Project Guide Right, Inc. will host their 34th annual Black and White Ball, beginning with a cocktail reception 7 p.m., followed by dinner Sept. 23 at The Fete Ballroom at Polo Grill, 10670 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch. Tickets: $75. Proceeds will benefit the Chapter’s programs and scholarships efforts. Information: 941-812-8585 or sarasotaalumni.com.

The Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch will host the 16th annual Suncoast Food and Wine Fest 1-4 p.m. Nov. 11 at the Sarasota Polo Club, 8201 Polo Club Lane, Sarasota. Enjoy an afternoon of samplings and tastings from a large selection of the area’s finest restaurants as well as a variety of fine wines and other beverages Tickets: $80 general admission, $150 VIP. Proceeds will benefit local charitable organizations. Information: suncoastfoodandwinefest.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:

▪ Crocheting 201, 1-3 p.m. Tuesdays through Aug. 1; $80 each, series of four classes.

▪ Fermented kimchi, 10 a.m.-noon July 29; $35.

▪ Salt scrub class, 10 a.m.-noon Aug. 4; $35.

▪ Wine making, a two-part class, 10 a.m.-noon Aug. 26-Sept. 2; $75.

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

A fermentation and advanced fermentation class will also be offered. For details call the school.

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. “What is Causing Me Stress” meets 1-2 p.m. through 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:

▪ Air potato beetle rally and open house, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Aug. 8.

▪ Florida’s bromeliads: a stroy of wind dispersal and survival, 10 a.m.-noon Aug. 12.

▪ Fall vegetable gardening, 9 a.m.-noon Aug. 26; $5.

▪ A Florida-friendly combo: rain barrels and compostig, 10 a.m.-noon Aug. 26; $40 for each bin.

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 Aug. 12 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:

▪ Mat Pilates for seniors, 10-10:45 a.m. Thursdays; $10 per class. Bring yoga mat or towel.

▪ Intermediate bridge sessions, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Fridays; $10 per session. Refreshments will be provided.

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 July 27, 2017 at 4:37 PM with the headline "Community calendar: July 28."