Community calendar: Dec. 8

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.

The Florida Maritime Museum is growing and expanding their educational programming and community outreach and they need your help. Do you have a passion for maritime history and/or small communities? Share that passion by becoming a volunteer at the Florida Maritime Museum. Volunteers are needed in the gift shop, visitor services, grounds, gardening, building maintenance, class assistants, and more. If you have a passion the maritime museum will do its best to find a way to fulfill it. Call the museum today to learn more 941-708-6120.

Presented by the Florida Humanities Council in partnership with Manatee Village Historical Park, will showcase five engaging talks on a wide range of topics, including the life and legacy of Seminole Chief Osceola, Florida’s rail and steamboat history, and Florida’s role in the Civil War. Admission to each is free and open to the public. All programs will be hosted at Manatee Village Historical Park (1404 Manatee Ave. E., Bradenton).

▪  Jan. 18, 5:30 p.m.: “Florida Transportation History: Planes, Trains & Automobiles (& Steamboats too!)” presented by Dr. Steven Noll. Noll teaches American History at the University of Florida.

▪  Jan. 27, 2 p.m.: “Florida in the Civil War? Believe it!” presented by Eliot Kleinberg. Eliot Kleinberg has served as a reporter for the Palm Beach Post for 30 years, including writing a weekly local history column.

▪  Feb. 8, 5:30 p.m.: “Lighthouses of the Sunshine State” presented by Brendan Burke. Reception with light refreshments to follow. Brendan Burke is a Staff Archaeologist and Logistical Coordinator for the St. Augustine Lighthouse Archaeological Maritime Program.

▪  March 22, 5:30 p.m.: “Doc Anna: Swamp Doctor of Florida” presented by Carrie Sue Ayvar. Carrie Sue Ayvar is a third generation storyteller, dedicated to preserving and promoting the art of storytelling.

No RSVP required, seating on a first-come, first-served basis. Ages 13 and up recommended.

Local author Sam Black will be doing a book signing 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 9 at The Recipe Box, 5207 33rd St. E., Bradenton. Black has written five books and is working on number six.

The Manatee County Central Library, 1301 Barcarrota Ave., Bradenotn, will host a book presentation at 2 p.m. Dec. 14 on people and places in 14 East European countries by local and Washington, D.C., author Barry Wood who traveled 2,500 miles by bicycle from Estonia to Albania. His book, “Exploring New Europe,” is receiving positive reviews.

The next meeting of the Manatee County branch of the American Association of University Women is 10 a.m. Dec. 9 at Westminster Tower’s dining room, 1533 Fourth Ave. W., Bradenton. There will be holiday celebration with the Manatee Players. The cost of the brunch is $10. Contact Veronica Huzzard, 931-720-2778, for reservations.

Alienated Grandparents Anonymous provides information and support to grandparents who feel alienated or estranged from their grandchildren. AGA will hold its first meeting of the season at 1 p.m. Dec. 14 at Living Lord Lutheran Church, 11107 Palmbrush Trail, Lakewood Ranch. This meeting will be an open discussion. For more information check out the website: aga-bradenton-sarasota.org or contact aga2_lwr@yahoo.com.

The group will meet for lunch at 11:30 a.m. Dec. 15 at The Ranch Grill, 14475 S.R. 70, Bradenton. Guest speaker: Gina Messenger, Manatee County School Board member. $20. RSVP to www.lwrrc.com or sjc@mailmt.com.

The guild will meet at 10 a.m. Dec. 13 at IMG Country Club, 4350 El Conquistador Parkway, Bradenton, featuring entertainment by Sarasota Opera apprentice and studio artists. Free and open to the public. Also, a prelude to Sarasota Opera’s fall season production of “Carmen,” begins at 9:30 a.m. Dec. 15 at Westminster Towers, second floor classroom, 1533 Fourth Ave., Bradenton. $5 at the door.

The Bradenton Unit of Parliamentarians will meet 2-4 p.m. Dec. 21 at the Manatee County Central Library, 1301 Barcarrota Blvd. W., Bradenton. Fay Murphy will preside and Karen Price will provide the educational lesson. Visitors and parliamentary questions are welcome. The purpose of the meetings is educational. Parliamentary topics will be discussed. Those interested may meet after the meeting for a holiday get-together.

The Bradenton Chapter 230 of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE), meets on the second Wednesday of the month (October through May) at Westminster Manor at 1700 21st Ave. West, Bradenton. Lunch is served at noon and is $10. Guest speakers are scheduled for each meeting. Contact information is available through www.narfe.org or by calling 941-735-3399.

Lakewood Ranch Women's Club 20^th Anniversary Holiday Jazz Supper Club Charity Fundraiser is 6-10 p.m. Dec. 7 at the Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club Ballroom. The event features a three-course gourmet dinner, dancing, jazz music and a cabaret show. There will also be a silent auction. The cost is $60 for LWRWC Members and $65 for guests. for reservation and sponsorship questions contact MaryLee Danahy, Registration Chair, at maryleedanahy@gmail.com.

The Neuro Challenge Foundation and Amicus Foundation will present the annual Cause 4 Fashion luncheon and fashion show 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 8 at the Grand Foyer of Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. A champagne reception will be held prior to the luncheon beginning at 11 a.m. The fashion show will feature models, who are all local Parkinson’s fighters and clients of Neuro Challenge Foundation, presenting fashions provided by Talbots and Martin Freeman. Master of ceremonies will be Pam McCurdy and special guest will be Dan Cotton. Tickets are still available at $85 as well as sponsorship and underwriting opportunities. Reservations can be made through neurochallenge.org or by calling 941-926-6413.

Braden River High School Band Boosters will hold a Quarter Auction Dec. 9 at the high school cafeteria, 6545 S.R. 70 E., Bradenton. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., auction begins at 6:30 p.m. The cost is $10 per person (adults only) includes one paddle and one seat. Chance to win prizes such as golf outings, massage sessions, tickets to Walt Disney World, restaurant gift cards, weekend trip to Siesta Key, Pirates tickets, Tampa Bay Lightning tickets and more. Quarter auction, prize drawings and free hors d’ oeuvres included. The evening benefits all of the Braden River Band Programs including the 2017 Class 3A State Champion Marching Band of Pirates and the Braden River Color Guard programs. Pre-register for a free goodie bag: www.brhsbands.org/quarter-auction.

The East Manatee Republican Club will hold a Toys for Tots brunch at 9:30 a.m. Dec. 14 at Peridia Golf and Country Club. Bring an unwrapped toy and meet the guest speaker, the newest member of the Manatee Country School Board, Scott Hopes. Another member of the school board, David Miner, will be the master of ceremonies. The Marine Corps League will provide the Honor Guard and will bring in the colors promptly at 10 a.m. to begin the meeting. Reservations: Diane, 941-739-3813 or longboatfl@aol.com.

The Bradenton Marauders will host “Marty’s Toy Drive” 9-11 a.m. Dec. 16 at Pirate City, 1701 27th St. E., Bradenton. New, unwrapped toys will be collected and donated to The Salvation Army for distribution to children in need in Manatee County. Those who donate can enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast. Each donor will receive a Pirates or Marauders promo item from the treasure chest and one free entry into an exclusive raffle for four free tickets to a Pirates Spring Training game at LECOM Park. For more information about the Salvation Army and its Christmas assistance programs, visit www.SalvationArmy.org/Bradenton.

Registration opens Dec. 12 for “Supreme Court: 2017 Cases,” “Symphonic Life,” “iPad for Beginners,” “Aromatherapy,” “20^th Century Elections,” and “Quantum Mechanics.” This is only a sampling of the more than 100 in-depth courses offered this winter by Ringling College Lifelong Learning Academy. Classes, lectures, Academy Talks, Einstein’s Circle series and special events are held at the Academy’s interim headquarters at Temple Beth Sholom, 1050 S. Tuttle Ave., Building #1, Sarasota. Classes are also offered at State College of Florida in Lakewood Ranch, The Center of Anna Maria Island, Westminster Towers and Shores in Bradenton, and, new this semester, a lecture series at the Paradise Center on Longboat Key. Weekly classes run two to eight weeks. No refunds on lectures, workshops, or special events; registration is transferrable. To register, visit www.rclla.org or call 941-309-5111.

A fermentation class on sauerkraut and mixed fermented vegetables is 10 a.m.-noon Dec. 16 at The Florida Folk School at the Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 110th St. W., Cortez. In this class, Jillian will focus solely on the preparation of fermenting various types of cabbage into sauerkraut, as well as an assortment of mixed vegetables. This will be a hands-on event, each participant will be able to go through the process themselves and be able to take home the ferments that they have made in class. The only required item will be to bring your own kitchen knife to do the chopping. The class fee is $35. Register by Dec. 9 by visiting https://floridafolkschool.org/.

This candle making class will teach you basic candle skills such as layering, adding fragrance and color as well as the different types of wax. In the special holiday edition class you will make a dip candle, a tart candle, and a hot apple cider candle in a traditional mug. The class will be 10 a.m.-noon Dec. 15 at The Florida Folk School at the Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 110th St. W., Cortez.. The class fee is $35. Register by Dec. 8 by visiting https://floridafolkschool.org.

Advanced Intermediate levels, 9:45-11:15 a.m. and Beginner or Brush-Up level at 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Mondays, Inter/Advanced, 9:45-11:15 a.m. Optional Pointe session 11:30-noon. Wednesday mornings mixed level of Beginners and Elementary level ballet, with optional Pointe following the regular class time of 9:45-11:15 a.m. There will be floor warm-ups, barre, floor cool down and stretch. Classes open to all adults of all ages. $12 a class. Dancing thru the Years is making a special introductory offer to Absolute Adult Beginners of all ages.2726 Sixth Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-758-5270.

The center offers weekly health forums, public speaks and more. Zumba and mat Pilates, 10-11 a.m. Thursdays for $10 and Intermediate Bridge Sessions 10:30-11:30 a.m. Fridays ($10). Reservations are required for all events and classes. All events and classes are held at Aging in Paradise Resource Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. For details, call 941-383-6493 or email maryannbrady@aginginparadise.org.

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, schedules and locations call 800-253-2017, ext. 35846.

The Paradise Center offers classes for seniors including yoga and meditation, mah jongg, zumba, bridge and more. Reservations are required for all classes. All classes are held at the Paradise Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Longboat Key. For class details, go to https://theparadisecenter.org, 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 at https://theparadisecenter.org 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.

The Florida Maritime Museum offers classes at The Folk School on subjects such as jelly making, fermentation, net mending, painting and more. 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 school is looking for teachers with traditional Florida folk skills.

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. 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.

The Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Service offers a variety of natural tours and educational landscape classes with new topics each month. 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.

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.

This story was originally published December 7, 2017 at 1:33 PM with the headline "Community calendar: Dec. 8."