Community calendar: July 27

Manatee County Animal Services will host its second annual Adopt-A-Palooza, a one-stop adopt and shop event featuring over 10 local rescue and animal welfare organizations, photo opportunities, members of the Bradentucky Bombers, and performances by Peace River K9 Search and Rescue Association. Admission and parking are free. Bradenton Area Convention Center, One Haben Blvd., Palmetto, mymanatee.org/pets. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 6.

Local author, Richard Smith, released his new book “Life After Eighty.” The book highlights aging adults who make a timely effort to find suitable accommodations and activities for their later years typically fare better that those who do not. The book is available in paperback and in ebook form at Amazon and Barnes and Nobles. It is available in Canada as a Kobo e-book. Information: 941-792-5927.

The bookstore at State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota will host a midnight release party for the latest Harry Potter book “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Part I and II.” Each partygoer will receive a Hogwarts acceptance letter, which will include a list of activities. Anyone who has pre-ordered the book will receive a numbered train ticket showing when they will receive their copy of the book to be released just after midnight. Pre-order books are available now for $20.99, the books will be sold after midnight at $29.99. SCF Bradenton campus bookstore, building 14, 5840 26th St. W., Bradenton, 941-752-5080 or SCF.edu/bookstore. Party starts at 9 p.m. July 30.

The Friends of the Braden River Library will host a book sale. Braden River Branch Library, 4915 53rd Ave. E., Bradenton, 941-727-6079. 10 a.m.-5:45 p.m. Aug. 26 and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Aug. 27.

The Palmetto High School Class of 1976 Reunion will be Sept. 30-Oct. 2. Classmates interested in attending should email Karla Mead Brogdon at brogdon1@msn.com or call 941-722-4692. Use “Reunion” as your subject in your email and provide maiden name (if female) and current address.

The 22nd annual Women’s equity Luncheon, sponsored by various women’s organizations, will feature Louise Bruderle, publisher and owner of West Coast Woman magazine as honorary chair and Rose Chapman, executive director of the Jewish Family and Children’s Services of Sarasota, as speaker. $40. Polo Grill Fete Ballroom, 10670 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch. Carol Newnam at 941-488-5082 or Joyce Raby at ttj2@verizon.net. 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Aug. 20.

Community Youth Development and the Boys & Girls Clubs will present the 11th annual Leadership Breakfast celebrating this year’s honorees, community members Congressman Vern Buchanan and Sandy Buchanan and Sarasota County Schools Superintendent Lori White. $35. Lee Wetherington Boys & Girls Club, 3100 Fruitville Road, Sarasota. Yolanda Mancha at 941-922-5126 or yolanda@cydonline.org. 7:30-9 p.m. Sept. 16.

Bring a scrapbooking or crafting project of your choice to the North River Care Scrapbooking and Crafting event. Bring an unwrapped baby item for North River Care clients and babies. There will be a hallway sale, a coffee bar, and price drawings. Registration includes dinner on Friday and breakfast and lunch on Saturday. $45, or become a VIP for an extra $20. Early registration by July 1 is $40 or $60 VIP. VIP cost also includes lunch on Friday and extra surprises. Proceeds will benefit North River CareNew Hope Baptist Church, 9422 Old Tampa Road, Parrish, 941-729-9004 or northrivercare.org. 10 a.m. Sept. 16-5:30 p.m. Sept. 17.

The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation will host its inaugural Cureibbean Dreams Gala. The Seafood Shack, 4110 127th St. W., Cortez, 239-776-8544. 6-10 p.m. Oct. 22.

The Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine Student Scholarship Auction and Gala will feature silent and live auctions, dinner and entertainment. $160. Proceeds will benefit Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine Student Scholarship Fund. Hyatt Regency Sarasota, 1000 Blvd. of the Arts, Sarasota, 941-782-5927. 6 p.m. Oct. 29.

Celebrating the South Florida Museum 50th anniversary of the Bishop Planetarium, Snooty’s Gala “Starstruck” will benefit the South Florida Museum. $200. 201 10th St. W., Bradenton, 941-216-3463 or southfloridamuseum.org. 6 p.m. Nov. 5.

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

▪  Flower arranging, 1-4 p.m. July 27.

▪  Stop back and neck pain, 1:30-3:30 p.m. July 28.

▪  Tablet classes are 9:30-11:30 a.m. Thursdays: Getting started with Android, July 28. $5 members, $7 nonmembers.

Unless otherwise noted, classes are free and are at the Enrichment Center, 1816 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Classes have limited seating. Reservations are required. 941-749-0100 or renaissanceon9th.org.

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

▪  Ground covers, plants that work, 1:30-3:30 p.m. July 28.

▪  Worm composting “vermicomposting,” 9-10:30 a.m. July 30; $50 worm bins.

▪  2016 Water School workshop and tour, Sept. 1-2; $45, includes workshop, two lunches, bus trip, and educational materials. Registration: http://water-school-2016.eventbrite.com.

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. 941-722-4524 or manatee.ifas.ufl.edu.

Bring an orchid to Marie Selby Gardens re-potting and mounting event. Experts will help you give your treasured plants a new lease on life. $10 average potting fee, depending on size of plant. 811 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota, 941-366-5731 or selby.org. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Aug. 3.

The Women’s Resource Center announces a wide variety of individual and group programs will be offered through September and are designed to educate, enrich and empower women includes yoga, counseling, life transition support, job readiness training, ask-an-expert sessions, book clubs, brown bag lunches and more. 1926 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-366-1700 or to view and download the program calendar wrcmanatee.org.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens will host the following classes:

▪ Adobe Lightroom, a class for both the passionate photographer and those new to photography, 1:30-5:30 p.m. Aug. 8. Prepare to learn techniques for cropping and editing photos, adding effects, showcasing your work in slideshows, creating beautiful prints and much more: $55 members, $75 nonmembers.

▪ Beginner Only Watercolor, a three-class sessions, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Aug. 4, 11, and 18. Learn color mixing, brush techniques, working with reference material and more in this structured small group workshop: $90 members, $105 nonmembers.

Unless otherwise noted, classes are held at 811 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota, 941-366-5731 or selby.org.

Four Pillars is bringing various workshops, practitioners, and experts to the community for learning, rejuvenating, and enhancing ones life. The following classes are scheduled:

▪ The Five Gifts of your Spine. An interactive class where students can learn the function of your spine and nervous system, 7-9 p.m. Aug. 10; $15.

▪ ”Let’s Cook! On the go raw, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and vegetarian energy bites, 7-9 p.m. Aug. 17; $15.

▪ Essential Oil for Health and Wellness. Learn about the powerful benefits of essential oils and how to use it safely and effectively, 7-9 p.m. Aug. 18; the class is free, reservations are required.

▪ Sound Healing. Learn how to balance your life with mindfulness, meditation and sound, 7-9 p.m. Aug. 22; $30.

▪ In Disharmony within your Body Causing Weight Gain? Explore why one gains weight, and what can be done about it naturally, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Aug. 29; $15.

All classes are held at Four Pillars, San Marco Plaza, 8209 Natures Way, Suite 221, Lakewood Ranch, 941-373-3955 or fourpillarsflorida.com.

A new creative writing class will be every third Tuesday of each month at H2U, 6670 Cortez Road, Bradenton. Cost: $5.00 per class (with a $20 membership fee at H2U). The class is taught by Rev. Emmalou Kirchmeier teaches creative writing in Bradenton and Sarasota. All genres are welcome! Beginner, intermediate, and advanced instruction is offered. Bring your writing samples to share. 941-792-0211 or email drmaggiestanton@gmail.com. Third Tuesday of each month.

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.

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.

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. Dance summer camp will begin in June. 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 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.

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.

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 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 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.

ArtbyCMac Home Studio, 7506 17th Ave. W., Bradenton, 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. 941-727-5183artbycmac.com.

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.

This story was originally published July 26, 2016 at 5:34 PM with the headline "Community calendar: July 27."