The List: Every event worth listing Thurs., June 17-Wed., June 23

June 22nd, 2010 by

1277217510 63 The List: Every event worth listing Thurs., June 17 Wed., June 23

“An Island Love Affair” by Barbara Hines is on display at The Sun House Restaurant and Bar.

Compiled by Malina Bickford

VISUAL ARTS: OPENING

18TH ANNUAL DOWNTOWN VENICE CRAFT FESTIVAL 220 Miami Ave. W., Venice (artfestival.com). From photography to pottery and all fine crafts in between, be certain not to miss this one! 10 a.m.-5 p.m. June 19-20. Free.

ART CENTER SARASOTA 707 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota (365-2032 or artsarasota.org). Meet the creative minds behind ACS’s current exhibit at Artist, Curator and Juror, a thought-provoking event to learn about the inspiration and processes involved, 6-8 p.m. June 17, $5 members, $8 non-members; Five exhibitions exploring the concept of “home” will be on display through July 9, free; A special screening of the celebrated documentary Howard Zinn: You Can’t Be Neutral on a Moving Train, followed by a Q&A with the film’s director, Deb Ellis, will be presented from 6-8 p.m. June 23, $5 members, $8 non-members. Regular hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tues.-Sat., noon-4 p.m. Sun.

ART UPTOWN 1367 Main St., Sarasota (955-5409 or artuptown.com). Three-dimensional photography, abstracts and landscapes by artist Wayne Wilmoth will be on display June 19-25. Regular hours are 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat. Free.

KATHARINE BUTLER GALLERY 1943 Morrill St., Towles Court, Sarasota (955-4546 or kbutlergallery.com). The 5th Annual National Juried Exhibition runs through July 10 with an artist’s reception 6-10 p.m. June 18. Regular hours 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tues.-Sat., 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Fri. Free.

LONGBOAT KEY CENTER FOR THE ARTS 6860 Longboat Drive S., Longboat Key (383-2345 or ringling.edu/LBKCA.html). Power of 3 – Love, Life, Light features photographers Ed Parker, Mary Lou Johnson and James Corwin Johnson through July 22 with an opening reception 5-7 p.m. June 17. Regular hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon.-Fri. Free.

PARADISE GALLERY 5760 Palmer Blvd., Sarasota (378-1234). Adventure Series by Kolsi will be on display through June 30. Call for more information.

SECOND ANNUAL LOCAL ARTIST’S SUMMER SHOWCASE The Sun House Restaurant and Bar, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach (778-6694 or amiartistsguildgallery.com). Members of the Artists Guild of Anna Maria Island display their work through Sept. 2. Watercolor, oil and fiber artist Barbara Hines’ work will be featured June 18-24, with the artist present 5-8 p.m. June 20-24. Free.

VISUAL ARTS: ONGOING

ALLYN GALLUP CONTEMPORARY ART GALLERY 1286 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota (366-2093 or allyngallup.com). Allyn Gallup is celebrating its new location with Peter Stephens’ Homage to Arget and Linda Ging’s Color Fields through June 26. Regular hours are 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sat. Free.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND ART LEAGUE 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach (778-2099 or islandartleague.org). Regular hours 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tues.-Fri. Call for cost.

ARTCENTER MANATEE 209 9th St. W., Bradenton (746-2862 or artcentermanatee.org). Flashback: A 60’s Revolution will be on display through June 18. Regular hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon., Fri. and Sat., 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Tues.-Thur. Free.

ARTS COUNCIL OF MANATEE COUNTY 926 12th St. W., Bradenton (746-2223 or manateearts.org). Sara Gafvert will have her work on display through June 26. Regular hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon.-Sat. Free.

ART & FRAME OF SARASOTA 1055 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota (366-2301 or art-suppliessarasota.com). Regular hours are 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Mon. and Thurs., 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Tues., Wed. and Fri., and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat. Free.

ART SCHOOL, GIFT AND FRAMING GALLERY OF COLLEEN CASSIDY-BERNS 4613 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota (colleencassidy.com). Normal gallery hours 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Mon.-Fri. and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. Free.

ARTISTS GUILD GALLERY 5413 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach (778-6694). Throughout the summer months, paintings will be featured based on a particular theme. June will be cats; July the Monday painters and the Plein Air Painters; August, dogs; September, boats; and October, abstracts. Free.

ARTCENTER MANATEE COMCENTER 9040 Town Center Parkway, Lakewood Ranch (746-2862 or artcentermanatee.org). Regular hours are 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri. Free.

ARTISTS MARKET Historic Burns Square, Pineapple Ave. and Laurel St., Sarasota (927-6845 or ). The second year of the weekly outdoor market continues 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. every Sat., with wares ranging from art to jewelry, candles to quilts and clothing, soap, pottery and more. Admission is free, and there is live musical entertainment.

ARTS ALLIANCE OF LEMON BAY 477 W. Dearborn St., Englewood (475-7141). Free. Call for normal hours.

THE BAOBAB TREE GALLERY 1113 12th St. W., Bradenton (447-3795 or villageofthearts.com). Call for more information.

BAS STUDIO/GALLERY 1938 Adams Lane, Ste. 203, Sarasota (508-230-6663 or beverlyasmith.com). This gallery features abstract works by Beverly A. Smith. Hours are 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tues.-Sat. and 6-10 p.m. every third Fri.

A BODY OF ART GALLERY 6539 Gateway Ave., Sarasota (925-2950 or abodyofart.com). This gallery features oil and acrylic paintings, pottery by Joe Pizzo and mixed-media wall sculpture by Troy Couture. Hours are 1-8 p.m. Mon.-Sat.

CAMBRIDGE CHRISTNER FINE ART GALLERY 415 S. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota (724-8889). Regular hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri. Free.

CAPLES PERFORMING ARTS COMPLEX Isermann Gallery, 5313 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota (487-4444 or ncf.edu). Regular hours 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Free.

CELERY BARN 266 Links Ave., Sarasota (952-9505).

CENTER FOR ARTS AND HUMANITY 1226 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota (365-5118 or sarasota-arts.org). Regular hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat. Call for cost.

CREATURO STUDIO/GALLERY 1269 First St., Sarasota (953-6163 or creaturo.com). New York native Frank Creaturo presents both abstract works and nostalgic city portraits in his gallery. Hours are 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Mon.-Thurs. and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. Fri.

CUPCAKE ALLY ART AND GIFT GALLERY 2079 Siesta Drive, Sarasota (952-1114 or gocupcakes.com). This bakery-gallery showcases cupcake-themed watercolors, oils, acrylics, lino-prints and more by over 20 artists. Hours are 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Tues.-Fri. and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat.

DABBERT GALLERY 76 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota (955-1315 or dabbertgallery.com). Sculpture, Metal, Marble & More features works by artists Eric Boyer, Richard Hager, Candace Knapp, Gert Olsen and Thyra Davidson-Wexler. Exhibit runs through June 29. Regular hours are 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat. Free.

THE DANCING CRANE GALLERY 1019 10th Ave. W., Bradenton (744-1333 or dancing-crane.com). Regular hours are 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Thurs.-Sat. Free.

DAVID O’KEEFE STUDIOS 12 N. Boulevard of Presidents, St. Armand’s Circle, Sarasota (813-254-5056). Free.

DIVINE EXCESS FOLK ART 1125 12th St. W., Bradenton (747-1320 or villageofthearts.com). Regular hours are 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Thurs.-Sat. Free.

ENGLEWOOD ART CENTER 350 S. McCall Road, Englewood (474-5548 or eac.ringling.edu). XYZ, featuring work by Dee Hood, Sheryl Haler and Dolores Coe runs through July 1 in the Mitchell Gallery; Figure and Form runs through July 2 in the Loranger Gallery; Fine art prints by Harrison Fox runs through June 18 in the Members Gallery. Regular hours are 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Mon.-Fri. Free.

EYE OF THE WANDERER GALLERY 1001 11th Ave. W., Bradenton (816-719-4910). This gallery currently features the mixed-media work of Philip Labor and Michael Harp. Call for hours.

FAMILY HERITAGE HOUSE MUSEUM State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota, 5840 26th St. W., Bradenton (752-5319 or scf.edu). The Family Heritage House Museum celebrates its 20th anniversary with a new exhibit, Black Florida: A Photographic History, running through June 30. Regular hours are 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tues.-Thurs. Free.

FRARY GALLERY 1419 5th St., Sarasota (362-0021). Regular hours 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Thurs., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Fri. and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat.

GALLERIA SILECCHIA 12 and 20 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota (365-7414, 888-366-7414 or galleriasilecchia.com). This downtown gallery features oil paintings, mixed-media works and glass, bronze, steel, aluminum and ceramic sculptures. Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Sat. and during Palm Avenue art walks.

THE GALLERY AT TOWLES COURT 252 S. Links Ave., Sarasota (308-1986). Call for normal hours.

HARMONY GALLERY Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota (953-4252, 726-9177 or fwcs.org). Hours are 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mon.-Fri.

HEARTS DESIRE GALLERY 1221 12th St. W., Bradenton (302-1069 or villageofthearts.com). Free.

IMPERIAL FINE ART 1453 Main St., Sarasota (954-8901 or imperial-fineart.com). Regular hours are 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Mon.-Sat. Free.

INNERVISIONS GALLERY 1122 12th St. W., Bradenton (747-9397 or innervisionsgallery.net) Call for hours and cost.

ISLAND GALLERY WEST 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach (778-6648 or islandgallerywest.com). Regular hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat. Free.

JULIE LONDON PICTURE FRAMING 2101 Reynolds St., Sarasota (921-5096). This frame shop currently features limited edition prints by Richard Capes. It also features work by Marise, Peter DeMare, David McIntyre and James Saine. Call for hours.

LOCAL COFFEE & TEA 5138 Ocean Blvd., Siesta Key (586-1649). Hours are 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri. and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Free admission.

M GALLERY OF FINE ART 16 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota (mgalleryoffineart.com).Regular hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tues.-Sat.

MARIE SELBY BOTANICAL GARDENS 811 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota (366-5731 or selby.org). The 5th Annual Selby Instructor’s Summer Showcase will run through Oct. 3. Call for more information.

MOTE MARINE LABORATORY AND AQUARIUM 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota (388-4441 or mote.org).

NONTANDO 6578 Gateway Ave., Sarasota (929-7844 or nontando.com). This gallery carries a wide selection of African gifts and decorative items. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat. and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sun.

O GALLERY 240 W. Tampa Ave., Venice (228-2627). Hours for this gallery are 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Tues.-Wed., 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Thurs., 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Fri. and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat.

THE OTTO CONTEMPORARY GALLERY OF FINE ART 11047 Gatewood Drive, Bradenton (915-9891).

PALM AVENUE GALLERY WALK Downtown Sarasota (955-1315). The downtown stretch’s galleries and boutiques stay open from 6-9 p.m. on the first Fri. of the month for your perusing pleasure.

PALMETTO ART CENTER 907 5th St. W., Palmetto (527-9847 or palmettoartcenter.com). PAC’s summer Back to Basics camp for kids continues with Me and My Machine for ages 6-teen. Kids will learn proper safety and use of a sewing machine June 21-25. Call for times and cost.

PARKLAND BOUTIQUE AND ART GALLERY 506 S. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota (366-1649). Regular hours are 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tues.-Sat. Free.

PETER PAUL GALLERY 7808 34th Court E., Sarasota (955-8071 or peterpaulgallery.com). Call for hours.

RINGLING MUSEUM 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota (359-5700 or ringling.edu). Heyday: Photographs of Frederick W. Glaiser, a glimpse into the most dynamic period of the American circus through over sixty rarely seen photographs, will run through Sept. 6. Splendid Treasures of the Turkomen Tribes from Central Asia will be displayed through Jan. 30. Call for times and cost.

SARASOTA COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL 1226 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota (365-5188).

SCF FINE ART GALLERY SCF Bradenton, 5840 26th St. W., Bldg. 11 N., Bradenton (752-5225 or scf.edu). Gallery hours are 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Mon.-Fri. Free.

SELBY GALLERY Ringling College of Art and Design, 2700 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota (351-5100, 359-7563 or ringling.edu/selbygallery). Regular hours 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Tues. Free.

THE SHEPHERD’S DEN 2412 Manatee Ave. E., Bradenton (741-4949). Call for more information.

SOUTH FLORIDA MUSEUM 201 10th St., Bradenton (746-4131 or southfloridamuseum.org).

STATE COLLEGE OF FLORIDA, MANATEE-SARASOTA FINE ARTS GALLERY State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota, Bldg. 11, 5840 26th St. W., Bradenton (752-5225 or scf.edu). Regular hours are 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Mon.-Fri. Free.

STATE OF THE ARTS GALLERY 1525 State St., Sarasota (955-2787 or sarasotafineart.com). Call for hours. Free.

STILL LIFE IN G GALLERY 1014 12th St. W., Bradenton (932-1336 or villageofthearts.com).

THE STUDIO AT GULF AND PINE 10101 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria Island (778-1906 or studioatgulfandpine.com).

SUMNER STUDIO 1365 Blvd. of the Arts, Sarasota (957-3728).

THE TOWLES COURT ART DISTRICT 1938 Adams Lane and surrounding area, Sarasota (955-4546 or towlescourt.com). Sarasota’s resurgent art district features a wide variety of galleries, studios, boutiques, gift stores and cafés. 6-10 p.m. every third Friday of the month, take in the sleepy, relaxed ambiance during the neighborhood’s regular art walks. Daily gallery hours vary, but most are open normally from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tues.-Sat.

USF SARASOTA-MANATEE Selby Auditorium, 8350 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota (359-4578, 359-4602 or sarasota.usf.edu/ippl). Hours are 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Fri. and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat.

UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CHURCH ART GALLERY 3975 Fruitville Road, Sarasota (371-4974 or 373-0530). Regular hours are 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Mon.-Fri. Free.

VICTORIA B. COOLEY STUDIO/GALLERY 1920 Adams Lane, Sarasota (374-1988 or baileycooley.com). Call for normal hours.

WOMEN’S RESOURCE CENTER OF SARASOTA COUNTY 340 S. Tuttle Ave., Sarasota (313-1096). Call for more information. Free.

VISUAL ARTS: SUBMISSIONS

ARTCENTER MANATEEE 209 9th St. W., Bradenton (746-2862 or artcentermanatee.org). Call to artists for installations pieces both for display in their galleries as well as for exterior installations.

CALLING ALL LOCAL ARTISTS Art & Frame of Sarasota, 1055 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 102, Sarasota (239-249-0699). The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee would like to feature the work of one local artist on the cover of a color, glossy new publication called Connections Magazine – A Guide to Jewish Living in Sarasota-Manatee. The deadline for submissions is July 15. Call for details.

FESTIVAL SARTEE 1226 N. Tamiami Trail, Suite 300, Sarasota (sartee.com). Calling all arts organizations, visual and performing artists, attractions and restaurants to participate in a community wide celebration of Sarasota and Manatee’s arts and cultural offerings. Free. Go online for details.

HARMONY GALLERY Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota (953-4252 or sarasotaorchestra.org). The Sarasota Orchestra is accepting applications for local artists interested in exhibiting on a monthly basis. Call or go online for details.

NUNUZ CAFÉ 3434 53rd Ave. W., Bradenton (448-5113 or nunuzcafe.com). The café is currently looking for artists to display their work for exhibit and sale. Call for more information.

PERFORMANCE: OPENING

FUNNY AS A CRUTCH State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota, Neel Performing Arts Center, 5840 26th St. W., Bradenton (752-5252 or scf.edu/academics/neelperformingartscenter). Three directors and 12 SCF actors are featured in these ten short comedies by Rich Orloff that skewer stereotypes about disabilities. 8 p.m. June 18-19, 2 p.m. June 20. $10, $5 students.

INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL Venice Theatre, 140 W. Tampa Ave., Venice (488-1115 or venicestage.com/international). American Association of Community Theatre (AACT) presents this showcase of work by award-winning theatre troupes from Italy, Peru, Australia, Poland, Singapore, Georgia, Russia, Israel, Brazil, Spain, Denmark and the United States. Each of the productions will be performed in the country’s native language in styles ranging from comedy to drama to opera and the circus arts. The festival will run through June 27 with an opening early bird party on June 22. $230 entire event, $75 day pass, $25 block of three performances. Call for times.

MCCURDY’S COMEDY THEATRE 3333 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota (925-3869 or mccurdyscomedy.com). Through June 20: Pat Godwin, $6-$12; June 23-24: Mike Rivera, $6-$12. Regular performances are at 7:30 p.m. each night with additional 9:45 p.m. shows Fri. and Sat. Call for information.

PAINTING CHURCHES Lemon Bay Playhouse, 96 W. Dearborn St., Englewood (475-6756 or lemonbayplayhouse.com). Author Tina Howe presents this touching story of the Church family and their move on to the next phase of their lives. Please see this week’s See & Do for more information. 7:30 p.m. daily, 2 p.m. Sun., June 23-July 11. $16.

PETE’S REPAIR SHOP The Player’s Theatre, 838 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota (365-2494 or theplayers.org). The walls come to life in this fun, toe-tapping musical set in mythical Tuscalooga, loosely based on Sarasota’s history and featuring down home country and bluegrass music to tell its timeless tale of family and misfortune. Please see this week’s See & Do for more information. 8 p.m. Thur.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. June 17-20. $18 adults, $12 students.

PERFORMANCE: ONGOING

THE DROWSY CHAPERONE Golden Apple Dinner Theatre, 25 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota (366-5454 or thegoldenapple.com). Executive Director Robert Ennis Turoff presents this five Tony Award-winning hit which boldly addresses a great unspoken desire in all of our hearts: to be entertained. The show runs through June 27. Call for times and cost.

MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL Asolo Repertory, Mertz Theatre, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota (351-8000 or asolorep.com). This joyful musical parody set to 28 classic baby-boomer songs from “I Heard it Through the Grapevine, You’ll No Longer See 39” to that disco favorite “Stayin’ Awake, Stayin’ Awake” will have you cheering at your seat and dancing in the aisle! Call for times through June 27. $11-$53.

MUSIC

BOOKS-A-MILLION 6591 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota (342-6419 or booksamillion.com). The bookstore hosts an acoustic jam every Fri. from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.

THE GUITAR COTTAGE SATURDAY NITE JAM! 353 W. Dearborn St., Englewood (475-4300). The Guitar Cottage hosts this open mic for acoustic players 7-9 p.m. every Sat. Admission is free.

O GALLERY 240 W. Tampa Ave., Venice (228-2627). The gallery hosts a coffee-house styled open mic every Fri. from 5-11 p.m.

SARASOTA ORCHESTRA CONCERTS Various locations, Sarasota (953-3434 or sarasotaorchestra.org). Artist Showcases featuring Berg, Paget, Schubert: 5:30 p.m. June 17, Holley Hall, 709 N. Tamiami Trail; Festival Concerts featuring Wolf, Mozart, Brahms: 8 p.m. June 18, Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave.; Saturdays Symphonies featuring Beethoven: 8 p.m. June 19, Sarasota Opera House. Tickets from $20.

SIESTA KEY DRUM CIRCLE Siesta Beach, Siesta Key, Sarasota (simplysarasota.com/drumcircle.html). For about an hour before sunset every Sunday, you can shake, rattle and roll with some talented drummers and dancers. This informal, noncommercial event has been a draw for both tourists and locals for years and is a must for any first-time visitors to the Key.

THE BIG FOUR: METALLICA, SLAYER, MEGADETH AND ANTHRAX Hollywood Stadium 20, 1993 Main St., Sarasota, 365-2000; AMC Sarasota 12, 8201 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 922-3130 (fathomevents.com). Giants of metal music share the stage for the first time in this one-night only big screen theater event featuring nearly four hours of performances and behind-the-scenes footage from the Sonisphere Festival in Bulgaria. 7:30 p.m. June 22. Call for cost.

LECTURES/CLASSES/SEMINARS

ACADEMY OF BOTANICAL ARTS Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 811 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota (366-5731, ext. 239 or selby.org). Selby Gardens offers classes in beading, calligraphy, decoupage, gyotaku, ikebana, nature printing, plein-air oils and sumi-e, along with the Academy of Botanical Arts certificate program. Call for information.

ADULT & COMMUNITY EDUCATION CENTER 1086 S. Shade Ave., Sarasota (361-6590 or ace-

sarasota.com). Beaded Jewelry: 6-8 p.m. June 21-Aug. 9, $109; Belly Dance: 6-7:30 p.m. June 21-Aug. 9. Call for cost.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND ART LEAGUE 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach (778-2099 or islandartleague.org). Call for more information.

ART CENTER SARASOTA 707 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota (365-2032 or artsarasota.org

ARTCENTER MANATEE 209 Ninth St. W., Bradenton (746-2862 or artcentermanatee.org). The center offers a variety of ongoing courses and workshops on drawing, jewelry, watercolors, pottery, photography and more. Call or go online for course details.

BEADING CLASSES 2312 Gulf Gate Drive, Sarasota (921-0871 or beadsfob.com). This shop offers a variety of lessons on beading for all levels. Call for classes, meeting times and dates and enrollment fees.

BEGINNER’S CONVERSATIONAL ITALIAN LESSONS Mamma Onesti’s, 3728 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota (355-0168 or learnalanguage.us). Lessons begin in February. Contact Roberto at 727-866-6892 for more information. A meal is included with every class.

BEHIND THE SCIENCE Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota (388-4441 ext. 514 or mote.org/behindthescience). Inquiring minds of all ages learn about the marine animals and environments that inspire Mote scientists through activities in the classroom, laboratory and on the water. Program topics alternate each week. Pre-registration required. 10-11 a.m. every Sat. in June and July. Free admission for dads on Father’s Day with paid child’s ticket June 20. Call for more information.

CARLA’S CLAY 1733 Northgate Blvd., Sarasota (359-2773 or carlasclay.com). Various classes such hand building, wheel throwing, sculpture and precious metal. Call for classes, meeting times, dates, and enrollment fees.

CHABAD OF BRADENTON 11509 Palmbrush Trail, Ste. #101, Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton (752-3030 or chabadofbradenton.com). A variety of classes and workshops are offered regularly. Call or go online for more information.

CHLOE’S BEAD SHOP 2406 Manatee Ave. E., Bradenton (747-7759 or chloes-bead-shop.com). Check out Chloe’s beading, wire wrapping and jewelry classes at various times every Wed.-Sat. Enrollment is $10-$85.

CLAY CLASSES Madonna Stella Studio, 1900 Main St., Ste. 105A, Sarasota (706-2119). Classes on hand-building techniques and wheel-throwing are offered for adults and children. Call for details.

CLASSICAL STYLE EGYPTIAN BELLY DANCE South Florida Belly Dancers, 3316 Webber St., Sarasota (587-6385 or myspace.com/southfloridabellydancers). Bethsheba Almah teaches Sundays noon-2 p.m., Mondays 6-8 p.m. and Wednesdays 6-8 p.m. $120, come up to 6 times a week for the 8-week session.

COLLAGE ART CLASSES The People’s Gallery, 1701 First St. E., Bradenton (266-0088). The gallery is offering two-hour courses. Cost is $25. Call for more information.

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS TRAINING The Community Foundation of Sarasota County, 2635 Fruitville Road, Sarasota (friendshipvolunteer.com). This community education meeting is open to the public for those who want to prepare themselves and their families and to learn more about disaster awareness. 2-4 p.m. June 17. Go online for cost.

FREE WEEKLY MARTIAL ARTS CLASSES FOR NEWTOWN CHILDREN Newtown Community Center, 1835 34th St., Sarasota (922-4520 or voltaaomundo.com). Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian martial art that incorporates music and dance. Capoeira Volta Ao Mundo will be conducting free lessons for children and teenagers who live in Newtown. Students will also get to learn Portuguese and play musical instruments. Capoeira Volta Ao Mundo is located at 4672 McIntosh Lane, Sarasota (voltaaomundo.com). Watch a free demonstration at 7 p.m. every Wed.

FREE INQUIRY FORUM Pegasus Greek Family Restaurant, 2833 Bee Ridge Road and Big E’s Sweets & Gourmet Coffee, 2805 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota (926-4461, 355-4432 or freeinquiryforum.com). Join others for this weekly forum, where discussion topics include the finer aspects of religion, politics, history, science, philosophy — you get the idea. There are two meetings: the first begins at 7 p.m. at Pegasus every Thurs.; the other is at 8 p.m. every Mon. at Big E’s.

FREE BOOTCAMP Yvette’s Health & Fitness Center, 126 N. Orange Ave. Sarasota (376-9599 or yvettesfitness.com). Bayfront fitness camp brings the gym to you. 9 a.m. Saturdays. Free.

FUZION MODERN DANCE CLASS New College Fitness Center, 5639 Gen. Twinning Blvd., Sarasota (345-5755). Guest artist Millicent Johnnie will conduct a modern dance class for the Fuzion Dance Artists for people 18 and up. 6 p.m. every Mon. and Wed. $10.

GOING GLOBAL SERIES SCF Lakewood Ranch, 7131 Professional Parkway E., Lakewood Ranch (363-7000 or scf.edu). Sessions held 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Thursdays.

I AM HEALING ARTS CENTER 1918 Robinhood St., Sarasota (927-6797 or iamhealingarts.com). The center offers a variety of ongoing programs on meditation, yoga and positive living. Call or go online for details.

INTRODUCTION TO FACEBOOK Deja Brew Coffee House, Towles Court, 1968 Adams Lane, Sarasota (952-1968). For the first time in Sarasota there will be a hands on class on the basic functions of Facebook. 6-8 p.m. every Monday, $30.

JEWELRY DESIGN CENTER, ACADEMY OF THE JEWELRY ARTS 4225 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota (925-3335). This school offers all sorts of classes on topics related to crafting jewelry, for learners at every level. Call for specific lessons, dates and times. Enrollment fees run $75-$399.

JOHNSON PHOTO IMAGING 6709 State Rd. 70 E., Bradenton (752-0550 or jpiphoto.com). Johnson Photo Imaging features fun, exciting ways to learn the tricks and techniques of taking better photographs. Offering classes that exposure you to the Fundamentals of photography, Focal Point classes for a more hands-on advanced experience, Animal Adventures for those looking for local field trips, Special Features with guest speakers or exclusive topics and for those who are more than adventuresome, Expeditions that could take you anywhere across the US or beyond.

KADAMPA MEDITATION CENTER 2016 N. Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota (373-1600 or meditationinsarasota.org). Breaking the Habit – Overcoming Addictive Tendencies: 7:30-9 p.m. Tuesdays; Learning Not to Retaliate: 10-11:30 a.m. Sundays; Create Peace lunchtime meditation: 12:15-12:45 p.m. daily. Call for cost.

KICKBOXING/TRX CARDIO Definition Fit Studio, 525 Lemon Ave., Sarasota (961-3271 or definitionfit.org). A one-hour sweat fest complete with heavy bag kickbox combos, cardio and core killer TRX. 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Sat. $15.

LET’S ROCK SARASOTA 3303 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota (870-7273 or letsrocksarasota.com). Let’s Rock Sarasota is a music school designed to offer weekly classes to kids of all skill levels and musical styles. Regular hours are 5-7 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat. Contact Julio Madrid for class schedules and costs.

LUNCH AT LAKEWOOD SCF Lakewood Ranch, 7131 Professional Parkway E., Lakewood Ranch (363-7000 or scf.edu). State College of Florida Corporate and Community Development will host a networking and training series this spring with food catered by Good Earth Natural Foods. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesdays. $9.

MANATEE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM Various locations (co.manatee.fl.us/library.com). The Manatee County library system will be offering a GED class to Manatee County residents. 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. every Tues. Contact for more information.

MANATEE TECHNICAL INSTITUTE 5603 34th St. W., Bradenton (751-7900, ext. 2043). MTI offers a variety of community education and enrichment classes, spanning painting to ballroom dancing, sign language, home remodeling, cooking, computers and basic marine mechanics. Call for more details.

MARIE SELBY BOTANICAL GARDENS 811 South Palm Ave., Sarasota (941-366-5731). Selby Gardens offers art, health and more classes. Call for times and dates

MEET THE COMPOSER College Hall Music Room, 351 College Drive, Sarasota (487-4155). Free.

MEN’S HEALTH The Renewal Point, 4905 Clark Road, Sarasota (926-4905 or therenewalpoint.com).Call for cost.

MUSIC CLASSES Allegro Music Academy, 241 Whitfield Ave., Sarasota (358-8511 or allegromusicacademy.com). The school is now enrolling new students for a variety of music and dance classes for children and adults. Call for more information.

PAINTING CLASS Bayfront Community Center, 803 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota (861-5000). Kathi Taylor leads this lesson 12:30-3:30 p.m. every Thurs. Enrollment is $6.

PALMETTO ART CENTER 907 5th St. W., Bradenton (518-2109 or palmettoartcenter.com). “Summer Camp 2010: Back to Basics” is a weekly camp that will focus on learning life skills such as sewing, cooking and painting, 2-4 p.m. Mon.-Fri. all summer, $75/week; ZUMBA and ZUMBA Tone fuse Latin dancing with light hand weights for a great all-over workout: 8:30-9:30 a.m. Mon. and Thurs., $7/class, $25/month. Go online for details.

PARENTING CLASSES Forty Carrots Family Center, 1500 S. Tuttle Ave., Sarasota (365-7716 or fortycarrots.org). Forty Carrots offers a variety of resources for parents and children during the first five years of life. Call for classes, dates, times and enrollment fees.

RAW RAW FOODS CLASSES 1330 Central Ave., Sarasota (720-2309 or floralconcept.com). Call for classes, dates and times.

REJUVENATIONS 2610 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota (554-8657 or rejuvenationscenter.com). Energy Enhancement classes with Yoga Instructor Susan Clare are held every Thursday from 9 to 10 a.m. Cost is $10 plus normal fees. A series of lectures entitled “Introductions to Understanding Spiritual Worlds” are given at various times. Contact for more information. Free.

RINGLING COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN 2700 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota (955-8866 or ringling.edu/CSSP). The college’s Continuing Studies and Special Programs department presents a variety of ongoing adult workshops and classes, teen studios and courses for children. Call or go online for details.

SARASOTA COUNTY GOVERNMENT Various locations, Sarasota County (861-5000 or scgov.net). The county offers an ongoing variety of classes, workshops, lectures and social events for all ages. Call for details and locations.

SARASOTA SCHOOL OF GLASS AND CRAFTS 999 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota (371-5492 or sarasotaschoolofglass.com). A variety of classes on stained glass, mosaics, glass blowing, beadmaking, sandblasting and more are available. Call for details.

SEXUALITY AND SENSUALITY SEMINARS June Tomaso-Wood, Sarasota (284-4268 or junetomaso-woodlcsw.com). LCSW sex therapist offering seminars for the self-assured women. Contact to register or for more details.

SMALL BUSINESS CLASSES ComCenter Lakewood Ranch, 9040 Town Center Parkway, Lakewood Ranch (758-2404 or foxbusinesstraining.com). Fox Business Training Institute offers a variety of classes on computers and technology, marketing, team building, business skills and management. Call or go online for more information.

SPIRITUAL FREEDOM Rising Tide International, 5102 Swift Road, Sarasota (923-7834 or risingtideinternational.org). A class with talks, poetry, meditation and Sufi practices is held at 7:30 p.m. every Tues.

TEACHING CERTIFICATION PREPARATION INFORMATION SESSION SCF Venice, 8000 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice (752-5264 or scf.edu/TeacherEd). People who have at least a bachelor’s degree with a non-education major, or teachers with temporary certificates who need professional course work are invited to attend this information session about the Alternative Certification Program (ACP). 6:30 p.m. June 23. Call for cost.

VENICE THEATRE 140 W. Tampa Ave., Venice (486-8679 or venicestage.com). Registration is now open for the Education and Outreach Department’s fall classes for pre-K children through adults. Programs run eight-to-ten weeks and cover all experience levels. Call for more information.

WANT TO IMPROVE YOUR WRITTEN AND VERBAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS? Sarasota Toastmasters Club, Frank Berlin YMCA, 1075 S. Eucild, Sarasota (377-1205). 7:30 a.m.-8:45 a.m. Wednesdays. Free.

THE WOMEN’S RESOURCE CENTER Various Locations, Sarasota County (366-1700 or thewomensresourcecenter.org). The center hosts and puts on countless educational programs, covering topics like how to start your own business and self-esteem, and branching out to almost any topic you can think of. Call or visit the website for specific information.

THE WORK Various locations, Sarasota and Manatee Counties (877-285-7142, 266-6905 or consciousregeneration.com). This presentation on the teachings of Gurdjieff and Ouspensky’s Fourth Way is 7-8:30 p.m. every Wed. The program is free.

ZAZEN Aspen Gold Dharma Center, 170 N. Lime Ave., Sarasota (aspengold.org or zen.meetup.com/21). A seated Zen meditation, known as Sanzenkai Zen service, is at 10 a.m. every Sun. There is also an introduction to Zen meditation at 7 p.m. every Wed. Go online for more info.

SPECIAL EVENTS

BIG GREEN BOX WEEK Various locations (shelterboxusa.org). Help bring awareness to how ShelterBox provides shelter, warmth and dignity to thousands of disaster survivors worldwide by patronizing selected businesses that will donate a portion of the proceeds. Through June 19. Go online for information.

DOWNTOWN SARASOTA FARMERS MARKET Lemon Avenue, between First Street and Pineapple Avenue (587-4985). Local food, drink and craft artisans display all things organic and creative. 7 a.m.-noon every Sat.

FATHER’S DAY PRIME RIB SPECIAL All Mattison’s locations (mattisons.com). Treat Dad to an herb and garlic encrusted Prime Rib served with Chef Paul Mattison’s mashed potatoes and fresh seasonal vegetables. June 20. Call for times and cost.

FRIDAY STROLL Main St. and Palm Ave., downtown Sarasota (928-9002). The first Friday of each month, downtown galleries shops and eateries stay open late for your browsing pleasure.

HUMANE SOCIETY OF MANATEE COUNTY 2515 14th St. W., Bradenton (747-8808 ext. 302 or humanemanatee.org). Humane Society of Manatee County is offering $5 off of the regular price for microchipping while your pet is being spayed or neutered at their clinic through June 30. Call for an appointment. $15 microchip with $35-$65 for spay/neuter; June is “Adopt a Shelter Cat Month,” with various savings on cat adoptions. All cats are spayed/neutered, microchipped, vaccinated and come with 30 days of free pet insurance. Go online for more information

HUMP DAY HAPPY HOUR Ivory Lounge, 1413 Main St., Sarasota (813-417-8131). Full Moon Promotions presents “Hump Day Happy Hour” with free buffet, drink specials and a live performance by singer and jack-of-all-trades, Jonathan Cortez. 5-8 p.m. every Wednesday. Free.

LAKEWOOD RANCH FARMERS MARKET Along Main Street, Lakewood Ranch (907-943 or shoplakewoodranchmainstreet.net). This seasonal market returns to Lakewood Ranch for its third season and runs 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Every Sat.

LUNCHBREAK ACUPUNCTURE The Hub, 1421 Blvd. of the Arts, Sarasota (opendooracupuncture.com). Skip that bag of chips and get your lunch on with a rejuvenating treatment that will balance your meridians. 12:30-2:30 p.m. every Tuesday. $20.

ROLLER DERBY BOUT: SARASOTA ROLLER GIRLS VS. ATLANTA TOXIC SHOCK GIRLS Stardust Skate Center, 2571 12th Street, Sarasota (365-6888 or stardustskatecenter.net). Bring a chair and get ready for some hard-hitting roller derby mayhem! One dollar from every ticket sale goes to Mote and the Oil Spill Response Fund. 6:30 p.m. doors, 7 p.m. performance by The Jetties, 8 p.m. bout June 19. $12.

SIESTA KEY FARMERS MARKET Davidson Drugs parking lot, 5124 Ocean Blvd., Siesta Village (320-4116 or siestafarmersmarket.com). The seasonal green market is back in swing 7 a.m.-noon every Sun., with local vendors, organic and natural produces, fresh coffee, live music and more.

STUDIO 41 Mattison’s Forty-One, 7275 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota (921-3400 or mattisons.com). Studio Forty-One is a regular weekly event Thurs.-Sat. from 9 p.m.-1 a.m.

THE BIG CHEESE AT MORTONS Morton’s Gourmet Market, 1924 S. Osprey Ave., Sarasota (955-9856 or mortonsmarket.com). This week of cheese-themed festivities will include cooking demos, tastings, wine/food pairings and special pricing on cheeses. Demos will take place nightly 4-7 p.m. June 15-18. Call for cost; Grand Cheese Tasting: 4-7 p.m. June 19, $10 advance, $15 door.

TRUCHARD WINE-PAIRING DINNER Mattison’s Forty-One, 7275 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota (921-3400 or mattisons.com). Enjoy a distinctive five-course dinner prepared by Chef Paul Mattison paired with exceptional wines from the Truchard Winery, a 30-year old family-owned winery in the Carneros region of Napa Valley in California. 6:30 p.m. June 17. $65.

BOOKS

ADVENTURE BOOK CLUB Environeers Outdoor Store, 5373 Fruitville Road, Sarasota (371-6208). Escape reality and be a mind traveler through the world of adventure books. Call to sign up and for more information.

CIRCLE BOOKS 478 John Ringling Blvd., St. Armands Circle, Sarasota (388-2850). Call for more information about book-signing events. All Circle Books events are free.

FLORIDA WRITERS ASSOCIATION’S YOUNG WRITERS GROUP Village Voices, 1010 10th Ave. W., Bradenton (748-6865 or floridawritersmanatee.blogspot.com or floridawriters.net). This group, open to all writers under 19, meets at 4 p.m. the second Saturday of the month. Call for information.

MANATEE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM Central Library, 1301 Barcarrota Blvd. W., Bradenton (748-5555 or mymanatee.org/library.html), Palmetto Branch Library, 923 Sixth St. W., Palmetto (722-3333), Braden River Branch Library, 4915 53rd Ave. E., Bradenton (727-6079). Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach (778-6341), Rocky Bluff Branch Library, 7016 U.S. 301, Ellenton (723-4821), South Manatee Branch Library, 6081 26th St. W., Bradenton (755-3892). Go online for more event information. All events are free.

SELBY PUBLIC LIBRARY 1331 First St., Sarasota (861-1100 or sclibs.net). Call 953-9539 for information. All events are free.

VOICES OF VENICE: OPEN MIC POETRY Sanddollar Bookstore, 272 Miami Ave. W., Venice (480-1930 or poetsrule.com). Linda Neckel White hosts this poetry reading event 7-9 p.m. every Thurs. Admission is free.

SPORTS/OUTDOORS/RECREATION

ABSOLUTE BOXING ACADEMY Ashton Business Center, 4463 Ashton Road Unit A (302-4181 or tonyspain.com). The school is offering a free introductory session.

AMERICAN LITTORAL SOCIETY Various locations, Sarasota (966-7308). Call for more information.

AQUARIAN QUEST Nokomis Beach Park, Albee Road Bridge, Nokomis (587-9313 or aquarianquest.org). Sail the 36-foot catamaran sloop Sea Dragon 5-7 p.m. every Sat. Cost is $30 adults, $15 for kids 12 and under.

BALLROOM DANCING The Ballroom of Sarasota, 5660 Swift Road, Sarasota (925-2411). There is a beginners class 7-8 p.m. every Mon., a lesson on technique 7-8 p.m. every Thurs. and a class for couples 7-8 p.m. every Fri. Call for more information.

BELLY DANCE CLASSES-EGYPTIAN STYLE Various Locations, Sarasota (321-0513). Nirvana teaches various skill levels every Mon. Beginners meet 6-7 p.m.; a fundamentals classes follows 7:15-8:30. Enrollment is $80 for six weeks of beginners’ classes and $40 for five weeks of the fundamentals.

BELLY DANCING Pink Palace, 3316 Webber St., Sarasota (587-6385 or southfloridabellydancers.com). Bethsheba Almah teaches beginning belly dancing classes at her Pink Palace noon-1 p.m. Sun. and 6-7 p.m. Mon. and Wed., and an advanced class 7-8 p.m. Mon. and Wed. Enrollment is $15 per class or $120 per eight weeks. Almah also leads a free class at Ringling College of Art and Design 9-10 p.m. every Wed. and a lesson at Anna Maria Community Center 1-2 p.m. every Sat., which costs $12 for center members and $15 for nonmembers. Almah also performs at Pegasus Greek Family Restaurant every Fri. and Sat. evening. Call for times.

BIRD NATURALIST PROGRAM Myakka River State Park, 13208 State Rd. 72, Myakka (361-6511). The 11th season of the volunteer program begins 9 a.m. Nov.1 and runs everyday though mid April.

CHAMPIONS MIXED MARTIAL ARTS 1980 First St., Bradenton (758-2857). Professional instruction for children ages 6-15 is available in everything from kickboxing to wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Call for more information.

CHERRY BLOSSOM EXOTIC POLE DANCING LESSONS Rosemary Court, 810 Central Ave., Sarasota (224-0110). Get in shape while channeling your inner stripper at these classes. Call for dates, times and enrollment fees.

CLUB SHUFFLE OF FLORIDA Various Locations, Sarasota, Nokomis and Venice (518-9945 or clubshuffle.com). This organization hosts poker games every night of the week. Check out the website to see a specific rundown on where to bring your game.

CONTACT IMPROVISATION Rising Tide 5102 Swift Road, Sarasota (923-7834 or contactimprovfl.org). This combination of dancing, yoga, massage and awareness is offered 7-9 p.m. every Sun. Beginners welcome. Each session is $7.

DANCE CLASS New College of Florida campus Fitness Center, 5800 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota (345-5755, 487-4218 or fuziondance.com). 5:30-7 p.m. every Wed., company members from Fuzion Dance Artists present a mixed-levels class, each week a different modern style. Cost is $12 or $40 for four sessions. 5:30-6:30 p.m. every Mon., there is a beginner-intermediate modern class. Cost is $7 for NCF students, $10 for non-students.

DANCE TRANCE SARASOTA Evalyn Sadlier Jones YMCA, 8301 Potter Park Drive, Sarasota (922-9622 or dancetrancefitness.com). Everyone is welcome to join this high energy fitness class at 5:30 p.m. every Mon. Each class is $13.

FREE STAND UP PADDLEBOARD DEMONSTRATIONS Bird Key Bayfront Park, John Ringling Causeway, Sarasota (954-1009). Discover the hottest new activity in watersports! Learn to paddle and tryout the widest selection of boards in the area. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays. Island Style Watersports is located at 2433 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 7 days a week. Free.

FRIENDS OF MYAKKA RIVER Myakka River State Park, Myakka (316-8139 or myakkariver.org) The Friends of Myakka River’s 2010 “Nature Adventure Series” will feature a dozen outdoor events through April. Contact for more information.

GIRLSCOUTS OF GULFCOAST FLORIDA Various locations, Sarasota County (921-5358 or gsgcf.org

INTERNATIONAL DANCERCISE Body & Soul Wellness Island, 1206 16th Ave. W., Bradenton Village of the Arts (228-1742). 5:30-6:30 p.m. every Tues., get fit with routines that incorporate different cultures. A $10 donation is requested.

I TRAIN YOUR KIDS SUMMER CAMP Sarasota Extreme Fitness, 325 School Ave., Sarasota (735-5822 or itrainyourkids.com). A fun and healthy kids summer camp open to all fitness levels that emphasizes a healthy lifestyle that includes eating right and being active. 8 a.m.-noon through August 20. $145 per week.

LULLY MAC BALLET SCHOOL 1308 S. Tamiami Trail, Osprey (237-8373 or lullymacballetschool.com). This school offers Latin dance aerobics, recreational ballet, jazz/hip-hop and stretch and strengthen classes for adults throughout the year. Call for specific class information, dates, and prices.

MANATEE-SARASOTA SIERRA CLUB ACTIVITIES Various locations (493-3085). Call for information.

MASTERS SWIM PROGRAM Arlington Park & Aquatic Center, 2050 Waldemere St., Sarasota (316-1346). National organization offering organized swim workouts, competitions, clinics and workshops for ages 18 and over. Contact for more information.

MYAKKA RIVER BY NIGHT (346-0891). For those adventurous souls that want to paddle the Myakka River by night, Dick Pfaff, local guide and kayak instructor will be holding two-hour full moon trips through March. Contact for more info.

NORDIC POLE WALKING CLASSES Foot Solutions Sarasota, 5519 Palmer Crossing Circle, Sarasota (927-9629). Foot Solutions is conducting this 10-class program at 7:45 a.m. Sat. mornings. Enrollment is $5 per class.

ROSEMARY COURT WELLNESS CENTER 800-830 Central Ave., Sarasota (952-5280 or rosemarycourt.com). A variety of yoga and Pilates classes are offered on an ongoing basis. Call for details.

SARASOTA AUDOBON SOCIETY Various locations throughout the county.

SARASOTA LEARN-TO-DANCE Indigo Hotel, 1223 Blvd. of the Arts, Sarasota (400-7207). Learn wedding dances like the fox trot, tango and more at 6:15 p.m. and Latin dance at 7:30 p.m. the third Wed. of the month. Cost is $5 for each session.

SARASOTA SHELL CLUB Mote Marine Aquarium, 3rd Floor Buchanan Room, 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota (492-5296 or sarasotashellclub.com). Monthly meetings for those interested in shells, shelling or beach combing.

SUNSET SAFARI Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary, 7101 Palmer Blvd., Sarasota (371-6377 or bigcathabitat.org). Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary conduct a guided safari with an educational animal demonstration. 6:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat. through October. $20, $10 children.

THIRD SATURDAY STROLL Sarasota Succulent Society, 1310 38th St., Sarasota (924-2703). The gardens and historic home site open for visitors 9 a.m.-noon the third Sat. of the month and 9 a.m.-noon every Mon. Admission is free.

ULTIMATE-U TEEN FITNESS CHALLENGE Bee Ridge Park, 4430 S. Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota (726-4580 or ultimate-u.com). 5-6 p.m. every Fri., residents ages 12-17 are invited to this boot camp for teens that includes body weight exercises, games, relays and more. The event is free.

MUSEUMS/ATTRACTIONS

BIG CAT HABITAT AND GULF COAST SANCTUARY 7101 Palmer Blvd., Sarasota (371-6377 or bigcathabitat.org). The attraction re-opens for the season, offering weekend open houses and educational training demonstrations featuring lions, bears, primates, birds, goats, tortoises and more. Shows are at 12:30 p.m. every Sat.-Sun. Admission is $12 adults, $10 seniors, $5 for children 12 and under.

BISHOP PLANETARIUM 201 10th St. W., Bradenton (746-4131 or southfloridamuseum.org/planetarium). A state-of-the-art, all digital full dome planetarium and theater featuring astronomy presentations, sound and light shows, this longtime attraction showcases a rotating lineup of daily entertainment. New to the planetarium: Narrated by Rene Auberjonois, that mush-faced dude from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Extreme Planets provides viewers with a gander at what worlds outside our solar system might look like, projected across the planetarium’s giant dome. We’ve already discovered hundreds of planets beyond our little neck of the galactic woods that might be ripe for extra-terrestrial life; this display of science fact will tell you why, along with some fantastical imaginings about molten lava planets and water-worlds free from mullets, oil pirates and bad acting. Hopefully they’ll throw in a blast of the Houses of the Holy laser-light show at the end to clear the 45 minutes of learning from our brains. Bishop acquired a 50-year lease of the show thanks to donors Dan and Becky Pope, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to catch Extreme Planets. Call or go online for various show information and showtimes. Admission is $15.95 for adults, $13.95 for seniors 60 and up, $11.95 for children 4-12, and free for kids under 4 with an adult.

BUCKO’S MUSEUM 1923 Myrtle St., Sarasota (355-7644 or buckos.net). Founded in 1960 as an Army-Navy store, Bucko’s is today both a new and used furniture store and a showcase for assorted curios from the past. The arcane is king at this disorganized, intriguing jumble of objects. Hours are 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri. Admission is free.

THE CHILDREN’S GARDEN 1670 10th Way, Sarasota (330-1711 or sarasotachildrensgarden.com). With whimsical, delightful sections such as the Sunflower House, Safari Land, Moon Garden, Flamingo Road and Mint Mountain, you’re unlikely to find another local park or garden like it. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sun. Admission is $10 for ages 13 and up, $5 for ages 3-12 and free for kids under 3.

CROWLEY MUSEUM & NATURE CENTER 16405 Myakka Road, Sarasota (322-1000 or crowleymuseumnaturectr.org). Crowley, a nature and pioneer history center, boasts no less than five native Florida habitats, a half-mile-long boardwalk and an observation tower overlooking the scenic Myakka River. New to the center: A sustainable, muscadine grape vineyard, installed in cooperation with the University of Florida IFAS Extension Service, Florida A&M University’s Center for Viticulture and Small Fruit Research, and the Rosa Fiorelli Winery. All types of volunteers are needed at the nature center — gift shop attendants, outdoor handypersons and tour guides among them. Normal center hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thurs.-Sun. Regular admission is $7 for adults, $3 for ages 5-12, and free for children under 5 and members.

ELLENTON ICE AND SPORTS COMPLEX 5309 29th St. E., Ellenton (723-3663 or ellentonice.com). The 15,000-square-foot site features two NHL-sized rinks for public and inline ice skating, youth and high school ice hockey league opportunities, and a health and fitness center. Hours and prices vary.

FAMILY HERITAGE HOUSE MUSEUM State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota, 5840 26th St. W., Bradenton (752-5319 or scf.edu). Since 1990, the Heritage House has collected a wide array of artifacts and literature about the history and culture of African-Americans. Hours are 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tues.-Thurs. Admission is free.

FELTS AUDUBON PRESERVE 4600 24th Ave. E., Palmetto (729-2222 or manateeaudubon.org). The Manatee County Audubon Society opens up this bird preserve 8 a.m.-noon the first Sat. of every month. Admission is free.

FLORIDA EVER-GLIDES 200 S. Washington Blvd., Ste. 11, Sarasota (363-9556 or floridaever-glides.com). This Segway tour company offers all kinds of guided rides through historic downtown and out to the beaches. Trips leave at all hours; prices vary with the tour.

FLORIDA GULF COAST RAILROAD MUSEUM U.S. 301 and 83rd Street E., Parrish (776-0906, 877-869-0800 or fgcrrm.org). Take a train ride through a section of Manatee County on an antique diesel locomotive, learning facts and history along the way. The 90-minute trips depart at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Sat. and Sun. Fares are $10 for adults, $6 for ages 3-11 and free for children 2 and younger.

G.WIZ 1001 Blvd. of the Arts, Sarasota (309-4949 or gwiz.org). There are 85 permanent science exhibits for kids here, spread over two floors and located just outside of downtown. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat. and noon-5 p.m. Sun. Admission costs $16 for ages 19 and up, $14 for seniors 65 and over, $11 for ages 3-18 and free for kids under 3; members receive discounts.

HISTORIC SPANISH POINT 337 N. Tamiami Trail, Osprey (966-5214 or historicspanishpoint.org). Burial mounds thousands of years old, a restored 19th-century pioneer home and some elaborate gardens are set against the backdrop of south Sarasota County wilderness. This site is convenient enough for a day trip, but offers enough middle-of-nowhere charm to keep visitors coming back. Hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat. and noon-5 p.m. Sun. Regular admission is $9, $8 for Florida residents and seniors 65 and over, $3 for kids ages 6-12 and free for children under 6 and Spanish Point members.

THE JOHN AND MABLE RINGLING MUSEUM OF ART 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota (358-3180, 359-5700 or ringling.org). If you’re a local, you already know about it. If you’re a tourist, you probably plan on seeing it. Here’s what you can expect: In the permanent collection are works by Rubens, Poussin, Hals and others. More than 10,000 works are on display, as is Cà d’Zan, the winter residence of circus magnate John Ringling, and a work of art itself. Custom iPod audio tours of the mansion are available. Elsewhere on the grounds is the Circus Museum, which features costumes, a circus-in-miniature and the 1952 film The Greatest Show on Earth (filmed in Sarasota) running in a continuous loop. The Circus Museum’s Tibbals Learning Center is also open, spotlighting Howard C. Tibbals’ enormous miniature circus. The intricately detailed re-creation covers 3,800 square feet and features models of more than 1,500 circus performers and staff. New to the Circus Museum is the Wisconsin, the Ringlings’ private railcar. The museum offers family-friendly programs, activities and tours 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Saturdays; call or go online for details. Hours are 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily. Admission is $19 for adults, $16 for seniors 65 and up, $6 for active U.S. military members and for kids ages 6-17 and free for children 5 and under and museum members. Guests can also contribute an additional $1 to help museum preservation. Admission to the art museum is free for all every Mon.

LEBARGE TROPICAL CRUISES U.S. 41 at Marina Jack’s, Sarasota (366-6116 or lebargetropicalcruises.com). A fun and unusual way of exploring Sarasota’s marine life and history, LeBarge offers three different tours in addition to private charters, special events and late-night cruises. Dolphin watch cruises depart at 11 a.m. Mon.-Sat.; narrated sight-seeing cruises depart at 2 p.m. daily; sunset cruises with live entertainment, a light menu and a full bar depart between 5 and 7 p.m. Mon.-Sat. Admission is $18 for the dolphin and narrated cruises ($13 for children 12 and younger) and $20 all ages for the sunset cruise (children 3 and younger ride free).

LEGACY TRAIL Various points of entry south of Clark Road in Sarasota to Center Road in Venice (861-5000 or scg.co.sarasota.fl.us/rails-to-trails). We’re still a year out before Sarasota County’s massive Legacy Trail nears completion, but the framework is in place and people are already strolling, jogging and biking down the pastoral 10.5 mile stretch. The former CSX Transportation railroad corridor runs from just south of Clark Road to Center Road in Venice, broken only by old railroad trestles slated for replacement or rehabilitation next year. Although you can access the path at a dozen locations, parking at the end points can be a pain; the county’s recent purchase of 10 acres on the south terminus of Legacy will remedy half that problem fairly quickly. Slather on the sunscreen and slap on a hat for a weekend jaunt down Sarasota’s entrée into suburban hiking. The attraction is free.

LEMON BAY PARK AND ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER 570 Bay Park Blvd., Englewood (474-3065). A favorite location for weddings, this 204-acre picturesque park is dedicated to nature study and has an environmental center where classes are held regularly. Also, guests can enjoy the butterfly garden, fishing, nature trails and picnicking on the grounds. Hours vary.

MARIE SELBY BOTANICAL GARDENS 900 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota (366-5731 or selby.org). The orchid collection, numbering over 6,000, lies just past the garden’s entrance. Beyond that is the bamboo pavilion, koi pond, Banyan Grove, Succulent and Cactus Garden and other picture-perfect displays. This is a great place for plant and outdoor enthusiasts, tourists, out-of-town guests, and anyone seeking solace from the daily grind. There are also numerous art classes being put on by the garden, focused on techniques for painting the site’s own collections, along with horticulture, photography, and health and discovery courses. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Free admission for fathers and grandfathers on Father’s Day, June 20. $17 adults, $6 ages 6-11 and free for members and kids under 6.

MOTE MARINE LABORATORY 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota (388-4441, 800-691-MOTE or mote.org). Mote’s aquarium features everything from the cute-and-cuddly (puffer fish and seahorses) to the strange and mysterious (sharks and anglerfish). Once you’re done staring at the fish from land, get on the water for a pelican’s-eye view, either aboard Mote’s 40-foot pontoon boat or on a guided kayak tour. Visit the Mammal Center, where Mote biologists rehabilitate sea turtles, whales and dolphins. Lastly, check out the giant (dead) squid on display, preserved in all its colossal-eyed grandeur. Mote always needs volunteers to work with the public in the Aquarium and support educational or research efforts. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Lab admission costs $17 for adults and ages 13 and up, $16 for seniors over 65, $12 for ages 4-12, and free for kids under 4 and members.

MYAKKA RIVER STATE PARK 13208 S.R. 72, Sarasota (361-6511 or myakkariver.org). Roughly 50 square miles of wilderness constitute this, one of Florida’s oldest and largest state parks. Developed in the ’30s, many of the historical buildings (including five rental log cabins) are still in use. Guided tours, bikes, kayaks and canoes are all available for a fee. You may need to use all of them, too; with 39 miles of trails, there is a lot of ground to cover here. Hours are 8 a.m.-sunset daily. Entrance to the park is $5 per carload.

OSCAR SCHERER STATE PARK 1843 S. Tamiami Trail, Osprey (483-5956 or floridastateparks.org/oscarscherer). This park stretches over 1,300 acres and features scrubby flatwoods, mesic flatwoods, tracts of depression marshes, pine forests and a blackwater stream called South Creek. Florida scrub jays abound here, along with bobcats, river otters, bald eagles and alligators. Take the self-guided nature trail, dip into the freshwater lake, rent canoes or have a picnic at this lovely park. Also on the premises is the Lester Finley Nature Trail, specially built to accommodate the needs of people with disabilities. Birdwalks are held every Thursday at 8 a.m. through April, cost is park admission. Hours are 8 a.m.-sunset. Admission is $4 per carload of up to eight people.

SARASOTA COUNTY HISTORY CENTER 6062 Porter Way, Sarasota (861-1180, 355-7637 or scg.co.sarasota.fl.us/Historical_Resources). The center presents a variety of exhibits paying tribute to the SRQ’s heritage. Call for hours and more information.

SARASOTA JUNGLE GARDENS 3701 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota (355-5305 or sarasotajunglegardens.com). Featuring 10 acres of native and exotic plants, jungle animals, reptiles and birds, and a petting zoo. Hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Admission is $12 for adults, $11 for seniors, $8 for ages 3-12 and free for children 2 and younger.

SEMINOLE GULF RAILWAY Colonial Station, 2805 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers (239-275-8487 or semgulf.com). 6:30 p.m. every Fri.-Sat., take the “Hard Day’s Death”-themed dinner ride, when a mop-top rock group takes the train by storm. Tickets are $59-$69. 6:30 p.m. every Wed.-Thurs. and 5:30 p.m. Sun., experience “Caloosa Get Your Gun.” Tickets are $59. Two-hour excursion trains run 10:30 a.m. Wed. and Sat. and 1 p.m. Sun. Tickets are $19.95 adults, $11.95 for children ages 3-12. Call for more information.

SHAMROCK PARK AND NATURE CENTER 3900 W. Shamrock Drive, Venice (486-2706 or 316-1172). Eighty-two glorious acres offering fun activities for active and non-active types alike. Sporty types can jog the trails and play tennis or basketball. Those less inclined to break a sweat can take leisurely strolls through preserved natural habitats for endangered plants and animals, or just swing at the playground. Nature study classes are offered at the environmental center. Call for hours and admission prices.

SOUTH FLORIDA MUSEUM 201 10th St. W., Bradenton (746-4131 or southfloridamuseum.org). This museum houses the most comprehensive collection of material from archaeological sites in Florida, much of it from the Paleoindian period through the Conquest. There’s also the beloved manatee, Snooty, who has become something of a minor celebrity over the years. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sat. and noon-5 p.m. Sun. Admission is $15.95 for adults, $13.95 for seniors, $11.95 for kids ages 5-12, and free for kids under 4 and members of the Museum Friends Program.

STARDUST EVENT CENTER 2571 12th St., Sarasota (365-6888 or stardusteventcenter.com). This longtime skate rink-turned-all-purpose event center hosts a variety of family-themed activities, in addition to regular roller and inline skate sessions. Skate session dates and times, admission fees and special event details vary. Call or go online for details.

SOCIAL/NETWORKING/POLITICAL GROUPS

COALITION OF CITY NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATIONS Waldemere Fire Station, Corner of Waldemere and East Ave, Sarasota (955-0790). Meets the first Saturday of each month. Call for information.

THE DEMOCRATIC CLUB OF SARASOTA Various locations (379-9233 or sarasotadems.com).

THE DEMOCRATIC WOMEN’S CLUB OF MANATEE COUNTY Westminster Manor, 1700 21st Ave. W., Bradenton (795-7608).

THE DEMOCRATIC WOMEN’S CLUB OF SARASOTA COUNTY SCDP Headquarters, 7358 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota (379-9916 or dwcsc.org). All Democratic women are invited to attend the club’s monthly meeting. 7 p.m. June 22. Call for cost.

DIVA ANGELS This group of female motorcycle enthusiasts presents a social hour at 6 p.m. and meets at 7 p.m. the third Tues. of the month. They also host a ride the first Sun. of the month, and a dinner ride the second Wednesday of the month.

THE GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Mattison’s Forty-One, 7275 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota (955-8187 or sarasotachamber.com). PHL: Power Hour Live is a networking event for Chamber members. 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. June 23. $15 advance, $20 door.

MANASOTA~88 MEETING Bayfront Community Center, 803 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota (966-6256 or manasota88.org). ManaSota-88, a 501.c3 not-for-profit organization, is dedicated to the protection of the public’s health and the environment.

NORTH SARASOTA BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S CLUB North Sarasota County Library, 2801 Newtown Blvd., Sarasota (351-8155 or 351-5131). The group meets at 5:30 p.m. the second Thurs. of the month. Call for more information.

NOW SARASOTA-MANATEE CHAPTER Selby Public Library, 1331 First St., Sarasota (726-6623). The National Organization for Women meets 6:30-7:45 p.m. the third Tues. of the month.

POSITIVELY SPEAKING TOASTMASTERS Episcopal Church of the Nativity, 5900 N. Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota (927-5665 or posspeaking.freetoast.org). Develop your public speaking skills at 6 p.m. every Fri. Guests are welcome.

SANGHA LEADS CLUB I Am Center, 1918 Robinhood St., Sarasota (markmarvell.com). Small business owners, sales and marketing folks are invited to join this new, weekly organization encouraging local business empowerment and development. Go online for information. Fee is $5.

SARASOTA COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY Various locations (330-9400 or sarasotadems.org).

SARASOTA EVENING TOASTMASTERS CLUB Sarasota County Terrace Building, 101 S. Washington Blvd., 10th floor, Sarasota (362-3607). Sharpen your communication and leadership skills 6-7:30 p.m. every Wed. The initial visit is free.

SARASOTA FOOD NOT BOMBS Five Points Park, downtown Sarasota (). Fight poverty and militarism by bringing a vegetarian dish to this weekly potluck at 6 p.m. every Fri.

SARASOTA SUCCULENT SOCIETY Sarasota Garden Club, 1131 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota (924-2703). The group meets at 7:30 p.m. the first Tues. of the month.

THE SOUTH COUNTY ROAD RIDERS Honda, 811 Tamiami Trail, By-Pass, Venice (496-4197 or 416-0026). Motorcycle club meets to raise money for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation every second Tuesday. Call for information.

VENICE DEMOCRATIC CLUB United Church of Christ, Naar Hall, 620 Shamrock Blvd., Venice (492-5965 or venicedemocrats.org). The club meets the fourth Sat. of the month. 12:30 p.m. May 22. Call for cost.

THE WELCOME CLUB OF SARASOTA Laurel Oak Country Club, 2700 Gary Player Blvd., Sarasota (776-3899 or welcomeclubsarasota.tripod.com). This group welcomes newcomers to Sarasota and Manatee counties with a guest speaker and a luncheon at 11:30 a.m. every fourth Thurs. Reservations are required, and cost $20.

WOMEN WITH MOXIE Southgate Community Center, 3145 South Gate Circle, Sarasota (womenwithmoxie.com). This group for local business women meets 7-9 p.m. on the second Wed. of the month. Moxie Night is 5:30-8 p.m. every Tues. at Towles Court’s Canvas Café, including drink specials.

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS GROUP Whole Foods Market, 1451 1st St., Sarasota (955-8187 or sarasotachamber.com). YPG Food & Wine Club meets for the Top 10 Summer Wine and Cheese Tasting. 6-8 p.m. June 21. $25, $20 members.

SUPPORT GROUPS/VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

AARP SENIOR COMMUNITY SERVICE EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM 73 S. Palm Ave., Ste. 225, Sarasota (366-9039). This program has been designed to help those 55 and older with limited financial resources find work. Participating seniors work part-time with local agencies while receiving paid training and personalized employment assistance to help them find better paying jobs. Enrollment in the program is completely free. There is an informational seminar 10 a.m.-noon every Wed.

ALSO OUT SUPPORT GROUP 1470 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota (951-2576 or alsoyouth.org). ALSO Out Youth is a support group for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youths. They have different programs available; get in touch for more information.

AMERICAN RED CROSS Various locations (379-9300 ext. 226 or flwestcoastredcross.org). Volunteers are needed to work in local evacuation shelters in the event they are opened for a tropical storm or hurricane. Qualifications for becoming a shelter volunteer include being in good physical condition, the ability and willingness to be at a designated shelter pre storm landfall through the time the storm passes and shelter residents are released to go home and attendance to a three hour orientation and training. Call for more information.

CAMELOT COMMUNITY CARE, INC. 239 U.S. 301 Blvd. E., Ste. A, Bradenton (708-9764 or camelotcommunitycare.org). Camelot is always looking for bighearted therapeutic foster parents and is seeking out individuals, local businesses and community organizations to “sponsor” a child as part of their Secret Santa program.

FLORIDA HOUSE LEARNING CENTER 4600 Beneva Road S., Sarasota (316-1200). Volunteers are needed to help teach visitors about resource conservation and Florida-friendly lifestyles. Call for more information.

FORTY CARROTS FAMILY CENTER 1500 S. Tuttle Ave., Sarasota (365-7716 or fortycarrots.org). Forty Carrots hosts a wealth of programs for young children and their caregivers. Call or, better yet, check out the website for details.

GIRL SCOUTS OF GULFCOAST FLORIDA 4780 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota (921-5358, ext. 325, 318 or gsgcf.org). The Girl Scouts are always on the lookout for dependable adult female role models, and the need for mentors for middle school girls is especially great this fall.

GUARDIAN AD LITEM PROGRAM Various Locations, Manatee County (744-9473 or 12circuitgal.org). This group offers supervision and support to the staggering number of children in the dependency system of local courts. Call or visit the website to find out how you can help.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY 1757 N. East Ave., Sarasota (365-0700 or sarasotahabitat.com). Habitat is always looking for volunteers to help out with its countless construction projects in the area. Call for more information.

HOMELESS OUTREACH Behind The Salvation Army, 911 Central Ave., Sarasota (879-5477 or brothersservingchrist.org). Brothers Serving Christ and The Salvation Army are teaming up for homeless outreach by collecting donations of clothing, toiletries and cash. You can drop stuff off at the above address noon-5 p.m. every Tues. and Thurs.

INSTRIDE THERAPY 1621 Ranch Road, Nokomis (412-9333 or instridetherapy.org). Formerly known as the Smith Center for Therapeutic Riding, this equine-assisted therapy center is looking for volunteers to work on everything from running programs to maintaining facilities and taking care of horses.

MAYORS’ FEED THE HUNGRY PROGRAM (364-7440 or mayorsfeedthehungry.org). The annual program once again needs your help. A gift of $10 provides a meal for one, $20 for two, $50 for five and up. Call or go online for information.

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD (407-852-3727 or samaritanspurse.org). Call or go online to learn how you can participate in the Christian relief organization’s effort to benefit Sarasota families.

PHYSICIANS CARE CLINICAL RESEARCH 1918 Robinhood St., Sarasota (954-2355 or pccrsarsota.com).

SAFE PLACE RAPE AND CRISIS CENTER 2139 Main St., Sarasota (739-6290). SPARCC hosts a Survivors of Incest and Sexual Abuse (SISA) support group for women 6-7:15 p.m. the last Mon. of the month and 2:30-4 p.m. the first Thurs.

SARASOTA SCI SUPPORT GROUP HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital, 6400 Edgelake Drive, Sarasota (921-8600 or scisupportgroup.webs.com). This supportive network for people who have experienced spinal cord injuries meets at 6 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month. Free.

SCOPE Center for Arts and Humanities, 1226 N. Tamiami Trail, Ste. 202, Sarasota (365-8751 or scopeexcel.org). Sarasota County Openly Plans for Excellence is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to engage local residents in planning for the future and enhancing the quality of life in Sarasota County.

SCORE MANASOTA CHAPTER 2801 Fruitville Road, Suite 280, Sarasota (955-1029 or score-suncoast.org). These nonprofit Counselors to America’s Small Business need help with the public service they offer the community. Call for more information.

SENIOR FRIENDSHIP CENTER 1888 Brother Geenen Way, Sarasota (955-2122, 866-955-2122 or seniorfriendship.com). The center puts on a variety of clinics and programs for seniors interested in maintaining their health, such as free screenings, diabetes information, etc. Please contact them for more information about specific events.

STATE COLLEGE OF FLORIDA, MANATEE-SARASOTA Various locations, Sarasota and Manatee Counties (752-5208 or scf.edu). The Bradenton, Venice and Lakewood Ranch campuses need volunteers to serve in a variety of capacities, from working in the library, bookstore or registration office to helping out with theater and athletic events and making interview calls. Call or go online for information.

SW FLORIDA MYOSITIS SUPPORT GROUP Sarasota Memorial Hospital Healthplex, Clark Road, Sarasota (794-8350). KIT (Keep In Touch) meets each quarter, to share what their lives are like as they cope with this disease. Call for time. Free.

TRANSITIONS SUPPORT GROUP United Church of Christ, 3700 26th St. W., Bradenton; USF Sarasota-Manatee Campus, 8350 N. Tamiami Trail, Room 242 B, Sarasota (739-7103, 309-0200 or transitionsfvs.org/support.html). This grief support group meets 5-6:30 p.m. every Sun. at United Church of Christ and 5-6 p.m. every Wed. at USF Sarasota-Manatee to discuss life changes and how to cope. Free.

THE WELLNESS COMMUNITY OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA Various Locations, Sarasota County (921-5539 or wellness-swfl.org). This organization provides free support and education for those affected by cancer. Contact the group for a more thorough idea of the group’s outreach programs.

VENICE THEATRE 140 W. Tampa Ave., Venice (484-4033 or venicestage.com). Volunteers are needed the AACT International 2010 Festival. June 22-27. Email Linda Mounce at for more information.

WSLR 96.5 LPFM (894-6469 or wslr.org). Sarasota’s community radio station needs help doing a variety of tasks, from manning booths at area farmers’ markets to helping out in the studio. Call to find out specifically how you can contribute.

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The List: Every event worth listing Thurs., June 17-Wed., June 23