BRADENTON BEACH – Annie Silver Community Center members were unable to elect a president at their board meeting on Nov. 15 due to a lack of attendance.
During its first post-COVID-19 meeting on Sept. 27 after a break of more than a year, the board addressed issues including replacing retiring president Linda Yarger, whose last official day was Sept. 30.
Annie Silver, a 501(c)(3) non-profit community center, is overseen by a board consisting of a president (currently vacant), Vice President Jim Hassett, Treasurer Dianne Coates and Secretary Judy Pruitt. Hassett expressed willingness to take over the role of president, which would require some reshuffling to fill the vice president position, but any changes require a vote by members. The vote will have to wait until at least Dec. 6 when the board has its next scheduled meeting.
Although a vote did not take place, members discussed business, including a change in the zoning status of the center. Previously, Annie Silver was designated as residential property. According to Hassett, that is being changed to city commercial status by the Bradenton Beach Building and Planning Department.
“The city commercial status basically means if someone would ever want to buy it and turn it back into residential, it would be up to them to appeal to the city,” said Hassett, who also said this change did not cost the center any money.
Annie Silver Community Center has served the Bradenton Beach community for more than 65 years. It was named for its founder, Annie Silver, whose life and accomplishments adorn the walls of the center in honor of her many contributions to the Island and its residents. The center can be rented out for just about any event free of charge, although a charitable donation is requested to offset operating costs. Wedding receptions, youth activities and meetings of the AMI Privateers are common at the center.
Island residents will also be happy to hear that bingo will be returning to the center in mid-January. Bingo is not only a favorite pastime in Bradenton Beach, but it is the primary source of income for Annie Silver. Due to COVID-19, there hasn’t been any bingo for more than a year. More details on exact dates and times will be determined at future meetings.
The next event will be the center’s bi-annual book sale and potluck which will be held Nov. 26-27 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will benefit Senior Adventures.
