Market goes weekly
The Bridge Street Market will be open every Saturday during February from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 107 Bridge St. in Bradenton Beach. The next market on Saturday, Feb. 6, features a wide variety of items for souvenirs, gifts and décor. While you’re shopping, enjoy a fish taco and listen to the sounds of Larry Wilhelm as you stroll around looking for fresh produce, soap, jewelry, beach art, T-shirts, arts and crafts, purses, baby items, scarves, signs, wood art, air plants, photography, shells, and much more. Amanda will be there with chair massages and you can pick up a quick and tasty lunch.
The Historic Bridge Street Merchants are also collecting funds for Haiti and will be selling chance tickets for the American Cancer Society Relay for Life. Clip the ad in this week's Sun listing the winter/spring dates. Come by trolley and reduce your “carbon footprint.” For vendor information, contact Nancy Ambrose at 941-518-4431 or nancy@islandsandbeaches.com.
Library Friends hold book sale
The Friends of the Island Branch Library will hold their annual book sale on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 5 and 6, at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. There will be bargains galore, and whether you’re looking for fiction, non-fiction, children’s books, or audiovisual materials you’re sure to find something you’ll like.
The sale on Friday is for Friends of the Island Branch Library members only and it runs from 4 to 6 p.m. Anybody can join or renew their membership at the door. The sale on Saturday is open to the public and it runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
For more information, contact the library at 778-6341.
Play cards, eat dessert
The St. Bernard Women’s Catholic Church Women Annual Winter Card/Dessert Party will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 4, in the church activity center at 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. Mark your calendar and join friends for an enjoyable afternoon of cards, games and homemade desserts. Bring your playing cards, scorecards or favorite board game. A donation of $10 is requested. Tickets are available by calling the church office at 778-4769 or at the door.
Church program returns
The Over 39ers are back at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6608 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Everyone is invited to attend this adult ministry on Fridays at 11 a.m. Bring a lunch and your favorite game. Drinks will be provided. For more information, call 778-1813.
White elephant sale
The Women of the Episcopal Church of the Annunciation are holding their huge White Elephant Sale on Saturday, Feb. 6 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The sale features books, jewelry, housewares, small appliances, linens, baked goods, and the church’s famous pickles, made from a secret church recipe for the last 35 years. The church is located at 4408 Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach. Parking is available in the front and also in a lot at the rear. Chairing the sale are Regina Percy of Anna Maria and Sue Hookom of Holmes Beach. Proceeds from the sale are distributed to various charities.
Author to sign books
Jean Peelen, of Holmes Beach, will hold a book signing on Saturday, Feb. 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Back Alley, 121 Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach. Peelen has co-authored the national award-winning books “Invisible no More: the Secret Lives of Women Over 50” and “Saving the Best for Last: Creating Our Lives After 50.”
Stamps on exhibit
The Sarasota Philatelic Club will hold its annual Sarasota National Stamp Exhibition at the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, 801 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 5 and 6, from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and on Sunday, Feb. 7, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Admission and parking are free. Call Sy Bricker at 907-6604 for more information.
Human Rights Day celebration Friday
Church Women United of Manatee will meet on Friday, Feb. 6, for Human Rights Day Celebration at the Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Coffee hospitality starts at 9:30 a.m. The theme is “Living the Challenge – Differently Enabled, Uniquely Called.” Everyone is welcome.
Wet adventure at preserve
Manatee County’s Natural Resources Department will offer a special early afternoon canoe and kayak paddle trip through Robinson Preserve on Saturday, Feb. 6, from 2 to 4 p.m. This is a perfect paddle for anyone who would like to learn more about coastal Florida’s ecosystems and marine life. Individuals wishing to participate must bring their own canoe or kayak. Children under the age of 16 must wear personal safety gear. Sunscreen, hat, water and bug spray are also recommended for this trip. Reservations are required. To make a reservation, e-mail suwanna.blakey@mymanatee.org or call 941-742-5757, ext. 7.
Boat classes scheduled
The Anna Maria Island Sail and Power Squadron is hosting the following boating courses in February.
• The America’s Boating course, a two-part boating safety course on Saturday, Feb. 6 and 13 (you must attend both dates) from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The fee is $35 per person or $65 per couple.
The course provides an overview of various aspects of boating safety. This course qualifies you for a Florida boating education certificate.
• A CHART SMART Seminar on Tuesday, Feb. 9, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. The fee is $10 per person. Learn how to read and use charts correctly for safe boating.
• A GPS Seminar on Wednesday, Feb. 17, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., the fee is $10 per person. Learn the basics of how to use a GPS for safe boating.
All classes are held at the squadron building located at 1200 71st St. N.W., Bradenton. Pre-registration is required. Contact Gloria 941-795-0482 to register.
Nosh with the rabbi
The community is invited to join Congregation Ner Tamid on Sunday, Feb. 7, for a delicious brunch and discussion with Rabbi Barbara Aiello. The traditional bagels and lox brunch begins at 10 a.m. at Lakeside South Clubhouse, 3817 40th Ave. W., Bradenton and continues with a lively presentation and question and answer program. Rabbi Aiello will share her thoughts on Jewish - Christian relations. As the first woman rabbi and first non-orthodox rabbi in Italy, Rabbi Barbara has traveled extensively throughout Europe and has seen important changes with regard to anti-Semitism there.
For details and reservations, log onto www.nertamidflorida.org or call 941-755-1231.
