EVENTS
READING OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE - The second annual reading of the Declaration of Independence, July 4, 10 a.m., at Siesta Harbor Association Club House, 6289 Midnight Pass Rd., Siesta Key. Light refreshments. Special guest: Capt. Robert O’Neill, SS USN retired, who was present at Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941 and served 37 years in the U.S. Navy. Call Kimberly at 349-2949; seats are limited to first 60 reservations.
BOWLING FOR THE CURE - Fundraiser to be held at the AMF Gulf Gate Lanes on July 11, 2-4 p.m. Sponsors want to raise $4,600 to participate in the 3-Day Breast Cancer Walk in Tampa in October. Donation: $25 per person, includes shoes and 2 hours of bowling. Call 730-6770 or 400-0182; e-mail denisemcdon@aol.com or Erin_hall@comcast.net. Sign up by July 6.
BASTILLE DAY CELEBRATION - The Fete Nationale will take place July 14, 6-9 p.m., at Meadows Country Club. Includes dinner with wine, French musician, raffle prizes and more. For reservations call 371-7495; visit www.afsarasota.org. Event presented by the Alliance Francaise.
THAXTON TO SPEAK - Sarasota County Commission Chair Jon Thaxton will speak on the county budget and federal stimulus dollars at a League of Women Voters breakfast. Food for Thought breakfast takes place July 9, 9-10 a.m., Waterside Estates, 4540 Bee Ridge Road. Cost: $3; public invited. To reserve space, e-mail lwvsc@verizon.net or call Kim Noyes at 921-9778. For more information about the league, visit www.lwv-sarasota-fl.org.
GIRLS NIGHT OUT - The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training Preview Party, July 8, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Marina Jack. Free appetizers, massages, fashion show, live music, and drink specials. Currently recruiting for the inaugural Women’s Running Magazine St. Pete Women’s Half Marathon and the Walt Disney World Marathon and Half Marathon. Learn more by calling 813-963-6461 or visit www.teamintraining.org/sun. Space limited to first 100 to RSVP.
BOOK SIGNING - Author Steven Abernathy available to sign copies of his new political novel, "A Question of Character," July 4, noon-2 p.m., Circle Books, 478 John Ringling Blvd. Call 388-2850.
ST. ARMANDS BOAT SHOW - Presented by MarineMax July 4 and 5, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., at St. Armands Circle Park. For more information, contact Jim Shephard at 388-4411.
SHARE - St. Wilfred Episcopal Church accepting orders for SHARE through July 9 for a July 25 pick-up. SHARE Florida Food Network is a nonprofit organization that offers substantial savings on high-quality food packages for food banks, shelters and individuals. Call 924-7436.
BAG SALE AT CLOTHES CLOSET BOUTIQUE - Fill a paper grocery bag with as many fashionable items from the boutique as you can fit for $5, July 18, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, 7950 S. Tamiami Tr.; 922-5509. Proceeds will be used to support local and national missions.
WINE TASTING - Sample a variety of fine wines on July 2, 5-7 p.m., at South Trail Liquors, 7310 S. Tamiami Tr. Call 927-9463.
LIME MARKETPLACE - Open every Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m.-4 p.m. with farm produce, food, clothing, collectibles, furniture, crafts and toys. Located two blocks east of U.S. 301 between 12th Street and Fruitville Road, at 1126 North Lime Ave. Call 780-2541 www.limemarketplace.com .
FARMERS’ MARKETS - Downtown every Saturday, 7 a.m.-noon, at Lemon Ave. and Main St., sponsored by the Downtown Merchants Association. Call 951-2456. Siesta Key Village every Sunday, 7 a.m.-1 p.m., Ocean Blvd. at Davidson’s parking lot. Visit www.siestafarmersmarket.com.
CLASSES/PROGRAMS
LUNCH AND LEARN - Summer Scholar series presented by AJC, July 15, 11 a.m., at Michael’s on East. Speaker: David Bernstein, "Getting Off Our Oil Addiction: Policy and Strategies." Cost: $18. For reservations call Lisa Silver at 365-4955; e-mail silval@ajc.org.
DECLARE YOUR FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE - Church of the Redeemer community workshop, "Declaration of Financial Independence!" will take a spiritual look at dealing with the financial challenges individuals and families are facing and offer practical information and suggested actions. Workshop July 9; presented again July 11; both programs begin at 7 p.m. and last one hour, include light refreshments and time for questions. At Gillespie Hall, 222 S. Palm Ave. Advance registration recommended by calling 955-4263 (M-F/9-5) or at the door beginning at 6:30 p.m. Visit www.redeemersarasota.org
LITTORAL SOCIETY - Kayak Little Sarasota Bay to Palmer point Beach, July 4, 8:30-11:30 a.m. Cost $20-$25. Kayak/snorkel excursion from Turtle Beach to Point of Rocks, July 7, 8:30-11 a.m. Cost: $20-$25. Training and equipment provided. Bring water, sunscreen and insect repellent. Call John Sarkozy at 966-7308.
SIERRA CLUB - Full Moon Beach Walk, July 6, 7:30 p m. A 4-mile moonlight walk along Caspersen Beach. Enjoy a finger-food buffet at 7:30 p.m.; the walk begins at 8:30 p.m. Wear appropriate shoes and carry water. Donation: $5. Meet at Sharky’s on the Pier, 1600 Harbor Drive, Venice. Reserve space with Sally at 484-4113.
RAIN BARRELS AND EARTHBOXES - The owner of Eco-Essentials will show you ways to reduce your ecological footprint while saving money, July 1, 10-11:30 a.m., with instructor Jodi John, at Selby Gardens, 811 S. Palm Ave. Cost: members, $30; non-members, $40.
ORCHIDS IN SW FLORIDA - Orchid enthusiasts with some experience will get more detailed information on growing many of Florida’s native orchids and those best suited for the area. Includes a tour of the Tropical Display Greenhouse, July 11, 10 a.m.-noon, Selby Gardens, 811 S. Palm Ave. Cost: members, $35; non-members, $45. Register by mail or call Marilynn Shelley at 366-5731, ext. 239.
WATERCOLOR CLASSES - Watercolor painting for adults. Beginner’s classes every Friday, 1-3:30 p.m.; no previous painting or drawing experience necessary. For information and supplies to start, call Shirley Tabory, 966-7928.
KNOW THYSELF - Learn about practices as taught by Gurdjieff and Ouspensky. Visit www.consciousregeneration.org; call 266-6905.
NRA FIRST STEPS PISTOL COURSE - The Firearms Training Institute of Sarasota will host a pistol course July 11, 8 a.m.. at the AmericInn Hotel Conference Room, 5931 Fruitville Road. Four-hour course taught by local NRA-certified instructors covers the basics of safe gun handling and shooting. Course meets the Florida training requirements for concealed carry permit applicants. Non-residents also eligible. For details contact Dr. Gerald Colbert, 706-4358, or drgeraldcolbert@gmail.com or www.ftisarasota.com
MEETINGS
DEMOCRATIC CLUB - Luncheon, "Health Care Reform," with speakers Gwen MacKenzie, president/CEO of Sarasota Memorial Hospital; and Teresa Carafelli, member of the Sarasota Hospital board, July 11; 11:30 a.m., social hour; noon, lunch. Laurel Oak Country Club, 2700 Gary Player Blvd. RSVP to 379-9233 or reserve@sarasotadems.com. Cost: $20, members; $25, nonmembers.
CONVERSATIONS AND CONNECTIONS - The SaBra Hadassah summer luncheon, July 23, 2:30 p.m., at University Park Country Club, 7671 Park Blvd., University Park. Dairy buffet: $22 couvert. Call Alice Rabinowitz at 358-5385 with questions. Send check to Marilyn Wagner, 6737 Cheswick St., Sarasota 34243, before July 15. Please bring a nonperishable food item. For membership information contact President Bonnie Elkins at 373-6542; www.sabraprez@yahoo.com).
SARASOTA WCR TOASTMASTERS CLUB - Meeting, July 1, 7:30-9 a.m., at the Sarasota Association of Realtors, 3590 S. Tuttle Ave. For information call George Browning at 366-2782.
SIERRA CLUB - General meeting with Rep. Keith Fitzgerald for an inside look at recent legislative session, July 9, 7-9 p.m., at Edson Keith Mansion, Phillippi Estate Park, 5500 S. Tamiami Tr. Bring questions, a friend and a dessert to share at the social afterward.
CLEAN UP OUR REEFS - Help keep the reefs healthy by joining the SunCoast Reef Cleanup: a day of beautifying local artificial reefs by picking up underwater trash. Organized by local divers Mark Rush and Bob Daidone. Divers meet at 8 a.m., July 11, under the Chickee Hut at Mote Marine Laboratory, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway. Divers will have a 5 p.m. dinner and awards ceremony. Register by July 4. Registrations are $45; after July 2, $55. Proceeds benefit Mote’s Center for Coral Reef Research. To learn more about the SunCoast Reef Cleanup, to register or to sponsor this event, visit www.suncoastreefcleanup.com.
SONS OF ITALY - Meetings the first Wednesday of each month at the Howard and Company community room, 1400 Cattlemen Rd. Call Loretta at 922-4088; visit www.sonsofitalysarasota.org.
PROFESSIONAL NETWORK - Meetings every Tuesday, 12:30 p.m., at Troyer’s Dutch Heritage Restaurant, 3713 Bahia Vista St. Call Jeff Deehr at 993-4526; visit www.SarasotaProfessionalNetwork.com.
OPEN CHRISTIAN NETWORK - Meetings every Thursday, 7:15-8:30 a.m., at the Serving Spoon, Beneva and Clark roads. Cost: $3, includes beverage. Call Paul DeClark at 504-9525; www.OpenChristianBusinessNetwork.org.
YES - Young Entrepreneurs of Sarasota share success strategies every Tuesday, 11:30 a.m., at Clayton’s Siesta Grille, 1256 Old Stickney Pt. Rd., Siesta Key. Cost: $12 at the door, includes lunch. Visit www.yes941.com.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS - Siesta Key Men’s Group meets at Siesta Beach Shelter, south side of Siesta Beach, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m., open to all. Call 951-6810.
JUST FOR KIDS
CHILDREN’S BIRTHDAY PARTIES AT MOTE - Mote now hosting birthdays at the Chickee Hut, accommodating up to 40 guests. Groups can party for two hours then enjoy a self-guided tour of Mote Aquarium, home to more than 100 species of marine life. The Basic Birthday Package for 15 children and adults is $300 ($275 for Mote members). Each additional child or adult is $17 ($14 for members). Parties for ages 3 and older. Parties available from 10 a.m.-noon Saturdays and 2-4 p.m. Sundays. Visit www.mote.org/birthday; call 388-4441, ext. 536; or e-mail groupsales@mote.org.
ART SUMMER CAMP - Drawing Camp, July 6-10; 3-D Creations, July 6-10; Digital Photography, July 13-17; Stained Glass Mosaic, July 13-17; Watercolor, July 13-17, at Colleen Cassidy-Berns Art School, 4613 S. Tamiami Tr. Call 924-1200.
SUNCOAST BUCCANEERS - Suncoast Buccaneers looking for children ages 5-16 to participate in Pop Warner Youth Football and cheerleading. Visit www.suncoastbuccaneers.com or e-mail suncoastbucs@gmail.com for information. Registration is going on for the fall sseason.
ETC.
BLOODMOBILE SCHEDULE - Call the Suncoast Communities Blood Bank at 954-1600. July 3, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Take Care of Sarasota Private Duty Home Healthcare, 3982 Bee Ridge Rd.; July 3, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Grand Prix Powerboats by the Bay, Centennial Park on 10th St.; July 4, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Wal-Mart -All American Blood Drive, 4381 Cattlemen Rd.; July 4, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Grand Prix Powerboats by the Bay, Centennial Park on Tenth St.; July 7, 2-5 p.m., Coast Cadillac, 2200 Bee Ridge Rd.; July 8, 12:30- 4:30 p.m., Sunset Chevrolet, 1800 Bay St.