At sunset Dec. 22, the Local Group of Deep Sky Observers will set up telescopes for stargazers at Holmes Beach city field, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Islander Photo: Courtesy LGDSO

 

Wednesday, Dec. 19

Noon – Anna Maria Garden Club meeting, Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-2607.

 

Thursday, Dec. 20

        10 a.m. — Island book club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

 

Friday, Dec. 21

First day of winter.

 

Saturday, Dec. 22

1 p.m. — Teen winter crafts, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.

9 a.m.-2 p.m. — Where’s Woody art and yard sale, The Islander, 5404 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-7978.

Sunset — Stargazing, Local Group of Deep Sky Observers, Holmes Beach city field, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-342-9632.

Sunday, Dec. 23

Shop local. Buy local. Dine local.

Monday, Dec. 24

Christmas Eve.

 

Tuesday, Dec. 25

Christmas.

 

Wednesday, Dec. 26

Kwanzaa begins.

 

Off-island

 

Ongoing

• Through Jan. 6, “Waist Watchers: The Musical,” by Alan Jacobsen, the Professional Learning and Theatrical Organization, Ramada Sarasota, 7150 Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Fee applies. Information: 941-363-1727.

• Through Jan. 4, Signature Show exhibition, Florida Suncoast Watercolor Society, the Studio at Gulf and Pine, 10101 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Information: 941-966-1397.

• Through April 28, Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, hosts Sea Lions: On the Water’s Edge. Fee applies. Information: 941-388-4441.

• Wednesdays and Saturdays, 9 a.m., horseshoes pitched, Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Information: 941-708-6130.

• First Wednesdays, noon, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce networking luncheon. Location varies. Fee applies. Information: 941-778-1541.

• First Wednesdays, beginning in January, Mana-Tween Book Club, Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information:  941-748-5555, ext. 6318.

• Second Wednesdays, 8 a.m., Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce sunrise breakfast. Location varies. Fee applies. Information: 941-778-1541.

• Thursdays, 5-7 p.m., Thirsty Thursdays specials and activities, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach.

• Fourth Wednesdays, 5 p.m., Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce business-card exchange. Location varies. Fee applies. Information: 941-778-1541.

        • Fridays, Senior Adventures, low-cost field trips from Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St., Bradenton Beach. Fee may apply. Information: 941-962-8835.

• Third Fridays, 5-8 p.m., Pine Avenue Porch Party presented by local merchants, Pine Avenue, Anna Maria. Food donations requested for Roser Food Pantry. Information: 941-896-3132.

• Saturdays, 8:30 a.m., Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island meeting, Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-761-8834.

        • First Saturdays, 8 a.m.-noon, Manatee County Audubon open house, 9:30 a.m. Audubon Walk, Felts Audubon Preserve, 4600 24th Ave. E., Palmetto, Information: 941-729-2227.

• Through May, third Sundays, 9-11 a.m., Jr. Audubon, Manatee Audubon Society, Felts Audubon Preserve, 4600 24th Ave. E., Palmetto. Information: 941-729-2227.

• Through April 10, Sundays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., the Bridge Street Market, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach. The first Sundays include a food challenge.

• Mondays, 1 p.m., bridge games, Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414.

• First Mondays, 7 p.m., Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage board meets, Fisherman’s Hall, 4515 123rd St. W., Cortez. Information: 941-254-4972.

• Third Mondays, noon, Anna Maria Island Democratic Club lunch meeting, BeachHouse Restaurant, 200 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach. Fee applies. Information: 941-779-0564.

• Tuesdays, 12:30 p.m., Anna Maria duplicate bridge, Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-3390.

• Tuesdays, noon, Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island meets, BeachHouse Restaurant, 200 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-794-8044.

 

Coming up

•  Dec. 29, 8 p.m., Manatee Players presents “Two on Tap,” 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton.

• Dec. 31, midnight, New Year’s Eve fireworks at the BeachHouse Restaurant, 200 Gulf Drive, N., Bradenton Beach.

• Jan. 1, New Year’s Day.

• Jan. 10, 2 p.m. — Friends of the Island Library lecture and travel series presents Chuck Sidlow, a performer with Circus Sarasota, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

• Jan. 12, 2-4 p.m. — Friends of the Island Library host a 30th anniversary celebration, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

• Jan. 17, 8 p.m. — The Island Players’ opening of “A Little Murder Never Hurt Anybody,” which continues through Feb. 3, Island Players theater, 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria.

 

Save the date

• Feb. 9, Anna Maria Island Privateers Thieves Market, Coquina Beach, Bradenton Beach.

• Feb. 10, Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra concert, CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.

• Feb. 14, Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island Sweethearts big band dance benefiting Anna Maria Island Community Center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.

 

Calendar announcements

        Send calendar announcements to calendar@islander.org. Please include the time, date and location of the event, a brief description and a contact via email and phone. The deadline for submissions is the Wednesday before publication.