Wednesday, Feb. 15
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. — James Vartuli presents “Black Gold: From origin of oil to its consumption” at the Studio at Gulf and Pine, 10101 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Information: 941-359-4296.
Noon — Anna Maria Garden Club presents “Caring for Orchids” with Olivia Gruen at Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-795-2370.
2 p.m. — Brian Hersh of the Asolo Repertory Theatre will speak at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6341.
1-4 p.m. — Art demonstrations and sale-a-bration at the Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-2099.
Thursday, Feb. 16
1 p.m. — Mardi Gras-themed dessert and card party at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-4769. Fee applies.
6 p.m. — Dining for Women, a giving circle, meets for potluck dinner and benefit for women in Guatemala at the Sandpiper Resort clubhouse, 2601 Gulf Drive, Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-896-5827.
Friday, Feb. 17
5-8 p.m. — Benefit for Florida English Bulldog Rescue at Bella by the Sea, 218 Pine Ave., and Pine Avenue Porch Party open house at various shops. Donations requested: dog food, treats, toys. Dogs welcome. Information: 941-896-4848.
Saturday, Feb. 18
10 a.m.-noon — Watercolor demonstration with Caroline Whitmore at Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-6648.
Monday, Feb. 20
11 a.m.-2 p.m. — Senior Sports Fitness Kickoff, barbecue and cornhole, bocce and whiffle ball contests. Anna Maria Island Community Center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-7978.
Wednesday, Feb. 22
11 a.m. — Einstein Circle discussion on “Why We Worked: The needs that jobs have fulfilled throughout history” at the Studio at Gulf and Pine, 10101 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Information: 941-359-4296.
Ongoing:
• Saturdays through March 18, 9:30 a.m.-noon, Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra rehearsals at Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-7853.
• Tuesdays, noon, Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island meetings at the BeachHouse Restaurant, 200 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-794-8044.
• Tuesdays, 12:30 p.m., duplicate bridge games at Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Information: 941-778-3390.
• Tuesdays, 1-2 p.m., coffee and conversations for seniors at the Anna Maria Island Community Center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-1908.
• First Wednesdays, 8:30 a.m., Pier Regulars meet at the Rod & Reel Pier, 875 N. Shore Drive, Anna Maria.
• Second Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m., VFW Post No. 8199 meets at the volunteer fire station, 201 Second St. N., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-778-4400.
• Wednesdays, 6-8 p.m., teens meet at the Anna Maria Island Community Center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-1908.
• Wednesdays and Saturdays, 9 a.m., players pitch horseshoes in the pits at Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Information: 941-708-6130.
• Thursdays, 5-7 p.m., Thirsty Thursday hosted by Bridge Street Merchants on Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach.
• Thursdays through March, Bingo at Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23 St., Bradenton Beach. Information: 941-778-1915.
• Fridays, Senior Adventures Group meets for outings to various locations. Information: 941-962-8835.
• Saturdays, 8:30 a.m., Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island meets at the Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.
• Sundays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Bridge Street Market hosted by Bridge Street Merchants, Bradenton Beach. Information: 215-906-0668.
Off-Island
Wednesday, Feb. 15
4:30-6:30 p.m. — Wine tasting to benefit Mote Marine Laboratory at Harry’s Continental Kitchens, 525 St. Judes Drive, Longboat Key. Information: 941-383-0777. Fee applies.
7-8 p.m. — Artinsight artists reception at the Sarasota Players theater, 838 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Information: 941-365-2494.
Friday, Feb. 17
5-9 p.m. — Service Club of Manatee County antique show gala at the Manatee Convention Center, One Haben Blvd., Palmetto. Information: 941-812-8226. Fee applies.
Saturday, Feb. 18
10 a.m.-5 p.m. — Service Club of Manatee County antique show and sale at the Manatee Convention Center, One Haben Blvd., Palmetto. Information: 941-812-8226. Fee applies.
10 a.m.-6 p.m. — Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez Village, Bradenton. Information: 941-708-6120. Fee applies.
Sunday, Feb. 19
10 a.m.-6 p.m. — Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez Village, Bradenton. Information: 941-708-6120. Fee applies.
11 a.m.-4 p.m. — Service Club of Manatee County antique show and sale at the Manatee Convention Center, One Haben Blvd., Palmetto. Information: 941-812-8226. Fee applies.
Tuesday, Feb. 21
7 p.m. — Longboat Key historian Kent Chetlain will speak about early pioneers and settlers at the Longboat Key Center for the Arts, 6860 Longboat Drive S., Longboat Key. Information: 941-383-2345. Fee applies.
8 p.m. — Jazz ensemble concert at State College of Florida, Neel Performing Arts Center, 5840 26th St. W., Bradenton. Information: 941-752-5252. Fee applies.
Coming Up:
• Feb. 23, Adult day trip to Dali Museum, Anna Maria Island Community Center.
• Feb. 25, “Palette Petals” painting demonstration, Island Gallery West.
• Feb. 25, Memories of Elvis with Billy Lindsey, Anna Maria Island Community Center.
• Feb. 26, Macaroni-and-Cheese Challenge, Bridge Street Market.
• Feb. 26-27, Parkwide rummage sale, Pines Trailer Park, Bradenton Beach,
• Feb. 27, Adult trivia challenge, Anna Maria Island Community Center.
Save the Date:
• March 17, 19th annual Anna Maria Island Community Center Tour of Homes.
• April 13 and April 14, Island Cityfest-Holmes Beach Founders Day Celebration, Holmes Beach city field, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Free admission. Information: 941-778-1541
Send calendar announcements to news@islander.org. Please include the time, date and location of the event, a brief description and a contact via e-mail and phone.