5 Things You Need to Know Today: August 22

1. Pencils should be sharpened, lunches packed and back-packs filled with fresh notebooks. Moms should have a pack of tissues in their purses. Afterall, it is the first day of school for school-age children across Manatee County. Drivers should watch out for children on their way to school and definitely slow down for the school zones.

2. The Manatee County School Board meets tonight at 5:45 p.m.

3. The Bradenton Police Department will host an Open House for students interested in joining the department’s Explorer Post #1004, a program for young adults considering a career in law enforcement. “Exploring” is a worksite-based program through the Boy Scouts of America. To qualify for the Explorer program, a student (boy or girl) must maintain at least a C average while in school, be at least 14-20 years of age and have completed the eighth grade. Explorers engage in a variety of activities centered on career opportunities, life skills, citizenship, character development, and leadership experience to encourage the development of the whole person. The youth learn about law enforcement through training, competitions and practical experience in community service. The Open House is scheduled for 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the Bradenton Police Department District II substation, 1404 14th St. W. Prospective Explorers and their parents are invited to attend. Light refreshments will be served. Space is limited. To RSVP, contact Sgt. LJ Millard at (941) 741-3041 or email lj.millard@cityofbradenton.com.

4. Renaissance on 9th will offer a “Bella Italia” cooking demonstration Thursday at 5:30 p.m. Executive Chef Joe Stoddard will prepare several Italian-inspired dishes featuring garden-fresh herbs and vegetables, and popular summertime fruit. For $25 guests will learn to prepare light zesty sauces, use fresh herbs to enhance classic dishes, and create colorful new taste combinations, all with easy-to-follow instructions. Part of the proceeds will go to Meals on Wheels PLUS and The Food Bank of Manatee. The menu includes: Tuscan shrimp and white bean salad; Antipasto with red wine vinaigrette; spinach pasta with asparagus & lemon zest; baked yellow peppers with ricotta cheese and fresh herbs; sweet basil and lemon chicken with summer squash and mushrooms; and limoncello mousse with fresh berries. Tickets are $25 and include the demonstration, samples of each dish, a glass of wine, and a recipe booklet. Additional beverages will be available for purchase. Renaissance on 9th is located at 1816 9th Street West. Call 941-749-0100 or visit www.renaissanceon9th.org for information.

5. First Bank offices in Manatee County continues to serve as donation sites for new and used books for the Manatee County Literacy Council’s Fall Annual Book Sale. The book drive, which kicked off this summer, will culminate with the annual book sale from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, November 19 at First Bank’s Village Green branch located at 7051 Manatee Ave. W. New and used books can be dropped off at the following First Bank locations: 2412 Cortez Road W.; 9819 Cortez Road W.; 4601 Manatee Avenue W.; 7051 Manatee Avenue W.; 415 53rd Avenue W.; 1301 6th Ave. W; 3005 53rd Avenue E. and 1301 6th Avenue W. Lobby hours for the First Bank locations are Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Fridays 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information contact the Literacy Council of Manatee County at 941-746-8197 or the Manatee literacy council.