5 Things You Need to Know Today: August 24

1. The $4.8 million renovation to the is 60 percent complete and the work is expected to be unveiled in January. Rachel Harrison, a project manager, detailed the progress so far and what residents should expect in January. The renovation project includes an exterior facelift, including stone veneer on the exterior walls, rain gutters, landscaping and an outdoor reception space. In addition the blue roof has disappeared. A brand new tan roof has replaced it. The interior facelift includes fresh paint, new carpet and new energy efficient lighting throughout. The concession stand has been completed redesigned with new tiles, countertops and lighting.  The dressing rooms also have new countertops and the floor has been stripped and redone. The convention center also has a new energy efficient heating and air conditioning system.

2. Manatee County Commissioners approved an agreement to install 26 solar panel systems at 17 county buildings including the DeSoto Center complex, the , the and . The photovoltaic equipment will capture free kilowatt hours that is expected to add up to an annual savings of $100,000. Under the agreement, Datacomm Services will loan Manatee County solar panels for five years. At the end of the term, the company will sell the equipment to the county or will remove it at no cost. The County will pay about $4,000 per system in engineering, permitting and net metering costs. The company will apply for an energy grant through the 2009 Federal stimulus package and it will retain federal and state tax rebates and any of the renewable energy credits for the life of the panels.

3. Thursday is arts and culture night with the . Art Demonstrations include fabric painting, ceramics and caricatures. Meet artists from the Village of the Arts beginning at 6 p.m. Latin music will provide the background for the festivities. The game begins at 7 p.m. at McKechnie Field.

4. 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 viniagarette; 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. Thewill hold auditions Sunday and Monday at 7 p.m. for the musicals Jerry's Girls and Irving Berlin's White Christmas.  The auditions are at the Manatee Players, 102 Old Main Street in downtown Bradenton.  Steven Flaa will direct Jerry's Girls. Performances are set for October 27 to November 14. Rick Kerby will direct Irving Berlin's White Christmas. Performance are scheduled for December 1st to 23rd.  Those auditioning are seen in order of arrival. Come prepared with song (sheet music in correct key) or with a CD track. Seeking men and women ages 13 to 80 and one female child role age 6 to 12.  Questions? Call Rick Kerby at 941-748-0111.