5 Things You Need To Know Today: November 28

1. The School Board meets tonight in a budget work session at 5:45 p.m. today.

2. Cultural Connections of Anna Maria Island is seeking artwork for its “Young at Art” exhibit set for the Winterfest Fine Arts and Fine Crafts Festival December 10 and 11. The exhibit is open to all Manatee County students. Only original two-dimensional art will be accepted. Elementary school artists must attach entries to a standard 18” x 12” piece of black construction paper. Middle and High School students are asked to submit matted work. All students should attach a 3 x 5 index card with their name, age, school, medium and title to the lower right hand corner of the construction paper. Submit artwork to AMI Art League at 5312 Holmes Blvd., 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. The deadline for all entries is December 7. For more information call 778-2099 or visit the Anna Maria Island Art League.

3. Manatee County Commissioners have reaffirmed plans to continue with their longstanding practice of beginning Board meetings with a prayer. Citing Florida circuit law and federal case law, Manatee County Chief Deputy County Attorney Jim Minix told Commissioners that the County Attorney’s Office believes the practice does not violate any law. The County has received two letters from groups opposing the prayer before meetings, but Minix emphasized to the Board that no lawsuit has been brought against the County regarding prayer in the meetings. The County has called on presenters from a full spectrum of religions with operations in Manatee County. Any local group may request to be added to that group to ensure no bias against any religion.

4. Manatee County Commissioners will meet in a work session on Tuesday to gather information on the Manatee County jail operations, recent projects and accomplishments and unfunded requests from the sheriff.

5. Thursday is opening night for the production of Irving Berlin's White Christmas. Performances are Tuesday through Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adults and $11 for students. Tickets may be reserved by calling 748-5875 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and one hour before curtain on performance days or on the Manatee Players’ website: www.manateeplayers.com. All performances are at 102 Old Main Street.