5 Things You Need To Know Today: Oct. 17

1. Hundreds attended Saturday's second annual . There was a juried competition for the best art for the event. First place went to Geza Darrah and team For ArtDeckO. Second place went to Little Chalkers with Denise Kowal of the Sarasota Chalk Festival. The Big Brothers, Big Sisters organization assisted in the chalking. Body Art Slam with Barbara Tapley-Kenney & Bradon Sommers & Southeast High School student crew won the "People's Choice Award."

2. The Manatee County Commission will hold a work session on Tuesday at 9 a.m. in the fourth floor conference room at the . Items on the agenda include reviewing the county's ordinance on alarms and the county's historic preservation ordinance.

3. MCAT has a new manager. Carl Hunsinger, a 31-year Air Force veteran who retired in 2008, will lead the . Hunsinger was awarded two bronze stars during his military career, one of which was for outstanding performance in ground combat operations in northern Iraq in 2004-2005. His last active duty assignment, (2007-2008) was the senior enlisted advisor for nearly 30,000 enlisted Air Force troops in Kuwait and southern Iraq. Public Works Director Ron Schulhofer said Hunsinger was selected for this extensive transportation background and managerial skills. Hunsinger has set a goal to increase ridership. To do that he plans to provide riders with more opportunities to park their vehicles and ride on-time buses. For more information visit www.mymanatee.org/mcat.

4. Make plans to attend the second annual Anna Maria Island Causeway4theCause on Oct. 29. The event benefits Susan G Komen for the Cure Foundation. Walk, stroll, bike or run the Causeway to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer treatment and research.  This is an opportunity to encourage those who are currently battling breast cancer and honor those who are no longer able to fight. Day of the event registration begins at 8:30 am at the Manatee County Public Beach Parking lot.  Beginning at 9:00 am participants may walk, stroll, run or bike up the causeway to Palma Sola  Blvd and return to the Manatee Public Beach. Participants can choose to go 3, 5 or 8 miles. A suggested donation of $25 per participant is requested and 100 percent of proceeds go to the Susan G Komen organization.  All ages are welcome and participants are asked to wear pink to show their support. To pre-register contact Causeway4thecause@tampabay.rr.com  (941) 224-7506 or go to Beach Bums Island Attitude located at 427 Pine Avenue Anna Maria to pick up a registration form.

5. Tickets are on sale now for Thursday's "Empty Bowls" luncheon to fight hunger. Guests can select a handcrafted bowl to keep and enjoy soups provided by local restaurants, fresh bread, dessert and entertainment. Some of Bradenton's best restaurants are participating in the event Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the , 1816 9th St. West, and on Friday at 8131 Main Street, Lakewood Ranch. Tickets are $20 and available online or by calling 941-749-0100.