5 Things You Need to Know Today: September 29

1. The Manatee County Chamber of Commerce and are hosting a free coffee club networking event today from 7:45 a.m to 9 a.m. at the AAA Offices, 6210 Manatee Ave. W.

2. McDonald's is offering free coffee to all its customers today in recognition of National Coffee Day.

3. Diana Shoemaker has been named executive director of the Manatee County Habitat for Humanity. Shoemaker has been with Manatee Habitat since 2009 in the role of Family Services and Volunteer Program Manager. Before coming to Habitat she served as the first director for Family Promise, an interfaith program providing services to homeless families in Manatee. Shoemaker has worked with children and families for over 20 years in social services and educational organizations in New York, Connecticut and Ohio.  She has a Masters in Social Work from Columbia University in New York City.  The board chose Shoemaker because she "has a demonstrated ability to lead non-profits in difficult times and the passion for helping young children and their families to get out of sub-standard housing,” said Jim Frame, Board President.

4. In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Manatee-Sarasota will host a free Latin Dance Exhibition on Oct. 5, from noon to 1 p.m., at the Performance Pavilion at 5840 26th St. West. The event is free and open to the public. Dance instructor Katherine Woodward will teach Merengue and Salsa dances at the event, which is sponsored by the SCF Diversity/Multicultural Awareness Committee. For more information contact Gloria Tracy at tracyg@scf.edu or 941- 752-5323.

5. Make your Halloween plans now. The Manatee Players will have three special showings of the cult movie classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show on October 28 and 29 at 11 p.m. and again on October 31 at 7:30 p.m. The movie will be shown at the Manatee Players, 102 Old Main Street in downtown Bradenton.  Admission is $8 and tickets are available online at www.manateeplayers.com or at the box office by calling 941-748-5875.  ‘Props’ will be available for purchase at the theater. Costumes and participation are encouraged.