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Center Notes

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Entertainment, Events.

Increase your babysitting skills

For young people who are thinking about starting their own babysitting business or those who want to increase their skill level, The Center of Anna Maria Island is hosting a babysitting class on Saturday, Oct. 22. The class will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and participants will learn skills to help them babysit safely and effectively, including becoming certified in CPR and first aid. Skills covered in the course include getting started with a business, caregiving, working with parents and children and key safety measures. The class is open to young people from 11-17. The cost to attend is $85 for Center members or $100 for non-members. The deadline to register is Friday, Oct. 14. Participants are asked to bring their own lunch. For more information, or to register, call 941-778-1908.

Learn to play canasta

Come out to The Center of Anna Maria Island and learn to play canasta. The nonprofit is hosting a six-week class from Oct. 18-Nov. 22 to teach people of all ages how to play American canasta. Classes take place every Tuesday from 12:30-2:30 p.m. Players will be split into teams of four and will learn strategies and rules of play to help them beat their opponents. The cost for the class series is $90 for Center members and $100 for non-members. All classes take place at The Center, 407 Magnolia Ave. in Anna Maria, and the deadline to register is Friday, Oct. 14. For more information, or to reserve your spot, call 941-778-1908.

Center hosts capoeira classes for beginners

For anyone who’s ever wanted to learn the intricacies of the Brazilian dance fighting martial art, a six-week course on capoeira for beginners is kicking off on Monday, Oct. 17. Classes will meet every week on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6-7:30 p.m. through Nov. 21. Participants will learn the basic movements of capoeira and how to apply them while also exploring some of the art form’s history, and will engage in a capoeira roda. The class is open to all ages; it’s recommended that a parent or guardian accompany students under 10 years old for their first class. The cost is $50 for Center members or $60 for non-members and the deadline to register is Oct. 14. For more information, or to register, call 941-778-1908.

Get CPR certified at The Center

Landes Emergency Training Services is offering an AED/CPR certification class this month at The Center of Anna Maria Island. The class is on Wednesday, Oct. 19 from 6:30-8 p.m. and participants will earn a two-year certification upon completion. The training session is open to all community members with a cost of $90 for Center members and $100 for non-members. Registration is required by Friday, Oct. 14. For more information, or to register, call 941-778-1908.

Learn improv skills at The Center

The Center of Anna Maria Island joins organizations from all around the country in offering GameOn programming, a course designed to help children develop their improv, theatrical, listening and public speaking skills through games. Classes take place every Thursday from Oct. 20-Dec. 15 with kids ages 6-8 meeting at 4 p.m. and children ages 9-11 meeting at 5 p.m. The cost for the series is $200 for Center members or $225 for non-members. All classes are at The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave. in Anna Maria. The deadline to register is Friday, Oct. 14. For more information, or to register your child, call 941-778-1908.

Attract pollinators with seed bombs

Teens in fourth through ninth grades are invited to come to The Center of Anna Maria Island and learn how to make seed bombs on Thursday, Oct. 13 from 6-7 p.m. During the class, created in partnership with the Manatee County Public Library System, students will learn how to create beautiful, functional seed bombs to brighten up their outdoor space and also create a food source for pollinating insects and birds. The cost to attend is $20 for Center members or $25 for non-members. All supplies will be provided. The class takes place at The Center, 407 Magnolia Ave. in Anna Maria. To register, call 941-778-1908.

Tumble Tots classes roll into The Center

Learn to flip, kick and tumble at The Center of Anna Maria this fall with tumbling classes for youth. Classes take place every Thursday from Oct. 20-Nov. 17. Tumble Tots classes for kids ages 2-4 will be held from 3-3:45 p.m., followed by youth tumbling for kids entering kindergarten through fifth grade from 3:35-4:30 p.m. and advanced youth tumbling for students entering kindergarten through fifth grade from 4:30-5 p.m. Students will be placed in the advanced tumbling class based on skill level and at the discretion of the instructor. The cost to participate is $100 for Center members or $125 for non-members. Registration is required by Friday, Oct. 14. To register, call 941-778-1908. All classes will be held at The Center, 407 Magnolia Ave. in Anna Maria.

The Center kicks off youth soccer season

The Center kicks off youth soccer season

Written by Monica Simpson on . Posted in Soccer, Sports.

ANNA MARIA – In the heat of the early evening sun, the Island’s U4 youth soccer league came to life Tuesday night at The Center.

Starting the season with a little bit of anxiety, the youngest ballers had a whole lot of fun as they learned from the volunteer coaches and parents who stepped up to help develop a whole new generation of Island soccer players.

Four age group leagues enjoyed the newly conditioned Center fields during the season kick off practices organized by The Center. With the fields split for simultaneous training and play, the energy at The Center felt like times of old.

This season the U4 league is four teams strong with local business sponsors All Clean Softwash & Pressure Cleaning, Bins Be Clean, Gulf Drive Cafe and Wash Family Construction.

The six teams that make up the U7 league are supported by the business sponsorship of Adrian Griffin Interiors, Beach Bums, Freckled Fin, Paradise Pools AMI, Shady Lady and The Ugly Grouper.

AMI Coconuts, Cloud Pest Control, Island Real Estate, LaPensee Plumbing, Pools & Air, Sato Real Estate and Solid Rock Construction sponsored the six U10 teams.

Representing the U14 leagues, HSH, Mac Parkman and Progressive Cabinetry provided business sponsorship for the three teen teams.

In the seven-game regular season, the U10 and U14 leagues look to Nov. 1 when the playoffs begin.

Marking their calendars, players, friends and family are looking forward to the championship games currently scheduled to be played on Tuesday, Nov. 8.

Long brings volleyball camp to The Center

Long brings volleyball camp to The Center

Written by Monica Simpson on . Posted in Sports, Volleyball.

ANNA MARIA – For over 14 years, Evelyn Long has brought her knowledge and love of the game, experience as a player and talents as a coach to youth volleyball.

Coaching in Tampa, Florida to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Long and her amazing sisters improved the skills of nearly two dozen players during the last week of summer camp at The Center of Anna Maria Island.

Playing volleyball with her sisters since elementary school, Long played in high school for her older sister, Cindy Stenberg, at Cambridge Christian School. Coach Stenberg, an All-American setter, set the bar for her sisters in the world of volleyball.

Among her many accomplishments and accolades during her volleyball career, both as a player and a coach, Long was the 2005 Rose Diaz Award Recipient and was the 2004-05 Florida All State Setter. The Hillsborough County Volleyball Officials Association gives the Rose Diaz Award to a player who exemplifies sportsmanship and leadership each year.

As a setter, Long played with her younger sister, Peggy Smith, for a year in high school and at Clearwater Christian College for two years. Smith, a right-side hitter, was later coached by Long at Lancaster Bible College.

“It was so amazing to share a bond on and off the court,” Long said. The bond continues as Long plays alongside Smith, including at The Center.

“We have a natural rhythm and flow because of our years playing together,” Long said.

Long has never had to play against any of her sisters during her long and successful volleyball career.

Her coaching career began when she was 19 years old. Long coached for Club Ignite in Brevard County and has continued coaching at all levels.

Long was named Northeastern Athletic Conference Coach of the Year in 2013.

Coaching for club volleyball teams, Long later coached alongside her sister, Katy Roadman. Keeping the family ties strong, Roadman and Christy Raulerson, Long’s oldest sister, both support the Inspiration Academy volleyball program as assistant coaches with Head Coach Long.

Long started the Inspiration Academy girls volleyball program.

This summer, Long and her assistant coaches conducted the four-day volleyball camp for The Center. With her sisters, Roadman and Raulerson, Long was joined by niece and Blake High School volleyball player Chloe Stenberg, who shared her experience and knowledge as an active competitive player.

The camp gave girls who attend Anna Maria Elementary School and King Middle School a chance to meet new players. Long’s reputation as a strong coach drew players from Inspiration Academy to the Island, as well as several players who are home-schooled.

The highlight of the camp for Long was seeing players support the accomplishments of others.

“I know I find a lot of joy in seeing new players progress and learn the sport, but it brought even greater joy to see one of my players find that same excitement,” she said.

For Long, the most important accomplishment in volleyball is “… seeing former players take what they have learned from the sport of volleyball and apply these principles of hard work, humility and team effort into their personal lives.”

The Center and Long plan to continue to bring the volleyball specialty camp to the summer program, as well as conduct high school volleyball clinics for higher-level players.

The future for Long includes building the volleyball program at Inspiration Academy after taking a hiatus to grow her family and help with the family business, Solid Rock Construction.

The next generation of volleyball players in the family is being nurtured now that Long is coaching her daughter, Estella.

Returning to coaching also allowed Long to reunite with her sisters in volleyball.

“Katy… lends me so much help,” she said. “She has many years of coaching experience in various capacities from club to high school. I truly couldn’t do it alone and love coaching alongside her and Christy.”

Long and her sisters continue to play volleyball together.

“Our love for Jesus, family and volleyball truly binds us together as sisters,” Long said.

No mercy for Bridgetender, Fin

No mercy for Bridgetender, Fin

Written by Monica Simpson on . Posted in Soccer, Sports.

ANNA MARIA – Youth indoor soccer action at The Center passed the regular season midpoint last week with overwhelmingly dominant leads in the U9 and U13 leagues.

U9’s Ugly Grouper had a big 16-2 win with the strikes of Beau Sanson and Landon Leach, with a hat trick. Sanson scored 13 points in the new form of play, which includes no goalie on the pitch.

Leach also was credited with two assists, along with three critical passes leading to the goal by Silas Whitehead.

On the other side of the ball, Bridgetender Inn’s Paul ten Haaf put two strikes in the net, with an assist by Parker Suoboda. The team’s loss puts their season record at 1-3.

In more U9 action, Blalock Walters and Solid Rock Construction finished last week tied in the middle of the pack with 2-2 records. In week four play, the Solid Rock team beat Blalock Walters by two goals, 3-1.

Matthew Darak and Isaac Roadman were the scoring pair for Solid Rock. Darak put two in and Roadman had a single goal in the all-important, season-tying game.

Olivia Wyatt prevented the shutout with a solo goal in game four.

The 12-2 blowout by Progressive Cabinetry in the U13 league was a true team effort, with four of the five players scoring and three players credited with assists.

With four goals, Barrett Raina topped the week’s scoring chart. Teammates Jackson Wyatt and Alonso Valle both had hat tricks in addition to the two goals by Mattox Caseman.

Caseman and Valle each had single assists in the lopsided match-up. Progressive Cabinetry’s Ethan Angel made two critical assists in the victory.

Freckled Fin’s loss was not without a valiant effort by the entire team. Chandler McRae and Briahna Robertson each put points on the scoreboard, with an assist by Tucker McRae.

Team Shady Lady and Freckled Fin share the bottom rung of the league’s ranking going into week five of the season.

Shady Lady kept it a close game against Moss Builders, now with a 2-2 record. Moss Builders’ win came at the skillful feet of Callin Westfall, Mason Moss and Riley Karecki.

With two goals each in the game, Moss and Westfall continue to consistently score for their team. Westfall also had a recorded assist for the Moss Builders team.

Spreading out the scoring for Shady Lady, Amelia Blunkall, Braelyn Curtis, Alex Monserrate and Jesse Zaccagnino each scored one of the four team goals. Assisting with the scoring for Shady Lady was Ava Mason.

Progressive Cabinetry goes into week five undefeated. Can the team finish the week with another win against Moss Builders with just one more week left before playoffs?

 

Sun Scoreboard

July 5

Youth Indoor Soccer – Week Four

U9

Ugly Grouper (3-1-0) 16

Bridgetender Inn (1-3-0) 2

 

Solid Rock Construction (3-1-0) 3

Blalock Walters (1-3-0) 1

U13

Progressive Cabinetry (4-0-0) 12

Freckled Fin (1-3-0) 2

 

Moss Builders (2-2-0) 5

Shady Lady (1-3-0) 4

Saying goodbye to the Tour of Homes

Farewell, Tour of Homes

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Entertainment, Events.

ANNA MARIA – After 26 years as an Anna Maria Island tradition, the Tour of Homes is no more, but left behind is a legacy of groups joining together with the common cause of raising money for The Center.

The Center of Anna Maria Island’s signature event brought the public into private homes offered up for the day to showcase some of the area’s most charming, luxurious and beautiful residential properties. In addition to the home tours, attendees also were invited to purchase art, crafts and other goods at the Tour boutique, participate in a silent auction and buy raffle tickets to try and win a quilt, designed and created every year by the Eyeland Needlers.

The event was ended with the 2020 Tour of Homes canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With the pandemic still ongoing two years later, the committee responsible for the Tour decided to replace it with a wine-tasting event, also planned to take place annually. That decision brought what was once a thriving event to a quiet close.

Reflecting on their years as a part of the Tour committee and Eyeland Needlers, Sandee Pruett and Joan Pettigrew both said the end of the event was bittersweet.

Pettigrew helped found the Eyeland Needlers with Penny Reinholz back in 2000. Pettigrew said it was Reinholz who came up with the idea to make a community quilt to raise funds for The Center. The Tour of Homes quilt was born as they were joined by many other quilters over the years to create a total of 20 fabric works of art, especially for the event. A fun fact, Pettigrew said, is that neither woman had ever quilted before they made the first Tour quilt, though both of them had artistic backgrounds. Of the original 12 Eyeland Needlers, she said only about four of them knew how to quilt that first year.

Pettigrew said she and Reinholz designed the first three quilts together before alternating designing duties for many years after that, until Reinholz left the group due to health concerns. Each of the 12 group members would select a section of the quilt to create and they would gather at The Center to work together.

Ken Jackson’s Green Real Estate sponsored the quilt from 2003-2019, while local real estate broker and owner Darcie Duncan was a frequent sponsor of the boutique.

The 2003 quilt was dedicated to the memory of group member Irene Murphy, who passed away that year. In 2007, the group introduced the “name the quilt” contest. For a month, the quilt was either on display at The Center or the Island Branch Library, where the public could put in their name suggestions. One name was chosen each year by the Eyeland Needlers and the winner was awarded raffle tickets to try and win the quilt. Raffle tickets to try and win the quilt raised thousands of dollars for The Center over the years.

Before the cancellation of the 2020 event, Pettigrew announced that the 20th quilt would be the group’s last. It was raffled off during a March 2022 wine-tasting event at The Center.

Pruett, who first joined the Tour of Homes committee as a liaison to The Center while working for the nonprofit in 2012, eventually became chair of the group.

“It did take a village to get this thing going,” Pruett said of the Tour of Homes, acknowledging the many volunteers, quilters, crafters and committee members who participated in the event over its 26 years. “Everyone worked so hard to try and make it easy for those who came.”

She added that committee members began meeting as early as October to plan for the next year’s event and to have crafting sessions, often at Pettigrew’s house.

“It was a lot of work and a busy day, but we always had fun,” Pettigrew said.

Winner of the 2018 quilt raffle, Chris Smargisso, celebrates with quilt designer Joan Pettigrew. - Submitted

Winner of the 2018 quilt raffle, Chris Smargisso, celebrates with quilt designer Joan Pettigrew. - Submitted

Tour attendees stroll through the bottom level of the Gauld house on Key Royale during the 2018 Tour of Homes. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Tour attendees stroll through the bottom level of the Gauld house on Key Royale during the 2018 Tour of Homes. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Penny Reinholz and Joan Pettigrew pose with the first finished Tour of Homes quilt, “Life on Anna Maria Island.” - Submitted

Penny Reinholz and Joan Pettigrew pose with the first finished Tour of Homes quilt, “Life on Anna Maria Island.” - Submitted

The first group of Eyeland Needlers work on the first ever Tour of Homes quilt in 2020. Founded by Penny Reinholz and Joan Pettigrew, the first group made 20 quilts to raise money for The Center. - Submitted

The first group of Eyeland Needlers work on the first ever Tour of Homes quilt in 2020. Founded by Penny Reinholz and Joan Pettigrew, the first group made 20 quilts to raise money for The Center. - Submitted

The 20th and final Tour of Homes quilt was named “The Fabric of AMI” by Joan Schuckenbrock of Anna Maria, pictured receiving 50 raffle tickets for the quilt from Eyeland Needler Joan Pettigrew at the Island Branch Library in Holmes Beach in February 2020. The quilt was raffled off at a March 2022 wine tasting event at The Center. - Kristin Swain | Sun

The 20th and final Tour of Homes quilt was named “The Fabric of AMI” by Joan Schuckenbrock of Anna Maria, pictured receiving 50 raffle tickets for the quilt from Eyeland Needler Joan Pettigrew at the Island Branch Library in Holmes Beach in February 2020. The quilt was raffled off at a March 2022 wine tasting event at The Center. - Kristin Swain | Sun

The “Coastal Charm” home at 311 62nd St. in Holmes Beach was set to be the first stop on the 2020 Tour of Homes before the event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. - Submitted

The “Coastal Charm” home at 311 62nd St. in Holmes Beach was set to be the first stop on the 2020 Tour of Homes before the event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. - Submitted

Tour of Homes volunteer Sandee Pruett gives a tour of the Dutton house during the 2018 event. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Tour of Homes volunteer Sandee Pruett gives a tour of the Dutton house during the 2018 event. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Pop icon readies to take Center stage

Pop icon readies to take Center stage

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Entertainment, Music.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The latest icon to take the stage at The Center of Anna Maria Island will take audience members back to those endless summer nights.

Award-winning singer, songwriter and author Richard Marx takes the stage on Wednesday, March 23 at The Center as part of the Bradenton Gulf Islands Concert Series presented by Bradenton Area Arts and Culture, The Sandbar and Cedar Cove Resort and Cottages.

Marx told The Sun that this would be his first trip to Anna Maria Island, and it’s an experience that he’s looking forward to.

“It’s one of the few places that I haven’t been yet,” Marx said. “First time’s a charm, hopefully.”

After taking a two-year involuntary hiatus from performing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Marx said he’s happy to be able to play for his fans again and form a more personal connection with the audience.

Stepping back up on stage after two years away from playing live was an emotional experience for Marx, who said he was a little nervous before the show began. “It turned into a two-and-a-half-hour party,” he said of the show, something that he hopes to bring to his performance at The Center.

“They’re like my friends,” he said of the audience. “I’ve never enjoyed touring more and I’ve never been more grateful to still be doing it, having people show up.”

In addition to playing some of his best-known hits, including “Endless Summer Nights,” “Right Here Waiting,” “Hazard” and “Should’ve Known Better,” Marx said the audience at The Center can expect a night full of great music, fun stories and just a great time hanging out together for a few hours.

“My goal every night is that people go home feeling like they hung out with me for a couple of hours and that they kind of got to know me a little bit and that they laughed and that we just had fun together,” Marx said. “Now, more than ever, I feel like I have the ability to provide a two-hour escape from the world and reality and that’s a pretty valuable thing to be able to give somebody. I’m giving it to myself as well at the same time.”

While at home during the pandemic, Marx took time to play a few acoustic shows available online. The pandemic also gave him the opportunity to realize a career milestone outside of the music industry – he became a best-selling author.

With his first book, “Stories to Tell,” Marx said it felt like less of a memoir and more like a conversation about some of his more entertaining life experiences that he’s having with friends over a martini. The book illuminates some of the twists and turns in his life that led him to write some of his most popular songs, though Marx said it’s not just about the stories behind the songs. And with one book under his belt, Marx added that he may still have some more entertaining stories to tell that could one day make a second book. For now, he’s focused on making music and getting back out on the road.

His new album, “Songwriter,” is due out in late summer 2022 and is a very different project for the Grammy award-winning singer and songwriter.

“I love that process,” he said of the recording process. “I love making up a song in my head and hearing it come to life.”

After releasing more than a dozen pop studio albums, Marx said this one is a mash-up of four different types of music that he loves – pop, country, rock and ballads spread across a 20-track, two-disc set.

“It’s all over the map and it’s all different kinds of songs,” he said, noting that there are five songs in each genre. “It was really fun to make.”

To see Marx live, visit The Center online to purchase tickets.

Related coverage

 

Taking it easy with Don Felder

 

Classic rock icon shares stage with local choir

 

The Wailers jumpstart new Center concert series

Taking it easy with Don Felder

Taking it easy with Don Felder

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Entertainment, Music.

ANNA MARIA – The Center of Anna Maria Island brought a star-studded weekend to a close with a bang Sunday when legendary musician Don Felder took the stage.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame singer/songwriter/guitarist appeared on Feb. 20 as a part of the Bradenton Gulf Islands Concert Series, playing all of his greatest hits from his time with The Eagles and his solo outings, as well as a few covers, including a rocking rendition of Stevie Ray Vaughan’s “Pride and Joy.”

Kicking off the show with “Already Gone,” Felder and his band kept up the audience’s energy despite a cool night on the field at The Center, playing “One of These Nights,” Felder’s solo hit “American Rock and Roll” and “Victim of Love,” a Hotel California album B-side track. The hits kept coming with performances of crowd favorites including “Peaceful Easy Feeling,” “Tequila Sunrise,” “Witchy Woman,” “Life in the Fast Lane,” “The Long Run,” “Heartache Tonight” and, of course, “Hotel California.”

Opening for Felder and his band was the multi-talented Johnny Jensen, whose album is due out soon.

The Bradenton Gulf Islands Concert Series is brought to the Island’s stage by sponsors Bradenton Area Arts & Culture, Cedar Cove Resort & Cottages and The Sandbar.

Next on The Center’s concert schedule is Richard Marx on March 23 followed by Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals on April 2. Tickets are on sale now at www.centerami.org/events.

Don Felder belts out “Witchy Woman” on guitar during a Feb. 20 appearance at The Center. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Don Felder belts out “Witchy Woman” on guitar during a Feb. 20 appearance at The Center. - Kristin Swain | Sun

In between songs, the legendary Don Felder tells some of the stories of his life on the road with The Eagles. - Kristin Swain | Sun

In between songs, the legendary Don Felder tells some of the stories of his life on the road with The Eagles. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Don Felder brings the crowd to their feet as he launches into The Eagles classic “Take It Easy.” - Kristin Swain | Sun

Don Felder brings the crowd to their feet as he launches into The Eagles classic “Take It Easy.” - Kristin Swain | Sun

The talented Johnny Jensen opens for Don Felder at The Center as a part of the Bradenton Gulf Islands Concert Series. - Kristin Swain | Sun

The talented Johnny Jensen opens for Don Felder at The Center as a part of the Bradenton Gulf Islands Concert Series. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame musician Don Felder plays a guitar solo during a rendition of the Stevie Ray Vaughan classic “Pride and Joy.” - Kristin Swain | Sun

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame musician Don Felder plays a guitar solo during a rendition of the Stevie Ray Vaughan classic “Pride and Joy.” - Kristin Swain | Sun

Don Felder is joined by another guitarist for a dueling guitar solo. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Don Felder is joined by another guitarist for a dueling guitar solo. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Don Felder and his band take to the Island’s stage to play “One of These Nights.” - Kristin Swain | Sun

Don Felder and his band take to the Island’s stage to play “One of These Nights.” - Kristin Swain | Sun

Related coverage

The Wailers jumpstart new Center concert series

Simon Kirke brings classic rock to The Center’s stage

Out of this world fun at Murder Mystery

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Entertainment, Theater.

ANNA MARIA – It was a galactic good time as the Murder Mystery returned to The Center for its 13th year.

The annual fundraiser took a year off for COVID-19 but came back with a bang, or a laser stun for this year’s victim, with the theme “space odyssey.”

Set at World Con in the year 2069, two Men in Black agents, Agent B and Agent J, played by Don Purvis and Ray Gardner, crash-landed at the sci-fi convention just as everyone was arriving. They were also just in time to help solve the murder of Hollywood actor Scott Ridley, played by Caleb Roberts. In a surprise twist, Ridley wasn’t actually dead, coming back as a cyborg robot just in time for the cast to break into a toe-tapping rendition of “Time Warp” that brought the audience to its feet for an unforgettable finale to the evening.

This year’s Murder Mystery dinner theater took place Feb. 18-19 at The Center and featured writer/director/actor Brianna Roberts, Monica Simpson, Jillian Gardner, Leah Purvis, Mike Shaughnessy, Chris Scott and Clay Spangler in addition to Don Purvis, Ray Gardner and Caleb Roberts.

The two nights of the annual theatrical spectacular were performed to nearly sold-out crowds with community members clamoring to figure out who the killer was in the hilarious, tongue-in-cheek whodunit production that featured a different killer each night.

In addition to the show, attendees also enjoyed food by Poppo’s Taqueria and donuts by the Donut Experiment as well as a 50/50 raffle, baskets of raffle items donated by local businesses and a cash bar. There were also plenty of photo opportunities as the event was attended by aliens, secret agents and even a few time travelers. A green alien goddess took home a gift card as an award for winning the Feb. 19 costume contest.

Sponsors for the 2022 Murder Mystery include The Morey Foundation, presenting sponsor The Ugly Grouper, after-party venue The Freckled Fin, Progressive Cabinetry, Sato Real Estate, The Donut Experiment, Abrahamson & Uiterwyk Personal Injury Law, Poppo’s Taqueria, Surferbus Outpost AMI, The Original Sand Dollar, Gnarly Mangrove, Graze Street AMI, AJ & Doran, MuniPlan, Moss Builders, Blade & Tine Culinary Consultants, Nomad Collection, Prosper Bradenton, Emily Moss Designs, Beach House Real Estate, Eason Builders Group, Island Photography, Johnson Homes of West Florida and HSH Designs.

 

There’s nothing to see here as a Men in Black agent attempts to flash away the memories of anyone who sees the alien at her side. - Kristin Swain | Sun

There’s nothing to see here as a Men in Black agent attempts to flash away the memories of anyone who sees the alien at her side. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Aliens hang out with cast members before the start of the 13th Annual Murder Mystery fundraiser at The Center. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Aliens hang out with cast members before the start of the 13th Annual Murder Mystery fundraiser at The Center. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Attendees at the 2069 World Con are surprised when murdered Hollywood actor Scott Ridley comes back to life as a robot. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Attendees at the 2069 World Con are surprised when murdered Hollywood actor Scott Ridley comes back to life as a robot. - Kristin Swain | Sun

The Center’s Executive Director Chris Culhane takes a walk in the Matrix during the Murder Mystery fundraiser. - Kristin Swain | Sun

The Center’s Executive Director Chris Culhane takes a walk in the Matrix during the Murder Mystery fundraiser. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Aliens of all kinds came out for The Center’s theatrical party. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Aliens of all kinds came out for The Center’s theatrical party. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Several Conehead aliens left their planet of Remulak to join the party at The Center. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Several Conehead aliens left their planet of Remulak to join the party at The Center. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Participants in the Saturday Feb. 19 costume contest take the stage with Murder Mystery cast members Chris Scott and Jillian Gardner. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Participants in the Saturday Feb. 19 costume contest take the stage with Murder Mystery cast members Chris Scott and Jillian Gardner. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Deputy Dicky Darko tries to help one male alien win the night’s costume contest. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Deputy Dicky Darko tries to help one male alien win the night’s costume contest. - Kristin Swain | Sun

A green female alien took home the grand prize for best costume Feb. 19. - Kristin Swain | Sun

A green female alien took home the grand prize for best costume Feb. 19. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Everyone got in on the space odyssey themed fun at this year’s Murder Mystery. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Everyone got in on the space odyssey themed fun at this year’s Murder Mystery. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Former writer and director of the annual Murder Mystery, Beth Shaughnessy reaches out a comforting hand between acts to her son-in-law Caleb Roberts who played the not so very dead Scott Ridley. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Former writer and director of the annual Murder Mystery, Beth Shaughnessy reaches out a comforting hand between acts to her son-in-law Caleb Roberts who played the not so very dead Scott Ridley. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Center Executive Director Chris Culhane checks to see if Hollywood actor Scott Ridley really is dead during a break in acts of the Murder Mystery play while audience member Lynn Zimmerman looks on. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Center Executive Director Chris Culhane checks to see if Hollywood actor Scott Ridley really is dead during a break in acts of the Murder Mystery play while audience member Lynn Zimmerman looks on. - Kristin Swain | Sun

It’s all fun and games, even when there’s a dead body at The Center’s 13th Annual Murder Mystery Dinner Theater Feb. 19. - Kristin Swain | Sun

It’s all fun and games, even when there’s a dead body at The Center’s 13th Annual Murder Mystery Dinner Theater Feb. 19. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Hollywood actor Scott Ridley was the victim this year in The Center’s Murder Mystery. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Hollywood actor Scott Ridley was the victim this year in The Center’s Murder Mystery. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Agent B and Agent J question World Con organizer Beth Brundlefly about the death of Scott Ridley while Deputy Dicky Darko pouts because his investigative services aren’t welcomed by the agents. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Agent B and Agent J question World Con organizer Beth Brundlefly about the death of Scott Ridley while Deputy Dicky Darko pouts because his investigative services aren’t welcomed by the agents. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Great Scott! The Murder Mystery was visited by an astronaut, a Conehead and a couple of time travelers in the form of Doc Brown and Marty McFly. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Great Scott! The Murder Mystery was visited by an astronaut, a Conehead and a couple of time travelers in the form of Doc Brown and Marty McFly. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Some of the cast breaks into a dance to Will Smith’s “Men in Black.” - Kristin Swain | Sun

Some of the cast breaks into a dance to Will Smith’s “Men in Black.” - Kristin Swain | Sun

A pink haired intergalactic traveler lands at The Center. - Kristin Swain | Sun

A pink haired intergalactic traveler lands at The Center. - Kristin Swain | Sun

This alien/man combo didn’t win the costume contest, but they sure had a good time at the show. - Kristin Swain | Sun

This alien/man combo didn’t win the costume contest, but they sure had a good time at the show. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Lines of raffle tickets as long as your arm were sold with patrons attempting to win one of several gift baskets donated by local businesses. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Lines of raffle tickets as long as your arm were sold with patrons attempting to win one of several gift baskets donated by local businesses. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Mike Shaughnessy as Stanley Duprick did a quick costume change before the cast jumped into a rendition of “Time Warp” from Rocky Horror Picture Show. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Mike Shaughnessy as Stanley Duprick did a quick costume change before the cast jumped into a rendition of “Time Warp” from Rocky Horror Picture Show. - Kristin Swain | Sun

In an epic team-up, Scully and Mulder from the X-Files met with Agent B from the Men in Black. - Kristin Swain | Sun

In an epic team-up, Scully and Mulder from the X-Files met with Agent B from the Men in Black. - Kristin Swain | Sun

 

Classic rock icon gets a standing ovation at The Center

Classic rock icon shares stage with local choir

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Entertainment, Music.

ANNA MARIA – Classic rocker Lou Gramm brought the crowd at The Center of Anna Maria Island to its feet with thunderous applause during a stop on his Juke Box Hero tour.

Gramm took to the stage with his band after an acoustic set from local musician Billy Rice of the Billy Rice Band. Playing all of his solo hits along with a selection of classic rock staples from his time with Foreigner, Gramm brought the crowd to its feet for the majority of his two-hour set.

Gramm and his band kicked things off with the Foreigner classic “Head Games” before playing “Double Vision,” “Cold as Ice,” “Feels Like the First Time,” and “Urgent” among others.

The highlight of the show was when five members of the choir from Roser Memorial Community Church joined Gramm and his band onstage to sing Foreigner’s number one smash hit “I Want to Know What Love Is.”

When Gramm launched into a rendition of “Juke Box Hero,” the entire crowd came to its feet and didn’t sit down as the show continued with the solo hit “Midnight Blue” and ended with a performance of “Hot-Blooded.”

The next show coming to The Center’s stage as a part of the Bradenton Gulf Island Concert Series is Don Felder, former lead guitarist for The Eagles, on Feb. 20. Tickets are on sale now.

The concert series is brought to the Island’s stage by Bradenton Area Arts & Culture, Cedar Cove Resort & Cottages and The Sandbar. Proceeds from the shows at The Center go to benefit the nonprofit, supporting community programs on Anna Maria Island.

Billy Rice of The Billy Rice Band plays an acoustic set to warm up the crowd before Lou Gramm takes the stage. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Billy Rice of The Billy Rice Band plays an acoustic set to warm up the crowd before Lou Gramm takes the stage. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Band member Scott Gilman plays a saxophone solo onstage at The Center. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Band member Scott Gilman plays a saxophone solo onstage at The Center. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Foreigner’s Lou Gramm sings “I Want to Know What Love Is” with members of the choir from Roser Church. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Foreigner’s Lou Gramm sings “I Want to Know What Love Is” with members of the choir from Roser Church. - Kristin Swain | Sun

Five members of the Roser Church choir join rocker Lou Gramm onstage for a performance of the number one hit song “I Want to Know What Love Is.” - Kristin Swain | Sun

Five members of the Roser Church choir join rocker Lou Gramm onstage for a performance of the number one hit song “I Want to Know What Love Is.” - Kristin Swain | Sun

Training a new generation of environmental scientists

Training a new generation of environmental scientists

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Center of Anna Maria Island, Community News.

ANNA MARIA – The community scientist program at The Center of Anna Maria Island is getting off to a great start thanks to some help from students at Eckerd College and Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium staff.

A volunteer takes a reading testing water temperature and pH levels. – Kristin Swain | Sun

Small groups of Eckerd College students are coming each Saturday morning to The Center to train with staff from Mote on the equipment they’ll be using. Part of the training involves how to take the water samples and video needed to observe the effects of the mini reefs from Ocean Habitats installed as a part of a fundraiser for the nonprofit. These students are the first of the community volunteers being trained to study the effects of the mini reefs on the local waters and marine life. Students will travel around the Island to the mini reef sites to conduct water testing and video the condition of the reefs. This also helps keep track of all of the reefs and observe any maintenance issues requiring attention. Community scientists will test the water for the presence of harmful algae blooms such as karenia brevis – red tide – keep track of water temperature and pH levels, and study the organisms making the mini reefs their home.

Once the program is better established, The Center’s Director of Development, Jim McDaniel, says he hopes to open it up to Island resident volunteers and others in the community.

The program is the brainchild of McDaniel, who said he hopes to expand it in the future while also providing an important resource in the fight to mitigate the effects of red tide, which can cause fish kills, skin irritation and breathing problems.

Currently, there are 166 mini reefs installed in the waters around Anna Maria Island and west Bradenton as a result of The Center’s partnership with Ocean Habitats.

Related coverage

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Youth flag football teens battle for first

Youth flag football teens battle for first

Written by Monica Simpson on . Posted in Football, Sports.

Three teams go head to head each week in the 14- to 17-year-old youth flag football league at the Island’s community center. The teams, sponsored by Ugly Grouper, Grooms Auto and LaPensee Plumbing, take the field looking to have fun and use the skills many of the players developed after a lifetime of playing the sport at The Center.

Heading into week four, Ugly Grouper has a 2-1 record after a win over Grooms Auto last Tuesday night. Grooms came into the game having already had a match and a win against LaPensee.

LaPensee’s loss takes their record to 1-2. The squad looks for another win this week against Ugly Grouper.

Ugly Grouper’s 47-45 win against Grooms Auto did not come without challenge. The two pick sixes by Ian Godfrey for Ugly Grouper allowed his team to edge out the opponent.

Teammate Noah Costello had three receiving touchdowns in the game, along with four total extra points.

Grooms had interceptions of their own by Justin Cook, with two, and Shawn Balvin. Balvin grabbed four catches for touchdowns. Travis Bates had two touchdowns and two extra points in the game, alongside singles of each for teammate Jayse Berzowski.

Next week, LaPensee has the doubleheader, with the early game against Ugly Grouper at 8:15 p.m. The follow-up game against Grooms at 9:00 p.m. gives LaPensee a chance at redemption from last week.

Sun Scoreboard

 

Tuesday, February 2
Youth Co-Ed Flag Football Week #3
Eight- to 10-Year-Old League
Moss Builders (3-0-0) 28

Rays Ramblings (0-3-0) 13

 

Tidy MD (1-1-0) 20

Cloud (1-2-0) 12

 

Coastline Contractors (2-1-0) 23

Shady Lady (0-2-0) 13

 

Beach Bums (2-0-0) Bye

 

11- to 13-Year-Old League
Ugly Grouper (1-2-0) 7

Root Logix (3-0-0) 32

 

Detweilers 1(1-0-1) 8

Poppos (2-0-1) 18

 

Gulf Drive Café (1-2-0) 21

The Gitt Team (0-2-0) 19

 

14- to 17-Year-Old League
LaPensee Plumbing (1-2-0) 14

Grooms Auto 29

 

Ugly Grouper (2-1-0) 47

Grooms Auto (2-2-0) 45

 

Wednesday, February 3
Adult Co-Ed Soccer Week #3
Slim’s Place (0-2-1) 2

Servis First Bank (1-2-0) 6

 

Sato Real Estate (2-0-1) 2

Burton Brick and Tile (2-0-1) 2

 

Allied (2-1-0) 8

Jiffy Lube (0-2-1) 3

 

Blalock Walters (2-1-0) 6

The Gitt Team (1-2-0) 3

 

Thursday, February 4
Adult Co-Ed Flag Football Week #3
Solid Rock Construction (2-1) 47

Mi-Box (0-3) 15

 

Moss Builders (1-2) 31

Ugly Grouper (3-0) 43

 

Beach Bums (3-0) 26

Sandbar (1-2) 12

 

Salty Printing (0-3) 19

Slim’s Place (2-1) 38

Let the games begin: Another year of action at The Center

Written by Monica Simpson on . Posted in Football, Soccer, Sports.

Youth sports and adult co-ed flag football and soccer started another set of seasons last week at The Center of Anna Maria Island. Week one of action started for the grown-up kids on Wednesday night, Jan. 13, with adult soccer.

This season’s team rosters witnessed a mixing up of standard team lineups. On paper, the Jiffy Lube squad, with the strong games of the Anderson brothers, Sean Flynn’s versatile play and speed on the field, Eric Pullen’s scoring power, Robb Marshall’s superb stopping ability, Tim Holly’s youth and tenacity, and Lyn Clarke’s wisdom and experience, could be the team to beat.

Against Slim’s Place, both teams showed this could be anyone’s season, with the game ending in a 3-3 tie.

With a new sponsor to the league, now veteran Zach Reda, along with past teammates Cody Wright, Clancy Vaughn and Cole Peterson, took the field with other league veterans to get their Allied team a solid win over the strong Blalock Walters team. Despite goals by Matt Staggs and Chris Scott, Allied scored seven goals in the game and won 7-2.

Reda had a hat trick, leading his team in scoring and tied with Chris Klotz in the league with one game completed.

Klotz’s team, Burton Brick and Tile, won 6-3 against Servis First Bank in the third game of the night. In the loss, Kevin Roman scored two goals and Ben Sato had nine saves.

Also with two goals, Burton Bricks’ Zach Leib started the season strong once again.

In the final soccer game of the night, Sato Real Estate put a win in the record books to start the season. Their victory came against The Gitt Team. Finishing with the score at 4-2, Josh Sato, Amy Ivin, Hakan Toka, and Race Arande each had a goal in the game.

Robert Fellowes eluded the Sato Real Estate goalkeeper twice for his team’s two points.

The next night, in flag football action, the adults took to the Island gridiron for four exciting games to start the season.

In the first game, youth sports standout Jackson Hayes was credited with a touchdown pass for Sandbar in 40-27 first-game victory, as well as single point conversion reception. Matteo Ferris threw the other three touchdown passes and had an interception in the game.

Sandbar’s Tyler Brewer had two catches, one for the point after a touchdown.

Salty Printing’s Shaughnessy family trio, Mike, Bri and Tim, took the field against former teammate Karri Stephens for the first time in many seasons.

Team captain, Tim Shaughnessy had two passing touchdowns in addition to a scoring pass by Danny Murphy. Murphy and T. Shaughnessy also had rushing touchdowns in the loss.

The two interceptions, caught by Stephens and Ferris may have been the deciding factor in the match-up.

In a closer scoring game, Beach Bums won by three points, 21-18, against Ryan Moss and Moss Builders. Quarterback Matt Briley hit Rueben Young twice for touchdowns, with a single touchdown throw to Anthony Mannino for the win.

In addition to the six points, Mannino had an interception against the Moss Builder’s squad.

Quarterback Ryan Moss hit friend Jordan Demers twice, cousin Greg Moss thrice, Cole Carter four times, and Dina DeJesus for five catches, including two for touchdowns.

Moss had a rushing score of his own, while his cousin caught Briley for two defensive sacks. Despite Demers’ two interceptions, Moss Builders could not pull off the win.

Ugly Grouper scored 32 points against team Mi-Box lead by Dominick Otteni, who scored 19 in the first game of the season. Each team finished the game with a single interception by the team captain.

Captain Brandon Kull, is also noted with three touchdown throws and one scoring catch for his Ugly Grouper team.

Chad Woods leads the league with nine receptions for his Mi-Box team, including one for a score. Woods was supported by his fellow scoring teammates Otteni and Dylan Doyle.

In the win, each of the Ugly Grouper players had a catch in the game. Octavious Cole had the most for his team with five grabs, followed by Melissa Acevedo with four catches, and Mark Anthony and Cory Banks each with three.

Cam Winston and Jaret Rojas had single nabs in their team’s first win of the season.

To end the night, Solid Rock Construction and Slim’s Place played a nail biter that ended in a tie after regulation time.

Slim’s Place took the win in overtime, with quarterback JB Shuck throwing a solid four scoring receptions to Cruz Rodriguez, Tim Holly and Jacob Robertson. Holly had an additional five points in the game for Slim’s Place.

Connor Haughey served as the quarterback for Solid Rock Construction, with three passing touchdowns to team captain Jon Moss.

In addition to Jesse Skipper’s and Zack Long’s extra points after the touchdowns, Haughey had a Pick Six taking the Solid Rock team to overtime.

Slim’s Place overtime win puts them in a four-way tie for first place with Ugly Grouper, Beach Bums and Sandbar going into week two.

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Goalies keep scoring down in youth soccer

Written by Monica Simpson on . Posted in Soccer, Sports.

A team can’t score if it can’t get past the goalie. That was reaffirmed Tuesday night at The Center with four youth soccer games, all with total goals less than four and the largest point spread at two goals.

In the first 8- to 10-year-old age group game of the night, Beach Bums bested Moss Builders 1-0 on a goal scored by Hayden Eurice. Eurice also made two critical saves toward his team’s win. Teammate Ryan Cyrus also had two saves in the game.

Moss Builders’ Austin Guess had two saves in the matchup, along with a single stop by Xane Flores.

Goalies Liam Nunez and Jack Zaccagnino each had six saves for the Miz & Hiz Biz and Progressive Cabinetry soccer squads, respectively, in a 3-1 win for Progressive. The two goals by Jack McCarthy and solo score off the foot of Jesse Zaccagnino earned Progressive Cabinetry the win.

Nixon Conner, for Miz & Hiz Biz, scored the lone goal for his team. At the net in the keeper position, Bam Gartmen had three saves of his own for the Biz team.

Tidy MD won the first game in the older age group battles on the pitch. In the game, Slim’s Place’s Elek Brisson had one save and one recorded assist. Teammate Madison Ferrari had the only goal for the team in the 3-1 loss.

Three players protected the net for the victors. Tidy’s Victor Albrecht showed his strength in the goal with three saves. Albrecht also had a hat trick in the game, scoring all three points for team Tidy MD.

Both Frankie Coleman and Jayden Sparks prevented a score.

The final matchup of the night finished in a 0-0 score. The lack of points on the scoreboard does not mean shots were not taken, however.

With the shots, goalkeeper Benjamin Young had eight stops for Ugly Grouper, while Gulf Drive Café’s Dennis Gallager had four of his own. Evan Talucci had four saves in the game, giving the Gulf Drive squad a total of eight saves as well to end another night of youth soccer on the Island.

Sun Scoreboard

 

Tuesday, September 29
Youth Co-Ed Soccer – 8- to 10-Year-Old League Week #4

 

Moss Builders (1-1-1) 0

Beach Bums (2-0-1) 1

Miz & Hiz Biz (0-3-1) 1

Progressive Cabinetry (2-0-1) 3

 

Youth Co-Ed Soccer – 11- to 14-Year-Old League Week #4

 

Tidy MD (3-0-1) 3

Slim’s Place (0-4) 1

Gulf Drive Café (2-0-2) 0

Ugly Grouper (1-2-1) 0

 

Wednesday, September 30
Adult Co-Ed Soccer Week #2

 

Slim’s Place (2-0) 7

Solid Rock Construction (1-1) 3

 

Signature Granite (1-0-1) 6

Blalock Walters (1-0-1) 6

 

Sato Real Estate (1-1) 8

Skinny’s Place (0-2) 6

 

Progressive Cabinetry (0-2) 3

Ugly Grouper (1-1) 7

 

Thursday, October 1
Adult Co-Ed Flag Football Week #3

 

Progressive Cabinetry (1-2) 45

Gulfview Windows and Doors (0-2) 20

 

Sandbar (2-1) 31

Moss Builders (1-2) 30

 

Slim’s Place (2-1) 19

Ugly Grouper (1-1) 12

 

Solid Rock Construction (3-0) 40

Beach Bums (1-2) 20

Reef project helps filter local waters

City creates adopt-a-reef program

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Community News, Holmes Beach.

HOLMES BEACH – Commissioners support The Center of Anna Maria Island’s mini reef project, however, budgetary concerns have them hoping that residents will donate to purchase a reef instead of the city spending tax dollars.

Commissioners Kim Rash, Terry Schaefer and Carol Soustek voted to institute an adopt-a-reef program to help further the request of The Center’s Director of Development, Jim McDaniel, for 20 mini reefs.

The project would place the reefs in the waters around Anna Maria Island, primarily underneath city-owned docks, at a cost of $7,300. After hearing from McDaniel, commissioners discussed the prospect of buying the requested reefs. While they said they consider the project a worthwhile endeavor to help clean the waters around the Island, with the budget constraints the city is already facing in the coming fiscal year, they didn’t feel that the added expense was one they could bear.

After consulting with City Treasurer Lori Hill, commissioners discovered that they couldn’t use funds donated by the estate of Billie Martini for the purchase, and decided that they also couldn’t in good conscience use taxpayer ad valorem funds, which are forecast to be less than what the city needs in the coming fiscal year. The adopt-a-reef program was a compromise, putting the approval of Holmes Beach city leaders behind the project without committing any city funds.

Under the adopt-a-reef program, Holmes Beach residents, business owners and other community members are encouraged to adopt one of the reefs, to be placed in approved spots underneath city-owned docks. The reefs are $365 each to purchase, which includes the reef and installation by Ocean Habitats as well as a donation to The Center.

Mayor Judy Titsworth said that while she appreciates what The Center is trying to do for the community and its waters with the mini reef project, she’s more in favor of seeding clams or scallops which leaves no unnatural products in the water and also works to clear the water of contaminants. She also expressed concern that installing the reefs underneath the city-owned T-end docks might dissuade people from wanting to rent the docks for their boats. She also worried that the floating mini reefs might rub up against boats.

Commissioner Pat Morton agreed that he would prefer a natural solution to local water issues instead of supporting the reef project. Commissioner Kim Rash said that while he supports a natural approach, he also supports what The Center is doing and that they have a solution being implemented now. Commissioner Jim Kihm said that he shared some of the mayor’s reservations, particularly when there are other options available.

To donate to The Center’s reef project, visit the website or contact the nonprofit at 941-778-1908.

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Center reports positive end of year results

Center reports positive end of year results

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Anna Maria Island, Center of Anna Maria Island, Community News.

ANNA MARIA – It was a rough fiscal year for The Center of Anna Maria Island but the nonprofit managed to close the year June 30 with $8,761 in net income, only $945 short of the budgeted $9,706.

The Center’s end of year financials exclude an $84,215 Paycheck Protection Program loan which is planned to be accounted for as government/grant income in the 2020-21 fiscal year. As long as the loan funds are used solely for approved expenses, such as keeping employees on the payroll.

Program revenue and costs ended the year at $293,843, $54,287 better than the $239,556 budgeted, primarily due to $51,712 in direct cost savings.

General, indirect and administrative expenses came in at $514,865 for the year, $56,800 better than budget. After factoring in those expenses, operations ended the year at -$221,022, $111,088 better than budget.

Fundraising is where The Center took the hardest financial hit. After canceled concerts, special events and the Tour of Homes, the nonprofit brought in $447,516 in fundraising revenue, 22% below the budgeted $575,704 amount. Direct fundraising costs amounted to $244,372, $5,200 below budget. After costs, the fundraising cost center ended with $203,143, a loss of $137,988 compared to the budget.

The Center’s total revenue for the year came in at $1,065,914, $172,771 below budget. Total expenses for the year were $1,057,153, $186,826 below budget.

While Executive Director Chris Culhane said in an email to The Sun that a new budget for the 2020-21 fiscal year which began July 1 is almost complete, he added that he doesn’t know when the budget will be approved by the board. The Center’s board meetings have been on hold since early in the year due to COVID-19 shutdowns and precautions. Typically the board members meet once per month at The Center in executive session followed by a meeting open to the public.

Despite previous closures due to COVID-19, The Center remains open to the public with safety precautions in place, including a requirement to wear masks while inside the facility, along with practicing strict sanitization procedures and social distancing.

For more information on the programs currently being offered at The Center and what steps are being taken to ensure guest and member safety, visit the nonprofit online.

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