Privateers need help to 'Raise the Skullywag'

The Anna Maria Island Privateers need help to get their beloved ship, the Skullywag, back on the road. The ship, which is a fixture on the Island and can often be seen in parades and at fundraisers, is a valuable tool for the non-profit organization to raise funds to help kids in the community.

To raise funds, they are selling raffle tickets for a St. Paddy's Day Lotto Board hoisted at the Drift In on Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach. The winner will receive the Lotto Board, which contains $100 cash along with $300 in scratch-off tickets and a high end Irish spirits basket with an estimated value of $300. The raffle drawing will be held on Wednes- day, March 15 at 9 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the Drift In or from a Privateer member, and the winner does not have to be present to claim the prize. Ticket prices are one for $5, three for $10 and eight for $20.

The Privateers are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has been in existence for 52 years and has donated over $500,000 in scholarships to local high school students. They also contribute to many other charities, adopt families at Christmas, participate in community events and promote children's activities and reading events.

Join Senior Adventures

The Center of Anna Maria Island in Anna Maria and the Annie Silver Community Center in Bradenton Beach offer Senior Adventures for $5. The price covers a round trip van ride, but additional fees apply depending on the excursion. The Center vans seat 20, so please register ahead. All excursions leave from The Center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.

• Edelweiss German Restaurant, Wednesday, March 8, leaving at 5:30 p.m. and returning around 8 p.m.

• The Bishop Museum and lunch at Mattison’s Riverwalk Grill on Wednesday, March 22, leaving at 9 a.m. and returning around 2:30 p.m.

• Tampa Aquarium and lunch on Saturday, March 25, leaving at 10 a.m. and returning around 6 p.m.

• St. Petersburg Pier and lunch on Tuesday, March 28, leaving at 9 a.m. and returning around 2:30 p.m.

The Center offers a variety of programs for people 60 years of age and older. Activities include traveling, pursuing old hobbies and learning new ones, socializing with friends, meeting new people, increasing knowledge, becoming and staying physically fit, and more. Annual memberships are for available seniors at $50 a month for 12 consecutive months. For more information, email Rusty Wood at programs@centerami. org or call 941-778-1908.