Culture/Education

Experience “The Other Italy” at The Center of Anna Maria Island

When Italian chef, tour specialist, and author Robert Gaglio first visited Italy in 2012 and met his Sicilian family, it sparked a lifelong passion for exploring the Italy few travelers ever encounter. His journeys—later captured in his memoir Freedom to Wander—led him through hidden regions, unforgettable culinary traditions, and breathtaking landscapes that reveal the true heart of Italy.

Now, Robert brings that spirit of discovery to The Center of Anna Maria Island with a three-part cultural and culinary series: The Other Italy.

Join him as he guides you off the beaten path—through the soaring Dolomites, the Marmolada Glacier, the ancient wonders of Sicily, and the rich food heritage of Le Marche. Each session features stories, regional highlights, and live pasta-making demonstrations showcasing authentic Italian treats.

Class Schedule

Part I – The Other Italy: Bologna, Herculaneum, Matera, Siracusa

January 26, 2026

2:00–4:00pm

Part II – The Other Italy: Verona, Ravenna, Lake Iseo, Lecce

February 26, 2026
2:00–4:00pm

Part III – The Other Italy: Palermo, Turin, Urbino, Spello

March 26, 2026
2:00–4:00pm

Registration & Pricing

Cost per Part:

• Members: $30

• Non-Members: $35

Space is limited—register early!
(941) 778-1908

About Robert Gaglio

Founder of Italian Culinary Tours, Robert has dedicated his career to creating immersive, once-in-a-lifetime Italian experiences that go far beyond sightseeing. His classes and tours invite guests to truly live like an Italian—through food, culture, and authentic connection.
Learn more at italianculinarytours.com.

Join The Center for a season of fun and exploration! Transportation is just $5 per person, with additional personal expenses for food, shopping, or activities.

Trip Schedule:

• Friday, January 30: Hard Rock Casino
• Friday, February 13: Sunken Gardens St. Pete
• Friday, February 27: Bowling at Bowlero
• Monday, March 9: Ringling Museum

Reserve your seat early—space is limited!

• 8:45 am – Meet at The Center Front Desk

• 9:00 am – Departure

• 2:00–2:30 pm – Return Arrival

Cost: $5 Transportation Van Fee

Reserve Your Spot Today!
Sign up at the Front Desk or call (941) 778-1908 to join in the fun.

Mondays | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Upcoming Dates:

Full Moon Circles:

• February 2nd
• March 2nd
• April 6th
• May 4th
• June 1st

New Moon Circles:

• February 16th
• March 16th
• April 20th
• May 18th
• June 15th

Pricing

• Members: $25

• Non-Members: $30

About the Facilitator

Carly Burdick is a local Reiki Master and Women’s Guidance Facilitator with a heartfelt mission to support women on their paths of self-discovery and empowerment. Through sacred circles, Carly offers a safe, nurturing environment for connection, healing, and inner transformation. Her work is centered on creating community and guiding women to embrace their true selves.

What to Expect

Each Women’s Circle is a unique and sacred gathering that includes:

• ✨ Group Meditation

• ✨ Journaling & Self-Reflection

• ✨ Sharing Circle

• ✨ Sound Healing

• ✨ Connection & Community

These circles are open to all women, regardless of spiritual background or experience. Just bring an open heart and a willingness to connect.

Full Moon Circle

Step into the glow of the Full Moon and join Carly in a transformative evening of reflection, connection, and renewal. Harness the powerful lunar energy to illuminate your path, release what no longer serves you, and celebrate the divine feminine within.

New Moon Circle

Align with the energy of new beginnings during this sacred New Moon gathering. Set clear intentions, plant seeds for your future, and embrace fresh starts through ritual, meditation, and sisterhood. The New Moon is a perfect time to reconnect with your vision and move forward with clarity and purpose.

Pre-registration required. Call (941) 778-1908 to reserve your spot.
Spaces are limited—join us in sacred sisterhood and honor the cycles of the moon together.

Feb. 6th and March 19th 

2-4pm

Enjoy a fun, creative afternoon making 4-6 beautiful projects with MaryKate, including cards and treat packaging. All materials provided – no experience needed!

Cost: Member: $15/ Non-Member: $20

Space is limited to 8. Call The Center  941-778-1908 to RSVP.

A Hands-On Herbal Experience for Winter Wellness

Class Date: February 9, 2026
Time: 5:00–6:15 PM

Cost:

• Members: $37

• Non-Members: $42

Warm your winter from the inside out with this hands-on, heart-centered Fire Cider Workshop. Fire Cider is a traditional herbal tonic made with immune-supporting roots, citrus, herbs, and raw apple cider vinegar. Spicy, energizing, and deeply nourishing, it’s a beautiful way to care for yourself through the colder months.

In this beginner-friendly class, you’ll learn the history and benefits of Fire Cider, explore the purpose of each ingredient, and create your own 16 oz jar to take home and infuse. You’ll also receive a 4 oz finished Fire Cider so you can begin incorporating it into your daily ritual right away.

This is a fun, welcoming workshop where you’ll chop, mix, and assemble your jar with gentle guidance and plenty of room for creativity. No prior herbal experience is needed—just curiosity and a willingness to play in the kitchen apothecary.

Your Registration Includes:

• All organic ingredients needed for your Fire Cider

• One 16 oz jar for assembling your infusion

• One 4 oz finished Fire Cider to take home

• Step-by-step instruction

• Space for community connection, conversation, and winter wellness inspiration

Come warm your body, awaken your senses, and connect with the supportive energy of Mother Earth’s medicine. This seasonal ritual is perfect for boosting vitality, strengthening immunity, and weaving a little kitchen magic into your life.

Spaces are limited for an intimate, hands-on experience. Reserve your spot early

Free Community Crafting Event

Class Date: February 9, 2026
Time: 1:00–3:00 PM
Length: 2 hours
Location: Learning Center
Cost: Free

Join Mary Kate Scott for this FREE community crafting event as we create Valentine’s Day cards for our local first responders! This all-ages, feel-good activity is a wonderful way to give back, get creative, and share gratitude with those who serve our community every day.

Handmade cards will be distributed to:

• Police departments in Holmes Beach, Anna Maria, and Bradenton Beach

• Water Rescue in Bradenton Beach

• Firefighters in Holmes Beach

All supplies will be provided—just bring your creativity and a warm heart. Drop in, stay awhile, and help us spread appreciation and kindness throughout our island community.

Instructor: Loretta Estabrooks
Dates & Focus:

• Feb 17 iPhone Basics
• Feb 19 iPhone – Beyond the Basics
• Mar 10  iPhone Basics
• Mar 12  iPhone – Beyond the Basics

Time: 10:30 AM – 11:45 AM
Location: Learning Center
Cost: Free

Class Description

This hands-on class will explore both iPhone and iPad topics based on participant interests. Possible areas include digital photography, device security, “Find My Phone,” settings navigation, photo sharing, text messaging, and using Siri.

iPhone Beginner’s Course Includes:

• Navigating the home screen and using gestures

• Managing settings, Apple ID, and iCloud

• Using essential apps like Mail, Messages, and Safari

• Making calls and sending messages

• Customizing the iPhone and using Siri

• Exploring camera features and taking photos

• Downloading and managing apps in the App Store

• Tips, tricks, and hidden features

Class Dates: February 19 & February 26
Time: 6:30–7:30 PM
Cost: Members: $40/ Non-Members: $45

This hands-on Macramé Daisy Bag Charm Workshop introduces participants to basic knotting techniques while creating a charming, handmade accessory. Designed with beginners in mind, the class focuses on simple, approachable steps that make learning macramé both accessible and enjoyable.

All materials are provided, and no prior experience is required. You’ll leave with a completed daisy bag charm—perfect for adding a personal, handmade touch to a bag, keys, or backpack.

Space is limited, so be sure to register early!

Class Dates: Tuesday, February 24
Time: 11AM- 12:30PM
Cost: Members: $20/ Non-Members: $25

Must pre-register

Groucho Marx with Jeffrey Sherman

Groucho Marx starred on Broadway, in the movies, and on TV.  With his brothers, he made over a dozen classic cinematic comedies, and Groucho himself hosted one of TV’s most beloved game shows, You Bet Your Life. Besides being an unmatched raconteur, Groucho was a prodigious correspondent and author. Hear his story — rising from the tenements of lower Manhattan to the peak of comedic genius and worldwide adoration.

Jeffrey Sherman is a retired financial service lawyer who moved from Washington, D.C., to Sarasota in 2020. In his working years, Jeffrey taught adult continuing education, continuing professional education courses, as well as law school and undergraduate classes.  

Class Date: February 24th
Time: 6:30–7:30 PM

Cost:

• Members: $25

• Non-Members: $30

Intro info into Herbal Remedies: In this class, we will explore the ancient and modern uses of culinary herbs as both food and medicine. This class highlights how herbs such as oregano, rosemary, thyme, and parsley can support the body’s natural balance while adding vibrant flavor to everyday dishes.

Class Dates: March 3 & 10
Time: 6:30–7:30 PM
Cost: Members: $40/ Non-Members: $45

This hands-on workshop teaches foundational macrame knotting techniques while guiding participants through the creation of a handmade turtle keychain. The class is structured to build skills gradually, giving first-time makers a clear understanding of knot placement, tension, and pattern flow. All materials are provided, and no prior experience is required. Bring a bit of AMI home with you.

Space is limited, so be sure to register early!

Class Dates: Wednesday, March 11
Time: 11AM- 12:30PM
Cost: Members: $20/ Non-Members: $25

Must pre-register

Our Amazing Solar System with Kenneth Bechis, Ph.D   

Come meet the inhabitants of our amazing Solar System: planets, comets, asteroids, outer moons with oceans dwarfing Earth’s, thousands of undiscovered Plutos, and the mysterious Planet X.  We’ll see how our Solar System was formed, how our own Moon was created by a massive interplanetary collision, take a spectacular trip to Saturn, and explore Mars and search for evidence of life with the Perseverance rover.

Kenneth P. Bechis retired from Northrop Grumman as Chief Scientist in the Space Operations/Environmental Solutions Division and as a Distinguished Technical  Fellow in the Intelligence Systems Sector. He holds a bachelor’s in astronomy from Harvard College (MA), a master of science degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a doctorate in astrophysics from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and is a former NASA Payload Specialist Astronaut.

March 13, 2026
5:30–7:30 PM

Join us for a fun, sustainable, and feel-good Community Clothes Swap at the Community Center! Bring gently used clothing you’re ready to part with and enjoy “shopping” items donated by others in the community—no money exchanged, just sharing and reuse.

This is a great opportunity to refresh your wardrobe, clear out your closet, and connect with neighbors while reducing waste. All styles and sizes are welcome. Please bring items that are clean and in good condition.

How It Works:

• Bring clothing, shoes, accessories—and even small home décor items—to donate

• Browse and take what you love

• Enjoy a relaxed, welcoming community vibe

Any remaining items will be donated to a local shelter, ensuring your unused clothing continues to make a positive impact.

Come swap, shop, and support the community—we can’t wait to see you there!

Class Dates: March 17, 24, & 31
Time: 6:30–7:30 PM
Cost: Members: $40/ Non-Members: $45

This hands-on workshop teaches the basics of crochet through the creation of a set of handmade car coasters. Instruction focuses on foundational stitches and practical techniques, guiding participants step by step as the coasters take shape. All materials are provided, and no prior experience is required. Perfect for adding a functional, handmade touch to any vehicle.

Space is limited, so be sure to register early!

Class Dates: March 25th
Time: 5:30–7 PM
Cost: Members: $25/ Non-Members: $35

The introductory Human Design class offers a clear, accessible foundation for understanding your unique energetic blueprint. Students will learn the basics of Human Design, explore the 5 energy types and how they operate, and discover the role of authority in making aligned decisions. Through practical examples and real-life applications, the class empowers students to work with their natural energy, reduce resistance, and make choices that feel more authentic and sustainable.

Our Book Club is open to all and free to join! We meet once a month to share conversation, community, and a love of reading.

February’s meeting is on February 23rd at 1pm

February’s book: The Will by Kristen Ashley

Come join us, whether you’ve finished the book or are just curious to listen in!

For more info: jillian@centerami.org

Class Dates: April 7 & 14
Time: 6:30–7:30 PM
Cost: Members: $40/ Non-Members: $45

This hands-on workshop introduces basic macrame knotting techniques while creating a decorative jellyfish designed to hang near a window or enhance a coastal-inspired space. Instruction is broken down into clear, manageable steps, allowing beginners to focus on texture, movement, and the overall flow of the piece as it comes together. All materials are provided, and no prior experience is required. Bring a piece of AMI home.

Space is limited, so be sure to register early!

Ice Baths with Dev’s Bevs

Wednesdays

12 pm to 1 pm (5 minute interval, must pre-register)

Cost: $20 Members | $25 Non-Members

Drop in and experience the benefits of ice baths at The Center with Devinne Whittaker of Devs Bevs. Take a few minutes out for yourself at Devs Bevs Ice Bath Wednesday! Ice baths can reduce inflammation and swelling, relieve sore muscles, improve exercise recovery, improve mental health, and support immunity. Please per-register.

For more info: email hello@centerami.org or call us at (941) 778-1908.

Tuesday, January 13^th 2026

Tuesday, April 14^th 2026

8:00am – 2:00pm

Stay on the Island to give the gift of life by donating blood at The Center. With the nationwide shortage of blood, The Center is bringing the One Blood donation bus to Anna Maria Island in hopes that you can take a little time out of your day to make a difference.

At The Center of Anna Maria Island, we are dedicated to supporting your overall wellness through a variety of therapeutic and recovery services. Whether you’re looking to relieve stress, improve mobility, or support recovery, we have options tailored to your needs.

Our Wellness Services:

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is a powerful tool for relaxation, stress relief, and muscle recovery. We offer two types of massage:

• Swedish Massage – A gentle, relaxing massage that promotes circulation, reduces stress, and improves overall well-being.
• Deep Tissue Massage – A therapeutic massage designed to target deep layers of muscle and connective tissue, ideal for relieving chronic tension and muscle pain.

Acupuncture Therapy

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that promotes healing, reduces pain, and enhances overall well-being by stimulating specific points on the body.

Cupping Therapy

Cupping therapy is an ancient practice that uses suction cups to stimulate blood flow, relieve muscle tension, and promote healing.

Click here for prices or book your session by calling The Center at (941)778-1908