News Briefs

+ Libraries, Orioles team up to promote reading 
For the second year, Sarasota County libraries and the Baltimore Orioles are teaming up to promote reading through the Orioles Big League Reader program.

During February, children ages 6 and up who read three or more books from any of the nine Sarasota County public libraries will receive a Home Run Reading Card. As they read books and return them to the libraries, a library staff member will initial their reading cards, with a full card entitling a child to a reserved grandstand ticket to the March 14 game at Ed Smith Stadium. The Orioles will play the Pittsburgh Pirates that night.

Last season, more than 100 Sarasota-area children completed the program and were eligible to receive a free ticket to an Orioles spring-training game.

March 14 is also “Kids Run the Bases Day.” Following the game, youngsters 14 and under will be invited onto the field to take their turns running the bases.

“The Orioles are excited to once again partner with Sarasota County libraries to promote a love of both reading and baseball among area youth,” said Orioles Director of Florida Operations Laura Williams.

The Baltimore Orioles spring training season begins at Ed Smith Stadium on Monday, March 5, when the Orioles take on the Pittsburgh Pirates at 7:05 p.m.

+ Correction
An article in the Jan. 12 issue of the Pelican Press, about Mary Ann Pelley, incorrectly characterized the reason the Broken Egg Restaurant closed on Avenida Madera in the Village in 2007. The closing was necessary after Broken Egg co-owner Bob Kirscher and property owner John Davidson were unable to work out an extension of the restaurant’s lease of that site. Kirscher and his partners later were able to lease space on Avenida Messina, where they re-opened the Broken Egg.

Meetings & agendas
• Siesta Key Association — 4:30 p.m. Feb. 2, St. Boniface Episcopal Church, Room F, 5615 Midnight Pass Road, Siesta Key.
• Siesta Key Village Association — 8:30 a.m. Feb. 7, Daiquiri Deck Raw Bar, 5250 Ocean Blvd., Siesta Key.
• County Commission — 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 7, Anderson Center, 4000 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 8, Administration Center, 1660 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota.
• School Board — 6:30 p.m. Feb. 7, Sarasota County School District offices, board chambers, 1980 Landings Blvd., Sarasota.