5 Things to Know Today, Sept. 24: Meet the Artists

1. Residents will get a chance to meet and see the work of a variety of talented area artists when the Beaux Arts Gallery at 11252 Winthrop Main St., Riverview, hosts a community arts event Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m.

Co-hosted with the Greater Brandon Arts Council, the event will give residents a chance to get to know the artists in the area, learn about their fields of expertise and why they have such a passion for art.

There will be light refreshments served in the gallery.

2. Celebrate National Public Lands Day today by visiting a local park.

More than 180,000 volunteers are expected at more than 2,000 sites across the country on Saturday, Sept. 24, to take part in National Public Lands Day, the largest single-day volunteer effort for public lands in the United States.

Volunteers in every state will visit their favorite parks, beaches, wildlife preserves or forests and chip in to help improve these treasured places. They will improve and restore the lands and facilities that Americans use for recreation, education, exercise and just plain enjoyment.

As part of this annual celebration of public lands, NPLD is supporting the first lady's Let’s Move Outside initiative as it engages families and youth to get outdoors and be active through hands-on fun activities. Research shows that being active outdoors is one way to reduce childhood obesity, diabetes, blood pressure and stress.

Events in every state can be found online: www.publiclandsday.org/npld-sites (search by state or zip code).

3. A car wash fundraiser in memory of 11-year-old Darien Engelberger of Valrico will be held today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Advanced Auto, next to Kmart on State Road 60 in Brandon, 1430 W. Brandon Blvd.

Over the summer, that attached to her heart. After several heart surgeries and other procedures, she died in early September.

Donations will help the family with medical bills and other expenses.

4. Get a taste of a variety of foods from local restaurants today when the Nativity Catholic Church Outreach Food Pantry and Food Bank hosts its Taste of 2011 from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Nativity Catholic Church Social Hall, 705 E. Brandon Blvd., Brandon.

All proceeds will benefit the Nativity Outreach Food Pantry and Food Bank, which provide food and service to the needy in the greater Brandon area.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for ages 4 to 8. Children under 3 are admitted for free.

Tickets are available at Nativity's parish office or at the door. Call 813-681-4608 or 813-707-1523.

The Greater Brandon Community Foundation is celebrating its fourth year hosting its Tuscany-inspired Southern Charm Wine and Food Gala, black tie optional, Saturday, Sept. 24, at 6 p.m., at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N.W. C. MacInnes Place, Tampa.

This year’s lead sponsor is Brandon Hyundai and all proceeds benefit the 50 registered Brandon charities the foundation supports. A VIP Reserve Cellar event takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. for $150, and the gala itself is from 7 to 11 p.m. for $75. Both a live and silent auction will take place during the event, with a host of enticing donations available for bids, including round-trip airfare to the Cayman Islands, donated by Cayman Airways, and a wine tasting for 12, donated by PRP Wines.

Food sponsors include Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Smokey Bones, Toffee to Go, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Chart House Restaurant, GrillSmith – Brandon, The Rack, Southern Wine & Spirits and Winthrop Liquors.