This coming Labor Day weekend, consider taking a short road trip—some of the most historical and ecologically important areas are just to our north and are full of cultural importance.

Asolo Repertory Theatre announces OUT@AsoloRep. OUT@AsoloRep is a special event series launched last season that offers people a chance to hang out with friends and meet kindred spirits in a comfortable and friendly environment. Each event includes a ticket to the selected play performance and a post-show reception. Ticket buyers may select individual tickets or a six-show subscription package for only $225 that saves them an additional 7 percent.

Things aren’t getting easier for homeowners. With an 11.6 percent unemployment rate in the state of Florida alone, life is getting much more difficult. Things are left to rust, woods are left to rot, and houses are deteriorating because owners just don’t have the money to fix it all.

Sarasota Beer Festival at Robarts Sports Arena, 3000 Ringling Blvd, Sarasota. Cost is $20. Unlimited samples of more than 100 of the world’s greatest beers, free food and live entertainment. Must be 21 to attend. 5 p.m.

Major General Raymond E. Mason Jr., Mote trustee, friend and longtime contributor, died peacefully Aug. 13 at his home in Osprey, Fla. Mason and his wife, Margaret, championed education in Sarasota and fueled Mote’s mission of bringing marine science to life for students.

Longboaters, including Sarasota Bay Watch President Rusty Chinnis, joined forces to count scallops last weekend. The findings were not encouraging. In fact, the population of scallops in the bay has plummeted since the Sarasota Bay Watch group held its first scallop search in 2008.

After Longboat Key Police officers and EMTs responded Aug. 21 to two near drownings, officials have decided to take the opportunity to remind residents of safe swimming habits.

What a nightmare if the boss of your boss finds your work and perhaps your attitude second rate. How long until a justification is found to squeeze you out of your job?

I was reading in the Anna Maria Island Sun (July 21, 2010) a story about CERT. That got me remembering.

The sad news from Anna Maria Island recently of further loss of life occurred off the beaches. These drownings were reported to be the result of persons caught in rip currents. These are dangerous beachfront phenomena.