Community Interest

Singles Dinners will be held at 7 p.m., July 21, at Raffaele's; and July 28, at Hacker's. For information or reservations call Alan at 215-4527 or Mary at 692-8888.

Moore County Department of Aging is sponsoring "Kitchen Breeze: Cooking Cool," with Cooperative Extension Agent Agnes Evans in a demonstration and sampling of ways to eat well while staying cool in the kitchen. The class will be held Tuesday, July 25, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at 707 Pinehurst Ave., Carthage. Call 947-2881 for info.

HomeChoice Network presents their July "Wacky Wednesdays" program, Wednesday, July 26, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Topic: Makeovers and Tips on Cosmetics and Creams. This is a once-a-month social meeting for seniors providing a fun and informative program. Call 944-1116 by July 24 to reserve your seat.

Moore County camellia growers and enthusiasts are invited to join and help organize the new American Camellia Society of the Sandhills. An orientation meeting will be held on Friday, July 28, at 2 p.m. in the auditorium of the Moore County Extension Service office at 707 Pinehurst Ave., Carthage. For more info., contact Claudia Watson at 910-215-4552 or via e-mail cwatson87@nc.rr.com.

The Moore County Historical Association is hosting a huge Tag and Yard Sale on Saturday, July 29, at 325 North Page Street in Southern Pines from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be hundreds of items for sale including furniture, artwork, books, linens, china, household and decorative items, games and toys, sports equipment, glassware, pottery, monitors, and so much more. For more info., call 692-2051.

6th Annual Solutions for Animals Dog Wash, Saturday, July 29, 12 noon to 5 p.m., Bethesda Presbyterian Church, U.S. 1, Aberdeen. $5 donation for "DogWash"; $5 donation for nail trim by professional groomer, Elaine Rogers; Special Events: pony rides, Slookie the Clown, face painting, and music. Prizes: Hourly "Best Shaker Award"; "Worst Behaved Award"; and "Best Owner Dog Dance Team." Music and entertainment by Glenna and Dean Riel of Spin Doctor DJ Service. Lunch, beverages, and ice cream. Pets for adoption will be available from Solutions for Animals. Bring the whole family for a doggone good time! 100 percent of funds raised go directly to the care of rescued companion animals living at Solutions for Animals.

The Pinehurst area will host the U.S. Kids Golf World Championship July 26-30. It is the world's largest golf tournament for children 4 to 12 years of age. Volunteers are needed to work during the event. For more information, contact Jeff Crabbe at (910) 235-8140. Two events are open to the public during the week. On July 27 from 2 to 8 p.m., the Southern Pines Business Guild will host Summerfest 2006 in downtown Southern Pines. Olmsted Village and Homewood Suites will host a Golf Fest Carnival for children July 28 and 29 from 1 to 8 p.m. All day tickets are $15.

Lance Armstrong Foundation fundraising member Rusty Wells in conjunction with Rainbow Cycles of Southern Pines will host a premiere showing of the documentary "Off Road to Athens" in support of the Lance Armstrong Foundation. The event will take place on Aug. 3, at the Sunrise Theater in downtown Southern Pines and will feature a live auction and reception after the show. Admission is $10 advance purchase and $12 at the door. Please purchase tickets in advance at Rainbow Cycles in Downtown Southern Pines or online at www.ticketleap.com (keyword "athens") For more information about the LAF, visit www.livestrong.org Local contact: Rusty Wells, rcwwells@aol.com 695-1674.

Animal Advocates of Moore County Inc. will host Pam Fulk, executive director of the Carnivore Preservation Trust in Pittsboro on Friday, Aug. 4, at its public meeting. Fulk will present a program entitled "Tiger Tales." The 7 p.m. meeting will be held at the Pinehurst Member's Club activities room. Call 910-944-5098 to reserve a seat.

Miss Teen Moore Pageant will be held Saturday, Aug. 5, at Sandhills Community College starting at 7 p.m. Advance tickets are $8 adultand $10 door,children 10 and under are $3 advance and $5 door.Thre will be having a silent auction, with the proceeds going to the pageant's scholarship fund.The theme for this year is "Across the Decades" with music from the 1950s until the present.

Nationally-known comedian Willie P. Richardson brings his family comedy show to The Robert E. Lee Auditorium at Pinecrest High School in Southern Pines on Saturday, Aug. 12, at 7 p.m. A portion of the proceeds from the concert will benefit The Moore County Law Enforcement Association. Advance tickets are $10 and $15 on the day of the performance. Tickets may be purchased at The Sheriff's Department in Carthage, and at Mac's Breakfast Anytime Restaurants in Southern Pines, Aberdeen and Pinehurst. Credit card orders and information, 888-218-6464.

West Southern Pines Civic Club, Inc. will hold their "Annual Black Arts Festival 2006," Saturday, Aug. 19, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Food, art, music. Co-sponsored by Southern Pines Parks and Recreation Dept. For more info call: Tessie Carpenter, 295-4818, Birtha Shaw, 692-3294, or Elaine Simon, 692-3701.

18th Annual Pinehurst Food and Wine Extravaganza, sponsored in part by A Southern Season, will take place Labor Day weekend, Thursday, Aug. 31, through Monday, Sept. 4, at the Pinehurst Resort in Pinehurst.The celebration is a weekend of fine wine, gourmet food and pure Southern hospitality. Luis Torres, Sommelier from Beam Wine Estates, returns as Master of Ceremonies.Featured Guest Chefs include Roland Mesnier, former White House Executive Pastry Chef, and John Ash, Chef, Author, Educator, and partner in Sauvignon Republic Cellars. Contact: Janeen Driscoll, Communications Manager, Pinehurst Resort, 910-235-8710, janeen.driscoll@pinehurst.com.

The first Motorcycle Run benefiting Sandhills Interfaith Hospitality Network will be held Saturday, Sept. 30, beginning at 8 a.m. at Sandhills Harley Davidson in Eastwood and ending with a celebration picnic at New Century Middle School in Carthage, featuring the McKenzie Brothers. The charity ride will follow an approximately 60 mile route. The registration fee is $20 per driver and $10 per rider, payable by cash or check on the day of the event or by mail to PO Box 1173, Aberdeen, NC, 28315. Picnic only registration is $7.50. For more info., call 944-7149 or e-mail sihn@pinehurst.net.

Southern Pines Area Horse Farm Tour, Sunday, Oct. 15, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. All proceeds to benefit Prancing Horses Therapeutic Riding. Ticketsare $15 in advance and $20 at the door. More information available at 910-245-3220 or www.PrancingHorseCenter.org

The Moore Coffee Company presents: Live Music EVERY Friday and Saturday night, 8 to 11 p.m. It is a musician sit-in, and all musicians are welcome to bring their instruments and join in the fun! Fun for the whole family! Place: The Moore Coffee Company, 201 S. McNeill St., Carthage. Info: call 910-947-6122. No charge.

The Carolina Hotel will offer High Tea the second Friday of each month from 10 a.m. to noon. Cost of $25 per person includes an historic walking tour, followed by classic tea with sandwiches, scones and truffles. Call Resort Services Desk at 235-8415.

The Golf Capital Chorus is looking for new members. Can you carry a tune and do you like to sing? Visit Barbershop Chorus rehearsals on Mondays at 7 p.m. at Community Presbyterian Church, 125 Everette Rd., Pinehurst, or call Skip Ragland at 673-5634.

Little People Loving and Learning is accepting applications for Preschool and Kindermusik fall enrollment. Classes begin August 28.The Preschool offers classes for two-, three-, and four-year-old children, geared toward kindergarten readiness. Kindermusik classes are offered for newborns-age 5. Both programs run for two semesters. Info: Susan Wright at 295-4863.

The local chapter of Sweet Adelines International, Sandhills Harmony Chorus, is looking for new members. Meet Thursday evenings, from 7 to 9 p.m., at Brownson Memorial Presbyterian Church, Southern Pines. Call Carole Roth at 255-1081 for information.

Moore County Concert Band The band is always looking for new members. Rehearsals are Monday evenings at 6:30 at Sandhills Community College. The band performs 6 concerts per year and rehearses September through June. If you now play or have ever played an instrument and would like to play some challenging music, consider joining the MCCB. Information: call 295-9023 or visit the bands Web site at www.moorecountyband.com.

Concerts

Dance

Performances

Lessons and Dances

Ballroom Dancers of the Sandhills club will begin its sixth season in September. For info: call Tony and Arlene Hantjis at 235-0998, visit www.pinehurst.net/~ballroom/, or e-mail ballroom@pinehurst.net

Beginner Ballroom Lessons (choreographed/cued, also known as round dancing) are being offered. The cost for lessons per person is $15 per month. Info: Jo Ann at 295-2590 or Doris at 692-8878.

Carolina Performing Arts Center is now registering for summer camp, July 24-28, ages 3 to 8 from 9 to 12 a.m.; ages 9 and older from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.Fall classes begin Aug 22. Call 695-7898.

Duffie Dancers Round Dance Club is an all phase club. Dances are held every Monday from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Olde West End Gym. The cuer is Lucille Hensley. Info: Max and Frances Lamberti at 949-2566.

Footprints offers instruction in ballet and more. Offering special introductory classes for girls age six and up. Call Diana Turner Forte for information, 695-8863. Footprints Studio, 282 Gatewood Ave., Southern Pines.

Line dance classes are held on Tuesday evenings at the V.F.W., 615 S. Page St., Southern Pines. Cost is $9 for four weeks of classes. Call Doris at 692-8878 to register.

Model A Square Dance Club is an advanced level club. Dances are on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays at 6 p.m. in the Olde West End Gym. Dancers new to the area are welcome. The caller is Jimmy Roberson. Info: Leo and Ruth Ellen Ganster 295-5786.

Pinehurst Ballroom Dance Studio in the Pinehurst Executive Center offers professionally taught ballroom dance lessons for singles or couples. Private or class ballroom by appointment or group lessons Thursday nights at 7 p.m. (no partners required). Pre-registration is required. Weddings, cruises, debutante balls, and prom specials. Info: 295-3003.

Sharifa Asmar is taking registration for belly dance summer intensive at BDT Broadway Dance Theater in Sanford. New Beginner and Beyond Beginner classes. For more information, call 910-461-1265 or 919-718-6043.

Stardust Dinner Dance Club hosts eight dances each year from September through May, with the majority held at the Country Club of Whispering Pines. Live music and fine dining add to an evening of fun for all who enjoy dancing. Visitors may attend one dance as a guest for the cost of dinner only. Reservations and info: 295-1916 or 949-3666.

Taylor Dance Summer Programs

Now accepting registration for classes. Artistic Directors: Gary and Rita Taylor. Info: 295-1320. Classes in Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Tap, and Hip Hop for rising first-graders and older. Now registering for fall classes which begin Aug. 21.

Terpsichore...a Moving Experi-ence is accepting enrollment for fall classes in classical ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, creative movement, Pilates and Yoga, for children ages 3-18. Adult and teen classes are also available. Info: 695-1116.

Ongoing throughout the months of July and August: Summer Dance Camp 2006, themed camps for ages 3-18. Call 695-1116.

Session 2: July 31-Aug. 18

Yellow Rockers Square Dance Club is a Plus level club that holds dances every Thursday, from 8 to 10 p.m., in the Olde West End Gym. Info: President Harry or Jean Vogt at 295-4185.

Drama/Theater

Area Movie Theaters

Call listed venue hotlines for most up-to-date information.

Sandhills Cinemas: 695-1100

SunFlix at the Sunrise Theater: 250 NW Broad St., Southern Pines, 692-3611, www.sunrisetheater.com. $7adults, $6 matinees, $5 under 12.

Movie times:7:30 p.m. evenings and 2:30 p.m. matinees on Saturday and Sunday.

Upcoming Films:

Friday through Monday, July 21-24, "Kinky Boots,"a British comedy/drama based on a true story. A bankrupt shoe manufacturer and a drag queen team up to save a shoe business -- they learn how to stand up for themselves . Rated PG-13. 1hr. 46 min.

Tuesday through Thursday, July 25-27, "L'Enfant." In this French drama Bruno and Sonia are so poor and desperate they consider selling their newborn son. Rated R. 95 min.

Friday through Monday, July 28-31, "Don't Come Knocking." Stars Sam Shepard, Jessica Lange, Tim Roth, directed by Wil Wenders. A worn-out once-great Western cowboy star learns he has an unknown son and sets out to find him. Rated R. 122 min.

Performances

Givens Performing Arts Center at UNC Pembroke offers several productions of interest during the year. Call 910-521-6361 or 800-367-0778 for ticket prices and availability.

Entertainment

Venues may charge admission or a cover charge or may change schedules for some events. Call venues for details.

Basil's, 211-H in Olmsted Village, 1.5 miles west of the traffic circle and opposite Homewood Suites, features Donn Stanley on the piano on Saturdays. Reservations: 235-3737.

Brats European Bistro, 219 NE Broad Street, Southern Pines, offers live entertainment by Roger Levesque every Saturday night. Info: 910-246-2728 or www.hausofbrats.com.

Bynum General Store is located at 950 Bynum Rd., Bynum; just 10 miles south of Chapel Hill, off of U.S. 15-501. Donations of $3 to $7 are collected pass-the-hat for concerts. Entertainment weekly. Info: (919) 542-1858.

Davis Community Center, one mile from Robbins, hosts bluegrass music on the third Friday of each month.

Dugan's Pub, No. 2 Market Square, Pinehurst, features Karaoke on Thursdays, from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. A $3-$5 cover charge may apply. Call 295-3400 for more information.

Elliott's Gourmet Marketplace, 905 Linden Rd., Pinehurst, offers a wine tasting every Thursday night from 6-9 p.m. featuring a different vineyard weekly. A full dinner menu is also available. Information: 295-FOOD (3663).

Italian Table Restaurant presents live entertainment on weekends. Location: 136 Grant St., Seven Lakes. Reservations strongly encouraged at 673-4725.

The JFR Barn has a monthly wine dinner on the fourth Thursday of each month starting at 7 p.m. with a five-course dinner and6 different wines, all inclusive pricing. Go to www.jfr barn.com for information and reservations. 910-692-7700.

Maness Pottery and Music Barn features bluegrass, country, and gospel pickin' and singing around 6 p.m. every Tuesday night. No cover; donations accepted. Located six miles west of Carthage on N.C. Hwy 24/27. Call 948-4897 for info.

May Street Market, 1010 N. May St., Southern Pines, hosts live music every Friday night from 7 to 10 p.m. No cover! Dinner reservationshighly suggested. Phone: 692-4110.

Mint Juleps, 155 Hall Ave., is a Southern Pines private club for people 25 years and older. All musical events are open to the public and run from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Wednesday is open Mic night. Info: www.mintjulepsclub. com or 246-2223.

Neville's, located at 130 W. New Hampshire Ave., Southern Pines, is open Sunday through Saturday from 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday shows are 7 to 10 p.m., no cover charge. Saturday shows are 9:30 p.m. - until, cover charge may apply. July 21: Jesse Janes; July 28: Maliheh; July 29: Johnny and the Cadillacs. For more info, call 692-1939 or visit www.nevillesclub.com.

O'Donnell's of downtown Southern Pines hosts weekend live entertainment for members and guests as often as possible and features Wednesday night guest bartenders with tips going to charity. For information, call 695-1915 or go to www.patodonnellspub.com.

The Potter's Caf features live music every Saturday night from 7 to 11 p.m. Exclusively selling Starbucks coffee. The caf is at 201 South St. in Aberdeen. Info: 944-1250.

The Red Room, a downtown Southern Pines nightclub showcasing cutting-edge, electronic music DJs Friday nights (18+) and DJ Hitman every Saturday night spinning Top 40 dance music (21+). 100 W. Massachusetts Ave. Info: 695-2300 or visit www.theredroomclub.com

Sandhills Bowling Center offers opportunities for bowling. Address: 2239 N. Pinehurst Street, Aberdeen. Info: 295-9610.

Shucker's Oyster Bar, 135 Pinehurst Ave., Southern Pines, features live entertainment on their deck Saturdays and Wednesdays. No cover. Info:call 695-1000.

The Sports Page Bar and Grill, off U.S. 1, Aberdeen, at The Commons, hosts karaoke each Wednesday at 9:30 p.m.

The Wine Cellar and Tasting Room, 241 N.E. Broad St., downtown Southern Pines, is open as a casual wine bar on Wednesday and Friday nights with a large selection of wines available by the glass and half glass, changing weekly. Info: 692-3066.

Galleries

Art at The Market Place -- Enjoy the fine art gallery featuring the original paintings of local artists Cele Bryant, Betty DiBartolomeo, Sara Gray, Fay Terry and Joan Williams. Located at 2160 Midland Rd., Pinehurst. Open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 215-5963 for information.

Artist Alley, a collection of juried art and fine crafts from local and regional artists, is located on Broad Street, above Sweet Basil Cafe in Southern Pines. They are open Wednesday-Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Info: 692-6077, www.artistalley.net

Broadhurst Gallery, 2212 Midland Road, Pinehurst, showcases works by nationally recognized artists. Hours are Tuesday-Friday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., and Saturday, 1 to 4 p.m. Call 295-4817 for more information.

The Campbell House Galleries, 482 East Connecticut Avenue in Southern Pines, proudly presents "Inspired Images" by Sandhills Photography Club. Gallery hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday and open every third weekend from 2 to 4 p.m. For more information, call 692-4356, or visit www.artscouncil-moore.org.

Central Security Systems Gallery is in the new CSI building at 370 NW Broad St., Southern Pines, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Featured artist is Karen Cook. For more info call 295-0999

Chanticleer, located at 118 NW Broad Street, Southern Pines, hosts a gallery featuring N.C. artists Jeanette Sheehan, Jessie Mackay, Kristina Bach and Linda Griffin. The original paintings show landscapes, florals, portraits and animal subjects and are in oil, watercolor, mixed media and pastel. The gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Info: 695-7070.

Exchange St. Gallery, Sheila Sullivan is holding a one-woman show at the Exchange Street Gallery through July 28. The Gallery is located at the Artists League, 129 Exchange Street in Aberdeen, and is open Monday through Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. The artist will be present each Saturday.

Gallery 102, a new art gallery in Sanford, is exhibiting recent prints by Tennessee artist Elaine Antri-can, entitled "N.C. Homestead." The gallery also hosts the works of Beverly Brookshire, Victoria Hogan and Doug Rowe. Located at Shops of Steele Street, 102 S. Steele Street, Sanford,10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday-Saturday. (919) 777-6959.

Gap Creek Candle Company, 116 NW Broad St., Southern Pines, showcases the arts and crafts of the Sandhills, including King's Pottery and Crystal King's Pottery of Seagrove, paintings by Susan Edquist, pine-needle art by Carolyn Register and Martha Blake, floral art by Joan Grimone, handturned bowls by Chuck July, birdhouses by Bill Blake and Mike Shinn, and Gap Creek's very own handcrafted scented candles. Info: 695-0029.

The Hastings Gallery on the SCC campus will host occasional art exhibitions in its space. Info: Teresa Reynolds at 695-3775.

Hollyhocks Art Gallery, located in The Shops At Pinehurst Place, at 905 Linden Road, Pinehurst, features original artwork by local artists, Len Block, Jane Casnellie, and Joan Hodges.Currently featured is Len Block's "Block Art." Enter through The Sheared Lamb or Elliott's.Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Info: 295-2489.

Jewels of Pinehurst, a contemporary jewelry gallery in the village of Pinehurst, features the original art jewelry of owner Patricia Reil along with other goldsmith artists. Hours: Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. or by appointment. Info: 295-2824.

Kate Buie and Hannah Cole have a gallery featuring their work (and the work of other regional artists) at 113 West Main Street, Aberdeen, in the old Silk Route building. Hours are Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Call 639-6401 for information.

McMillan & Wife Art Gallery, 150 N. Bennett St., Southern Pines. The gallery is open Monday through Friday. Info: 692-4879.

Sayer Photography Studio and Gallery, 155 E. Pennsylvania Avenue, downtown Southern Pines, is currently featuring the work of award-winning portrait photographer Tim Sayer and the international travel photography of local artist Caroline McKissick. Open Tues.-Sat. from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. unless out on assignment. Also available by appointment. Gallery phone number is 692-6320. Email: tim@sayerphotography.com

Sky Art Gallery is currently featuring a select sample of the late William H. Knudsen's fine watercolor paintings.

The gallery also has some of Moore County's best local and nationally recognized artists, rare signed lithographs, watercolor, oils, and fine art photography.It is the home of West 23rd Street Photography. Hours: Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., 602 Magnolia Drive, behind Applebee's at the entrance to Magnolia Square Aberdeen. Info: 944-9440.

Vass Area Library at 128 Seaboard St., Vass, will exhibit original paintings by local artist Diane Kraudelt through July 15. Hours are from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday, and 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Call 245-2200 or e-mail SandhillsArtist@yahoo.com for more information.

White Hill Gallery, 407 U.S. 15/501, Carthage, just south of Sanford, offers a variety of pottery, from modern functional wares to petroglyph-design pitfired pots, to whimsical pieces, and to pottery with colors from a rainbow. Info: Sandra Layne, proprietor, at 947-6100.

Lectures

A Lecture Series: The Arts Council of Moore County and Weymouth Center for the Arts and Humanities is presenting the third lecture in a series of four on Thursday, Sept. 14, at 10 a.m., at the Weymouth Center. Guest Lecturer, Dr. Molly Gwinn, will focus on "Impressionist Landscapes: Monet's Journey through Normandy." For more information, call 692-4356.

Lessons

-- Art for All Y'all in Southern Pines offers Monday evening and Thursday morning classes for adults in jewelry making and mixed media art. Advance registration is preferred as space is limited.The studio is located at 150B East New Hampshire Ave (in the back of the building). Call Amy at 528-2110for a schedule of classes or email artforallyall@gmail.com.

-- Artist League of the Sandhills

Summer Mini-Classes and Workshops.

Payment is required at time of registration. For more information call 944-3979 between 9-12, and 1-5 weekdays.

Summer Mini-Classes:

Painting Clouds in Oil with Eileen Strickland, July 26.

The Art of Seeing/Drawing with Betty Hendrix, Wednesday, August 2. Calligraphy for Cards & Scrapbooks with Barbara Sickenberger, August 5.

Understanding Watercolor Materials with Susan Edquist, August 7.

Understanding Light & Shadow with Harry Neely, August 9.

Color Theory with Susan Edquist, August 14.

Workshops:

Workshops

-- Colors 'n Clay, 230 SW Broad St., Southern Pines, 692-4656.

Kids' Summer Workshops, 230 SW Broad St., Southern Pines. Lots of summertime fun. Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Bubble painting, chalkboard painting, mosaics, masking tape painting, handbuilding with clay, and fingerprint art are some techniques that will be used. Children 7 (going into the second grade) and up are welcome to join in creative adventure. Info: 692-4656, email albert@nc.rr.com, or stop by the studio for a schedule of workshops.

-- Creative Connection: A meeting place for emerging and frustrated out-of-the-box-artists. Connect and share with other creatives. Call Joy at Joy of Art Studio at 695-7055 or e-mail Joyof_Art@msn.com.

-- Artist Alley, Open Wednesday-Saturday, 10:30 to 5:30 p.m. Call 246-0982 for information about beginning or intermediate off-site painting classes or visit www.artistalley.net.

-- Dogwood Pottery, 310 E. Philadelphia, Pinebluff, offers beginning pottery classes for adults, children or groups. For more information call 281-5926.

-- Kathleen Miller Art Studio in Southern Pines offers classes in Tole and decorative painting. Fee: $60 deposit, plus supplies. Class size limited. To register and view projects for the basic beginner and intermediate level classes, call Kathy, 246-0982.

-- Joy of Art Studio offers Emerging Artists Summer Art Camp for ages 5-16. The Art of Collage, Little Emerging Artists, Beginning Drawing and Painting,Mixed Media Medley, Creating with Mixed Media, Explore! Create! Express!, I am an American Girl at the Beach, and Parent/Child Create Together Earth Art. Call for schedule and description, 695-7055 or Joyof_Art@msn.com

-- Just Needlepoint offers classes in needlepoint for beginners, intermediate and advanced. Call Jean Wallen at 295-3727 for more information.

-- Creative Connection is forming a new "Artist's Way" group that will be using the book as a workbook for group sharing and doing exercises for both personal and creative exploring. A once-a-month creative play session will be held to share techniques, material and ideas. Call Joy at 695-7055 for location and details.

-- N.C. Pottery Center

Registration for new classes and workshops at the North Carolina Pottery Center is now available. The Center is located at 250 East Avenue in Seagrove, NC. For more information, call 336.873.8430 or go to www.ncpotterycenter.com.

-- The O'Neal School, 3300 Airport Road, Southern Pines, offers art and pottery classes for children. To register or for information, call 692-6920, ext. 108, or 692-9595.

Young At Art: An exploration of drawing, painting and sculpture. Enrich your child's world through art classes that meet on Wednesday or Thursday after school for third- and sixth-graders.

Pottery Classes: Beginner to advanced wheel throwing and hand building techniques will be explored.

Literary

The Country Bookshop

The Country Bookshop in downtown Southern Pines announces its upcoming author events. Call 692-3211 for information.

-- Children's Storyhour at The Country Bookshop -- for children age birth to 5 and their caregivers each first and third Thursday at 10:00 a.m.

-- Wednesday, Aug. 9, at 4 p.m. North Carolina author Marisha Pessl presents her debut novel, "Special Topics in Calamity Physics." Structured around a syllabus for a Great Works of Literature class, Pessl''s novel unites the trials of a postmodern upbringing with a murder mystery. Blue van Meer, a senior at an elite school in North Carolina, is left to make sense of the drowning of one of her friends and the shocking death of her teacher.

Nature

Weymouth Woods-Sandhills Nature Preserve often presents weekly programs. The preserve is at 1024 Fort Bragg Road in Southern Pines. Call 692-2167 for info.

-- Bird Banding at Weymouth Woods --Susan Campbell, bird researcher, will be banding hummingbirds at Weymouth Woods - Sandhills Nature Preserve each Wednesday at 9 a.m. through September. Please call 692-2167 as weather conditions may cause a change of plans.

The Sandhills Natural History Society holds monthly meetings in the auditorium in the North Building at Penick Village. Visitors and pros-pective members welcome. Info: 692-2167.

Recreation Classes

Aberdeen Parks and Recreation Department is sponsoring these activities for young people. Call 944-5902 for registration, information and fees.

Weekly Activities (Aberdeen Lake Recreation Building):

-- Monday: 7-9 p.m. Tai Chi classes.

-- Tuesday and Thursday: 10:30-11:30 a.m. Chair Exercise classes (seniors).

-- Tuesday and Thursday: 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Stretch and Tone Classes (seniors).

-- Tuesday: 6-8 p.m. : Scrapbooking classes for ages 16 and above.

-- Wednesday: 9-12 noon. Art classes. Participants must provide their own materials.

-- Friday: 3:30-4:30 p.m. Beginning Ballet for Girls, ages 5 to 10.

-- Friday: 4:45-5:45 p.m. Modeling for Girls, ages 5 to 10.

-- Saturday: 11-11:45 a.m. Music and Movement for ages 2-4.

The Pinehurst Parks and Recre-ation Department is offering classes for adults at the Pinehurst Village Hall.

Reunions

The Academy Heights Alumni Association will hold its reunion Sept. 15, 16, and 17. For more information, call Theodore Spencer Sr., 295-5820.

Sports

The American Singles Golf Association-Pinehurst Chapter is active in golf and social events for adult singles. Visit the website at www.pinehurst.singlesgolf.com for information on activities, or call Charlie at 910-603-4540.

The Rock, Rockingham Dragway Events - for more info on these events, call 910-582-3400.

The established 13u NC Stix baseball organization is looking for dedicated players. Players must have turned 14 prior to May 1. This organization was founded on teaching the right way to play the game of baseball. If interested, call 910-677-0028

Tours

-- ARTours

Join the Arts Council of Moore County and experience the art of travel. Reservations: 692-4356 or visit www.artscouncil-moore.org.

"Monet in Normandy," Oct. 25, at the North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh. More than 40 paintings offer a rare look at seldom seen works borrowed from public and private collections around the world.

"Madame Butterfly," Nov. 5, at the War Memorial Auditorium in Greensboro.

"The Music Man," Nov. 9, at the Raleigh Memorial Auditorium.

New York City, Nov. 30-Dec. 3. Visit Manhattan in December and don't miss the holiday lights, decorations, shows and shopping. Enjoy two Tony-award winning musicals, "Jersey Boys" and "The Drowsy Chaperone."

-- Aberdeen Parks and Rec

The Aberdeen Parks and Recreation Department often sponsors trips. For details, call 944-5902.

-- Kirk Tours

Offers chartered tours to many destinations. For detailed information or to register for any of these offerings, call 295-2257, extension 21.

-- The Moore County Historical Association sponsors exciting programs, historical lectures, and tours of house-museums and of special places both near and far. For reservations and details call 692-2051 or visit www.moorehistory.com.

Shaw Properties Museum-Houses Tour. A trio of historic houses built between 1700 and the 1800s that depict the daily life of early county settlers. Open for tours Tuesday through Friday, from 1 to 4 p.m. Free. Morganton Road and SW Broad Street, Southern Pines.

Bryant House Properties Museum-Houses Tour. Two historic houses built between 1700 and the 1800s that depict the daily life of early county settlers. Bryant House and McLendon Cabin are open for tours each Sunday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. To arrange tours at other times, call 673-0908. Free.

Hart's Square Historic Tour, Oct. 28. A fun one-day tour from Southern Pines to Hart's Square in Hickory. Hart's Square is an early 1790s to 1890s settlers village. Reserve by Sept. 26.