ACT II

Act II members dined at Table on the Green and attended the Capitol Steps performance. Golf Clinics are ongoing in November, December and January.

The holiday cocktail party for the Dining In group will be held Dec. 8 at Weymouth. The Lunch Bunch's next outing is Dec. 13 at Table on the Green.

The Book Club members discuss "The Age of Innocence" by Edith Wharton on Nov. 27. The group is looking forward to its Christmas lunch on Dec. 18 when they will donate books to the Head Start program.

Playgoers will see the musical "Movin' Out" in Raleigh on Jan. 7.

For more Act II information, access the Web site: www.pinehurstact2.com.

All graduates of Newcomers are eligible for membership in Act II. To join, call Sheila Henderson at 295-1476.

Browns Backers

The Cleveland Browns Backers of the Sandhills will meet at Broad Street Bar and Grill, 715 S.W. Broad Street in Southern Pines Sunday, Nov. 26, at 1 p.m. when the Browns play the Cincinnati Bengals.

For further information, call Fred at 295-6480. Hope to see you there.

Natural History Society

The Sandhills Natural History Society meets Monday, Nov. 27, at 7 p.m. at Penick Village in Southern Pines. John Gerwin will present an entertaining and informative program on the Swainson's Warbler, a secretive bird of the forest. Visitors are welcome.

Call 910-692-2167 for more information or visit www.sandhillsnature.org.

Central Carolina PBK

Mark Canada, Ph.D., an associate professor of English at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, represented the Central Carolinas Association of the Phi Beta Kappa Society at the Society's Triennial Convention Oct. 26-29 in Atlanta, Ga.

The Triennial brings together representatives of the university and college chapters of PBK and alumni members of associations throughout the country to elect members to the Council of the Society and present awards. Secretary of the Society Dr. John Churchill addressed the convention, and workshops were offered to discuss current progress and issues of the Society.

Phi Beta Kappa is the oldest academic honorary in the nation, having been founded at the College of William and Mary in 1776. The honorary was formed to recognize and encourage excellence in liberal learning. To be invited to membership as a college or university junior or senior, a student must acquire a superior grade point average and have completed courses in mathematics, foreign language and a broad cross-section of liberal arts and science courses.

Society alumni may join one of the 60 associations organized in geographic regions nationwide where they can interact socially with other members and continue learning while serving their communities.

Any Phi Beta Kappa residing in Central Carolina, including Lee, Moore, Scotland and surrounding counties is invited to join the Central Carolinas Association. The next meeting will be held on Jan. 27, at The Country Club of North Carolina in Pinehurst.

For more information, call Dr. Wil Staub at 910-692-6144.

Azalea Branch

Master Gardener Beth Lyerly gave a slide show presentation on the principles of Japanese gardening to the Azalea Branch of the Pinehurst Garden Club at their November meeting in Nancy Campbell's home.

Lyerly explained that Japanese gardens have a quiet, natural look and give cause for calm reflection and introspection. They frequently appear at the entrances of tea houses, where religious ceremonies take place, thus beginning or continuing the sense of peace. Often textures, shapes and plant materials are used minimally and can be cared for with simple clipping and trimming. The placement of stones is done in a manner that makes them look as if they have been there for many years. Layers of shades without much color lend a placid effect as does the frequent incorporation of water.

However, some gardens are raked patterns made of sands and finely ground scree that do require maintenance to make the desired precise presentation.

Lanterns enclosing soft candle glow are popular in Japanese landscaping, and can be set on the ground or on raised legs. Placing stone upon stone in random shapes or uniform ones can form towers for more garden decoration. Small foot bridges and bamboo railings along pathways can further enhance garden interest.

Lyerly explained that one may want to use this type of garden in one section of landscaping and illustrated with her own personal Japanese garden area, a curved stone wash that she created in one corner that gives the illusion of flowing water.

In Japanese cities where space is at a minimum, container gardens fill alleyways and little balconies with a variety of plants lending a soft serenity to the busy and crowded lifestyle.

After the program, President Martha Currie led the monthly meeting with emphasis on the club's volunteer Christmas efforts around the village and at Weymouth. She thanked program chairmen, Barbara Beech and Katherine Stevenson. Sweet cakes, fruits and breakfast coffees were served by Polly Schechter and Mary Beth Thomas.

Knollwood-Midland

Knollwood-Midland Garden Club met on Friday, Nov. 3, at Cypress Bend Vineyards near Wagram.

Don Smith, owner of the winery, gave a short history of the establishment and told members about the process of making wine. Ralph Lohse led the group during a wine tasting.

The next meeting will be the annual Christmas luncheon Friday, Dec. 1, at the Table on the Green at Midland Country Club, with social time beginning at noon. Make reservations by Nov. 22, by contacting Marjorie Heffner.