Community Interest

Christmas Tree Recycling, "Leave One for the Chipper," Saturday, Jan. 6, 2007, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Corner of U.S. 15-501 and Murray Hill Road, Southern Pines, (beside Tripps Restaurant). Bring your Christmas tree for recycling to the corner of U.S. 15-501 and Murray Hill Road. Trees will be chipped into mulch on site. Keep Moore County Beautiful will provide bags for individuals to take free mulch home to use around shrubs, trees or in flower beds. For additional information, contact Joan Neal, executive director, Keep Moore County Beautiful, Inc. at 947-3478 or jneal@moorecountync.gov

Keep Moore County Beautiful, Inc. is conducting a Mixed Paper Recycling Drive on Saturday, Jan. 13, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Kangaroo Station in the Fresh Market Shopping Center, Southern Pines. Acceptable items include anything that is paper: Paper grocery bags, flattened boxes, telephone books, junk mail, magazines, catalogs, flattened corrugated cardboard, office paper, and newspapers. Now also accepting: Any type of household batteries and inkjet, laser, toner cartridges, and cell phones. Please bring your paper items, cartridges and batteries for recycling in order to keep these items out of our landfill. For additional information, contact Joan Neal, Executive Director, Keep Moore County Beautiful, Inc. at 947-3478 or by email at jneal@moorecountync.gov

Crains Creek Volunteer Fire Department Inc. will hold its annual meeting Friday, Jan. 19, at 7 p.m. at the station located at 4525 Lobelia Road, Vass. The purpose of this meeting is to give annual reports to the community and for elections to the board.

Sunday, Jan. 21, at 2:30 p.m., the Southern Pines Civic Club will be hosting a reception in celebration of the Centennial anniversary of the club which was founded in 1907 by Helen Boyd Dull. If their schedules allow, Mr. John Patrick and Squire Shaw will be in attendance. In addition, the centennial quilt of historic Southern Pines, the proceeds from which the club has dedicated to the future Welcome Center at the train station, will be displayed.

Spelling Bee for Literacy -- Thursday, Feb. 15, 7 p.m., at Sunrise Theater. A fun-filled fundraising event to support Moore County Literacy Council. Three-member teams compete for the coveted Best Spelling Team Trophy. Additional awards for Most Team Spirit and Best Team Costumes. Find the best three spellers in your company and get on board for a rousing time! Entry fee is $500 per team. Call 692-5954 to register today.

Business Network International, a business-to-business referral network, meets each Tuesday morning at the Days Inn restaurant at 7:30 a.m. Visitors are welcome.

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.

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 six 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 band's Web site at www.moorecountyband.com.

URGENT -- The Red Cross urgently needs all blood types, especially O Positive, B Positive, O Negative, and A Negative, which are at EMERGENCY status. B Negative is at CRITICAL status. Bob Arrington, American Red Cross, 919-605-4132 or local office at 244 SW Broad St., Southern Pines, 692-8571. Must be 17 or older.

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.

Concerts

The Opera Company of North Carolina announces its 2006-2007 season: "The Crucible," Feb. 23, 7:30 p.m., and Feb. 25, 2 p.m., Memorial Hall, Chapel Hill; and "La Bohme," April 13, 7:30 p.m., and April 15, 2 p.m., Progress Energy Center, Raleigh. Tickets from $20-75; subscriber, group, and student discounts are available. More information: Call 919-783-0098 or visit the Web site, www.operanc.com

Dance Performances

Lessons and Dances

Ballroom Dancers of the Sandhills club will hold dances at the Olde West End gym on Jan. 5 and 19, Feb. 2 and 16, Mar. 2, 16, and 30, Apr. 20, and May 4. Each dance includes a brief lesson. For information call Tony and Arlene Hantjis at 235-0998, visit www.pinehurst.net/~ballroom/, or e-mail ballroom@pinehurst.net

The Carolina Pines Ballroom Dancers, USA Dance, will host a dance Saturday, Jan. 13, in Carthage at 105 Reynolds St. Lesson from 7 to 8 with a variety of dancing from 8 to 10 p.m. $4 for first time visitors. Call 949-5500 or 692-5280 for more information.

Carolina Performing Arts Center is currently enrolling 2 1/2 - 5 yr. olds for the 2006-07 winter and spring trimesters of "Dance to your Own Tune," developed by London's The Royal Academy of Dance. Please call 695-7898 for information.

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.

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 will have class lessons Thursday evenings at 7 p.m. (no partners needed). Private lessons by appointment. Go to our Web site at www.pinehurstballroomdance.com or call Claudia at 295-3003.

Shag Dance Lessons at Mint Juleps with Budand Nanci. Six-week class, 6:30 for Level I (no experience), 7:30 Level II (some experience), $65 per couple, $35 single. Info/Register 690-9176 or 246-2223.

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 295-1540.

Taylor Dance is now accepting students for the fall and winter sessions. Classes are offered in jazz, hip hop, tap, ballet and competitive dance. Call 295-1320 for information.

Terpsichore is accepting registration for winter classes in classical ballet, jazz, tap, creative movement, theater dance, and adult classes. For more information, call 695-1116.

Yellow Rockers Square Dance Club is a Plus Level Club that meets every Thursday from 8 to 10 p.m. at the Old West End Gym. For info, call Harry and Jean Vogt at 295-4185 or Tim and Marj Dwyer at 246-2421.

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. $7 adults, $6 matinees, $5 under 12.

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

Upcoming Films:

Tues. Wed., Jan. 2-10; 7:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. on Sat.-Sun., "The Queen," this British film stars Helen Mirren as Queen Elizabeth in a fictional account of real events in the wake of the sudden death of Princess Diana in August 1997. A revealing, witty portrait of the British royal family and the government. Also starring: Michael Sheen, James Cromwell, Sylvia Syms, Helen McCrory. PG-13; 1 hr. 43 min.

Performances

Sandhills Theatre Company will present Agatha Christie's "The Mousetrap," Jan. 19, 20, 26 and 27 at 8 p.m. at the Sunrise Theater in Southern Pines. Sunday matinees are Jan. 21 and 28 at 2:30 p.m. For reservations to the classic whodunit, call 281-0661.

"Big River - The Story of Huckleberry Finn" -- Sunrise Theater, Feb. 2 - 11. Tickets are $18 for adults and $10 for students. Tickets may be purchased by calling Moore OnStage at 255-0667. Tickets go on sale January 2. Mastercard and Visa accepted.

"The Ghost of Mark Twain" -- Sunrise Theater, Tuesday, Feb. 6, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 apiece and may be purchased by calling Moore OnStage at 255-0667. Mastercard and Visa accepted.

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.

Coach Light Cafe, 290 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Southern Pines, sometimes offers live entertainment. Call for reservations and info, 692-4449.

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. Karaoke on Thursdays, from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Call 295-3400.

Elliott's Gourmet Marketplace, 905 Linden Rd., Pinehurst. They provide different workshops and wine seminars in their new cooking school. A full dinner menu is also available. Information: 295-FOOD (3663).

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

The JFR Barn will end its season of wine dinners on Thursday, Nov. 30. The 2007 wine dinner schedule is available atTheJFR Barn website www.jfrbarn.com

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. 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. Phone: 692-4110.

Mint Juleps, 155 Hall Ave., Southern Pines. Sundays: NFL Sunday Ticket; Mondays: Monday Night Football; Tuesdays: Shag lessons; Wednesdays: House DJ; Fridays and Saturdays: House DJ; Saturday, ballroom dance lessons. Sundays, beginning Jan. 7: Goodman Legacy Orchestra, 4 to 6:30 p.m.Open to all adults 21 years and over. Call (910) 246-2223 for moreinfo or www. mintjulepsclub. com

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. Place: The Moore Coffee Company, 201 S. McNeill St., Carthage. Info: call 910-947-6122. No charge.

Neville's, located at 130 W. New Hampshire Ave., Southern Pines, is open Sunday through Saturday from 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. Call 692-1939 or 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. The caf is at 201 South St. in Aberdeen. Info: 944-1250.

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. Call 695-1000 for more info.

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 now open until 10 p.m. as a casual wine bar Wednesday through Saturday nights and serving crackers, cheeses and pates. For info, call 692-3066 or www.thewinecellarandtastingroom.com.

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 or 695-0424 for more 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

The Artists League of the Sandhills, located at 129 Exchange Street in Historic Aberdeen. A reception and demonstrations of work by the instructors at the Artists League is scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 7, from 2:30 to 5 p.m. Exhibits are open to the public Monday through Saturday from 12 until 3 p.m. Call 944-3979.

Broadhurst Gallery, 2212 Midland Road, Pinehurst, showcases works by nationally recognized artists. Hours are Tuesday-Friday, 11 a.m. to 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 "Expressions and Impressions," works by Denise Baker, Cliff Stuckey and Eric Ton, Jan. 5-29. The gallery is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and every third weekend of the month from 2 to 4 p.m. The gallery will be closed on Monday, Jan. 15, in observance of the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. 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. Central Security Gallery's featured artist for January is Margaret (Peggy) Andersen. For more info, call 910-895-6909.

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. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Info: 695-7070.

The Exchange Street Gallery -- located at 129 Exchange Street, Aberdeen. For appointments, tours or information call: The Artists League of the Sandhills at 944-3979 or go to www.artistleague.org

Gap Creek Candle Company, 116 NW Broad St., Southern Pines, showcases the arts and crafts of the Sandhills, King's Pottery and Crystal King's of Seagrove, local pine-needle basketry and birdhouses, original paintings and prints by Susan Edquist of Pinehurst, and Gap Creek's scented candles. Monday - Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 695-0029.

The Hastings Gallery in Boyd Library on the campus of Sandhills Community College in Pinehurst will feature and exhibit over 90 photographs from members of the Sandhills Photography Club from Jan. 16 through Feb. 23. The public is invited to attend the opening reception from 3 to 5 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 18. Subject matter will be diverse. Scenic photography, photography from club field trips, members' individual travels and photos from recent club competitions will be shown. For more information, call 695-3995.

Hollyhocks Art Gallery, located in The Shops At Pinehurst Place, at 905 Linden Road, Pinehurst, features original artwork by local artists, Deane Billings, Irene McFarland, Marie Travisano, and Jane Casnellie.Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10 to 5. Info: 295-2489.

Jewels of Pinehurst is a gallery of contemporary jewelry handmade in platinum and gold. 7 Market Square, Pinehurst. Monday - Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 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. to 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.

Sky Art Gallery is the home of West 23rd Street Photography, Wednesday through Saturday 12 to 5 p.m., 602 Magnolia Drive, at the entrance to Magnolia Square, Aberdeen, 944-9440 or www.skyartgallery.com

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.

Workshops

-- The Artists League of the Sandhills announces its slate of upcoming classes and workshops. Payment is required at time of registration. Call 944-3979 between 9-12, and 1-5 weekdays.

-- N.C. Pottery Center is now holding registration for new classes and workshops at the North Carolina Pottery Center located at 250 East Ave., Seagrove. Call 336-873-8430 or go to www.ncpotterycenter.com.

Lectures

Preserving Family Records and Treasures Lecture Series -- Feb. 24, 10 a.m. 12 noon. Are your family Bibles, photos, newspaper clippings, records, christening clothes, linens and other important memorabilia stored safely and correctly? Come learn the proper and safe way to preserve your heritage and some unique ways to display your collections. Seating is limited. Reservations requested. Southern Pines Civic Club, 105 S. Ashe Street in Southern Pines. Sponsored by the Moore County Historical Association. $15 MCHA member/$20 non-member. Reservations and information call (910) 692-2051. www.moorehistory.com.

Literary

The Country Bookshop

The Country Bookshop, 140 NW Broad St., Southern Pines, announces its upcoming author events. Call 692-3211 for information.

Thursday, Jan. 11, 4 p.m., Duke English Professor, Cathy N. Davidson, presents "36 Views of Mount Fuji: On Finding Myself in Japan," her funny, sometimes liltingly sad memoir, like long-awaited letters from a good friend, of her many journeys to Japan where she taught English at a leading all-women's university.

Children's Story Hour at The Country Bookshop for children ages birth to five and their caregivers at The Country Bookshop every other Thursday at 10 a.m.

Jan. 18: Brrr, It's Cold Outside

Feb.1: Cats

Feb. 15: Bath Time

March 1: Dr. Seuss's Birthday

March 15: Clothes

N.C. Poetry Society presents "A Winter Melange," Saturday, Jan. 20, at the Weymouth Center for the Arts and Humanities, 555 E. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines. A FREE day of poetry with registration from 9:15 to 10 a.m. Following a short business meeting, guests can attend one of three workshops led by award-winning, teaching poet/writers: "Exploring Japanese Poetry" with Tom Heffernan, "T.S. Eliott: Slicing Through Time and Space" with Ron Bayes, or "Present Tense Poetry" with Robin Greene. The afternoon features a reading by acclaimed poet Jaki Shelton Green. Open mic readings will be interspersed throughout the day. Activities will conclude some time after 2:30 p.m. For more information, contact Sue Farlow, NCPS 1st VP, programs at (336) 685-7006.

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.

Recreation Classes

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

Weekly Activities (Aberdeen Lake Building)

Mondays: 7 to 9 p.m. Tai Chi classes. Tuesdays and Thursdays 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Chair exercise classes for Seniors.

Tuesdays and Thursdays: 11:45 a.m. 12:45 p.m. Stretch and Tone classes for adults of all ages. $3 for Aberdeen residents, $8 for non-residents for four weeks (8 classes).

Wednesdays: 9 to 12 noon. Art classes. Participants must provide their own materials.

-- Table tennis (ping-pong) is available at TheMoore County Department of Aging recreation room, 302 Monroe Street, Carthage, Mondays through Fridays between 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. Call 947-2881 to reserve the table.

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

Reunions

Pinecrest High School, Class of 1986, seeking members for a reunion. Contact Jimmie Smith at jsmith2702@bellsouth.net.

Sports

The American Singles Golf Association-Pinehurst Chapter is active in golf and social events for adult singles. Visit the Web site 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.

Tours

-- Aberdeen Parks and Rec

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

-- ARTours

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

"The Light in the Piazza," Feb. 14, 2007, at the Raleigh Memorial Auditorium.

Philadelphia Flower Show, March 5-7. Tour includes the best of Philadelphia's celebrated art, history and horticulture, flower show, Tut Exhibit with meals at the elegant Acorn Club and the historic Bookbinders' Seafood House.

New York City, March 28 April 1, 2007. Tour includes Turandot at the MET, a VIP tour of Brooklyn Heights, a classical concert on board a private houseboat, and the award-winning "Mary Poppins."

Sicily, and the best of Southern Italy, April 22 May 8, 2007. Visit Sicily's quaint hill towns, experience the glories of ancient civilizations, and relax in the colorful seaside villages.

-- Kirk Tours -- Wednesday, Jan. 10, Monet in Normandy, N.C. Museum of Art, Raleigh, $40; Saturday, Feb. 3, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels - Broadway Series South, Raleigh, $100 ; Saturday, Feb. 17, The Light in the Piazza - Broadway Series South, Raleigh, $100. www.kirktours.com or call 295-2257, ext. 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.

Tobacco Farm Life Museum and Ava Gardner Museum Day Tour, Feb. 8. $15 MCHA member/$20 non-member.

Historic Places Along the Deep River Day Tour, March 10. Tour departs from the Shaw House in Southern Pines. $5 MCHA member/$10 non-member.

Two-State Museum and Theater Tour, May 3-5. An exciting three-day/two-night tour of house-museums coupled with great theater entertainment. Highlights include the Korner's Folly house-museum, White's Mill museum, and Carl Sandburg's house-museum, plus theater events at the Barter Theater and the Flat Rock Playhouse. Tour departs from the Shaw House in Southern Pines.

Alaska Discovery Land and Cruise Tour, June 7-18. A twelve-day Alaska cruise and tour that begins at the Shaw House in Southern Pines. Highlights of the tour include visits to Fairbanks, Stern Wheeler, Discovery Alaska Pipeline, Home Hosted Dinner in Fairbanks, Domed Rail Car to Denali, Denali National Park, Haines, Juneau, Ketchikan, and the Inside Passage. Includes a 7-night Holland America Alaska Cruise Tour through Glacier Bay.

Mystery Day Tour, Oct. 5. A fun one-day Mystery Tour, everyone will enjoy the ride and the surprise when we get there. Tour departs from the Shaw House in Southern Pines. $30 MCHA member/$40 non-member.

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.