Community Interest

Bishop John Shelby Spong, author, theologian, will lecture and hold a book signing at Congregational Church UCC, 895 Linden Road, Saturday, March 24, 10:30 a.m. Reservations required. Visit Web site www.uccpinehurst.org or call 910-295-2243 for reservations.

Crafters and homeowners will find the bargain of their dreams at the Old House Salvage Sale on Saturday, March 24, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 235 E. Massachusetts Ave., Southern Pines. House parts from a 3,500-sq. ft. Craftsman house will be for sale. Proceeds will benefit the Moore County Historical Association. More info www.moorehistory.com/Projects Page or call 692-2051.

The Ninth Annual Dirt Gardeners Workshop will be held at the Weymouth Center for the Arts and Humanities on Tuesday, March 27, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Program includes presentations by Bryce Lane and Ginny Gregory. Cost is $20 per person, payable in advance. Reservations may be made by calling 692-6261.

Support Sandhills Theatre Company -- come to The Wine Tasting at Elliott's on Linden, Wednesday, March 28, from 7 to 9 p.m. Many kinds of wine and heavy hors d'oeuvres. $25 per ticket. Call 910-281-0661 for tickets.

The Friends of Given Memorial Library and Tufts Archives will host a fundraiser, "Clothes for Prose," at 6:30 p.m., March 29, at the Fair Barn. The event will feature casual men's and women's clothing from local retailers, The Clothes Horse and Gentlemen's Corner. Tickets are $30, available at Given Memorial Library, The Given Book Shop and the Country Book Shop in Southern Pines.

Spring Tea Party with Exhibition of Fashion Hat Dolls, March 30 and 31, from 1 to 4 p.m. Come see 150 years of hats and bonnets worn by the fashionable ladies of the past. This special exhibit of historic hat dolls, created by renowned Pete Ballard, will feature 40 hats of the past in researched examples of authentic period fashion. Tea will be served. Shaw House in Southern Pines. Sponsored by the Moore County Historical Association. $15 MCHA member/$20 non-member/$10 children under 12. (910) 692-2051. www.moorehistory.com.

Moore OnStage is hosting a fundraiser, "You're the Top -- A Tribute to Cole Porter," at the National Golf Club on Saturday, March 31, at 6 p.m. Dinner, auction and entertainment. $75/person or $130/couple. Corporate tables available. For more information and reservations, call 255-0667.

The Women of the Pines will hold their annual rummage sale, Saturday, March 31, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the West End Fire and Rescue Squad Campus. Items for sale will include clothing and accessories, household items, books, small appliances, furniture, and costume and estate jewelry. Refreshments will be sold.

Basket Case Music presents a fundraising event to benefit Moore Buddies from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday, April 5, at The Wine Cellar and Tasting Room. Hosted by Tom Lefty Compa with Roy Delsi, the evening will feature Jesse Janes. For information, call 692-3066.

The second Foxfire Festival will be held on Saturday, April 14, in conjunction with the dedication of the new 50-acre Foxfire Village Green Park (8:30 a.m.). The festival (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) will feature artisans from the area, a Car Expo of classic cars, live entertainment, a Foxfire Garden Club Bake Sale, Talbert's Catering, and a Bluebird Run that will take the one-mile walk/run participants on the walking trail of the park and the 5-K runners through the west side of Foxfire Village. Admission is free. Information is available on www.foxfirenc.com.

As part of Robbins' six-month campaign for pet responsibility, it will host a Pet Responsibility Celebration Day, which takes place Saturday, April 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Robbins. An award presentation will be made at 11 a.m. at the town hall. The day will feature many demos: agility, frisbee, sheepherding, pointing. Presentations will be made on choosing the right pet, pet care, etc. There will also be a pet parade, live music, and food.

Women of Weymouth present "Highlights of Literature: A Lighthearted Look," Saturday, April 21, at 11 a.m. at the Weymouth Center, 555 East Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines. $40 per person including lunch. For reservations, call 692-6261.

Clenny Creek Day at Bryant House, April 21, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fun, food, refreshments and crafters. See how early pioneers cooked on an open hearth and hear Civil War stories from re-enactors. Free admission. Bryant House and McLendon Cabin on Mt. Carmel Church Road, Carthage. For information call 692-2051 or www.moorehistory.com.

The Pinehurst Garden Club will host its annual plant sale Saturday, April 21, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., in the village parking lot next to the Given Memorial Library. Flats of 36 begonias, impatiens and vinca are $11, and 6-inch potted geraniums are $4.50 each. Hanging baskets, ferns, herbs and mandevilla will also be available. Pre-order by calling Alice Campbell, 295-2949, or Elizabeth Kimsey, 295-2956.

Southern Women's Show in Raleigh, April 27 to 29, at the N.C. State Fairgrounds. Shop for cool jewelry and fun handbags, watch fabulous fashion shows, sample great gourmet food and treat yourself to a makeover. Adults $8 at the door, $7 in advance online and at local Harris Teeter store. Hours: Friday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Second Annual Spring Bluegrass Festival, Candor Lions Club, Candor, Saturday, April 28, from 2 p.m. until Admission: free. Food available from Candor Lions Club.

The Sandhills Children's Center and Sam Zahran & Sons Inc. will host the 8th annual Run for the Roses Wine Tasting from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 4, at the Fair Barn in Pinehurst. The Kentucky Derby-themed evening to benefit Sandhills Children's Center will include wine and food. Tickets are $50 per person and include gifts. Robyn James of The Wine Cellar and Tasting Room will be available to take orders for the wines tasted during the evening. For more information, call 692-3323.

The League of Women Voters MC

will hold a luncheon/fashion show/card party from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 19, at Pinehurst Members Club. Fashions by Talbots. To reserve your seat, mail a check, payable to LWVMC, for $30, to Maryanne Bird, 105 Owens Lane, Southern Pines, NC 28387. For information, call Ann at 235-9208.

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.

The Moore Philharmonic is always looking for new members -- string players, wind players, and percussionists. All ages are welcome -- currently our members are middle school through retirees. Rehearsals are Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. at Southern Middle School. The Moore Philharmonic will be performing its spring concert in May. For more information visit www.moorephilharmonic.com or call 944-3452.

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, Sand-hills 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.

Looking to adopt a pet? The Animal Center of Moore County is now remaining open until 6 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays for adoptions. It is also opening on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.for those whose schedules don't allow them to visit during the week. Located at 5235U.S. 15/501, Carthage, 910-947-2858. Come, find the friend you've been looking for!

Little People Loving and Learning at Southern Pines United Methodist, Kindermusik for newborns to 5 years. Newborns to 18 months: Monday at 3:30 p.m. 18 months to 3 years: Monday at 4:15 p.m. or Tuesday at 11:50 a.m. 3 years to 5 years: Monday at 5:15 p.m. or Tuesday at 12:45 p.m. Contact Susan Wright at 910-295-4863 or www.lpll.net

Concerts

The Opera Company of North Carolina announces its 2006-2007 season: "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.

The Moore County Music Society will have a piano extravaganza at the home of Joe and Sue Aceves in Whispering Pines at 3 p.m., March 25. Compositionsfor four and eight hands will be performed by pianists of the area. For information call President John Hatcher at 692-7012.

Silk Hope, Chatham County, Spring Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival of Music and Dance, Thursday, April 19, through Sunday, April 22. Performers include Squirrel Nut Zippers, Mamadou Diabate, Carolina Chocolate Drops, Donna the Buffalo, Solas, Keith Frank & The Soileau Zydeco Band, Bill Evans Soulgrass and more. Adult four-day passes are $70 in advance, and $80 at the gate. Youth ages 13-15 are $35 (children 12 and younger are admitted free). Day tickets are also available. Tickets and information available on-line at www.shakorihills.org, or by calling (919) 542-8142.

You are cordially invited to the Senior Recital of Harpist, Emily Strobel, Friday, April 27, 7:00 p.m. at the Weymouth Center in Southern Pines. The recital is free and open to the public.

Moore County Choral Society and Fayetteville Symphony present "Carmina Burana" at 4 p.m. Sunday, April 29, at Pinecrest High School. Tickets are $15. Contact Ann Covington at 315-8336.

Dance

Lessons and Dances

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

The Carolina Pines Ballroom Dancers will host a dance the second Saturday of each month in Carthage. Lesson from 7 to 8 p.m. with a variety of dancing from 8 to 10 p.m. $4 for first time visitors. Call 949-5500 or 692-5280 for information. The next dance is April 14.

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 Thursday 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. Visit 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 summer dance camp. Weekly camps are offered for children ages 3 to 8 in three sessions. 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 Olde West End Gym. For info, call Chuck and Karen Robbins at 949-2001 or Phil and Jan Aruscavage at 215-9313.

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. Saturday, March 31, SunFlix presents "Safety Last," a hilarious silent film with live accompaniment by David Drazin. A short film, "The Balloonatic" with Buster Keaton, is also on the program. The matinee is $10; the 7:30 show is $15, and includes a wine and cheese reception to meet David Drazin.

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.

Pinecrest Players presents "West Side Story" at 7 p.m., March 30 and 31, and 2 p.m. Sunday, April 1, at the Robert E. Lee Auditorium at Pinecrest High School. Tickets are $10 to the public, $8 for students.

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 a a free barista workshop on Tuesday, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. and B.O.W. Old Country Beer Tasting served with fresh Bratwurst cocktails each Wednesday from 5 to 6:30 p.m. 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, provides different workshops and wine seminars in a 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 -- The JFR BarnWine Dinners each month. Make your reservations now.910-692-7700. 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 nights from 7 to 10 p.m. March 23, Joyner, Young and Marie Band; Dinner reservations required. Call 692-4110.

Mint Juleps, 155 Hall Ave., Southern Pines. Tuesdays: Shag lessons; Wednesdays: Line Dance lessons; Saturdays: Ballroom Dance lessons start at 5 p.m.; Sundays: Big Band Dance or Ballroom Dancing, 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. $20 wristband for all venues/cover charge will apply for separate venues. Every Sunday is Seventies Sunday with Cindy. March 25, Seventies Sunday with Cindy features DJ Buzz 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. Saturday, March 31, The Martini Festival, "An Evening of Elegance," with live music.

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 its 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 NE Broad St., downtown Southern Pines, is now open until 10 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. For info, call 692-3066 or www.the winecellarandtastingroom.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 at 167 E. New Hampshire Ave., Southern Pines. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Info: 692-6077, www.artistalley.net.

"Colorplay," an exhibition of watercolor paintings by Pamela M. Swarbrick, runs through March 23. "A Fresh Look" features contemporary fine art work by local artist, Diane Kraudelt. Reception is March 31 from 1 to 3 p.m. Exhibit runs from March 26 through April 28 at the Artists League of the Sandhills, Exchange Street Gallery, 129 Exchange Street, Aberdeen. Public welcome. Call 910-944-3979 or 910-245-7216 for information.

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.

Cafe Iano, the new cafe in Southern Pines, will be showing the art works of Lauren M. Bobo. The cafe is located at 280 NW Broad Street, Southern Pines. Explore this new venue and the new art works. The paintings will be changed periodically, so stop often and enjoy.

The Campbell House Galleries, 482 East Connecticut Avenue in Southern Pines, presents the 11th annual "Young People's Fine Arts Festival" through March 30. 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. 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.

Hastings Gallery of Art-Sandhills Community College, continuing education students and instructors will display works through March 23. The gallery is in the Katharine L. Boyd Library on the campus at 3395 Airport Road in Pinehurst. Call 695-3819.

Hollyhocks Art Gallery, located in The Shops At Pinehurst Place, at 905 Linden Road, Pinehurst, features original artwork by local artists, Paula Montgomery, Irene McFarland, Marie Travisano, and Jane Casnellie.Marie Travisano will be demonstrating her work in the gallery each Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Jane Casnellie will be working each Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 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.

Joy Art Studio, Winter into Spring Arts, classes for different age groups for children and classes for adults, email for groupings and schedule to: Joyof_Art@msn.com or call 910-528-7283 for an appointment.

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

The Village Gallery, at 601 Cherokee Road in Pinehurst, features original artwork by Jessie MacKay and David Coolidge. The gallery also features Pinehurst golf, vintage Pinehurst images and wine. Call 295-5100 for information.

White Hill Gallery, 407 U.S. 15/501, Carthage, just south of Sanford, offers a variety of pottery. Info: Sandra Layne, proprietor, at 947-6100.

Hastings Gallery of Art in the Katharine L. Boyd Library will feature Laura Gingerich, Photo Journalist's photography from Lebanon, the West Bank, Pakistan and Afghanistan documenting the relief efforts of Life for Relief and Development. Exhibit will run now through July. Gallery hours: 7:45 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 7:45 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday; and 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday. Sandhills Community College 3395 Airport Road, Pinehurst. Free

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.

- The Vermont Treasures EducationalTheatre hosts groups up to 20 to learn about hand-blown glass; life on a Vermont farm; and how coffee is grown and processed. Vermont Treasures, 175 W. Illinois, Southern Pines. Call 246-3400.

Lectures

Libraries of Moore County will offer a lecture and slideshow by Dr. Ronald Berkquist on Friday, March 23, at noon at the Carthage Library. Bring your lunch. Beverages will be served.

The Weymouth Center for the Arts and Humanities will present the third of three lectures on Theodore Roosevelt at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 25 at the Weymouth Center. Professor Elgiva Watson, retired Dean of Academics at St. Mary's College in Raleigh returns to speak about the years during and after Roosevelt's presidency. A light supper will be served following the lecture, as well as a film of one of Roosevelt's expeditions following his time in office.There is no charge for Weymouth Center members. $15 for non-members. 555 East Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines. For more information, call 692-6261.

Crossing The Line, A Journey Through Islam, a photo exhibit by Laura Gingerich, Photo Journalist. Gingerich recently traveled to Lebanon, the West Bank, Pakistan and Afghanistan documenting the relief efforts of Life for Relief and Development. Thursday, March 29 at 7 p.m. at Sandhills Community College, 111 Stone Hall, 3395 Airport Road, Pinehurst. Free.

The Arts Council of Moore County and Weymouth Center will offer "Expatriates Cassatt and Sargent: French Through and Through," a lecture by Dr. Molly Gwinn at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 29, at the Weymouth Center. For information, call 692-4356.

Literary

The Country Bookshop

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

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. Tuesday, March 27, 3 p.m.: Bob Morris, author of the Edgar-nominated mystery Bahamaram, shares his newest novel, Bermuda Schwartz, featuring former Miami Dolphins linebacker Zack Chasteen in his latest Carribbean tale of hidden treasure, murder, romance and rum.

Saturday, March 31, 2 p.m.: Local guitarist and singer-songwriter Travis Gray performs songs from his new CD, A Prayer, as well as music by artists who inspired him.

Tuesday, April 17, 4 p.m.: North Carolina native, award-winning author and professor of creative writing at N.C. State, Angela Davis-Gardner presents Plum Wine, her complex and lyrical novel set in 1960s Tokyo, about an American woman's life-changing quest to unravel the mysteries of her Japanese surrogate mother's life, a story that begins in the early 20th century and continues through World War II and its aftermath.

Saturday, April 21, 2 p.m.: Moore County educators Beverly Lashley and Sandy DePolo, co-authors of One Can Never Have Too Many Cats!, will share the first book in their pre-kindergarten series filled with rhyming text, delightful illustrations and a wealth of reading tips designed to develop and enhance reading readiness skills.

Join The Country Bookshop - along with Sparkle, the Story Hour Sheep, for story hour at 10 a.m. Children from birth to 5 years old and their caregivers are invited to join in the children's department for story time. April 5, Bunnies; April 19, Ducks; May 3, Dogs; May 17, Dinosaurs; There will be no Story Hour on May 31.

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.

The Sandhills Natural History Society meets at 7 p.m. Monday, March 26 at Weymouth Woods, 1024 Ft. Bragg Road, Southern Pines. Bruce Sorrie, of the N.C. Natural Heritage Program will speak about "The Bird Life and Ecology of Peru." Visitors are welcome. Call 692-2167 for more information or visit www.sandhillsnature.org.

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

Beta Sigma Phi, the world's largest international women's organization, is planning a reunion of active and inactive members to celebrate its 75th year. For more info, call 944-7835 or 944-7078.

West Southern Pines School Reunion "2007" -- The 1953 and 1954 clases in conjunction with other class members will host the next WSP school reunion May 25 - May 27 (Memorial Day weekend) at the Days Inn on U.S. 1 South. Call (910)692-8585 or 1-800-262-5737 and ask for group code CGWSP or the name of your group. For more info, call Shirley Ferguson Moody, 692-2324, or Geretha Hooper Johnson, 692-2736.

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.

FlowMoore Skatepark in Pinebluff will have a free skate day on March 24. Food and drinks available as a fund raiser for the park and the Marquez family. N2Flow will sponsor best trick contests for three age groups. Bands begin playing at 1 p.m. Event starts at 11 a.m. For information, www.skatersformoore.-org.

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

March 23-25 - Velocity Racing Spring Bike Open Test and Tune

March 31 - Holcomb All Fords

Tours

- Aberdeen Parks and Rec

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

- All Shook Up: A Broadway Series South Production

Saturday, March 24, noon departure from Lowes Foods Store, for a 2 p.m. matinee performance. The romantic tale of how a young girl's dream comes true when a guitar-playin' roustabout rides into a square state and turns the town upside down. 5:30 p.m. dinner at Macaroni Grill (dutch treat), with an 8 p.m. return to Pinehurst. $100 per person.

- ARTours

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

Andre Watts, Piano, Carolina Performing Arts Memorial Hall, Chapel Hill, April 20. Experience one of today's most celebrated and beloved pianists!

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

Spoletto Festival, Charleston, S.C., June 4-8. Three-day blowout of opera, dance, theater, classical music, jazz and visual arts.

Philadelphia, Oct. 24-28. Visit the Museum of Art featuring "Renoir Landscapes," Barnes Foundation, Chrysanthemum Festival and Grounds for Sculpture, a 35-acre sculpture park and museum. Don't miss this exciting cultural experience!

New York City, Nov. 27-30. Enjoy "Curtains," the musical, and second show tbd. Accommodations will be at the historic Warwick Hotel.

- 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.

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.

Chicago, Ill., Windy City Wonders Tour, September 5-9. An exciting five-day/four-night city tour of Chicago. Tour the beautiful lakefront, breathtaking architecture, world-class museums and great theaters. Highlights include the homes of Frank Lloyd Wright and Ernest Hemingway. Special information meeting on April 16 at 10 a.m. at the Shaw House. For cost, reservations and information call (910) 692-2051. www.moorehistory.com.

Mystery Day Tour, Oct. 5. A fu