Community Interest

Dog and Cat Food Drive will be held during the month of December. Olmsted Cleaners and Copywright Printers will conduct a dog and cat food drive to benefit The Haven -- Friends for Life. Drop unopened bags of dry food at Olmsted Cleaners in the Olmsted Village Shopping Center, Pinehurst, or on Bennett Street, Southern Pines, and at Copywright Printers off N.C. 5, Aberdeen.

Vass Lakeview Elementary parents and staff. Drop off your pet in the morning at school, and get your pet spayed or neutered. Pet is delivered back to school at the end of the day. Program is being offered by the Pet Responsibility Committee of Moore County one day each in December. Cost is $35-$45. Call 693-1228.

New Year's Eve Celebration hosted by House Call Band will be held at the Days Inn Hotel in Southern Pines on Dec. 31, 7:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Hors d'oeuvres and champagne toast. 50/50 raffle and raffle for prizes. Black tie optional. Proceeds to benefit Moore Free Care Clinic. Tickets, $25. Special rate at Days Inn for those who wish to stay overnight. For tickets and info, call Hillary at 725-0104.

Pinecrest Players and Pinecrest Culinary Program present A Night at the Copa Cabana. Dinner and a night of classic songs and characters from the 1940s and 1950s, Saturday, Jan. 10, doors open at 6:30 p.m.; dinner at 7 p.m. at the Fair Barn in Pinehurst. Tickets available at the Arts Council of Moore County, Campbell House, 482 E. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines for $50. Seating is limited. For info, contact director Adam Faw at 715-1931 or afaw@mcs.k12.nc.us.

The O'Neal School Enrollment Open House, Sunday, Jan. 25, 2-4 p.m. at Bradshaw Hall. Families who are interested in touring the campus, meeting the faculty and learning more about The O'Neal School as they consider O'Neal for the 2009-2010 school year are encouraged to attend. The O'Neal School serves students age pre-K through 12th grade. For info, visit www.onealschool.org, or contact Alice Droppers at adroppers@onealschool.org or 692-6920, ext. 103.

The O'Neal School 38th Annual Auction -- "Curtains to Net," Saturday, Feb. 7, The Fair Barn, Pinehurst. This evening event is a silent and live auction catered by Elliott's on Linden. A raffle for $10,000 will also take place. Proceeds from this fundraiser will be allocated to the O'Neal arts and athletics programs. For an invitation to the auction, raffle ticket or info, contact Lynn Melton at lmelton@ onealschool.org or 692-6920, ext. 104.

The Penick Village Foundation hosts its annual Art Show & Sale Preview Party on Friday, Feb. 27, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Be among the first to preview and purchase art before the art show opens to the public in the North Building at Penick Village, 100 Rhode Island Extension, Southern Pines. Hors d'oeuvres and beverage pairings, music and a silent auction; valet parking is provided and admission is $45 per person. Art Show & Sale, Saturday, Feb. 28, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., and Sunday, March 1, noon-3 p.m. Open to the public. Admission is free. Light refreshments will be offered. For info, contact the Development Office at 692-0381, or visit www.penickvillagefoundation .org.

The Carolina Hotel offers high tea the second Friday of each month from 10 a.m.-noon. Cost is $25 per person. Call resort services desk at 235-8415.

Visit and tour the Shaw House properties, three historic houses built between the 1770s and 1820s. Located at the corner of Morganton Road and SW Broad Street. Gift shop offers books and photo prints of local interest. Free admission. Hours are 1-4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday. For info, call 692-2051, or visit www.moorehistory.com.

Holiday Events

Wrap it Up for Sandhills Animal Rescue League (SARL) at Goody's Department Store in Southern Pines to raise funds for the shelter during the holiday season Dec. 20, 21 and Christmas Eve. All packages are wrapped for a generous donation to the nonprofit, no-kill animal shelter. These monies will be utilized to continue to feed, shelter and pay for increasing veterinary bills. Please come out and support SARL on these dates. Monetary donations are needed at this time. They can be mailed to: SARL, 396 Thomas Rd., Jackson Springs, NC 27281.

The Moore Philharmonic Orchestra will perform for Sounds of the Season on Saturday, Dec. 20, at 7 p.m. at Aberdeen Lake Park Recreation Station. Gourmet desserts and coffee will be served. For info and tickets, call 944-7275.

Santa Photos at PetsMart, Dec. 20, 21, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sponsored by Moore Humane Society, Animal Advocates of Moore County, Montgomery Moore Animal Rescue, Sandhills Animal Rescue League Inc. and The Haven -- Friends for Life. $9.95 with a PetsMart card ($5 of each sale is donated to local animal charities).

Senior Enrichment Center activities: Sophisticated Ladies, Friday, Dec. 19, 10-10:30 a.m., featuring a group of talented, award-winning dancers.

"The Nutcracker" will be performed by Terpsichore dancers at Owens Auditorium, Sandhills Community College on Dec. 20 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and on Dec. 21 at 2 p.m. School performances are Friday, Dec. 19, at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Tickets, $15, adults; $12, students, children and senior citizens. Group discounts available. Call 695-1116, or email terpsichoredance@earthlink.net.

35th Annual Southern Pines Christmas Bird Count will be held on Sunday, Dec. 21. Teams will cover the count circle for a day of avian census-taking. A lunchtime gathering and preliminary countdown will be held at Weymouth Woods at 1 p.m. Volunteers needed; experience unnecessary. For info, contact Susan Campbell at 949-3207 or susan@ ncaves.com.

Living Madonnas presented by the Community Congregational Church, 141 Bennett St., Southern Pines, on Sunday, Dec. 21, 7 p.m. Madonna masterpieces will be brought to life with live models in a unique and inspirational Advent program of art and music narrated by Joan Smith with music by Danny and June Infantino. Free admission. For info, call 692-8468, or visit www.communitycongregational.org.

Kids

The Robbins Library hosts a Dial-a-Story program. Stories are available from a machine by phone for young children. Dial 948-3322 for a new story every day.

The Moore County Library has storytime for preschoolers on Mondays at 10:30 a.m. For info, call 947-5335.

Taylor Dance has ongoing registration for ballet, tap, jazz and hip hop from ages 3-18. Playhouse Jr. has ongoing registration for theater arts classes in preparation for performing "Lemonade" Feb. 27, 28 and March 1, 2009.

Southern Pines Public Library, located at 170 W. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines. Call 692-8235, or visit www.sppl.net for info.

The Vass Library, located on Seaboard Street, has storytime at 10:30 a.m. every third Thursday of the month.

Joy Art Studio offers ongoing art classes for ages 5-17. Call Joy at 695-7055 for schedule and info.

Carolina Performing Arts Center is holding classes. For info or for registration, call 695-7898. Registration is being accepted for ages 3 and up.

Kindermusik for newborns to 3 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 12:10 p.m. Contact Susan Wright at 295-4863 or www.susan.kindermusik.net.

Aberdeen Parks and Recreation Department sponsors the following ongoing activities. Call 944-5902 for registration, information and fees. Beginning Dance and Move-ment (ages 3-5), 5:15-6 p.m., Mondays, at Aberdeen First Baptist Church. Six sessions. Music, Movement & Rhythm (ages 3-5), 4:15-5 p.m., Mondays at Aberdeen First Baptist Church. Children must be toilet-trained. Six sessions.

Dance

USA Dance will host a ballroom dance in Carthage Jan. 10 at 7 p.m. at 105 Reynolds Street upstairs. Lesson is from 7-8 p.m. with general dancing from 8-10 p.m. Cost for nonmembers, $7. For info, call 692-5280.

A Square Dance Club is an advanced level club. Dances are on the second and fourth Thursdays at 6 p.m. in the Old West End Gym. Dancers new to the area are welcome. The caller is Jimmy Roberson. For info, call Leo and Ruth Ellen Ganster, 295-5786.

Ballroom dance lessons (cued) waltz, foxtrot, swing, rhumba and cha-cha are taught by Penny Lewis at the Old West End Gym on Mondays at 6:30 p.m. Experienced round dancers are invited to attend dances at 7:30 p.m. on Mondays. For info, call 295-2590 or 673-1623.

Ballroom and Latin dancing at the Pinehurst Elementary Gym, 5 p.m. on Sundays. Call 215-5791, or e-mail gsc14@embarqmail.com for info.

Ballroom Dancers of the Sandhills dance on Fridays twice a month at the Old West End Gym in West End. The Friday dances begin with a dance lesson at 7:15 p.m., followed by Rhythm and Smooth dancing from 8-10 p.m. Dances for 2008 and 2009: Dec. 19, Jan. 9, 23, Feb. 6, 20, March 6, 20, April 10, 24. For info, contact Bryan and Margaret Cropley at 295-2730.

Carolina Performing Arts Center will hold fall classes. For info or registration, call 695-7898.

Fred Astaire Dance Studio holds Friday night ballroom dance parties from 8-9:30 p.m. For info, call 295-1106 or 585-2572.

Line dance classes are held on Tuesday evenings at the V.F.W., 615 S. Page St., Southern Pines. Cost is $10 for four weeks of classes. Call 692-8878 to register.

Pinehurst Ballroom Dance Studio offers professionally taught social ballroom dance lessons. Private or group lessons are taught for couples or singles. Specialization is in weddings, debutante balls, proms and cruise lessons. For info, call 295-3003, or visit www.pinehurstballroomdance.com.

The Sophisticated Ladies Dance Troupe (seniors 55 years and over) will interview prospective members willing to make a commitment to weekly rehearsals on Mondays and Thursdays. Dance experience is helpful but not required. For info, call Jo Ann at 295-8051 or 295-2590.

Stardust Dinner Dance Clubhas dinner and dancing almost every month at a local country club. The schedule includes ballroom-style dancing to six of the area's finest bands. Most of the dinner dances are held onthe fourth Thursday of each month at Whispering Pines Country Club. Anyone may come as a guest for one dance for the cost of dinner.Call Kadie at 295-1916.

Yellow Rockers Square Dance Club meets every Thursday from 7:30-9:30 p.m. at the Old West End Gym. For info, call Jan at 215-9313 or MaryLou at 944-7835.

Music/Concerts

The Moore Philharmonic is a community orchestra for adult and student musicians. New members are welcome. Rehearsals are Thursdays from 6:30-8 p.m. September-May, at Sandhills Community College. For a rehearsal schedule, visit www.mp orchestra.com, or contact Eric Kopecky at 944-3452.

New Horizons Band in the Pines meets on Tuesdays from 3:30-5:30 p.m. at the Moore County Senior Enrichment Center. Seniors who want to play in a band are welcome. $50 per nine-week session. For info, call 215-0900.

The Sandhills Songwriters Guild meets every Thursday night at Easy's Sports Bar and Grill, off N.C. 211 in Olmsted Village West. Free cover. Call 215-0346 for info.

The local chapter of Sweet Adelines International, Sandhills Harmony Chorus, welcomes new members. The women's chorus sings a cappella four-part harmonies, barbershop style. Rehearsals, 7-9 p.m., Thursdays, at Brownson Memorial Presbyterian Church. Call Jan Menges, 215-8758, or Emmie Trautmann, 255-6350, for info.

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. $7 adults, $6 matinees, $5 under 12. Movie times:7:30 p.m. evenings and 2:30 p.m. matinees on Saturday and Sunday.

Chatham Arts' 100-Mile Sustainable Cinema Series presents the Indie Award winning full-length feature Pearl Diver followed by a Q&A session with filmmaker Sydney Ryan King at the Pittsboro General Store Cafe, 39 West Street, on Tuesday, Jan. 27. Looking ahead: "Brushes with Life" by local filmmaker Philip Brubaker, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 7 p.m. Directed by first-time filmmaker Brubaker, the film explores his own battles with bipolar disorder while creating this film and examines the link between artists and mental illness. Adults, $5; students, $3. Buffet provided by Pittsboro General Store Cafe, $10, and cash bar. For info, call (919) 542-0394, or visit www .chathamarts.org.

Entertainment

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

Bingo at the "V," 7-9:30 p.m. every Thursday at VFW Post 7318, 615 S. Page St., Southern Pines. Snack bar available. For info, call 692-3772.

Coach Light Trattoria, 290 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Southern Pines. Live piano music. Lunch, noon-2:30 p.m., and dinner is served 5:30-10 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday. Call 692-4449 for reservations.

Darling House, 40 Chinquapin Rd., Pinehurst, hosts live entertainment Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 7:30-11:30 p.m. Call 295-3193.

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

Deep River Coffee, located on Main Street, Robbins, hosts live music every Thursday night from 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Dog Nation Grill hosts live music every Friday, 6:30-9:30 p.m. at 301 Poplar St., Aberdeen and 207 S. McNeill St., Carthage.

Dugan's Pub, No. 2 Market Square, Pinehurst. Pub Quiz Night on Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. with pizza from Vito's. Karaoke on Thursdays from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. The pub is now non-smoking. Call 295-3400.

Elliott's Gourmet Marketplace, 905 Linden Rd., Pinehurst, provides workshops and wine seminars in the cooking school as well as a special series of lunches and dinners. Free wine tastings from noon-4 p.m. Saturdays. For info, call 295-3663.

Flynne's Coffee Bar, 115 N.E. Broad St., Southern Pines, presents Art Night, on Friday, Dec. 19, 7-9 p.m. (bring your own supplies), and Krazy Karaoke with DJ on Saturday, Dec. 20, 7-9 p.m. For info, call 693-1999.

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

The Jefferson Inn, W. New Hampshire Avenue, Southern Pines, hosts a mellow jazz trio from 6-9 p.m., Tuesdays. Call 692-9911 for info.

The JFR Barn holds wine dinners each month. To make a reservation, call 692-7700, or visit www.jfrbarn.com.

The Lounge at Hyland Hills is open Thursday-Sunday at noon. Adults 21 and over. U.S. 1 north from Southern Pines.

Maness Pottery and Music Barn features bluegrass, country and gospel pickin' and singing at 6 p.m. every Tuesday night. 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 7-10 p.m. The Randy Hughes Band performs Dec. 19. No cover. For reservations and info, call 692-4110.

The Moore Coffee Company, 201 S. McNeill St., Carthage, presents live music every Friday and Saturday night, 8-11 p.m. It is a musician sit-in, and all musicians are welcome to bring their instruments and join in the fun. For info, call 947-6122. No charge.

Mr. P's, formerly Mint Juleps Club, 155 Hall Ave., Southern Pines. Eddie Barrett and the Goodman Legacy Orchestra will perform for dancers on Sunday, Jan. 4, 4-6:30 p.m. For info, call 603-7660.

Neville's is open 3 p.m.-2 a.m., Sunday-Saturday. For info, call 692-1939, or visit www.nevilles club.com.

O'Donnell's of downtown Southern Pines, hosts weekend live entertainment and features Wednesday night guest bartenders with tips going to charity. For info, call 695-1915, or visit www.pat odonnells-pub.com.

The Potter's Caf features live music every Saturday night from 7-11 p.m. The caf is at 201 South St., Aberdeen. For info, call 944-1250.

Sandhills Bowling Center offers opportunities for bowling. 2239 N. Pinehurst St., Aberdeen. For info, call 295-9610.

Sandhills Classic Street Rod Association will host a "cruise-in" on the first and third Fridays of each month from 5-8 p.m. in the parking lot at Al's Diner, Aberdeen. No charge.

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

The Wine Cellar and Tasting Room, 241 NE Broad St., Southern Pines, is open until 10 p.m., Wednesday-Saturday. Call 692-3066, or visit www.thewinecellarand tastingroom.com.

Galleries

A Certain Patina, 127 B SW Broad St., Southern Pines, is an interior design and art gallery and features works of local artist Jane Casnellie. Hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, or by appointment. For info, call 603-2909.

Appalachian Physical Therapy in Olmsted Village is showcasing Beth Roy, winner of this fall's Campbell House oil painting division, through February 2009. For info, call 215-0541.

Art & Furnishings features the work of three local artists, Fay Terry, Harry Neely and Betty DiBartolomeo, members of the prestigious "Oil Painters of America." Open Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Located at 20 Parker Lane, Pinehurst. For info, call 639-9404.

Art Gallery is located in the Market Place Restaurant Building, 2160 Midland Rd., Pinehurst. For info, call 215-5963.

Art Studio of Fay Terry hosts visiting artist at work. New paintings are featured weekly. Located at 20 Parker Lane, Pinehurst. Open 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday. For info, call 639-2577.

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. Open 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday. A First Friday opening is held each month. For info, call Jean Skipper at 692-6077.

Artists League of the Sandhills is located at 129 Exchange St., historic Aberdeen. Exhibit hours are noon-3 p.m., Monday-Saturday. Classes and workshops are offered 9 a.m.-noon and 1-5 p.m. weekdays. For schedule or info, call 944-3979.

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

Cafe Iano, located at 280 NW Broad St., Southern Pines, is showing the art works of Lauren M. Bobo. The paintings will be changed periodically.

The Campbell House Galleries, 482 E. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines, presents "Near and Far," featuring works by Miriam Sagasti. This exhibit runs through Dec. 20. The gallery is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and every third Saturday of the month from 2-4 p.m. The Arts Council will be closed Dec. 22 through Jan. 1 for the holidays. For info, call 692-4356, or visit www.artscouncil-moore.org.

Chatham Arts Gallery is showcasing "100 under $100" that will include art for gift giving. The show runs through December. The gallery exhibits more than 90 Chatham County artists, Wednesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. First Sunday, noon-5 p.m. Call (919) 542-4144 for info, or visit www.chatham arts.org.

Fusions Art and Fine Craft Gallery, 53 Hillsboro St., Pittsboro, is featuring new glass works by Leslie Fesperman. The gallery is open Wednesday-Saturday at 11:30 a.m. and noon-4 p.m. every first Sunday of the month. Call 260-9725 for info.

Gap Creek Candle Company Store, 116 NW Broad St., Southern Pines, showcases the arts and crafts of the Sandhills. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Saturday. Call 695-0029.

Gemma Gallery, 48 Chinquapin Rd., Pinehurst, hosts a showing of new designs to celebrate their 15 years in business. For info, call 295-3010.

Hastings Gallery is located in the Katharine L. Boyd Library at Sandhills Community College, 3395 Airport Rd., Pinehurst. Paintings by Cliff Stuckey, chair of SCC art department, and Eric Ton, SCC art instructor. Exhibit runs through Dec. 23. Gallery hours are 7:45 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 7:45 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday; and 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Saturday. Free.

Hollyhocks Art Gallery, located at the shopsof Pinehurst Place, 905 Linden Rd., Pinehurst, features original artwork by local artists Diane Kraudelt, Irene McFarland, Paula Montgomery, Bob Gera and artist/ owner Jane Casnellie. Meet artist Diane Kraudelt on Friday, Dec. 26, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Open daily at 10:30 a.m. and evenings (enter through Elliott's on Linden). For info, call 295-0665, or visit www.jane casnellie.com.

Jewels of Pinehurst is a gallery of contemporary jewelry handmade in platinum and gold. 7 Market Square, Pinehurst. Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 295-2824.

Joy Art Studio works with Artist's Way, Discover Your Muse and Life Drawing for adults. Call Joy at 695-7055 for schedule and info.

Plan B Furniture, locatedat 105 E.South St., Aberdeen, is featuring the artwork of local artist Doug Rowe. More than 50 original pencil drawings and oil paintings will be on display. For info, visit www.douglasrowegallery.com.

SKY Art Gallery, located at 602 Magnolia Dr., Aberdeen. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. The gallery features some of Moore County's best local and nationally recognized artists, rare signed lithographs, watercolor, oils and fine art photography. It is also the home of John Gessner Photography, which offers commercial and fine art photography. Jeff Botz is now showing his Gelatin Silver prints of Everest through Jan. 3. For info, call 944-9440, or visit www.skyartgallery.com.

SWANK Coffee Shop, 124 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Southern Pines, supports local artists and crafters by offering local handmade items as well as serving locally roasted gourmet coffee beans.

The Downtown Gallery, located in Flynne's Coffee Bar, 115 NE Broad St., Southern Pines, is currently displaying the work (fine art and pottery) of Frank Pierce, Chef Warren Lewis, Jodi Ohl, Michelle Goneau, Gail VandenBout, Jennifer Zmiewsky, Phil Woodhall, Stephen Robison and Kathleen Guss. Open seven days a week. For info, call 693-1999.

White Hill Gallery, 407 U.S. 15/501, Carthage, offers a variety of pottery. For info, call Sandra Layne, proprietor, at 947-6100.

Literary

The Country Bookshop, Southern Pines, hosts Meet the Author series. Call 692-3211 for info. Thursday, Jan. 8, 4 p.m., Dr. Barry M. Popkin, Director, UNC Interdisciplinary Obesity Program, "The World Is Fat: The Fads, Trends, Policies, and Products that are Fattening the Human Race." Thursday, Jan. 29, 4 p.m., local authors Jeffrey Irwin, archaeologist, and Kaitlin O'Shea, historian, present their book "Overhills" about the 70-year history of the Rockefeller estate in western Harnett County. Thursday, Feb. 12, 4 p.m., Kelly Alexander, food writer and editor at Saveur magazine, "Hometown Appetites: The Story of Clementine Paddleford, the Forgotten Food Writer Who Chronicled How America Ate." Wednesday, Feb. 18, 4 p.m., Matt Lewis and Renato Poliafito, owners of the Red Hook Bakery in Brooklyn and Baked in Charleston, "Baked: New Frontiers in Baking." Thursday, Feb. 26, 4 p.m., Thomas Robisheaux, professor of history at Duke University, "The Last Witch of Langenburg: Murder in a German Village."

Open mike poetry night is held at 7 p.m. on the last Thursday of every month at Starbucks. Come 30 minutes prior if you wish to read. For info, call Jessica at 315-2949.

Sandhills Writers hosts a creative roundtable, including reading and critiques, every third Tuesday of the month from 1-3 p.m. at the Weymouth Center, and every first Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Land Owners Office in Seven Lakes North. For info, call 400-5060.

Library Programs

County Libraries

- Bookmobile: Services are scheduled throughout the county.

- Card Catalog: The card catalog for the county library is available online at www.srlslibraries.com.

- Given Memorial Library is located in Pinehurst, 295-6022. The Given Book Shop at Olmsted Village is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday. All proceeds go to the library/archives.

- The Katharine L. Boyd Library, at Sandhills Community College, 3395 Airport Rd., Pinehurst, is open from 7:45 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 7:45 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday; and 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Saturday. Call 695-3819, or go to www.sandhills.edu.

- The Moore County Library is located at 101 Saunders St., Carthage. For info, call 947-5335.

- Page Library, located in Aberdeen at 101 N. Poplar and Main streets, is open Monday-Friday from 2-6 p.m. Call 944-1200 for info.

- The Pinebluff Library, located at 305 E. Baltimore and Currant, is open from 2-6 p.m. Monday-Friday and on the second Saturday of each month from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. For info, call 281-3004.

- The Southern Pines Public Library at 170 W. Connecticut Ave. is open Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; and Sunday, 2-5 p.m. Library closed for the holidays Dec. 24-26 and from 5 p.m. on Dec. 31-Jan. 1. Catalog and other library info are available at www.sppl.net, or call 692-8235.

- The Robbins Area Library, located at 161 E. Magnolia off Middleton, is open Tuesday-Saturday with evening hours on Tuesday. Call 948-4000 for info.

- The Vass Library, located on Seaboard Street, is open Tuesday, 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m.; Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; and Saturday, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Storytime is held at 10:30 a.m. every third Thursday of the month.

Nature

Visitors to the area can indulge their botanical interest while enjoying an enriching stroll through the 32-acre Sandhills Horticultural Gardens on the campus of Sandhills Community College. Designed and maintained by students in the landscape gardening program, the site contains 14 themed gardens. Open from dawn to dusk all week. Located at 3395 Airport Rd., Pinehurst.

The Sandhills Natural History Society meets the fourth Monday of each month at Weymouth Woods Auditorium. The society sponsors a wide variety of field trips focusing on birds, butterflies, wildflowers and other aspects of Sandhills nature. Call 692-2167, or visit www.sandhillsnature.org.

Reunions

A member of the Pinecrest High School Class of 1999 seeks others interested in helping organize a 10-year reunion. Contact Quannah Jackson-Brown at qajackson@hotmail.com or (336) 816-8814.

Tours

- Aberdeen Parks and Recreation sponsors trips. For info, call 944-5902.

- ARTours

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

The New York Philharmonic, Memorial Hall, Chapel Hill. Enjoy the oldest orchestra in the United States, conducted by Lorin Maazel, Tuesday, March 3.

Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda, Patti LuPone, Memorial Hall, Chapel Hill. See Patti LuPone, who has headlined solo Broadway concerts and received a Tony for her role in a recent hit revival of "Gypsy," on Wednesday, March 18.

New York City. Highlights of this popular ARTour include the musical "Billy Elliott," "Cavalleria Rusticana/ Pagliacci" at the Met and a VIP tour with Joe Rosenberg of the Theatre District. A limited number of tickets are available for "South Pacific." March 25-29.

Andras Schiff, pianist. One of today's master pianists and Grammy award winners. Program includes three Beethoven Piano Sonatas, #27, 28 and 101. April 7.

Spoleto Festival, Charleston, S.C. Enjoy Charles Wadsworth at Memminger Auditorium, Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet, Intermezzi at St. Matthews Lutheran Church, Opera Louise by Gustave Charpentier and the Spoleto Festival Orchestra at Gaillard Auditorium. May 28-June 1.

Jersey Boys. Winner of the 2006 Tony for best musical, Jersey Boys is the success story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. Memorial Auditorium, Raleigh, June 25.

- Kirk Tours offers a variety of tours, including motorcoach transportation and premium seating. For info or to register, call 295-2257, ext. 21, email reservations@kirktours.com or visit www.kirktours.com.

The Carolina Opry Christmas Special has won almost every major South Carolina tourism award. Tour includes dinner, show and a stop for outlet shopping. Friday, Dec. 19, $88 per person.

The Nutcracker, Carolina Ballet, in Raleigh on Tuesday, Dec. 23, $85 per person, and Saturday, Dec. 27, $85 per person, $80 per child.

The Rat Pack at Memorial Auditorium in Raleigh, Saturday, Jan. 3, $86 per person.

A Chorus Line at Memorial Auditorium in Raleigh, Saturday, Jan. 10, $97 per person.

Ain't Misbehavin', starring Ruben Studdard, at Givens Performing Arts Center, UNC-Pembroke, Tuesday, Jan. 13, $85 per person.

Dublin Philharmonic Orchestra at Givens Performing Arts Center, UNC-Pembroke, Tuesday, Jan. 27, $80 per person.

Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy at Durham Performing Arts Center in Durham, Tuesday, Feb. 10, $93 per person.

Sweeney Todd at Givens Performing Arts Center, UNC-Pembroke, Friday, Feb. 6, $95 per person.

To Kill A Mockingbird at Givens Performing Arts Center, UNC-Pembroke, Friday, March 27, $80 per person.

Jersey Boys at Memorial Auditorium in Raleigh, Saturday, July 18, $122 per person.

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