Community Interest

The Moore County Senior Enrichment Center offers the following programs. Call 215-0900 forfurther information, or stop by the Enrichment Center at 8040 U.S. 15-501 for a calendar and a tour.

- Weekly Canasta on Thursdays from 1 to 4 p.m. Experience necessary.

- Social Bridge is played from 1 to 4 p.m Tuesdays and Fridays.

- Cribbage is played every Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Enrichment Center.

- Mah Jongg every Friday, from 1:30 to 4 p.m.

- Book Review Group meets the fourth Tuesday of the month from 10 a.m. to noon. Martie Mullenbach is the facilitator.

- GameNight, each Tuesday from 7-9 p.m. 1st, 3rd and 5th Tuesdays are Mexican Train Dominoes; 2nd and 4th Tuesdays are BUNCO! New players welcome.

- Pinochle, each Wednesday, from 1 to 4 p.m.

- Jigsaw puzzle fans age 50-plus are welcome to relax at the Senior Enrichment Centerpuzzle table during operating hours.

- A Trip Down Memory Lane is offered every second and fourth Monday at 10 a.m. Learn more about your family history and heritage.

- Tai Chi, balance and strength techniques are offered at Fox Hollow Senior Living Community. Classes are held every 2nd and 4th Thursday (no class on holidays) in the Activity Room. Open to the public. The center is located off Morganton Road, past Turnberry Wood. Call for further information or directions (910) 695-0011.

The Douglass Community Center offers a variety of low cost fitness activities for older adults. Clubs, programs and classes are available. Fitness room is open 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday. The walking program follows the traditional school calendar and is open from 9:30 -11:30 a.m., Monday-Friday. Info, call 692-7376.

A children's craft class will be held from 10 a.m. to noon, on Tuesdays, March 25, April 1 and April 8, at From the Maker's Hand, Carthage. Prices vary by age. Call (910) 947-6755 or (910) 986-1135 for more info.

A voter registration drive will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, March 29, at each of the five area Food Lion stores. Volunteers are needed to staff the various locations forshifts of one to two hours.For info, call 947-1725 or send an e-mail to mrghwilsonjr@msn.com.

A candidate's forum will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, April 15, at the Seven Lakes West Community Center.Meet the candidates for the N.C. Legislature and the Moore County Board of Commissioners. For more info, call Linda Tableman at 673-2059.

Pinehurst Garden Club will hold its annual plant sale from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Saturday, April 26, in the village parking lot (next to Given Memorial Library). Plants are available by pre-order. Call Lynn at 215-0811 or Shirley at 235-5284 for more info.

The Southern Pines Welcome Center, located at the restored passenger train depot in downtown, is now open from noon to 4 p.m., Thursday-Saturday. The center contains cultural items, many photos and up-to-date tourism info. It's free for anyone who wants to visit.

Yoga classes are held at 9 a.m. Tuesdays at Southern Pines United Methodist Church. Call Gloria at 638-4314 for info.

Newcomers of Pinehurst is an organization formed to introduce new residents to one another and the community, by providing over 19 social events and activities monthly.Info, call 315-2471.

The Sandhills Woman's Exchange is a nonprofit organization that sells handmade crafts on consignment. Sales room hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday, and lunch hours are 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. Call 295-4677.

A.A.R.P. tax help will be available through April from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays and Saturdays at the Southern Pines Library. Clients must register onsite. No telephone appointments.

The Vass Rescue Squad is currently holding a portrait fundraiser drive. For the next several weeks, people in the service area will be contacted to make a donation. Those donating any amount, will receive an 8x10 family portrait. Proceeds go toward payments on a truck and the updating of equipment.

The Town of Southern Pines Parks and Recreation Department holds a senior program every Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. Seniors are invited to bring a lunch and enjoy board games, cards and socializing. Call Rynet Oxendine at 692-7376.

The National MS Society will host its annual MS Bike Ride. Call Adam at 639-3704 or e-mail deesersnchrist@windstream.net.

The Sandhills Striders Running Club holds group runs at 8 a.m. every Sunday at Southern Pines Reservoir Park. Runners should meet at the Lake Loop. Group runs are also held at 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays in the village of Pinehurst. Runners are to meet in front of Dugan's Pub. For more club info, e-mail SandhillsStriders@yahoo.com, or call 528-2302.

Toastmasters Club of the Sandhills meets at 7 p.m. on the first three Tuesdays of every month at Sandhills Community College, Van Dusen Hall, Room 102. Info, contact Chris, at 949-2278, e-mail at tcots@embarqmail.com, or visit http://tcots.freetoasthost.us.

The Carolina Hotel offers 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.

Family Support Network of the Sandhills and the Moore County Parks and Recreation Department are working together to create a sports program for families with children with disabilities. They are looking for families to join. Any person is eligible, ages 4-adult. Volunteer as a member of the planning committee. For more info, call Christine at 692-6123 ext. 25, or visit www.fsnsandhills.info.

Education

The Moore County Extension and Community Association offers Heritage Craft Classes each month at the Moore County Agriculture Center, Carthage. Call 947-3188 or visit 707 Pinehurst Avenue to register.

New Sandhills Community College Continuing Education courses begin each week. Classes are available in computers, community enrichment, professional development, healthy living and basic skills. Call 695-3766 or view the current schedule at www.sandhills.edu for more info.

ServSafe food safety program, the restaurant and food service industry's pre-eminent food safety training program, will be held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, March 31. Call 695-3766 to register.

Registration is being held for AARP Driver Safety. The course will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, May 14-15, at the Senior Enrichment Center, Pinehurst. Class size is limited. Registration fee is $10. Call 295-0900 to reserve a seat.

Health

Get a mammogram and a manicure at "Be Healthy and Pamper Yourself at the Same Time," every Wednesday during the month of March from 5 to 8 p.m. at Moore Regional Hospital, Outpatient Center, Pinehurst. Light refreshments will be served.Schedule your screening mammogram by calling (910) 715-2778.

Healthy Eating Every Day, a 14-to-20-week program with one-hour weekly sessions, is led by trained staff at FirstHealth. For info, call Rynet, at 692-7376.

Douglass Community Center offers table tennis in a quiet, family environment on Tuesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. Cost is $10 for residents, and $20 for non-residents, and is valid for six months. All ages are welcome.

Red Cross

The American Red Cross, Moore County Chapter, 244 SW Broad Street, Southern Pines. For information call 692-8571. Blood donors must be 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, and not have donated blood in the last 8 weeks. Call 866-562-7156 for more information.

Blood Drives

Urgent Note: The overall inventory level has fallen to CRITICAL status.O Negative and O Positive remain at EMERGENCY status.A Nega-tive is at CRITICAL status. There is no longer an upper age limit. Donors must be at least 17 yrs. of age and weigh at least 110 lbs.

Blood Drives:

1:30 to 6 p.m. Monday, March 24, Moore County Red Cross building, Southern Pines.

10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 25, FirstHealth Center for Health and Fitness. Call 715-1478 for an appt.

1:30 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 25, at Penick Village, Southern Pines.

Other Events:

Adult CPR with AED Recertification 6 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, March 27.

Support Groups

Alcoholics Anonymous of Moore County has information available online at www.sandhillsaa.org or call (800) 496-1742.

The Moore County Alzheimer's Support Group meets at 7 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month at Bethesda Presbyterian Church, U.S. 1, Aberdeen. Info: (336) 877-9332, (800) 888-6671, or 692-0232.

A.R.E. -- A Search for God study group meets 7 to 9 p.m. Mondays. Call 695-7055 for more info.

A support group forsurvivors of brain injury and their families is being started.The first meeting will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 20, in the community room of the Speciality Center, Pinehurst. For more info, call 315-4982.

Local cancer support group meets at 7 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month in The Family Life Center of Beaver Creek Baptist Church, 2280 Nicholson Rd., Cameron. Call 775-2544 or 499-9632.

Caregivers' Support Group will be held at 1 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month at Congregational Church in Pinehurst, 895 Linden Rd. The Rev. Marion Wilson will facilitate the discussion. Call 295-2243 for more information.

Middle Cross Baptist Church has started a Cancer Support group, meeting the second and fourth Tuesdaysofevery month at 7 p.m. at Middle Cross BaptistChurch, West End.Info, call Jessie Kellis at 673-2938 or Pastor David Reynolds at 947-2261.

Christian Support for Caregivers meets at 2-3 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of the month at The Village Chapel, Pinehurst. Call Debbie Brown at 295-6003 for info.

Co-dependents Anonymous meets each Monday from 7 to 8 p.m. at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital, Conference Room C. The meeting is non-smoking. Call Jill at 235-0545 for more information.

The Compassionate Friends of the Sandhills, a grief support group for parents and families who have experienced the death of a child, meets the third Monday of the month from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Community Presbyterian Church, Pinehurst. For information call Cindy Shepherd at 295-2755 or visit www.compassionate friends.org.

A Course in Miracles, a spiritual self-development course self-studygroup. Tuesdays, 6 to 8 p.m., at Pinebrook Apartments, 401 W. Illinois Ave. Call 692-1812 for information.

Creative Connection: Are you an out-of-the-box artist looking for a home? Come join the group Thursdays, 7 to 9:30 p.m. Contact Joy, 695-7055, Joyof_Art@ msn.com.

Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis Support Group, for Pinehurst and surrounding areas, will meet from 7 to 9 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital, Conference Center 2. Call 687-0066 or e-mail vscofield@aol.com.

National Depression - Manic Depression support group meets Wednesdays at 6 p.m. at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital Outpatient Center in the Doctors' Conference Room, off Page Rd. Info: 215-1582.

The Elmcroft Alzheimer's Support Lunch Group meets at noon on the second Wednesday of each month at Elmcroft of Southern Pines Assisted Living and Alzheimer's Care, 115 Brucewood Road, Southern Pines. Care available with advance notice. Call 695-1277 for more information.

Disabled American Veterans Chapter 83 of Moore County meets the first Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m., at 1060 Priest Hill Rd., Carthage. DAV is a service organization dedicated to assisting disabled veterans. For info call (910) 944-1113.

A support group for family members of those serving in the military or who have been deployed meets monthly at First Baptist Church, Southern Pines. Child care is provided. Call 235-4465 for more information, or 692-8750 for reservations.

Fibromyalgia Support Group meets once a month on the second Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital Outpatient Conference Room. Information: 281-3175.

Home schooling and looking for connection with other home schoolers? Moore Home Schoolers Network meets Thursdays. For more informtion: www.moorehomeschoolers.net.

An Incest Survivor Support Group is forming. For more information, call 947-1052.

La Leche League, for new mothers, meetsthe fourth Thursday of the month at 10:30 a.m. in Star. For directions to the meeting or more information, call Rebecca at 910-948-1002.

Mothers of Moore, a support group for mothers of children from birth to 5 years, holds monthly meetings for moms and weekly playgroups for children. Call Jackie at 673-1979 or visit www.mothersofmoore.com.

Sandhills Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) is a program for mothers of children ages birth to 5 years. MOPS meets the first and third Wednesdays of each month during the school year at Community Presbyterian Church located in Pinehurst. Visit www.SandhillsMOPS.com, e-mail SandhillsMOPS@yahoo.com, or call 295-6848.

Multiple Sclerosis Support Group is for anyone with physical or mental pain. For more information, call 725-0096, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Narcotics Anonymous, a search and recover grooup, has four meetings in the area: every Sunday, Wednesday and fourth Thursday, from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at the specialty center, building 2, Moore Memorial Drive, Pinehurst; every Tuesday from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at Brownson Memorial Presbyterian Church, Southern Pines. Info, call (866) 418-9500.

National Alliance on Mental Illness -- Moore County (NAMI-MC) meetings are usually held on the first Monday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Conference Center, Room A, FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital, at Page Road and N.C. 211. Info: 295-1053.

A self-help Neuropathy support group is being formed in the Pinehurst/Southern Pines area. Call 295-5019.

Overeaters Anonymous meets Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at Bethesda Presbyterian Church, U.S. 1, Aberdeen, and Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Aberdeen Community Center, 504 Wilder Ave. For more information, contact Aileen at 295-1840.

Panic and anxiety program for overcoming fears, anxiety, agoraphobia; achieving control, positive self-image and constructive thinking. Programs are being held in Southern Pines, Monday and Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. Call 732-940-9658.

Parents of Amazing Children, (PAC) is a parent support group for parents of children with special needs or chronic illness. It meets every third Tuesday of the month in Southern Pines. For info about support and resources, call Christine Garton at 692-6123 ext. 25, or visit online at www.fsnsandhills.info.

The inaugural PFLAG chapter meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 9, at Congregational Church of Pinehurst. Parents, families and friends of lesbians and gays organized this educational and support group in 1973. For more info, call Lisa (910) 988-9449 or Lee Evans (910) 695-1850.

R.E.A.C.H. is a newly forming home school support group in the Sandhills Area. The bond of this group is home schooling. There is no membership fee, although there may be fees incurred for participation in field trips or other learning activities.For more info, visit www.reach4moore.org.

Recovery Inc., a mental health self-help program, meets each Wednesday evening at 7 p.m. at Brownson Memorial Presbyterian Church. Free meetings to face emotional problems, symptoms and fears. Info: 505-9288.

A Recovery Program for struggling addicts is held nightly at Beaver Creek Family Life Center, 2280 Nicholson Road, Cameron, at 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 6 p.m. Sundays. Call 919-499-9632 for more details.

The Sandhills Ostomy Association sponsors an ostomy support group that meets at 3 p.m. every first Sunday of each month in the FirstHealth Conference Center, Moore Regional Hospital. Non-members are welcome to attend. Information, call 695-1554 or 295-2819.

Sandhills Post-Polio Health Group meets the first Saturday of each month at 10 a.m. in the First Health Conference Center. For more information call 715-5266.

Set Free, a 12-step program, meets at Calvary Chapel of the Sandhills, 201 W. South St., Aberdeen, Sundays at 7 p.m. Set Free is a fellowship of those recovering from behaviors that have affected their lives. Info: 944-2477.

Sex Addicts Anonymous (SAA) is a spiritual program based on the principles and traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous.Local group meetings are held on Mondays at 8 p.m.Confidentiality assured. Call 684-5263.

Sexual Assault Support Group - Friend to Friend, the domestic violence and rape crisis center in Moore County is forming a weekly support group for survivors of sexual assault. No charge. Info: 947-3333.

A support group for single parents is being created, and will focus on issuessingle parents deal with and productive ways in which to deal with them. Meetings will be held in the Pinehurst area on a bi-monthly basis. Info, contact Camille at (423) 773-5862.

Boles Funeral Home and Crematory hosts a luncheon for widows or widowers on the first and third Wednesdays of each month at the Days Inn, Southern Pines, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost is $7. Reservations: 692-6262.