Youth Photo Club

The Sandhills Youth Photography Club (SYPC) is designed for young people between the ages of 8-18, who are invited to learn more about using their cameras this summer.

Prize-winning photographers from the Sandhills Photography Club will teach four classes at the SCC Horticultural Garden Center from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on the following Thursdays: July 9, "Composition," by Bill Newton; July 23, "Subject," by Brenda and Don Hiscott; Aug. 6, "Framing/Angle/Perspective," by Gary Magee; and Aug. 20 , "Automatic vs. Manual/Presets," by Brady Smith.

Students in this age bracket are encouraged to join this new club, and parents are also welcome to stay during the presentations.

Computer Club

The July 14 meeting of the Computer Club of the Sandhills will be a question-and-answer panel discussion focusing on members' computer problems.

Presently, the panel consists of Jim Reetz and his dad, Art Reetz.It is requested that you please submit your questions in advance to Jim (imreetzpc@gmail.com) or Art by Wednesday, July 8. Questions received from the floor at the meeting will be answered as time permits.

The computer club meets the second Monday of each month at 4 p.m. in the lower level of the Village Hall of Whispering Pines. The purpose of the club is to bring users of personal computers together for the exchange of ideas, knowledge, skills and technical information.

Membership is open to computer users with all levels of expertise. Visitors are welcome.

There will be no meeting in August.Meetings will resume Monday, Sept. 14. For information contact George McNally at 949-2294.

NARFE

The National Active & Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) Sandhills Chapter 1895 will hold their monthly meeting Monday, July 13, at 10:30 a.m. at the Community Congregational Church, 141 N. Bennett St., Southern Pines.

Buck Kirk, hospital coordinator, will speak on the topic "Shriner's Hospital: Assisting Disabled Children."

Chapter 1895 welcomes all Federal (including U.S. Postal Service) active employees, retirees, spouses and surviving spouses to monthly meetings.

Additional information about NARFE is available by contacting Vilma Geisert at (910) 215-5898 or George Sandoval at (910) 246-9881.

Newcomers

Newcomers of the Pinehurst Area is an organization formed to introduce new residents to one another and the community, by providing social events and activities.

To join this fun and interesting group, call (910) 315-2471 or visit the Web site at www.pinehurstnewcomers.com.

SCWC

Sandhills Christian Women's Connection holds its monthly luncheon Thursday, July 16, at the National Golf Club in Pinehurst.

Lavanda Moore, of Spruce Pine, will share stories of being a cancer survivor, while helping to raise grandchildren and caring for her elderly parents. Moore will also provide unusual tips on gardening.

Holly Haskins Miss Moore County 2004, will offer musical entertainment.

All Sandhills women and their guests are welcome to attend the luncheon held at the National Golf Club in Pinehurst from noon to 1:30 p.m. Call Joan at 673-5146 or Anne at 215-0074 to make reservations. A courtesy call by Tuesday, July 14, will be appreciated.

"Be sure to let us know if you will be taking advantage of our free nursery for your young children," says a spokesman.

The cost of this month's luncheon is $13, all inclusive.

Seven Lakes Kiwanis

At the June 23 meeting of the Seven Lakes Kiwanis Club, Stu Lopes of Dover Mortgage, an affiliate of Community Bank, gave a talk on reverse mortgages.

Reverse mortgages can be an attractive proposition to seniors older than 62 who are in need of operating capital. Since 1989, reverse mortgages have been available to seniors, and backed by the federal government.

The main requirements are equity in one's home that can be turned into cash, and the counseling of a third party to the transaction.

The third party counseling is required so that the possibility of impropriety and scandal is eliminated, or at least greatly reduced.

The FHA assumes the responsibility for any indebtedness at the death of the principal mortgage holder, which takes the burden of inherited debts off the backs of any heirs.

Lopes was introduced by Sherri Adams, office manager at Community Bank in Seven Lakes.

Seven Lakes Kiwanis meets every Tuesday at noon at the Seven Lakes CC. Guests are always welcome.