Outdoor activities, artistic endeavors and educational classes, some of this week's best bets.

Gospel Sing

The Talley Trio, a top contemporary gospel group, comes to Smyrna United Methodist Church at 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20. The Talley Trio is a family group, made up of Roger and Debra Talley and their daughter, Lauren. Their music combines elements of Southern gospel, hymns and contemporary worship styles to form a sound that is uniquely their own.

Smyrna United Methodist Church has a strong interest in music as an outreach, and has worked to bring a number of gospel music groups to Robbins in recent years. "There is no admission charge, but a love offering will be taken," says spokesman Pam Hussey. The church is located at 1924 Smyrna Church Road, Robbins. For more information, contact Pam Hussey at (910) 464-3407, Sandy Hussey at (910) 464-2154, or Jarius Garner at (910) 464-1290.

Chef Series

The Hospitality Club of Sandhills Community College hosts Chef Chuck Nelson, executive chef of The Table at Crestwood, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Monday, Sept 21, as part of its Carolina Chef Series. The Table at Crestwood located in the premier resort, The Inn at Crestwood, nestled between Boone and Blowing Rock. Nelson received a degree in culinary science from Le Courdon Bleu in Scottsdale, Ariz. ,and has won many awards.

The seven-week series features a different chef each week, performing a cooking class and demonstration. The event takes place in the Russell Dining Room in Little Hall.

The cost is 25 per person or $40 per couple. Reservations and payment are needed due to limited seating. Walk-ins will be allowed if seating is still available. Call Lavada Alsbrook at (910) 695-3796 to secure a reservation.

Live Music

Johnny and the Cadillacs will appear at Mister P's (155 Hall Avenue, Southern Pines) at 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19.

Walk for Alzheimer's

Moore County Alzheimer's Association's Memory Walk will be held Saturday, Sept. 19. Registration begins at 9 a.m., with the walk at 10 a.m. at the Downtown Southern Pines Park. There will be a fire truck and a dunking booth, and McGruff the Crime Dog and Sparky, will put in an appearance. Children will enjoy the Bouncy Castle and face painting. There will also be door prizes as well as merchandise for sale Life 103.1 will provide music.

Farmers Market Hosts Chef

The Moore County Farmers Market Association host Chef Warren Lewis Saturday morning, Sept. 19, at the downtown Southern Pines location. Lewis, proprietor of Chef Warren's: A Southern Pines Bistro, will shop the market for the freshest local ingredients and then prepare some tempting treats between the hours of 9:30 and 11 a.m. Recipes will be provided for the dishes he prepares. The Farmers Market is open from 8 a.m. to noon each Saturday morning through September at the corner of S.E. Broad street and New York Avenue.

Dance Open House

Carolina Performing Arts Center presents an open house beginning at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at its facility located at 670 South West Broad Street, Southern Pines. Nick Hagelin, formerly of the Carolina Ballet, will perform at 1:45 p.m. There will be a "Ballet Partnering" class for the older students ($10) from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m. "Anyone may come and observe for a donation to CPAC (suggested $5)," says a spokesman.

Arts in the Park

Arts in the Park presents The Mountain Marionettes at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at Camelot Park Playground, Cannon Park, Pinehurst. This free event is sponsored by the Arts Council of Moore County and the Pinehurst Parks and Recreatiaon Department.

In case of rain, the performance will be in Assembly Hall of the Village Hall (395 Magnolia Road, Pinehurst). A spokesman urges all attendees to bring chairs or blankets to sit on during the performance. For additional information, call 295-2817 or 692-4356, or visit www.mooreart.org.

AARP Driver Safety Class

The Senior Enrichment Center is hosting an AARP Driver Safety class from 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22. The fee, payable the day of class, is $12 for AARP members (membership number must be provided to the instructor) and $14 for nonmembers.

This restructured and condensed class will offer the same life-saving tips as always, but in a four-hour session, says a spokesman. Class size is limited; registration is required. Call 215-0900. The Senior Enrichment Center is located at 8040 US Hwy 15-501 (2 miles north of the Pinehurst traffic circle).

Skate Park Opens in New Location

SkateMoore Skate Park, formerly located in Pinebluff, has recently moved its operation to the Ashley Heights area on N.C. 211 (9750 Aberdeen Road) in Hoke County. The grand re-opening will be held Saturday, Sept. 19, with the park opening at 11 a.m. and planned events starting at 2 p.m. SkateMoore, owned by Skaters for Moore, a non-profit organization, consists of 7,000 square feet of ramps, obstacles, stairs, quarterpipes, and a mini half-pipe located inside the Aberdeen Sports Complex.

For more information on the event or for directions and fees, visit www.SkatersForMoore.org or call the Aberdeen Sports Complex at (910) 944-4745.