Community Interest

Pope John Paul II is hosting its second annual Mardi Gras event at CCNC on Saturday, Feb. 13, 6 p.m. The event will feature casino gaming, a $10,000 raffle, live and silent auction, heavy hor d’ouerves and a cash bar. Proceeds go toward increasing technology in the classrooms, educational development and scholarships. To purchase raffle tickets or Mardi Gras event tickets, (910) 692-6241, www.jp2catholic school.org. Cocktail attire.

The Sandhills Camellia Society presents the 6th Camellia Show at the Pinehurst Village Hall located at 395 Magnolia Road in Pinehurst on Saturday, Feb. 20. The show is open to the public (free admission) from noon-4 p.m. Exhibitors from all over the Southeastern United States will exhibit their camellia blooms. Buy a beautiful camellia plant for your yard. Call Barb or Larry Cohen, (910) 255-0010 to place an early order. There will be two presentations, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. on the proper planting of camellias and companion plantings for your camellias. (910) 295-4572.

Great Lakes Church of God free public seminars on the fascinating topic of Bible prophecy and how it affects you today. Saturday, Feb. 20, 7:30 p.m., Whispering Pines Country Club, and Sunday, Feb. 21, 2:30 p.m., Aberdeen Parks and Recreation Building on U.S. 1.

2010 Penick Village 5th Annual Art Show & Sale Friday, Feb. 26, 6:30-9:30 p.m., Preview Party. Admission includes valet parking, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction. Saturday, Feb. 27, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 28, noon-3 p.m., Art Show & Sale, free. Proceeds to benefit the Penick Village Benevolent Assistance Fund, which provides assistance to residents in financial need. All are invited. (910) 692-0381, www.penick villagefoundation.org.

The O’Neal School admissions testing for new students (excluding pre-K for 3-year-olds) considering enrollment to The O’Neal School, Saturday, Feb. 27, 9 a.m. Admissions director, Alice Droppers, (910) 692-6920, ext. 103, e-mail adroppers@onealSchool.org, www. ONealschool.org.

Fine Arts Lecture Series presented by the Arts Council of Moore County and Weymouth Center. March 18, 10 a.m., Dr. Molly Gwinn, Learning from the French Avant-Garde: John Marin & Paul Strand. April 15, 10 a.m., Dr. Molly Gwinn, Escape to the Southwest: Georgia O’Keefe. May 13, 10 a.m., Dr. Molly Gwinn, Artist as Force of Nature: Jackson Pollack. May 20, 10 a.m., Denise Drum Baker, Environmental Earthworks: Robert Smithson, Christo and Andy Goldsworthy. Lectures presented at Weymouth Center. Register now with payment to Arts Council, 482 E. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines, or (910) 692-4356.

­The Weymouth Music Committee announces that the annual Weymouth Young Musicians Festival will be held Saturday, March 20, and Sunday, March 21. Auditions will be held on March 20, and the finalists’ concert will be held March 21, 3 p.m. Both events take place in the Great Room at Weymouth Center. The festival is open to young musicians in Moore, Hoke, Scotland, Richmond, Lee and Montgomery counties in grades 4- 12 who are currently studying an instrument or voice. For festival guidelines, call Weymouth Center, (910) 692-6061.

Tufts Archives and Given Memorial Library present Heritage Highlights and Literary Lessons, a series of events that will engage the community in historic and literary activities. Hats & Afternoon Tea in the Village (March 27), Cake & Croquet (April 17), Given on the Green (May 15), Historic No. 2 (June 18) and Midnight Golf (July 16). Tickets, Given Memorial Library, (910) 295-6086, www.tufts archives.org.

Sandhills Horticultural Society Plant Sale, Saturday, April 17, spring plant sale, 8 a.m.-noon. Perennials, woody plants and daffodils will be for sale at the new horticultural building area (Steed Hall) of Sandhills Community College. For info and to pre-order, (910) 695-3882.

Landscape Gardening Students bedding plant sale, Friday, April 23, 1-5 p.m., and Saturday, April 24, 10 a.m.-noon. Annuals, herbs, tomatoes and peppers available. Pre-orders, (910) 695-3882, (910) 246-4959.

2nd Annual DAV Memorial 5K Run/Walk, Saturday, April 24, 9 a.m., Veteran’s Memorial in Carthage. For e-copy of official entry form, Don Bennett, (910) 639-3030, dbaerotech@embarqmail. com, Jimmy Paulk, (910) 215-0624, rolandjimmy1@yahoo.com.

Pinehurst Garden Club Plant Sale, Saturday, April 24, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Pinehurst village sand parking lot. Geraniums, impatiens, vinca and begonias will be available for pre-order on Feb. 17. A variety of other plants will be available the day of the sale. All proceeds will benefit scholarship and local beautification. (910) 255-0720, (910) 215-8719.

2nd Annual Woof Woof Open Golf Tournament, Best Two Balls of Four, Saturday, June 26 (Longleaf Golf and Country Club), Step Aside Woof Woof Scramble, Sunday, June 27 (The Pit). Men, women or mixed. 8:30 a.m. shotgun start. To benefit Pooch Park in the Pines, Moore Humane Society’s 3 1/2-acre fenced dog park, a leash-free park for canines and their owners. Entry forms available in local pro shops and online, www.moorehumane. org, The Pilot newspaper, Star 102 FM, WIOZ AM and PineStraw magazine.

The Southern Pines Welcome Center, located at the restored passenger train depot, is open Thursday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. except for Thanksgiving and Christmas days. The center contains cultural items, photos and tourist information. Browse among many items for sale, from quality throws with icons from the town’s 120-year history to gift cards. Welcome to Southern Pines Inc., a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization of local residents, is raising money to maintain the museum and to fund expansion into a state-of-the-art interactive museum. Donations accepted.

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 in Southern Pines. Gift shop offers books and photo prints of local interest. Free admission. Open 1-4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday. (910) 692-2051, www.moorehistory.com.

Palustris Festival

Daily, free, Thursday-Sunday, 1-4 p.m., docent-guided tours of the 1820-era Shaw House, furnished with period items, and home of the MCHA, this antebellum farmstead is the birthplace of Southern Pines and the homestead of its first mayor. Also on the property at the corner of Morganton Road and Broad Street are two historic homes from northern Moore County, built in the 1700s and moved to the site.

Southern Pines Public Library, 170 W. Connecticut Ave., is sponsoring a Community Read, encouraging citizens to read “Serena,” by Ron Rash, a novel set in a lumber camp in the North Carolina Mountains of 1929, take part in discussions, lectures and other events. Rash is scheduled to appear at a luncheon and reading on Friday, March 26. Community Read wiki: http://moorecommunity read.pb works.com/. www.sppl.net, (910) 692-8235.

Footprints in the Sandhills Tour with Pottery in the Pines Tour, Friday, March 26, and Saturday, March 27. Discover the charm, experience the rich history, folklore tales, inspirational gardens, 18th century historical homes, museums, pottery and Horse Country all in our own backyard. Kirk Tours, (910) 295-2257, www.kirktours.com.

Saturday, March 27, free, 10 a.m., ”Greeting the Train With the Sounds of Southern Memory.” This event, directed by Ray Owen, is based on two historic greetings in the town’s early days, designed to give northerners coming in on the train a chance to meet and get a taste of the local culture of African-American and Scottish immigrants who settled here. The program includes an African-American choir song and a bagpipe band, plus Gaelic-and-English language prayer.

Saturday, March 27, 1:30-2:30 p.m., musician Larry McNeely and his band perform at Old Bethesda Presbyterian Church in Aberdeen. McNeely is a five-string banjo player who has collaborated and performed with country music star Glen Campbell and has recorded soundtracks for several motion pictures. Tickets, www.palustris festival.com.

Saturday, March 27, 3:30-4:30 p.m., Old Bethesda Presbyterian Church, concert featuring musicians Craig Fuller and his son Patrick. Craig is a founding member of the pioneering country rock band Pure Prairie League. He has recorded with the band American Flyer, the first of which was produced by the Beatles’ producer Sir George Martin. His other credits include writing and working with several bands, including Little Feat, where he served as front man. Tickets, www.palustris festival.com.

Saturday, March 27, 8 p.m., Pinecrest High School Auditorium, Southern Pines, concert by singer-songwriter and recording artist Tift Merritt, co-sponsored by the Arts Council of Moore County and the Moore County Historical Association. Merritt sings rock ’n’ roll, soul, folk and country music. Merritt was nominated for a Grammy for the album “Tambourine” and for an American Music Award for a single from her latest album, “Another Country.” Tickets, (910) 692-2787, www. palustrisfestival.com.

Sunday, March 28, 3:30 p.m., “Oldest Living Confederate Widow: Her Confession,” Old Bethesda Presbyterian Church, Aberdeen. This one-woman play, starring Jane Holding, is adapted for the stage from Alan Gurganus’ best-selling novel, “Oldest Living Confederate Widow Tells All.” Directed by Katja Hill, a graduate of the North Carolina School of the Arts, the story focuses on Lucy, who marries a Civil War veteran. Lucy tells a harrowing and hilarious comedy that she experienced through the years she lived with her husband, who remained haunted by his wartime experiences. Tickets, www. palustrisfestival.com.

Kids

Joy of Art From the Heart Create art cards to raise money for the people of Haiti. Feb. 12 (7-9 p.m.) and 13 (10 a.m.-noon). (910) 528-7283, e-mail joyof_art@ msn. com.

The Arts Council of Moore County announces ArtSmart, an after-school, visual art program for Moore County children ages 8-18, 130 W. Pennsylvania Ave. (Belvedere Plaza), Southern Pines. The program is a series of art classes that help children find their creative voice by providing quality, comprehensive visual art instruction. Kim Sobat, (910) 684-0257, e-mail artsmart@mooreart.org, www. mooreart.org.

SkateMoore Skate Park, Aberdeen Sports Complex, N.C. 211 East, 9750 Aberdeen Road, open 4-9 p.m., Wednesdays and Thursdays; 4-10 p.m., Fridays; 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturdays; 1-6 p.m., Sundays. Skateboarding, roller skating, roller blading, adult exercise room, concession stand, inflatables, video games. (910) 944-4745, www. skatersformoore.org. Monthly flea market, March 6, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Tammy, (910) 281-0578, Terry, (910) 944-2893.

Taylor Dance has ongoing registration for ballet, tap, jazz and hip-hop for ages 3-18. Playhouse Jr. has ongoing registration for theater arts classes. (910) 295-1320.

Moore County Library has storytime for preschoolers on Mondays at 10:30 a.m. (910) 947-5535.

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

Joy of Art Studio offers ongoing art classes for ages 5-17. (910) 528-7283, joyof_art@ msn.com.

Carolina Performing Arts Center , located at 670 SW Broad St., Southern Pines, accepts new students all year. (910) 695-7898, e-mail danceatcpac@yahoo.com, www.cpacsandhills.org.

Dance

Mardis Gras Dance, Saturday, Feb. 13, 7-10 p.m. Join Carolina Pines Chapter of USA Dance for a fun evening. Lesson at 7:30 p.m., dancing 8-10 p.m. Snacks and refreshments. 105 McReynolds Street (second floor above Coffee Court) in downtown Carthage. (919) 770-1975.

Great Dance Music, Huge Space. Join Ballroom Dancers of the Sandhills at the West End Gym. Ballroom dance lesson, 7:15 p.m., followed by social dancing, 8-10 p.m., Feb. 19, March 5, 19, April 9, 23. ballroomdancersofthesandhills@gmail.com, (910) 246-3320. Everyone welcome.

Carolina Performing Arts Center, 670 SW Broad St., Southern Pines, accepts new students all year long. Classes for dancers of all levels, age 3 to adult: ballet, tap, jazz, character and lyrical. Classes for toddlers and mommies, clogging, hip-hop and pilates. (910) 695-7898, e-mail danceatcpac@yahoo.com, www. cpacsandhills.org.

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. (910) 295-2590 or (910) 673-1623.

Dance lessons Tuesdays, shag with Bud and Nanci: 6:30 p.m. Level I, 7:30 p.m. Level II, 8:30 p.m. Level III. Wednesdays and Thursdays, line dance with Bud and Nanci: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, shag with Bud and Nanci: 7:30 p.m. Level I, 8:30 p.m. Level II. Lessons held at 1832 N.C. 5. (910) 690-9176.

Fred Astaire Dance Studio private and group classes (age 7-adult), Monday-Saturday, 2-10 p.m. Instructors are nationally certified. Friday night dance parties, 8-9:30 p.m. Open to the public. (910) 295-1106 or (910) 585-2572.

Pinehurst Ballroom Dance Studio offers professionally taught social ballroom dance lessons. Private or group lessons are taught for couples or singles. Specialization in weddings, debutante balls, proms and cruise lessons. (910) 295-3003, www.pinehurstballroomdance.com.

Sophisticated Ladies Dance Troupe (seniors 50 years and over) will interview prospective members willing to make a commitment to weekly rehearsals on Mondays and Thursdays. Dance experience helpful but not required. Jo Ann, (910) 295-8051 or (910) 295-2590.

A’s Square Dance Club is an advanced level club. Dances are on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month at 6 p.m. in the Old West End Gym. The caller is Jimmy Roberson. Leo and Ruth Ellen Ganster, (910) 295-5786.

Stardust Dinner Dance Club has dinner and ballroom-style dancing almost every fourth Thursday of the month at Whispering Pines Country Club. Anyone may come as a guest for one dance for the cost of dinner. Kadie, (910) 295-1916.

Yellow Rockers Square Dance Club meets every Thursday from 7:30-9:30 p.m. at the Old West End Gym. Open House, first Thursday of every month, 7-8 p.m., Senior Enrichment Center. Jan, (910) 215-9313, or Karen, (910) 949-2001.

Music/Concerts

Carolina Philharmonic, Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, 300 Dundee Road, Pinehurst. Saturday, Feb. 13, 6 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 14, 4 p.m. Chamber music In the Name of Valentine, Strauss, Beethoven, Rachmaninoff, Piazzolla (champagne and chocolates reception, Saturday and Sunday at 5:30 p.m.). Saturday, March 20, 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Chamber music On the Brink, Beethoven, Hindemith, Ravel. Wednesday, March 24, 7 p.m. Orchestra Holy Week Concert with chorus, Haydn, Barber, Verdi, Mozart, Torelli, Handel. Saturday, April 24 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Chamber music Beloved Classics, Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Chopin. Saturday, May 15, 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Chamber music Asian Delicacies, Ishii, Debussy, Tchaikovsky, Traditional Korean Songs. Saturday, May 22, 7 p.m. Orchestra Concerto Extravaganza, Koussevitsky, Bartok, Mascagni, Bach, Ewazen. 2nd Annual Chamber Music Festival 2010, every weekend, June 4-Aug. 29. www.CarolinaPhil. org. (910) 687-4746.

Sandhills Community College hosts Fayetteville State University choir, Tuesday, Feb. 23, 11 a.m., Owens Auditorium. Public is invited to attend this free concert, one of the many events at the college for Black History Month. The choir performs under the baton of Denise Murchison Payton.

“A Night at the Oscars” presents Shirley Jones hosting the Hollywood Concert Orchestra and performing some of her memorable songs from her classic movies on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 7:30 p.m., Richmond Community College’s Cole Auditorium, Hamlet. Tokyo String Quartet, Tuesday, March 23. Cirque Le Masque, Thursday, April 29. Langley Winds Woodwind Quintet Concert (free admission). (910) 410-1691, www. richmondcc.edu/coleindex.html.

Moore County Concert Band is looking for new members. Rehearsals, Mondays (September-June), Sandhills Community College, 6:30 p.m. The band performs six concerts a year. If you play or have ever played an instrument and would like to play challenging music, join MCCB. (910) 295-9023, www.moorecountyband.com.

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. Mondays, Brownson Memorial Presbyterian Church. Carole Amlot, (910) 944-1458.

Theater

Area Movie Theaters

Call listed venue hotlines for the most up-to-date information.

Sandhills Cinema: (910) 695-1100.

SunFlix at the Sunrise Theater, 250 NW Broad St., Southern Pines, (910) 692-3611. Movie times: 7:30 p.m. evenings and 2:30 p.m. matinees on Saturday and Sunday.

Auditions for “Steel Magnolias” will be held Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 15 and 16, 6:30-9 p.m. Parts for women of all ages. No previous experience necessary. Play dates are April 8-18, Thursday-Sunday. Rehearsal dates are March 1-April 7. Richmond Community Theatre, On the Square, 111 E. Washington St., Rockingham. (910) 997-3765.

Entertainment

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

Aberdeen Café, 111 N. Sycamore St., Aberdeen, has live music every Friday and Saturday night from 5-8 p.m. Call for open mic info. (910) 757-0203.

The Bell Tree, 155 NE Broad St., Southern Pines, serves lunch and dinner and has live music. Feb. 12 Jacked Up Hot Rods, Feb. 13, Kindred. (910) 692-4766.

Bingo at the “V,” 7-9:30 p.m. every Thursday at VFW Post 7318, 615 S. Page St., Southern Pines. Snack bar available. (910) 692-3772.

Darling House, 40 Chinquapin Road, Pinehurst, hosts live entertainment Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 7:30-11:30 p.m. (910) 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, 301 Poplar St., Aberdeen, and 207 S. McNeil St., Carthage.

Dugan’s Pub, No. 2 Market Square, Pinehurst. Monday night sports with free hot dogs. Tuesdays and Thursdays, karaoke. Wednesdays, live Irish Music 6:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, live band at 9 p.m. Ladies’ night on Saturdays. (910) 295-3400.

Elliott’s Gourmet Marketplace, 905 Linden Road, Pinehurst, provides workshops and wine seminars in the cooking school and a special series of lunches and dinners. Free wine tastings Saturdays, noon-4 p.m. (910) 295-3663.

Flynne’s Coffee Bar, 115 NE Broad St., Southern Pines, offers gourmet coffee drinks, teas, chai lattés, hot chocolate, baked goods and local art and pottery. Free Wi-Fi. Art classes. Live music Fridays and Saturdays (third Saturdays are art night). Open mic first and third Saturdays, 6:30-9 p.m. (910) 693-1999.

Italian Table Restaurant presents live entertainment nightly, 136 Grant St., Seven Lakes. Reserva-tions, (910) 673-4725.

JFR Barn holds wine dinners each month. Reservations, (910) 692-7700, www.jfrbarn.com.

Jefferson Inn, located at 150 W. New Hampshire Ave., Southern Pines, is open daily at 4 p.m. for food and beverages. Live entertainment Wednesday-Saturday. (910) 692-9911.

Maness Pottery and Music Barn features bluegrass, country and gospel pickin’ and singing, 6 p.m. Tuesday nights. Six miles west of Carthage on N.C. 24/27. (910) 948-4897.

May Street Market, 1010 N. May St., Southern Pines, hosts live music every Friday night from 7-10 p.m. No cover. Reservations, (910) 692-4110.

Mister P’s is located at 155 Hall Ave., Southern Pines. Dinner served at 4 p.m., Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and noon on Saturdays and Sundays. DJ Friday Night with Legendary DJ Butch Halpin, 8 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 13, Turning Wednesday (rock), 9 p.m. (910) 692-3700.

Neville’s is open 3 p.m.-2 a.m., Sunday-Saturday. (910) 692-1939, www. nevillesclub.com.

O’Donnell’s, of downtown Southern Pines, hosts weekend live entertainment and features Wednesday night guest bartenders with tips going to charity. (910) 695-1915.

Potter’s Cafe, 201 South St., Aberdeen, features live music every Saturday night. (910) 944-1250.

The Rooster’s Wife, 204 E. South St., Aberdeen, www.theroosterswife. org, (910) 944-7502.

Sandhills Bowling Center, 2239 N. Pinehurst St., Aberdeen. (910) 295-9610.

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

Table on the Green, 2205 Midland Road, Midland Country Club, hosts Dick McCollum’s Mellow Jazz Trio every second and fourth Wednesday of the month. Reservations, (910) 295-4118.

The Village Wine Shop, 80 Magnolia Road, Pinehurst, has weekly wine tasting every Friday, 6-8 p.m., and live music every Thursday, 7-9 p.m. Feb. 12, Childress wine tasting, Feb. 16, Mardi Gras wine tasting party. Open Tuesday-Thursday. (910) 295-5100, villagewineshop. net.

The Wine Cellar and Tasting Room, 241 NE Broad St., Southern Pines, is open until 10 p.m., Wednesday-Saturday. www.thewine cellarandtastingroom.com, (910) 692-3066.

Galleries

About Art Gallery at the Market Place, located in the Market Place Restaurant Building, 2160 Midland Road, Pinehurst, features local artists Joan Williams, Deane Billings, Jeanette Sheehan, Mike D’Andrea, Janet Burdick, Nancy Yanchus and Cele Bryant. Open Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. (910) 215-5963.

Appalachian Physical Therapy is located in Olmsted Village. Janette K. Hopper’s work (oils, watercolors and prints) will be on display in February and March. Hopper is currently a professor at UNC Pembroke. Her work has appeared in shows throughout this country and also internationally in Germany, Italy and Denmark. A Meet the Artist reception will be held on Friday, Feb. 19, 7-9 p.m. Joseph Murphy, a local resident with a beautiful tenor voice, will present a selection of Italian classical work the same evening. (910) 215-0541.

Art & Furnishings, located at 20 Parker Lane, Pinehurst, features the work of three well-known local artists, Betty DiBartolomeo, Harry Neely and Kim Sobat. Open Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and by appointment. (910) 295-6590.

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. Jean Skipper, (910) 692-6077.

Artists League of the Sandhills is located at 129 Exchange St., Aberdeen. “Please Don’t Feed the Animals!” exhibit runs through March 19. The show consists of more than 50 works of original art depicting animals, birds, fish, etc., by more than 30 member artists. This is an ideal opportunity to expose children to fine art. Gallery hours are noon-3 p.m., Monday-Saturday. Classes and workshops available. (910) 944-3979, 10-4, Monday-Friday. www.artistleague. org.

Broadhurst Gallery, located at 2212 Midland Road, Pinehurst, showcases works by nationally recognized artists. Hours are Tuesday-Friday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m, and Saturday, 1-4 p.m. (910) 295-4817.

The Campbell House Galleries, 482 E. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines, presents “Memories,” paintings by Harry Neely. Neely will be demonstrating his painting techniques on Saturday, Feb. 20, 2-4 p.m. This exhibit runs through Feb. 26. Gallery is open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and every third Saturday of the month from 2-4 p.m (910) 692-4356, www.arts council-moore.org.

Chatham Arts Gallery exhibits more than 90 Chatham County artists, Wednesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. First Sunday, noon-5 p.m. (919) 542-4144, www. chathamarts.org.

The Downtown Gallery, located inside Flynne’s Coffee Bar, 115 NE Broad St., Southern Pines, features local and regional art and pottery. Paintings and note cards of Southern Pines scenes. Art From the Heart for Haiti Benefit and Silent Auction, Thursday, Feb. 18, 6-9 p.m., features art and jewelry donated by local artists and art students. (910) 528-7283, e-mail joyof_art@ msn.com. (910) 693-1999.

Fusions Art and Fine Craft Gallery, 52 Hillsboro St., Pittsboro, is featuring 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. (910) 260-9725.

Gemma Gallery, 48 Chinquapin Road, Pinehurst, hosts a showing of new designs to celebrate its 15 years in business. (910) 295-3010.

Hastings Gallery is located in the Katharine L. Boyd Library at Sandhills Community College. UNC-Pembroke Art Professors on Exhibit will be on display through Feb. 19 and will include printmaking, digital images, drawing and sumi watercolors. Gallery hours: 7:45 a.m-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 7:45 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday; and 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. Free.

Hollyhocks Art Gallery, located at the shops of Pinehurst Place, 905 Linden Road, Pinehurst, reopens after renovations, joining artists Jane Casnellie, Diane Kraudelt and Irene McFarland, and new artists Susan Edquist and Karen Meredith. Open daily at 10:30 a.m. and evenings. (910) 255-0665, www.Hollyhocks ArtGallery.com.

Jewels of Pinehurst, located at 7 Market Square, Pinehurst, is a gallery of contemporary jewelry handmade in platinum and gold. Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (910) 295-7055.

Joy of Art Studio works with Artist’s Way, Discover Your Muse and Life Drawing for adults. (910) 528-7283, e-mail joyof_art @msn.com.

Lady Bedford’s Tea Parlour, located at 25 Chinquapin Road in the village of Pinehurst, features artist Donna Whitman, who uses pen and watercolor on Ginwashi paper to produce a unique impressionistic one-of-a-kind painting with a batik look. She has been painting for more than 20 years doing custom work and teaching her style of painting to students. She has won Professional Best in Show for her art in Virginia and Florida. Tuesday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (910) 255-0100, www.ladybed fords.com.

Old Sport & Gallery is located in Harvard Building on Market Square in the village of Pinehurst. Tom Stewart, (910) 295-9775.

One Eleven Main is the exclusive shop for paintings by Fay Terry, located on West Main Street, Aberdeen, in the historic hardware store building. The Fay Terry Art Calendar for 2010 is available. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Saturday. (910) 944-1181.

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

Seagrove Candle Company Store, 116 NW Broad St., Southern Pines, showcases the arts and crafts of the Sandhills and Seagrove region, including King’s Pottery, Crystal King’s Pottery and Williams Pottery. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday and Wednesday-Saturday. (910) 695-0029.

Studio 590 Fine Arts Gallery, located off N.C. 5 in the historic 1815 Dowd Cabin in Pinehurst, is the working studio and gallery of artists Betty DiBartolomeo and Harry Neely. Studio is open Monday-Wednesday, by chance, Thursday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and by appointment. (910) 639-9404.

Sundance Studio, 107 W. New Hampshire Ave., Southern Pines. Studio/gallery of contemporary and abstract art. Expressive Arts Therapy workshops for adolescents and adults facilitated by Margie Graves, LCSW, LCAS, with Certificate in Expressive Arts Therapy. (910) 315-2746. Studio/gallery hours by appointment or chance.

SWANK Coffee Shop, 232 NW Broad St., Southern Pines, supports local artists and crafters by offering local handmade items as well as serving locally roasted gourmet coffee beans.

White Hill Gallery, 407 U.S. 15/501, Carthage, offers a variety of pottery. Sandra Layne, proprietor. (910) 947-6100.

Literary

The Country Bookshop, 140 NW Broad St., Southern Pines, hosts a Meet the Author series. (910) 692-3211, www.thecountrybookshop. biz. Thursday, Feb. 25, 4 p.m., Marc Chagall scholar Vivian R. Jacobson, “Sharing Chagall.” Monday, March 1, 3:30 p.m. “39 Clues” author Peter Lerangis will sign his two entries into the acclaimed children’s series “The Sword Thief” and the newest installment, “The Viper’s Nest.” Thursday, April 1, 4 p.m. Beth Hoffman, “Saving Ceecee Honeycutt.” Tuesday, April 20, 2 p.m., auditorium at Penick Village (call for reservation). Jim Dodson, “A Son of the Game.” Thursday, April 22, 4 p.m. Randi Davenport, Ph.D, executive director of the James M. Johnston Center for Undergraduate Excellence at UNC-Chapel Hill, “The Boy Who Loved Tornadoes.” Tuesday, April 27, 2 p.m., auditorium at Penick Village (call for reservation). Ann B. Ross, “Miss Julia Renews Her Vows” and “Miss Julia Delivers the Goods.” Thursday, May 13, 4 p.m., Suzy Barile, “Undaunted Heart: The True Love Story of a Southern Belle and a Yankee General.”

Library Programs

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

n Given Memorial Library is located in Pinehurst, (910) 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.

n Katharine L. Boyd Library at Sandhills Community College is open 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, (910) 695-3819, www.sandhills. edu.

n Moore County Library is located at 101 Saunders St., Carthage. (910) 947-5335.

n Page Memorial Library, located in Aberdeen at 101 S. Poplar St., is open Monday-Friday, 2-6 p.m. (910) 944-1200.

n 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. (910) 281-3004.

n Robbins Area Library, located at 161 E. Magnolia, is open Tuesday- Saturday with evening hours on Tuesday. (910) 948-4000.

n 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. Catalog and library info, www.sppl.net, (910) 692-8235. A.A.R.P. Tax Help will be available on Tuesdays and Saturdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., February through April (except Saturday, April 3). Clients must register onsite. There are no prior appointments by phone. Preschool Storytime for infants and toddlers (ages birth-5 years) will be held Wednesday, Feb. 17 and 24, 3:30-4 p.m. for stories, songs and fun. Oldies & Goodies film series presents “The Trail of the Lonesome Pine,” a 1936 film directed by Cecil B. DeMille and starring Henry Fonda, Fred MacMurray and Sylvia Sidney, Thursday, Feb. 11, 2:30-4:30 p.m. Enjoy a cup of tea and refreshments while watching this classic flick. Pizza with Pizzazz participants are invited to meet comic book artist and collector Kevin Maddox, Tuesday, Feb. 16, 5-6 p.m. Enjoy free pizza with your friends! Children in grades K-2 and their parents are invited to Family Fun Night, Thursday, Feb. 18, 5:30 p.m. Come enjoy stories, songs and crafts about cats, big and small, and then stick around for a free dinner. The library’s ongoing lecture series Explorations: A Forum for Adults will present The Railroads of Western North Carolina on Sunday, Feb. 28, 3 p.m. Author and rail enthusiast Matt Bumgarner will share the fascinating history of western North Carolina’s railroads, with tales of robber barons, terrifying wrecks, and stoic trainmen.

n Vass Library, at 128 Seaboard St., 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. (910) 245-2200.

Nature

Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve, (910) 692-2167, Weymouth.woods@ncdenr. gov.

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 dawn to dusk every day.

The Sandhills Natural History Society meets the fourth Monday of the month at Weymouth Woods Auditorium and sponsors a variety of field trips focusing on birds, butterflies, wildflowers and other aspects of Sandhills nature. (910) 692-2167, www.sandhillsnature. org.

Tours

n ARTours Join the Arts Council of Moore County and experience the art of travel. Reservations, (910) 692-4356, www.artscouncil-moore. org.

“Carmen,” March 14, Belk Theatre, Charlotte.

Umstead Hotel & Nasher Museum of Art, Durham, May 4.

Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston, S.C., June 10-13.

n Elaine Oliver Tours, 714 Richmond Rd., Rockingham, (910) 895-9477.

n Kirk Tours offers a variety of tours. Reservations, (910) 295-2257, ext. 21, e-mail reservations@kirktours. com, www.kirktours.com.

Cypress Bend Winery Valentine’s dinner, Saturday, Feb. 13.

Celtic Women Tour, Satur