Women of Weymouth

After wrapping up the busy season of Christmas House at Weymouth, Women of Weymouth are ready to start on the New Year.

Monday, Jan. 18, Sandy Berger, computer authority, journalist and author, will present a program titled "Newest Computer Gadgets: All You Need to Know to Amaze and Astound Your Kids and Grandkids."

Berger has more than three decades of experience as a computer and technology expert. As president of Computer Living Corp., a computer consulting and training company, she applies her unique ability to explain in easy-to-understand language how to use and enjoy today's technology.

Her trademark, "Compu-KISS stands for "The Computer World - Keeping It Short and Simple," represents her approach to helping others enhance life through the use of computers and technology.

Berger has over seven years experience as the primary content provider and host of AARP's Computers and Technology Web site. Her feature stories, product reviews and computer tips have brought a special insight and ease of use to millions of baby boomers and their older siblings.

Her writing has appeared in Smart Computing magazine and other technical journals and she has been a guest on hundreds of television shows. She has written seven books using the example of her own philosophy of using technology, but keeping it short and simple.

A cum laude graduate of Chicago's DePaul University, Berger went on to complete intensive IBM training in computer systems, analysis, programming, system operations, and numerous computer languages.

She subsequently applied her expertise within several major corporations before founding Computer Living Corp, a computer consulting company based in Pinehurst that provides computer service and support for the Sandhills of North Carolina.

The Jan. 18 program will follow a 9:30 a.m. coffee time and 10 a.m. business meeting.

"I look forward to the beginning of the new year of activity," says Ann Arnold, president of Women of Weymouth. "I invite any guests who would like to attend this meeting."

Toastmasters Club

Robin Moore of West End was "Toastmaster of the Evening" at the Jan. 4 meeting of Toastmasters Club of the Sandhills.

Each meeting, a different Toastmaster member serves as the master of ceremonies, or "Toastmaster of the Evening," introducing participants and keeping the meeting on time and on track.

Joan Smith of Southern Pines won "Best Speaker" at the Jan. 4 meeting. Her speech, titled "Left in a Right-handed World," described the pitfalls of learning to write left-handed in an unenlightened grade school.

Toastmasters meets the first three Tuesdays of the month at 7 p.m. at Sandhills Community College, Van Dusen Hall Room 102. Visitors are always welcome.

For more information, contact Leslie Deane at (910) 715-2421 or ldeane@firsthealth.org.

Chess Club

The Sandhills Chess Club meets Mondays at 2:45 p.m. and Thursdays at 7 p.m. at the Moore County Senior Center on U.S. 15-501, two miles north of the Pinehurst Traffic Circle.

Call Joe McDonald at (910) 315-1233 for more information.

Pinehurst Rotary

The Pinehurst Rotary Club kicked off the New Year with a program given by former Rotary Governor Ray Taylor. President Gary Williford introduced Taylor, who discussed "Rotary awareness."

Taylor spoke of the importance of Rotary to communities as the Rotary Foundation contributes money and service to many worthwhile local charities.

The small Pinehurst Rotary Club has given over $300,000 to the local community over the past 30 years. Taylor exhorted club members to speak up in behalf of Rotary and keep spreading the message of all the worthwhile endeavors the local club promotes for the good of the community.

In addition to being a sponsor of the Holly Arts Festival and quarterly blood drives, Pinehurst Rotary has an active third-grade dictionary project which serves as a local vehicle to promote literacy, a project of Rotary. This year, hundreds of dictionaries were distributed to all third graders in Moore County. Other local clubs join with Pinehurst Rotary in this endeavor.

January is "Rotary Awareness" month for all Rotary Clubs.

To see what Rotarians and local clubs are doing to make a difference in the lives of others, visit www.rotary7690.org.

The Pinehurst Rotary Club meets each Tuesday at noon at the Pine Crest Inn.

Sandhills CWC

The Sandhills Christian Women's Connection will hear Robin Harnist, of Roanoke, Va., speak at its monthly luncheon Thursday, Jan. 21, at National Golf Club. The meeting is from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Harnist is a former combat specialist in the U.S. Air Force, a fitness instructor and a life guard.

Karen Pilson, of Nature's Own Market in Southern Pines, will share her thoughts on nutrition and healthy foods for the new year. The group will also enjoy music by Lana Peek.

All ladies are welcome to attend this special event. Call Joan at (910) 673-5146 or Anne at (910) 215-0074 to make reservations.

"A courtesy call by Tuesday, Jan. 19, will be appreciated," says a spokesman. "Be sure to let us know if you will be taking advantage of our free nursery service."

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

Vass Lions

Vince Schimmoler, district chairman for Camp Dogwood, was the speaker at the latest meeting of the Vass Lions Club. He shared the history of the camp and his experience as a volunteer there.

Camp Dogwood is a recreational facility, serving the blind and visually impaired people of North Carolina. It offers them an environment that is uniquely designed for their needs. The camp, located on Lake Norman, was started in 1967.

The camp provides a program during the summer typically with 12 one-week sessions. It is a recreational/vacation experience including boating, swimming, fishing, skiing, and tubing along with arts and crafts.

The ratio of staff to campers is about one to five. The staff along with volunteers serve as sighted guides and assist in the serving of meals. The average age of the campers is 59, but there is one week set aside for children and youth ages 8-17. More information can be found at www.nclionscampdogwood.com

An annual sale of Camp Dogwood raffle tickets takes place every spring. The proceeds from this sale go to Camp Dogwood.

This year, local Lions Clubs have tickets available for $1 or a book of 11 tickets for $10. The grand prize is a choice of a 2010 Jeep Liberty, a 2010 Dodge Dakota, a 2010 Dodge Caravan or a 2010 Chrysler Sebring.

Civil War Round Table

The Rufus Barringer Civil War Round Table meets Thursday Jan. 14, at 7 p.m. at the Pinehurst Village Hall, 395 Magnolia Road, off Rattlesnake Drive, Pinehurst

The speaker will be Edwin C. Bearss, presenting "The Assassination of Lincoln and the Escape and Capture of John Wilkes Booth."

Bearss is often referred to as "Mr. Civil War," or "The Voice of the Civil War." He has written 19 books and hundreds of articles and is a World War II veteran of the 3rd Marine.

New members and visitors are always welcomed. Refreshments are served.

For information, call (910) 315-1213.

Genealogical Society

The Moore County Genealogical Society will meet at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 16, at the Moore County Library in Carthage

The library is located at the corner of Saunders and Dowd streets.

After the business meeting in the library conference room, the second part of the meeting will be a tour and hands-on research at the Register of Deeds Office, located at 100 Dowd St. The tour will start around 10:30 a.m. Judy Martin will explain research options and answer questions.

For more information call (910) 947-2689 or e-mail kayla@carolina.net.

MOCARS

The Moore County Amateur Radio Society (MOCARS) will hold its monthly meeting on Thursday, Jan. 21, at 7 p.m. on the lower level of the Moore County Emergency Operations Center, 105 Saunders St., Carthage.

The meeting will focus on planning for 2010 activities, including a technician and general class licensing courses, VEC examinations and other activities and staffing support for the Uwharrie Mountain Run Saturday, Feb. 6.

The next VEC examination is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 23 at 10 a.m. at the Moore County Library, Carthage.

The examination fee is $12 (cash only) and a copy of a photo ID plus copy of FCC license, if any, are required.

Contact Charles Wackerman (910) 947-2707 for testing details. Everyone with an interest in amateur radio is welcome to attend the monthly meetings, classes and examinations.

MOCARS hosts a 2 meter net each Sunday and Wednesday evening at 8 p.m. on 147.240Mhz + offset + 91.5 tone; all licensed hams are invited to participate.

For further information contact James Johnson at (910) 400-3019.

Shag Society

The Moore Area Shag Society will hold its monthly dance at 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 23, at the Elks Club downstairs.

Roy Childress will DJ, playing beach and shag music.

There will be heavy hors d'oeuvres (participants are asked to bring a favorite) and a cash bar.

There will also be door prizes and a 50/50 drawing.

Admission is $5 for members and $7 for nonmembers.

For further information call Gary at (910) 692-4144 or e-mail djgary@preservethedance.com.