Almanac

MEETINGS

COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS

NATIONAL ACTIVE AND RETIRED FEDERAL EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION: Columbia Chapter 87 of NARFE luncheon meeting, 11:30 a.m. Friday at Seawell's, 1125 Rosewood Drive. Open to all active and retired federal employees and spouses in Richland and Lexington counties. Guest speaker will be Richland County Probate Judge Amy McCullough.

GREATER COLUMBIA CHAPTER OF S.C. STATE UNIVERSITY NATIONAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION: 6 p.m. Monday at the Cecil Tillis Center, 2111 Simpkins Lane.

PARENTS OF PRE-TEENS: Help your children ages 10-13 fight back against drugs, sex, alcohol and gangs. (803) 771-2212

SOCIALLY INTELLIGENT SISTERS: Meet new people for social activities, travel and more. Marie, (803) 743-5866

COLDSTREAM GARDEN CLUB: 9:30 a.m. Monday at the home of Marguerite Vietzke. Program will be on dried flowers with Debbie West. All Coldstream residents are invited to attend. (803) 772-7831, (803) 741-5115

NAACP YOUTH COUNCIL: 4 p.m. the second Sunday monthly at Northminster Presbyterian Church, 6717 David St. (803) 240-0627

RICHLAND DEMOCRATIC WOMEN: 5:30 p.m. Monday at the Adult Activity Center, 7494 Parklane Road. Guests will be Columbia mayoral candidates Steve Benjamin and Steve Morrison. Guests and visitors welcome.

OLD McGRAW COMMUNITY: 6:30 p.m. Monday at Old McGraw Baptist Church. (803) 353-5290

WOODFIELD PARK HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 14, at Woodfield Park Baptist Church, 1834 Morninglo Lane.

GREATER WOODFIELD COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: 7:30 p.m. the second Monday monthly at Petersen Presbyterian Church, 8131 Brookfield Road.

PALMETTO PAINTERS: 10 a.m. Saturday at the Cayce-West Columbia Library, 1500 Augusta Road, West Columbia. Program will feature a pen-and-ink design under plexiglass. (803) 781-2340; www.palmettopainters.com

CLAYTON DURHAM CHAPTER 28 OF THE DAV/DAVA: 6 p.m. Tuesday at 511 Violet St., West Columbia. (803) 796-7122

HOBBIES/RECREATION

AGES 18 AND YOUNGER

PALMETTO ACTIVITY CENTER: Palmetto Step Team, 4-4:45 p.m. Wednesdays. Open to ages 10-14; $35 per month. Grasshoppers soccer for ages 2-3, 10-10:45 a.m. Tuesdays, ages 4-5 meet 4:30-5:15 p.m. $40 per month, equipment provided, bring a water bottle. Preregistration required. Classes meet at 105 Summit Centre Circle. (803) 865-6516

DOUBLE DUTCH: 6:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays and 4:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays at Martin Luther King Jr. Park, 2300 Greene St. Basic skills for boys and girls ages 4 and older. (803) 733-8452

FOR ADULTS

PALMETTO GOLD CLUB: Seminars, classes, workshops, luncheons, game nights, book and coffee clubs, bingo and other activities for ages 55 and older at the Palmetto Activity Center, 105 Summit Centre Circle, across from Summit Middle School. (803) 865-6516

CAPITAL SENIOR CENTER: Tours with Faye travel party, 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 21. R&B line dancing, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Mondays; wear smooth-soled shoes, $5; members, $2.50. Salsa socials, lessons and dancing, 5:30-7:30 p.m. the first and third Mondays monthly, $5, members, $3. Afternoon aerobics, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Shag dance lessons and more, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesdays; $4, members, $3. Qi Gong, 10-11 a.m. Wednesdays and Fridays. 1650 Park Circle, (803) 779-1971

CAPITAL SENIOR CENTER: Friday night dances, 8-11 p.m. weekly at 1650 Park Circle (Maxcy Gregg Park). Informal ballroom dancing to live music. $5; setups provided. (803) 786-2049

U.S. AMATEUR BALLROOM DANCERS ASSOCIATION: Greater Columbia Chapter dances, 7:30-10:30 p.m. Saturday and Jan. 23 at the Hugh Dimmery Memorial Center (The Barn), 680 Cherokee Lane, West Columbia. Casual dress; nonalcoholic drinks, refreshments and snacks will be available. Complimentary dance lesson, 7:45-8:15 p.m. Admission, $8; USADance members, $5. www.usadance.us

BUS TRIP: Atlantic City, Philadelphia and New York City, June 12-18, $569 per person double, triple, $549; single, $838. $75 deposit payable now; balance due April 9. (803) 754-3095; (803) 736-6219

BUS TRIP: Charleston, July 10; tour, lunch and shopping, $92. Nonrefundable deposit of $25. (803) 776-9127 or e-mail sheyrdav@hotmail.com

FOR ALL AGES

CONGAREE NATIONAL PARK: Visitor center open 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. at 100 National Park Road, Hopkins. Guided canoe trips, 12:30 p.m. Saturdays, Jan. 16, 23, 30; and Sundays, Jan. 24, 31. Owl Prowls, 7 p.m. Fridays, Jan. 15 and 29. Free; reservations must be made two weeks in advance. Call (803) 776-4396, ext. 0, or go to www.nps.gov/cong.

ADVENTURE CAROLINA: Congaree River trip, 2 p.m. Saturday; Edisto River trip, noon Saturday, Jan. 16; Roll Class (indoor pool), 1:30-4:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 23; Saluda River trip, 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30. Adventure Carolina is at 1107 State St., Cayce. (803) 796-4505

DENNY TERRACE COMMUNITY CENTER: Offering the following adaptive activities at 6720 Bishop Ave. Green Thumb Gardening for all ages, 10 a.m.-noon the first Tuesday monthly; free. Family and Friends Night Out for ages 18 and older, 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays; free. Kaleidoscope Craft sessions, 6-7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Jan. 14, 21, and 28; $15 per family. Victory Veterans Activity Room event for all ages, 6-8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 15; free. Family Games and Activities, 10 a.m.-noon the fourth Saturday monthly beginning Jan. 23; free. Valentine's Day Dance for ages 18 and older, 6-8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 14. (803) 754-6720, ext. 204, 209 and 214

CLASSES, WORKSHOPS, LECTURES

AGES 18 AND YOUNGER

FRIARSGATE PARK: Group guitar lessons for ages 7 and older will meet 3:30-4:15 p.m. Tuesdays, individual lessons 4:30-5 p.m.; $40/$80. Accepting registration for basic tap and ballet classes for ages 3-12. Classes will meet 6:30-7:15 p.m. Wednesdays beginning in late January/early February; registration is $45 for a one-month session. The park is at 1712 Chadford Road, Irmo. (803) 732-3220

PALMETTO ACTIVITY CENTER: Youth ballet classes, Tuesdays at 105 Summit Centre Circle. Ages 3-5 meet 5:30-6:15 p.m.; ages 6-9, 6:15-7 p.m.; ages 9-12, 7-7:45 p.m.; $40 per month. Beginning violin lessons for students in grades 1-5, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Bring your own violin, preregistration required, $60 for six-week session. Short Chefs cooking and nutrition class for ages 4-7, 5-6 p.m. Wednesdays. $50 for a four-week session, includes chef's hat, apron and recipe book. (803) 865-6515

THE ART ELEMENTS: Read and Craft Time, 11 a.m.-noon or 12:45-1:45 p.m. the first and third Thursday monthly at 301-4 Rice Meadow Way. Story and related craft for children ages 5 and younger and their caregivers. $10; $7 for early registration (Mondays). Art Club for elementary school students meets 4-5:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays. $20 per session for drop-ins, $70 per month. Reservations required. (803) 419-4434

SATURDAY MUSIC ACADEMY: 9 a.m.-noon for ages 7-12, 2-5 p.m. for ages 13-18, twice monthly. Preregistration, $20; tuition is $100 per month plus $50 registration and $50 material fee (preregistration fee will be applied to tuition). Classes meet at GMG Music Center, 1053 Sparkleberry Lane Extension. (803) 206-8939; www.gmgmusiccenter.com

DANCE CLASSES: Ballet, tap, jazz, modern, lyrical and hip hop, Tuesdays at Caughman Road Park, 1800 Trotter Road, Hopkins. Ages 3-4, 5:55-6:25 p.m.; ages 5-6, 6:30-7 p.m.; ages 10 and older, 7-7:45 p.m. A session for boys in grades 2-5 will meet 5-5:45 p.m. $20 per month. (803) 783-0400

FOR ADULTS

MIDLANDS TECHNICAL COLLEGE CONTINUING EDUCATION: Harbison Campus, 730 College St., has announced its spring class schedule. Defensive Driving, 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Saturday; $69. Basic Photography, 9-11:30 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Jan. 11-25; $129. Spanish I, 6-8 p.m. Tuesdays, Jan. 19-March 23, $129. Quilting Techniques, 6-8 p.m. Thursdays, Jan. 21-March 11; $99. Spanish I, 9-11 a.m. Thursdays, Jan. 21-March 25; $129. eBay Basics, 6-8 p.m. Mondays, Jan. 25-March 1; $119. Defensive Driving, 5-10 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, Jan. 26, 27; $69. Fiction Writing, 6-9 p.m. Tuesdays, Jan. 26-March 2; $129. Register at www.mtctraining.com

SHEPHERD'S CENTER OF ST. ANDREWS: Adventures in Learning for ages 50 and older, 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays, through March 9 at Ashland UMC, 2600 Ashland Road. New classes include "What's the Difference? A Look at Four Faiths," "America's Future in the World," "Justice from Bar and Bench," "World Class Music in the Midlands," "Dog Daze, Doggone It," "Rome: From Augustus to the Barbarians," "Things Collected: Antique, Vintage and Treasures," "Beautiful Places: A Celebration of S.C. Parks" and a beading class. Ongoing favorites include beginning and intermediate Spanish, bridge, art, quilting, classic films, creative writing and day trips. Lunch is available for $6.50, followed by entertainment or a speaker. Tuition for the 10-week program is $25. (803) 731-9394

BEGINNERS BALLROOM DANCING: Ballroom, Latin and social dancing, 7-8:30 p.m. Mondays at the Hugh Dimmery Memorial Center, 680 Cherokee Lane, West Columbia. $6; couples, $10 (10 weeks payable in advance). Preregistration required, call (803) 791-9881 or e-mail johnkay@bellsouth.net

MIDLANDS TECHNICAL COLLEGE: Northeast Campus, 152 Powell Road, has announced its spring class schedule. Defensive Driving, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 23; $69. Register at www.mtctraining.com

PALMETTO ACTIVITY CENTER: Tai chi, 7-8 p.m. Thursdays, bring a water bottle; $40 for a four-week session or $12 per week. Yoga for beginner to intermediate ages 18 and older, 9-10 a.m. Saturdays $40 per month, bring a mat and water bottle. Seniors 1-2-3, 9-9:45 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, four-week course focusing on balance, joint mobility and flexibility for ages 55 and older; $40 per month. Ballroom dance classes, 7:30-8:45 p.m. Mondays, wear soft-soled shoes; $60 per couple for a four-week session. Line dance classes, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, bring a water bottle; $40 for a five-week session. Dancing Through the Ages for ages 55 and older, 1-2 p.m. Wednesdays; $35 per couple or $10 per week, wear comfortable clothing. No experience necessary for dance classes. All sessions meet at 105 Summit Centre Circle. (803) 865-6516

INTRODUCTION TO HEBREW: 9:30-10:30 a.m. or 6:15-7:15 p.m. Mondays through March 8 (no classes Jan. 18 or Feb. 15) at Beth Shalom Synagogue, 4827 N. Trenholm Road; $18. Sunday lecture series, 10 a.m.-noon Jan. 31; "We Can Have Health Care Without Killing Grandma," with Sam Baker. (803) 782-2500

HISTORIC COLUMBIA LECTURE SERIES: "People, Places and Progress of Columbia: The Capital City Rebuilds, 1865-1914" with historian Warner Montgomery. Lectures will be 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Feb. 9 at the Robert Mills Carriage House, 1616 Blanding St.; $55; members, $45. Optional bus tours, 2-5 p.m. Sunday and Jan 24, 31. Lecture and tour package, $80; members, $65. Reservations online at www.historiccolumbia.org or call (803) 252-1770, ext. 24.

SHEPHERD'S CENTER OF COLUMBIA: Wednesdays throughMarch 3 for ages 55 and older in the Leisure Ministries Building at Trenholm Road UMC, 3401 Trenholm Road. Offering yoga, bridge, acrylic and watercolor painting, music (handbells, dulcimers, singing for fun, stories of famous operas, history of jazz and swing), history (Germany in the '20s and '30s, the Middle Ages, holidays of the Hebrew Bible, great biographies), American fiction, creative writing, travel, "Creative Stew," "Volunteerism" and "Controversies in Constitutional Law." Classes meet at 9, 10, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Lunch and speaker at noon, $7 (reservations required). Tuition for unlimited classes, $25. (803) 779-4449

GROUP FITNESS PROGRAMS: Sessions for new exercisers at Drew Wellness Center, 2101 Walker Solomon Way. SIT (Seat Inspired Training), 9 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays; MYYOGA, 9 a.m. Mondays; M.E.L.T. (More Exercise, Less Time), 12:15 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays; and Body Balance, 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Call (803) 545-3200 or go to www.drewwellnesscenter.com for membership information.

MIDLANDS TECHNICAL COLLEGE: Beltline Campus, 316 S. Beltline Blvd., has announced its spring class schedule. Beginner's Motorcycle, 6-10 p.m. Friday; 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; $239. Defensive Driving, 6:30-10:30 p.m. Monday and Wednesday; $69. ESL - Intermediate Reading and Vocabulary, 6-7:25 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays through April 26; $300. ESL - Advanced Reading and Vocabulary, 6-7:25 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays through April 26; $300. ESL - Spoken American English, 6-7:25 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, Jan. 12-April 22; $300. ESL - Intermediate Grammar and Writing, 6-7:25 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, Jan. 12-April 22; $300. ESL - Advanced Grammar and Composition, 6-7:25 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, Jan. 12-April 22; $300. Spanish III, 6-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Feb. 24; $129. Intermediate Motorcycle, 6-10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 22 and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 23; $139. Mastering Digital Photography, 6-9 p.m. Mondays, Jan. 25, Feb. 1 and Wednesday, Jan. 27; $89. Spanish I, 6-8:30 p.m. Jan. 25-March 15; $129. Beginner's Motorcycle, 6-10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 29; 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 30, 31; $239. www.mtctraining.com

RICHLAND 2 ADULT EDUCATION: Offering high school diploma, GED test preparation, HSAP remediation, WorkKeys, skills lab, English as a Second Language and adult basic education. Also accepting registration for community education classes - Introduction to Computers, 1-3 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays through Feb. 3; $60 (ages 60 and older, $30). Introduction to Computers II, for those who have completed the Introduction to Computers class, 1-3 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, Jan. 12-Feb. 4; $60 (ages 60 and older, $30). All classes meet at the W.R. Rogers Center, 750 Old Clemson Road. Call (803) 736-8787, ext. 301, or go to www2.richland2.org/tech/rogerscenter.

FINE ART DRAWING AND PAINTING CLASSES: Mondays and Tuesdays at Quail Lane Racquet & Swim Club, 4927 Quail Lane. Drawing and watercolor, mixed media painting, 9:30 a.m.-noon Mondays. Drawing and oil, acrylic and mixed media painting, 5:30-8 p.m. Mondays and 9:30 a.m.-noon Tuesdays. www.francesmnelson.com

ZUMBA CLASSES: 7-8 p.m. Thursdays through Feb. 25 at Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 3200 Trenholm Road; $25. Call (803) 530-4289 or e-mail karenscruggs87@yahoo.com to register

CAPITAL SENIOR CENTER: Winter sessions include Introduction to Art Techniques, 1-3 p.m. Tuesdays, Jan. 19-March 9, $50; members, $25. Breakfast for your Brain, for ages 50 and older, 7:30-9:30 a.m. Tuesdays, Jan. 19-Feb. 16; $5 for CSC members; $15 for nonmembers. The Life and Stories of Flannery O'Connor, 2-3:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, Feb. 9-March 25. All other activities are free for CSC members; $25 per year for non-members. (803) 779-1971

RICHLAND 1 ADULT EDUCATION CLASSES: Adult literacy, 8:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Mondays-Wednesdays; free. English as a Second Language, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays and 6-8 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays; fees vary. GED preparation, 9 a.m.-noon Mondays-Thursdays and 6-8 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at various sites in the community. Students cannot be currently enrolled in high school, $50. High school diploma, 8:20 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays; half credit, $25, full credit, $50. For ages 17 and older with 16 credits. HSAP math prep, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays and 6-8 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays; $25. All classes meet at the Adult Education Office, 2612 Covenant Road, unless otherwise noted. Call (803) 343-2935 to register.

ART BASICS: 6-8 p.m. Mondays at Art Shack Gallery Cafe, 2701-A Rosewood Drive. Six-week session taught by Mary How covers fundamentals of drawing, painting and clay; $150 (includes materials). (803) 269-8730 or go to www.angelfishcreations.com to register.

BASIC SHAG LESSONS: 2:30 p.m. Sundays at the Batesburg Music and Dance Academy, 112-C W. Church St., Batesburg-Leesville. Six-week session, $90 couples; singles, $60. (803) 924-1231

MIDLANDS TECHNICAL COLLEGE: Airport Campus, 1260 Lexington Drive, West Columbia, has announced its spring class schedule. Private Pilot Ground School, 7-10 p.m. Wednesdays, Jan. 27-April 14; $169. www.mtctraining.com

ZUMBA FITNESS CLASSES: 9-9:50 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays through Feb. 22, at Lexington Baptist Church Family Life Center, 111 Efird St., Lexington. $55 (preregistration required). Zumba is a combination of hip hop and Latin rhythms with easy-to-follow dance moves. Also offering early-morning aerobics, lunchtime fitness classes, strength training, pilates and low-impact cardio. (803) 996-8440 or go to www.lexingtonbaptist.org and click on the recreation link.

ADULT EDUCATION AND ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE CLASSES: 9 a.m.-noon Tuesdays (GED) and Wednesdays (ESL) at Gilbert Primary School, 520 Main St., Gilbert. Free; child care will be provided by the GPS Parenting Center. (803) 821-1400

LEXINGTON 2 ADULT EDUCATION: Certified Nursing Assistant classes, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, Jan. 25-Feb. 24 or 6-9 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, Feb. 2-April 1; $575. Offering GED preparation at Gaston and Swansea, WorkKeys, high school diploma, English as a Second Language and GED online. Classes meet at Granby Education Center, 1407 Dunbar Road, Cayce. (803) 739-4048

FOR ALL AGES

THE HUB: Community learning center for at-risk and low-income students and adults, provides free tutoring, life courses, college and career planning and a computer lab with free Internet access. Hours of operation are 3-7 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays at 1234 St. Andrews Road. Sponsored by Right Direction Christian Center. (803) 798-1230; www.rightdirection.info

MANGO LANGUAGES: Online language courses now available at the Lexington County Public Library System. Patrons may choose from Brazilian Portuguese, Spanish, Japanese, French, German, Italian, Greek, Russian, Mandarin Chinese and ESL for Polish, Spanish and Brazilian Portuguese speakers (with more to come). (803) 785-2680; www.lexlib.sc.us

YOGA WITHOUT WALLS: 7:30-8:30 p.m. Mondays at the Kershaw Recreation Department, 1042 W. Dekalb St., Camden. Monthly fee, $36; (803) 425-6009. 6:55-7:55 p.m. Thursdays at the Camden Library, 1304 Broad St.; donations accepted; (803) 425-1508. 8:30-9:30 a.m. Saturdays at Grace Episcopal Church, 1315 Lyttleton St., Camden. www.yogawithoutwalls.net

VISUAL ARTS CLASSES: 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. Tuesdays or Thursdays, Crescent Lake, Blythewood. LaDonna Dixon, (803) 735-9982

GREATER COLUMBIA OBEDIENCE CLUB: Tricks for Dogs, 10-11 a.m. Saturdays, Jan. 23, Feb. 20, March 20, April 17, May 22 and June 19 at the GCOC training warehouse, 847 S. Stadium Road, #5. Dancing with Dogs, 11 a.m.-noon same dates, location. Children should be accompanied by an adult. $75; members, $52.50. www.gcoc.net

HOPKINS PARK: Basic drawing for ages 12 and older, 6-7 p.m. Mondays through April 26; $10. Ceramics classes for ages 12 and older, 6-8 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays through April 28; $20. Spades tournament for ages 12 and older, 6-8 p.m. Thursdays through April 29; $2 entry fee. All activities at 100 Hopkins Park Road, Hopkins. Lee Davis, (803) 783-9374

ARTS PROGRAMS: Columbia Parks and Recreation department is offering Open Studio/Clay at the Arts Center, 1932 Calhoun St. $70, includes one bag of clay ($60, without clay; additional clay $12.50 for 25 pounds). Group mini-course, $3 per person plus $15 for clay. (803) 545-3091

ART CLASSES: Enrolling all ages, Art Shack Gallery and Cafe, 2701-A Rosewood Drive. (803) 799-9409 or go to www.artshackgallery.com to register.

PUBLIC LIBRARIES

Advance registration required for most programs

RICHLAND COUNTY

ST. ANDREWS REGIONAL BRANCH: Story Time for all ages, 10:30 a.m. Saturdays. Coupon Cash Connection for adults, 11 a.m. Saturday; learn how to save 50 percent on your weekly grocery bill. Let's Speak English for adults, 10 a.m. Tuesdays. Hey! Listen to This!, stories and songs for all ages, 4 p.m. Tuesdays. Mind Games for adults, 1-3 p.m. Tuesday and Jan. 26; keep your wits sharp with Sudoku, chess, or crosswords. Book Banter for adults, 7 p.m. Tuesday; selection is "Tallgrass" by Sandra Dallas. Mother Goose Story Time for you and your child 12 months and younger, 9:30 a.m. Wednesdays. Read with Curious George for all ages, 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays. Sew Divine, A Gathering of Crafters for adults, 12:30-2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19. Go, Biscuit, Go!, story and craft session for ages 3-12, 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 20. Maintain Your Brain for adults, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 21; learn how to lower your risk of dementia and live a brain-healthy lifestyle. 2916 Broad River Road, (803) 772-6675

THE LINK, BALLENTINE: Hey! Listen to This!, 11 a.m. Fridays; stories and songs for all ages. Winter Wonderland Fun, stories and craft session for ages 6-12, 11 a.m. Saturday. 1321 Dutch Fork Road, (803) 781-5026

SANDHILLS BRANCH: Story Time for all ages, 11 a.m. Saturdays. Sew Divine, A Gathering of Crafters for adults, 1-2:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Teen Advisory Board meeting, 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesday. Book Discussion for adults, 7 p.m. Wednesday and 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 21; selection is "Serena" by Ron Rash. Germs, Germs, Germs!, 3 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 14; ages 3-12 learn to stay healthy with this science-based program from EdVenture Children's Museum. hip2craft for adults, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 14. Kids Kraft for ages 6-8, 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19. Junie B. Jones and the Nasty, Smelly Library Book for ages 6-8, 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 20. Garden Like a Master: Cool Season Vegetables _- Up Close and Personal for adults, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 21. Now I Am One!, stories and songs for you and your child ages 12-23 months, 10:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 25. Lords and Ladies Stories and Puppets for ages 3-5, 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 28. Infant and Toddler Sign Language for adults, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 28; learn about the developmental benefits of sign language and the basics you can put into practice with your child. 1 Summit Parkway, (803) 699-9230

NORTHEAST REGIONAL BRANCH: Story Time for all ages, 11 a.m. Saturdays. Teen Advisory Board meeting, 3:30 pm.. Saturday. Snow Day!, a romp through fictional snow for ages 3-8, 3:30 p.m. Monday. Sew Divine, A Gathering of Crafters for adults, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Tuesday and Jan. 19. Now I Am One! stories and songs for you and your child ages 12-23 months, 10:30 a.m. Thursdays beginning Jan. 14. Book Group for adults, 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 14; selection is "Ellen Foster" by Kaye Gibbons. hip2craft for adults, 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 16. Game Day: The Old Fashioned Way, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19; board games competition for all ages. Germs, Germs, Germs!, 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 20; ages 3-12 learn how to stay healthy with this science-based program from EdVenture Children's Museum. Game On: Wii for teens, 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 23. Let's Speak English for adults, 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 25. 7490 Parklane Road, (803) 736-6575

BLYTHEWOOD BRANCH: Hey! Listen to This!, stories and songs for all ages, 10:30 a.m. Fridays. A Little Bit of England for all ages, 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 28. 218 McNulty Road, (803) 691-9806

COOPER BRANCH: Now I Am One!, stories and songs for you and your child ages 12-23 months, 10:30 a.m. Thursdays. Family Story Time for all ages, 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays. Garden Like a Master: Houseplants for adults, 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 15. Knitwits for teens, 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19. 5317 N. Trenholm Road, (803) 787-3462

SOUTHEAST REGIONAL BRANCH: Computer Basics: Introduction to Computers for adults, 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Tuesday and Saturday, Jan. 30. Sew Divine, A Gathering of Crafters for adults, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Let's Speak English for adults, 7 p.m. Tuesdays. Teen Advisory Board meeting, 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 16. Get Your Resume Ready for adults, 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 20 and 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 21. Book Discussion for adults, 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 21; selection is "The Graveyard Book" by Neal Gaiman. Computer Basics: Basic Internet for adults, 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 23 and Tuesday, Jan. 26. 7421 Garners Ferry Road, (803) 776-0855

NORTH MAIN BRANCH: Sew Divine, A Gathering of Crafters for adults, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. today and Thursday, Jan. 21. Silver Screen for ages 55 and older, 11 am. Fridays; grab a friend and watch a movie together. Twixt 'n' Between story session for ages 9-12, 12:30 p.m. Saturday. How to Tweet, 2:30 p.m. Saturday; Jordan and Michael Chandler get teens up and running on Twitter. Computer Basics: Introduction to Computers for adults, 11 a.m. Monday and Jan. 25; 6:30 p.m. Thursdays, Jan. 14, 21 and 28. Hey! Listen to This! for all ages, 11 a.m. Tuesday. King and Queen for a Day, 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 14; ages 6-12 are invited to bring a parent or special adult for stories, activities and crafts fit for royalty. Mom, Dad and Me for adults and children ages 5-8, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19; library tour, story time and breakaway session for parents while the kids enjoy an activity and snack. The Big Red Fire Truck, story session for all ages, 11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 26. Page Turners Book Club for adults, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 26; selection is "If Memory Serves" by Vanessa Griggs. 5306 N. Main St., (803) 754-7734

EASTOVER BRANCH: Get Your Resume Ready for adults, 9:30 a.m. Saturday. Game On! Video Game challenge for teens, 2-5:30 p.m. Fridays, Jan. 15, 29 and 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturdays, Jan. 16, 30. Garden Like a Master: Cool Season Vegetables - Up Close and Personal for adults, 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 23. Game Day: The Old Fashioned Way, 2:30-5:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 25; board games competition for all ages. 608 Main St., Eastover, (803) 353-8584

WHEATLEY BRANCH: Preschool Story Time for ages 3-5, 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays. 4931 Woodrow St., (803) 799-5873

MAIN LIBRARY: Hey! Listen to This!, stories and songs for all ages, 10:30 a.m. Thursdays. Story Time for all ages, 10:30 a.m. Saturdays. Teen Advisory Board meeting, 3:30 p.m. Saturday. Mother Goose Story Time for you and your child 12 months and younger, 10:30 a.m. Monday and Jan. 25. Teen Otaku Association, 6-8 p.m. Monday and Jan. 25. Literary Discussion Group for adults, 10 a.m. Tuesday; selection is "Lavinia" by Ursula K. LeGuin. Toddler Story Time for 2-year-olds, 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays. Money Management 101: Budgeting and Saving for adults, 7 p.m. Tuesday. Let's Speak English for adults, 10 a.m. Wednesdays. Now I Am One! for you and your child ages 12-23 months, 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays. Great Books Discussion Group for adults, 7 p.m. Wednesday; selection is "To Perpetual Peace: A Philosophical Sketch" by Immanuel Kant. Computer Basics: Introduction to Computers for adults, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 14. Hands-on Art for ages 2-5, 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 15; dress for a mess. Preschool Story Time for ages 3-5, 3:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Jan. 19 and 26. Computer Basics: Typing for adults, 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19. I Have a Problem With That: Dismantling the Cradle to Prison Pipeline for teens and adults, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19. Lunch and Listen for all ages, 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 21; bring your lunch and enjoy the music of jazz vocalist Victoria White (coffee's on us!). Computer Basics: Basic Internet for adults, 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 23. Teen Screen, 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 23; join your friends for snacks, discussion and the film "An Inconvenient Truth." Wii Are the Champions, 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 23; video game duels for ages 6-12. Southern Writers Series for adults, 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 25; discussion and book signing by Daniel Wallace ("Big Fish: A Novel of Mythic Proportions). Writing Your Family History for adults, 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 25; first of six monthly hands-on workshops on researching and writing family histories. Evening of Puppets for all ages, 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 25. Literary Discussion Group for adults, 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 26; selection is Indu Sundaresan's "The Twentieth Wife." Germs, Germs, Germs!, 4 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 26; ages 3-12 learn how to stay healthy with this science-based program from EdVEnture Children's Museum. Money Management 101: Credit Scores & Credit Reports for adults, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 26. Resume Mania for adult, interactive workshop on identifying transferable skills, employer expectations and work force issues, 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 28. Get Your Resume Read for adults, 11:15 a.m.-1:15 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 28. Computer Basics: E-mail Basics for adults, 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 30. Musical Strings and Stories for all ages, 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 30; stories and a performance by classical guitarist Marina Alexandra and her students. Garden Like a Master: Cool Season Vegetables - Up Close and Persona, 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 31. 1431 Assembly St., (803) 799-9084

KERSHAW COUNTY

CAMDEN BRANCH: Baby Story Time for you and your child age 2 and younger, 10:30 a.m. Thursdays through Feb. 25. XL2 computer class for adults, 2:30-4 p.m. Monday; successful completion of XL1 class is required. After School @ the Library: Teens Teaching 'Tweens, Kara Thornsbury shares her Ductigami skills in a two-part class at 4 p.m. Tuesday and Jan. 19; ages 8-12 will leave with a small purse or wallet made of duct tape. All materials supplied, call to register. Get Set to Read for ages 3-4, 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays. Reader's Story Time for homeschoolers ages 5-8, 11:15 a.m. Wednesdays. Lunch Bunch Stories, 1 p.m. Wednesdays; ideal for ages 4-5 who enjoy the library after preschool. Ethics of Health Care Reform for adults, 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday. Enjoying the Internet computer class for adults, 10:30 a.m.-noon Saturday, Jan. 16. Book Club for adults, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 20; selection is Greg Mortenson's "Three Cups of Tea." Enjoying Word 2003 computer class for adults, 10:30 a.m.-noon Friday, Jan. 22. XL3 computer class for adults, 2:30-4 p.m. Monday, Jan. 25; successful completion of XL2 class is required. After School @ the Library: The Name Game; craft and puppet show for ages 6-10, 4 p.m. Tuesdays, Jan. 26 and Feb. 2. Enjoying PowerPoint 2003 computer class for adults, 2:30-4 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 28. for 1304 Broad St., (803) 425-1508

ELGIN BRANCH: Get Set to Read for ages 3-4, 10:30 a.m. Mondays through Feb. 22 (except Jan. 18). Baby Story Time for you and your child age 2 and younger, 10:30 a.m. Mondays through Feb. 22 (except Jan. 18). After School @ the Library: The Name Game; craft and puppet show for ages 6-10, 4 p.m. Thursdays, Jan. 14 and 21. After School @ the Library: The Name Game; craft and puppet show for ages 6-10, 4 p.m. Thursdays, Jan. 28 and Feb. 4. 2652 Main St., (803) 438-7881

LEXINGTON COUNTY

Lexington County Library schedule was not available.

FAITH

VILLAGECHURCH: Women of Purpose study of John Rosemond's "Parenting By the Book," 9:30-11:30 a.m. the second and fourth Fridays monthly beginning Jan. 8, at 514 Rimer Pond Road, Blythewood. $25, includes all child care and expenses. Call (803) 419-0989 or e-mail beki@blythewoodvillage.com to register.

OAK GROVE BAPTIST: Retirement banquet for the Rev. Willie J. Goodwin, 5 p.m. Saturday at Spring Valley Country Club, 300 Spring Valley Road. (803) 865-7186. Pastor's Aide anniversary celebration, 3 p.m. Sunday at the church, 1063 Old Two Notch Road, Pontiac. Guest speaker will be the Rev. Anthony Woodard of Bloom Hill Baptist Church in Rembert. (803) 788-1146

WOODFIELD PARK BAPTIST: Providence Quartet in concert, 11 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 17, at 1834 Morninglo Lane. A love offering will be accepted. (803) 237-7965

TRINITY PRESBYTERIAN: "Worshiping Around God's Throne," sermon in song featuring Celestial Praise, 11 a.m. Sunday at 1000 Greenlawn Drive. (803) 776-2067

CALVARY BAPTIST: "Biblical Answers to Dan Brown's 'Lost Symbols'," led by Michael Hoggard, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. today at 1724 W. Main St., Lexington. Free, a love offering will be taken. Seating is limited, call (803) 359-6753 to reserve a spot.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

MUSIC, ARTS, THEATER

FINE ARTS CENTER OF KERSHAW COUNTY: Camden Art Association Members' Show, on display throughSunday, Jan. 31 in Bassett Gallery. Opening reception, 5:30 p.m. today; free. Dick Goodwin Big Band concert, 7 tonight in Wood Auditorium. $15; students, seniors and military, $10. Concertgoers are urged to come early for the CAA reception. The center is at 810 Lyttleton St., Camden. (803) 425-7676, ext. 300; www.fineartscenter.org

CAROLINA JAZZ SOCIETY: Dixieland jazz concert, 2:30-5 p.m. Sunday at the Capital Senior Center, 1650 Park Circle (Maxcy Gregg Park). $8; ages 18 and younger, free. (803) 432-1504

COLUMBIA BAROQUE SOLOISTS: "The Glory of Italy" concert, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 15, in Player Hall at Shandon United Methodist Church, 3407 Devine St. $10; seniors, $8; students, $5. (803) 256-8383, ext. 113

GOSPEL CONCERT: Blockbuster Reunion 2010, 5 p.m. Sunday at Jehovah Baptist Church Family Life Center, 1540 Frye Road. Doors open at 4 p.m. $12; ages 6-12, $5. (803) 736-8542

SPECIAL EVENTS

THREE KINGS DAY PARADE AND CELEBRATION: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, 2500 block of Decker Boulevard. Sponsored by Latino Communications, the Cultural Council of Richland & Lexington Counties and Richland County government, the event will celebrate Latin culture through its foods, arts, dance, music and history. (803) 673-6376

A GRAND AFFAIR: Exposition of products and services for older adults, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 14, in the Americraft-Cantey Building at the State Fairgrounds. Enter Gate 10 off Bluff Road; admission and parking are free, but participants are asked to bring non-perishable food items or a monetary donation for Harvest Hope. Event will feature live entertainment, product demonstrations, health screenings, hourly door prizes and two travel packages as grand prizes. Sponsored by Palmetto Health's PrimeTimes. (803) 296-5978

SUNSHINE HOUSE BIRTHDAY PARTY/OPEN HOUSE: 4:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday at 6074 St. Andrews Road. (803) 798-7995

"BREAKING BREAD AND BARRIERS": Potluck meal and panel discussion on immigration reform, 6-8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 15, at St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 170 St. Andrews Road. Sponsored by La Iglesia Episcopal de Santa Maria, the Hispanic church at St. Mary's. Information, (803) 798-2776; RSVP, (803) 787-0504

MY GYM FITNESS CENTER OPEN HOUSE: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at 433 Columbia Ave., Lexington. Parents can check out the facility and register children ages 9 and younger for weekly classes. New winter classes include Learn, Create and Explore art class and Super Stars class for autistic and special needs children. (803) 996-9296; www.mygym.com/lexington

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. CELEBRATIONS: Choir sing-out, 6:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 15, New Bethel AME Church, 500 S. Lake Drive, Lexington. Youth Extravaganza Part I, 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Jan. 16, Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist, 300 Hermitage Road, Lexington. Fellowship banquet, 6:45 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 16, Lexington Leisure Center, 108 Park St., Lexington. Parade, 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 17, Main Street, downtown Lexington. Youth Extravaganza Part II, 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 17, Lexington Intermediate School (Old Rosenwald School), 420 Hendrix St., Lexington. Worship service, 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 18, St. Paul Missionary Baptist, 606 W. Main St., Lexington. Guest speaker will be the Rev. Robert L. China Jr. of Spring Hill AME Church.