Almanac

MEETINGS

COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS

SEVEN OAKS ART LEAGUE: 7 tonight at Seven Oaks Park, 200 Leisure Lane, Irmo. Dee Hansen will give a presentation on the work of Henry Hansen.

S.C. AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE COMMISSION: Annual meeting and awards luncheon, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 29, at the Archives and History Center, 8301 Parklane Road. $30; members, $25; SCAAHC foundation memberships, $25; 12:30 p.m. luncheon only, $15. Deadline is Friday. (843)-332-3589; e-mail professionaljmh@aol.com

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

RICHLAND COUNTY RECREATION COMMISSION: Town hall meeting on programs and services, 7 p.m. Friday at North Springs Park, 1320 Clemson Road. (803) 754-7275

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

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. today. 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. Golden Friendship Club, potluck dinner, socializing and dancing, 6:30 p.m. the second and fourth Mondays monthly; bring your favorite covered dish to share. 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. Trivia with Margo and Courtney, 11 a.m.-noon Wednesdays through March 10. 1650 Park Circle, (803) 779-1971

BUS TRIPS: Harrah's Casino, Cherokee, N.C., Saturday, Feb. 6; $45 (due Monday, Feb. 1). Las Vegas, Sept. 23-Oct. 5; $999 (double occupancy), $100 deposit due Monday, Feb. 1. (803) 873-9365

CAPITAL SENIOR CENTER: Friday night dances, 7:30-10:30 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 dance, 7:30-10:30 p.m. Saturday 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

ARTS AT SHANDON BIG BAND DANCE: 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Shandon Presbyterian Church, Woodrow and Devine streets. Music by Cleve Edwards and the Great Society Band, dance instruction, demonstrations and contest. $3. (803) 771-4408

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 and Sundays. Owl Prowls, 7 p.m. Fridays, Jan. 29, Feb. 6, 12, 19 and 26. Great Backyard Bird County, 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 6. River Trail Tromp, 10-mile wilderness hike to the Congaree River, 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 12; bring a lunch. Big Tree Hike, 6-mile off-trail hike, 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 20. Free; reservations must be made two weeks in advance. Call (803) 776-4396, ext. 0, or go to www.nps.gov/cong.

FREE FRIDAYS AT RIVERBANKS ZOO AND GARDEN: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Fridays through Feb. 26, 500 Wildlife Parkway. Residents of Richland and Lexington counties will be admitted free; proof of residence (valid ID or property tax statement copy) required. (803) 779-8717

ADVENTURE CAROLINA: Roll Class (indoor pool), 1:30-4:30 p.m. Saturday; 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. Family Games and Activities, 10 a.m.-noon the fourth Saturday monthly; free. Family and Friends Night Out for ages 18 and older, 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays; free. Green Thumb Gardening for all ages, 10 a.m.-noon the first Tuesday monthly; 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

CAROLINA CHILDREN'S GARDEN: Sessions meet at the Clemson Sandhill Research and Education Center, 900 Clemson Road. Recommended for ages 5-12, but all are welcome; registration required unless otherwise noted. Groundhog Day: Exploring Light and Shadow in the Garden, 3:30-5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 2; $2. Vermi-Valentines: Love Your Soil!, 3:30-5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12; $2. Great Backyard Bird Count: Clemson Sandhill Rally, 8:30-10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 15; free. Green in the Garden, St. Patrick's Day Celebration, 3:30-5 p.m. Wednesday, March 17; free, drop-ins welcome. Vernal Equinox Observance, 1-2:30 p.m. Saturday, March 20; $2. Pollination Parade, 1-21:30 p.m. Saturday, March 27; $2. Egg Hunt, 3:30-5 p.m. Friday, April 2; free, drop-ins welcome. (803) 459-3212 or e-mail carolinachildrensgarden@gmail.com

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. Quilting Techniques, 6-8 p.m. Thursdays through March 11; $99. Spanish I, 9-11 a.m. Thursdays through March 25; $129. eBay Basics, 6-8 p.m. Mondays through March 1; $119. Defensive Driving, 5-10 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; $69. Fiction Writing, 6-9 p.m. Tuesdays through March 2; $129. Register at www.mtctraining.com

HEARTSAVER CPR/AED TRAINING: 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, at the Amicks Ferry Fire Station, 960 Amicks Ferry Road, Chapin. $25, includes materials; books must be picked up by Friday, Jan. 29. Students successfully completing the course receive two-year American Heart Association certification. Seating is limited, call (803) 345-1015 or (803) 932-0506 to reserve a spot.

COMMUNITY RESOURCES WORKSHOP: 9 a.m.-noon Wednesday at Bill Rogers Community Connections Center, 4900 Broad River Road. Sponsored by the United Way Partners in Compassion Institute, presenters include Child Care Resource and Referral, the Benefit Bank of South Carolina, the Lieutenant Governor's Office on Aging and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance. Register by calling (803) 748-9286 or go to www.uway.org/events.

CAKE DECORATING CLASSES: 10 a.m.-noon at Michaels, 244 Harbison Blvd. Decorating with Butter Cream Icing, Mondays, Feb. 2-23. Fondant and Gum Paste, Fridays, Feb. 5-26. Tuition is $22.50 plus student kit. Sign up at Michaels, call (803) 407-2404 or e-mail sweetcakes@sc.rr.com

TAI CHI FOR BEGINNERS: 6:30-8 p.m. Mondays beginning Feb. 8 at McGregor Presbyterian Church, 6505 St. Andrews Road; 10-11:30 a.m. and 7:30-9 p.m. Tuesdays beginning Feb. 9, at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Church, 2701 Heyward St. Donation for the five-month beginner session is $165; discounts for seniors, students and families. (803) 647-9283; www.taoist.org

BEEKEEPING COURSE: 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays, Jan. 30, Feb. 27 and March 27 at the Lexington County Farm Bureau, 121 Park Road, Lexington. $40, includes textbook. Frank Blanchard, (803) 345-3463

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 beginning Feb. 8, 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

S.C. ARCHIVES & HISTORY FOUNDATION: History of railroads lecture series, 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Feb. 24 at the Archives and History Center, 8301 Parklane Road. $30 per session; members, $25. (803) 251-0115; www.palmettohistory.org

MIDLANDS TECHNICAL COLLEGE: Northeast Campus, 152 Powell Road, has announced its spring class schedule. Defensive Driving, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday; $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

"WISDOM OF THE HEART": Scholars-in-residence weekend with Nadya and Victor Gross, 6 p.m. Friday; 9:45 a.m. Saturday, ; 10 a.m. Sunday. at Beth Shalom Synagogue, 4827 N. Trenholm Road; 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. 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 through March 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

STRESS MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP: 10 a.m. Monday at the Cecil Tillis Community Center, 211 Simpkins Lane; $20. (803) 931-8023 or e-mail voiceofpromise@gmail.com

INTRODUCTION TO TAI CHI: 4:45-5:45 p.m. Tuesdays, Feb. 9-March 30, at Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 3200 Trenholm Road; $65. (803) 252-2204

SPEAKER @ THE CENTER: Thomas J. Brown ("City of the Silent: The Charlestonians of Magnolia Cemetery"), noon-1 p.m. Wednesday at the South Carolina State Library's Center for the Book, 1430 Senate St., Room 309. Free. (803) 734-8666, www.statelibrary.sc.gov

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.

LINE DANCE CLASS: 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays at Ripley's Retreat, 1230 Louis LeConte Road (off Sumter Highway, near Mr. Bunky's); $5. (803) 776-5436

MIDLANDS TECHNICAL COLLEGE: Beltline Campus, 316 S. Beltline Blvd., has announced its spring class schedule. Intermediate Motorcycle, 6-10 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday; $139. Mastering Digital Photography, 6-9 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Monday, Feb. 1; $89. Spanish I, 6-8:30 p.m. Mondays through 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. 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 through March 9, $50; members, $25. Breakfast for your Brain, for ages 50 and older, 8:30-9:30 a.m. Tuesdays through Feb. 23; $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.

LINE DANCE CLASS: 7-9 p.m. Thursdays at Ozzie's Country Island, 1420 Charleston Highway, West Columbia; $5. (803) 776-5436

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, through 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, March 1-31, April 19-May 18, May 31-June 30 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

VOLKSMARCH: 5/10K historic capital city walk, 11 a.m. Saturday at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, , 1101 Lincoln St. Free.

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. Saturday and Feb. 20, March 20, April 17, May 22, 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: Maintain Your Brain for adults, 6:30 tonight; learn how to lower your risk of dementia and live a brain-healthy lifestyle. Story Time for all ages, 10:30 a.m. Saturdays. Let's Speak English for adults, 10 a.m. Tuesday. Mind Games for adults, 1-3 p.m. Tuesday; keep your wits sharp with Sudoku, chess, or crosswords. Hey! Listen to This!, stories and songs for all ages, 4 p.m. Tuesday. Mother Goose Story Time for you and your child 12 months and younger, 9:30 a.m. Wednesday. Read with Curious George for all ages, 10:30 a.m. Wednesday. 2916 Broad River Road, (803) 772-6675

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

SANDHILLS BRANCH: Book Discussion for adults, 1 p.m. today; selection is "Serena" by Ron Rash. Garden Like a Master: Cool Season Vegetables _- Up Close and Personal for adults, 6:30 tonight. Story Time for all ages, 11 a.m. Saturdays. Now I Am One!, stories and songs for you and your child ages 12-23 months, 10:30 a.m. Monday. Sew Divine, A Gathering of Crafters for adults, 1-2:30 p.m. Tuesday. 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: Now I Am One! stories and songs for you and your child ages 12-23 months, 10:30 a.m. Thursdays. Story Time for all ages, 11 a.m. Saturdays. Game On: Wii for teens, 3 p.m. Saturday. Let's Speak English for adults, 7 p.m. Monday. 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. Wednesday. 5317 N. Trenholm Road, (803) 787-3462

SOUTHEAST REGIONAL BRANCH: Get Your Resume Ready for adults, 9:30 a.m. today. Book Discussion for adults, 7 tonight; selection is "The Graveyard Book" by Neal Gaiman. Computer Basics: Basic Internet for adults, 9:30 a.m. Saturday and Tuesday. Sew Divine, A Gathering of Crafters for adults, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Tuesday. Let's Speak English for adults, 7 p.m. Tuesday. Computer Basics: Introduction to Computers for adults, 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 30. 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. Computer Basics: Introduction to Computers for adults, 6:30 p.m. Thursdays and 11 a.m. Monday. Silver Screen for ages 55 and older, 11 a.m. Fridays; grab a friend and watch a movie together. The Big Red Fire Truck, story session for all ages, 11 a.m. Tuesday. Page Turners Book Club for adults, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday; selection is "If Memory Serves" by Vanessa Griggs. 5306 N. Main St., (803) 754-7734

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

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

MAIN LIBRARY: Hey! Listen to This!, stories and songs for all ages, 10:30 a.m. Thursdays. Lunch and Listen for all ages, 12:30 p.m. today; bring your lunch and enjoy the music of jazz vocalist Victoria White (coffee's on us!). Zing Zang Zoom, 11 a.m. Friday; clowns from the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus perform and read a book about live in the circus. Computer Basics: Basic Internet for adults, 10 a.m. Saturday. Story Time for all ages, 10:30 a.m. Saturday. Teen Screen, 3 p.m. Saturday; join your friends for snacks, discussion and the film "An Inconvenient Truth." Wii Are the Champions, 3 p.m. Saturday; video game duels for ages 6-12. Mother Goose Story Time for you and your child 12 months and younger, 10:30 a.m. Monday. Teen Otaku Association, 6-8 p.m. Monday. Southern Writers Series for adults, 6 p.m. Monday; discussion and book signing by Daniel Wallace ("Big Fish: A Novel of Mythic Proportions). Writing Your Family History for adults, 6 p.m. Monday; first of six monthly hands-on workshops on researching and writing family histories. Evening of Puppets for all ages, 7 p.m. Monday.Toddler Story Time for 2-year-olds, 10:30 a.m. Tuesday. Preschool Story Time for ages 3-5, 3:30 p.m. Tuesday. Literary Discussion Group for adults, 10 a.m. Tuesday; selection is Indu Sundaresan's "The Twentieth Wife." Germs, Germs, Germs!, 4 p.m. Tuesday; 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. Let's Speak English for adults, 10 a.m. Wednesday. Now I Am One! for you and your child ages 12-23 months, 10:30 a.m. Wednesday. 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 Ready 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 Personal, 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 . Enjoying Word 2003 computer class for adults, 10:30 a.m.-noon Friday. XL3 computer class for adults, 2:30-4 p.m. Monday; 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. Tuesday and Feb. 2. 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. Enjoying PowerPoint 2003 computer class for adults, 2:30-4 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 28. 1304 Broad St., (803) 425-1508

ELGIN BRANCH: After School @ the Library: The Name Game; craft and puppet show for ages 6-10, 4 p.m. today. Get Set to Read for ages 3-4, 10:30 a.m. Mondays.. Baby Story Time for you and your child age 2 and younger, 10:30 a.m. Mondays. 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

IRMO BRANCH: Book Swap for students in grades 6-12, 7 tonight. Book Discussion for students in grades 3-5, 4 p.m. Tuesday; selection is "Midnight for Charlie Bone" by Jenny Nimmo. 6251 St. Andrews Road, (803) 798-7880

CHAPIN BRANCH: Toddlertime for you and your child ages 18-35 months, 11 a.m. Fridays. Preschool Story Time for ages 3-5, 1 p.m. Wednesdays. 129 N.W. Columbia Ave., (803) 345-5479

CAYCE-WEST COLUMBIA BRANCH: Homeschoolers Series on South Carolina wildlife for all ages, 1 p.m. today. Third Thursday Book Club for adults, 3 p.m. today; selection is "The Run" by Stuart Woods. Book Club for adults, 10 a.m. Monday; selection is "Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace - One School at a Time" by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin. Creative Dramatics, theater games and improvisation for ages 10-13, 4 p.m.; Monday; session for ages 6-9, 4 p.m. Tuesday. Toddlertime for ages 23 months and younger, 10 a.m. Monday; session for 24-35 months meets at 10:45 a.m. Bedtime Story Time for all ages, 6 p.m. Monday. Advanced Word Processing Workshop for adults, 6:30 p.m. Monday. Preschool Story Time for ages 3-5, 10:45 p.m. Tuesday. Evening Book Discussion for adults, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday; selection is "Snow Falling on Cedars" by Dave Guterson. Astronomy Night for ages 12 and older, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. Advanced Internet Workshop for adults, 9 a.m. Wednesday. Lunch and Learn, 11 a.m. Wednesday; session on retirement planning for adults. Movie Classics for adults, 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 29; join your friends for a special screening of "American Graffiti." Advanced Internet Workshop for adults, 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 30. 1500 Augusta Road, West Columbia, (803) 794-6791

GASTON BRANCH: Books and Beyond, stories and activities for ages 5 and older, 4 p.m. today. Preschool Story Time for ages 3-5, 10:30 a.m. Tuesday. 3214 S. Main St., (803) 791-3208

SWANSEA BRANCH: Teen Time for students in grades 6-12, 4 p.m. today; duct tape wallet craft session. Preschool Story Time for ages 3-6, noon Tuesday. 49 N. Lawrence Ave., (803) 785-3519

SOUTH CONGAREE-PINE RIDGE BRANCH: Teen Time for students in grades 6-12, 4 p.m. Friday. Toddlertime for you and your child ages 18-35 months, 10:30 a.m. Monday. Preschool Story Time for ages 3-5, 11:15 a.m. Monday. Adult Book Club, 5:30 p.m. Tuesday; selection is "Look Again" by Lisa Scottoline. Friends of the Library meeting, 7 p.m. Tuesday. 200 Sunset Drive, West Columbia. (803) 785-3050

LEXINGTON MAIN LIBRARY: Between the Lines, book discussion for ages 8-12, 4 p.m. today; selection is "The Edison Mystery" by Dan Gutman. Story Time for all ages, 11 a.m. Saturday. Toddlertime for you and your child ages 24-35 months, 9:30, 10:30 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday, Jan. 28. Preschool Story Time for ages 3-6, 11:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m. Tuesday and 11:30 a.m. Wednesday. Lapsit for you and your child 11 months and younger, 9:30 a.m. Wednesday Toddlertime for you and your child ages 12-23 months, 10:30 a.m. Wednesday; 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 28. 5440 Augusta Road, (803) 785-2600

GILBERT-SUMMIT BRANCH: Books and Beyond for ages 6 and older, 2:45 p.m. today. Toddlertime for you and your child ages 18-35 months, 10:30 a.m. Tuesday. Preschool Story Time for ages 3-5, 11:15 a.m. Tuesday. 110 Broad St., (803) 785-5387

PELION BRANCH: Bedtime Story Time for all ages 6 tonight. Preschool Story Time for ages 2-5, 11 a.m. Wednesday. 1206 Pine St., (803) 785-3272

BATESBURG-LEESVILLE BRANCH: Teen Program for students in grades 6-12, 5:30 p.m. Monday; bring some pictures to make a mini-scrapbook. Toddlertime for you and your child ages 18-25 months, 10 a.m. Wednesday. Preschool Story Time for ages 3-6, 10:45 a.m. Wednesday. 203 Armory St., (803) 532-9223

FAITH

ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC CHURCH: Ecumenical prayer service, 9 a.m. Friday at 3600 Devine St. (803) 254-7646

UNION UNITED METHODIST: Harpist Becky Nisson in concert, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 29, at 7582 Woodrow St., Irmo. Program will feature jazz, classical and hymns. Free, but donations will be accepted to fund future music programs. (803) 781-3013; www.unionunitedmethodist.org

SHEKINAH GLORY FAMILY CARE MINISTRY: Women's conference, 6:30 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. Saturday at 2500 Decker Blvd. (inside Decker Mall). Breakfast will be served on Saturday. Guest speakers include author and life coach Katrina Spigner, the Rev. Melissa Green of St. John AME Church in Rowesville; Permeco Myers of Sanctity and evangelist Betty Gaines. (803) 736-2106

VILLAGECHURCH: Women of Purpose Bible study group meets 9:30-11:30 a.m. the second and fourth Fridays monthly at 514 Rimer Pond Road, Blythewood. Call (803) 419-0989 or visit www.blyteghwoodvillage.com

GLORY CHURCH INTERNATIONAL: Prayer conference, 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 29, 9-10:45 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 30 (lunch at 11 a.m.), at 6405-B Two Notch Road. Guest speaker will be the Rev. Roger Davis. Tickets are $15 through Monday; $20 at the door. (803) 786-6003

NEW BEGINNING BAPTIST: 4th Sunday worship service, 3 p.m. Sunday at 9601 Caughman Road. Guest speaker will be the Rev. Robert Benton of Antioch AME Zion Church. (803) 695-1195

STEDFAST CHRISTIAN CENTER: Community meal, noon-2 p.m. Saturday at 5200 Fairfield Road. Food, fun and fellowship; all free. (803) 786-9129

GREENVIEW FIRST BAPTIST: "The Master Bedroom," marriage workshop sponsored by the Couples Ministry, 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 29, at 101 Isaac St. Free; refreshments will be served 6:15-6:45 p.m. Call (803) 754-9351 to register.

ST. ALBAN'S EPISCOPAL: Rose Wilkins' World Famous Chicken Bog, 5:30-8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 29, at 403 Park Road, Lexington. $6; children's plates (ages 12 and younger), $3. Proceeds will benefit the Altar Guild. (803) 359-2444

COMMUNITY EVENTS

MUSIC, ARTS, THEATER

GOSPEL SINGING: The Crusaders and the Memory Singers in concert, 7 p.m. Saturday at Hope Baptist Church, 2117 Clemson Road. Free; a love offering will be received. (803) 957-5925

WORK O' THE WEAVERS: Folk music program, 7 tonight at the Katie & Irwin Kahn Jewish Community Center, 306 Flora Drive. Advance tickets, $10; $15 at the door. (803) 787-2023, ext. 206

WINTER PERFORMING ARTS SERIES: 7 p.m. Tuesdays through March 23 at Columbia Children's Theater, Midtown at Forest Acres (Forest Drive and Beltline Boulevard). This week's family performance will feature magician John Tudor. Presented by the Cultural Council of Richland and Lexington Counties and the City of Forest Acres. (803) 799-3115

PALMETTO MINIATURE CLUB: Collection of 15 miniatures will be on display through Monday in the C. David Warren Gallery at the Richland County Public Library, 1431 Assembly St. (803) 929-3440

SONRISE: In concert with New Vision, 7 p.m. Saturday at Springdale Baptist Church, 357 Wattling Road, West Columbia. A love offering will be taken. (803) 553-3567 or (803) 553-3568

SELAH: In concert, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 29, at Mount Horeb UMC, 1201 Old Cherokee Road, Lexington. Adults $19; ages 17 and younger, $15. Nursery for ages 5 and younger. (803) 359-3495 or go to www.concertsatmthoreb.com

FUNDRAISERS

FRIENDS OF THE RICHLAND COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY: Book sale, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday at the RCPL Operations Center, 130 Lancewood Road. Preview sale for Friends' members only, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday. Memberships start at $25 and will be available at the door. Proceeds support special programs and services not available through the library's budget appropriation. (803) 929-3475

RACE FOR THE PLACE: 5K run/walk to benefit St. Lawrence Place, 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 3512 Devine St. $25 (includes race bag and T-shirt), $30 after Wednesday; children's fun run, $10 (includes T-shirt). Register at www.strictlyrunning.com; forms may be printed at www.stlawrenceplace.org

MAGIC SHOWS: 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, at Cromer's, 1700 Huger St. Performances by magician John Tudor, with proceeds going to the Ronald McDonald House Charities. Advance tickets, $5; a limited number will be available at the door. (803) 779-2290

STERLING & STEEL, STEEL INTO THE NIGHT: Friends of the USC School of Music fundraiser for ages 21 and older, 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, at Senate & Canal, 320 Senate St. Evening will feature music by the Ross Holmes Band, Palmetto Pans steel drum band, drinks and hors d'oeuvres, with proceeds going to the scholarship program. $25; USC students and alumni, $10. (803) 777-4280 or e-mail lgibson@mozart.sc.edu

SPORTS FOR SCHOLARSHIPS: 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, in the Pleasant Hill Middle School gym, 660 Rawl Road, Lexington. Parent and child sports clinic featuring Lexington High School basketball, soccer and baseball coaches. $15 per parent/child ($20 after Wednesday); and $5 for each additonal child. Sponsored by the Lexington Women's Club, proceeds will provided scholarships for Lexington 1 graduating seniors. Tickets available at Wild Birds Unlimited, Village Square Shopping Center, Lexington, or call (803) 359-3118.

SPECIAL EVENTS

LAKE MURRAY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SHRIMP BOIL: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 28, at The Haven, 2170 N. Lake Drive, Columbia. Food, beverages, door prizes. Advance tickets are $22 for couples, singles, $12; at the door, $25/$15. (803) 356-2151; www.lakemurraychamber.com

DADDY-DAUGHTER DATE NIGHT: 6-9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 4, at Crooked Creek Park, 1098 Old Lexington Highway, Chapin. Fathers (or grandfathers) and their young ladies ages 4 and older will enjoy a candlelight dinner, dancing, memory photo and goodie bag. Space is limited, tickets sold in advance only. Couples, $45; individuals, $20. (803) 345-6181

WOMEN'S EVENT: "A New You: Creating Health, Wealth and Happiness," 2-3:30 p.m. Saturday at 2711 Middleburg Drive. Free, will feature networking, door prizes, healthy food and drinks. Register at www.lifebydesigncoaching.org

FATHER-DAUGHTER/MOTHER-SON NIGHT OUT: 7-9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12, at Blythewood Park, 126 Boney Road, Blythewood. Music and refreshments for parents and children ages 6-12; $25 per couple. Registration deadline is Wednesday, Feb. 10. Call (803) 691-9786 weekdays after 2 p.m.