Almanac

MEETINGS

COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS

PALMETTO PADDLERS INC.: Canoe and kayak club meets 7 p.m. the last Tuesday monthly at the Luther Lee Building, Lincoln Street in the Vista. Visitors welcome. (803) 345-2002 or www.palmettopaddlers.org

RETIRED ENLISTED ASSOCIATION, CHAPTER 38: 5:30 p.m. Friday, July 17, in the third floor staff room at Moncrief Hospital, Fort Jackson. All retired military, guard and reserves are encouraged to attend. (803) 740-2319; jrodgers11@sc.rr.com

VFW POST 641: Ladies auxiliary anniversary celebration, 7 p.m. Friday at 534 S. Beltline Blvd. Friendship birthday dinner 7 p.m. Saturday, followed by R&L Backyard Karaoke. (803) 791-2423

COLUMBIA CAMERA CLUB: 7 p.m. Tuesday at Capital Senior Center, Maxcy Gregg Park. Meeting will feature “Seeing the Picture,” a presentation by Bart Baldwin. All ages and skill levels welcome. (803) 782-7022 or go to www.columbiacameraclub.com

SECURE CHRISTIAN SINGLES ROUND-UP: 6:30 p.m. Fridays at 105 Lexington Ave., West Columbia (the red brick building behind Colonial Christian Academy). Meeting followed by a potluck meal at 7 p.m.; food, fun and fellowship for ages 21 and older (all denominations). (803) 413-1928

MOMS CLUB OF COLUMBIA: 10 a.m. the third Thursday monthly at Heathwood Park, 800 Abelia Road. Newcomers and children welcome. www.columbiamoms.org

HOBBIES/RECREATION

FOR ALL AGES

SALUDA SPLASH: Interactive zero-depth water playground, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. through Sept. 2 at Saluda Shoals Park, 5605 Bush River Road. $3 wristband plus daily parking fee. (803) 772-1228

CONGAREE NATIONAL PARK: Summer programs include guided canoe trips, bird walks, Junior Ranger sessions, wilderness hikes, owl prowls and more at 100 National Park Road, Hopkins. Canoe trips are 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; owl prowls are 8:30-10:30 p.m. Fridays; these programs require two weeks advance registration. (803) 776-4396, ext. 10 or go to www.nps.gov/cong

FREE WEDNESDAY NIGHT MOVIES: 7 p.m. through August at Stedfast Christian Center, 5200 Fairfield Road. (803) 786-9129

GET YOUR GEAR ON: Sit-on-top kayak trips — Congaree River, 7-10 p.m. Thursdays and 4-7 p.m. Saturdays; Saluda River whitewater, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays; Broad River, 2-5 p.m. Sundays. $30; beginners welcome. 730 Santee Ave., Five Points. (803) 799-0999

ADVENTURE CAROLINA:. After-work canoe and kayak trips, 6 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays through July 31. Friday, July 4 activities include Broads on the Broad kayak trip, 8:30 a.m. and Independence Day canoe and barbecue at noon. Whitewater kayak classes, 8 a.m. Saturdays. Congaree River paddles, 2-5:30 p.m. Saturdays. Adventure Carolina is at 1107 State St., Cayce. (803) 796-4505

CLASSES/WORKSHOPS

AGES 18 AND YOUNGER

SAFE SITTERS BABY-SITTING CLASSES: 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, July 9-10 and 22-23 at Palmetto Health Baptist Auditorium, 1501 Sumter St. Two-day course, designed for ages 11-14, provides information on nurturing, child-care techniques, basic lifesaving, safety precautions and how and when to call for help. $50; includes manual, completion card and T-shirt. Advance registration is required, participants should bring their lunch. (803) 256-2273

TEEN REACH: Teen Stress, noon Saturday at Sigma Gamma Rho House, 5203 Middleton St. Free lunch will be served. Call (803) 556-2140 to register.

FOR ADULTS

SHEPHERD’S CENTER OF ST. ANDREWS: “Adventures in Learning” at 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays through July 15 at Ashland United Methodist Church, 2600 Ashland Road. Classes offered include Book Talk, Aspects of Archaeology, quilting, bridge, field trips and more for ages 50 and older. Registration is $15. (803) 731-9394

YOGA AND WELLNESS CENTER OF COLUMBIA: Prenatal yoga class, 4:30-6 p.m. Monday, July 7, at 2740 Devine St., Suite 1. $45; register online at www.yogaandwellness.com or call (803) 765-2159

LEXINGTON/RICHLAND DISTRICT 5: Summer diploma classes for ages 17 and older. Students may earn up to two credits during the four-week-session. $150 per credit. (803) 476-8230

SHEPHERD’S CENTER OF COLUMBIA: Wednesdays in July at Trenholm Road UMC, 3401 Trenholm Road. July 9-30: Painting On Your Own, 9-11:50 a.m.; Imperial America with John Stine, 10-10:50 a.m.; Astronomy with Bob Carroll, 10-11:50 a.m. Meet the Author, 10-10:50 a.m., Caroline Todd and Sidney Wall, July 9; Barbara Courtney Thomas, July 16; Dale Pedrick, July 23; and S.C. members and their writings, July 30. Political Campaigns and Party Conventions, 11-11:50 a.m. Sen. John Courson, July 9; Donald Fowler, July 16; Katon Dawson, July 23; and Carol Fowler, July 30. Registration, $10. (803) 779-4449

S.C. GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY SUMMER WORKSHOP: Friday and Saturday, July 11-12 at the S.C. Archives and History Center, 8301 Parklane Road. Preregistration before Monday is $30; $25 for members. At the door registration, $35/$30. Catered lunch, $10.50. (803) 308-8916, www.scgen.org

ART CLASSES: Oil painting, 10 a.m.-noon or noon-2 p.m. Mondays; watercolor, 6-8 p.m. Tuesdays at The Studio, 607 S. Lake Drive, Lexington; ongoing classes are $75 for a four-week session. (803) 356-3623

LEXINGTON DISTRICT 1 ADULT EDUCATION: Offering GED, high school diploma, English as a Second Language classes, WorkKeys preparation and testing. Sessions are held at the Lexington Applied Technology Center, 2421 Augusta Highway. (803) 359-4036

FOR ALL AGES

FAMILIES DISCOVER WORKSHOPS: 2:30 p.m. Fridays through Aug. 1 (except July 4) at Columbia Marionette Theater, 401 Laurel St. Open to caregivers and children ages 10 and younger who meet income eligibility requirements. Parents and caregivers will learn skills for one-on-one time with children. After the activity, participants will be treated to a free show, puppet demonstration and refreshments. Sponsored by Palmetto Healthy Start. Seating is limited, call (803) 296-2273 to register.

PUBLIC LIBRARIES

Advance registration required for most programs

RICHLAND COUNTY

ST. ANDREWS REGIONAL BRANCH: Family Story Time for all ages, 10:30 a.m. today. Teen Screen, 3 p.m. today; join your friends for a special screening of “She’s the Man.” Story Time for all ages, 10:30 a.m. Saturday. 2916 Broad River Road, (803) 772-6675

SANDHILLS BRANCH: Story Time for all ages, 11 a.m. Saturday. 1 Summit Parkway, (803) 699-9230

NORTHEAST REGIONAL BRANCH: Story Time for all ages, 11 a.m. Saturday. Solve the Mystery with Nancy Drew, 3:30 p.m. Monday; ages 8-12 can test their sleuthing savvy and win prizes in a Nancy Drew trivia contest. 7490 Parklane Road, (803) 736-6575

BLYTHEWOOD BRANCH: Take Me Out to the Ball Game for all ages, 3:30 p.m. today. Hey! Listen to This!, stories and songs for all ages, 10:30 a.m. Friday. 218 McNulty Road, (803) 691-9806

COOPER BRANCH: Toddler Story Time for 2-year-olds, 10:30 a.m. today. 5317 N. Trenholm Road, (803) 787-3462

SOUTHEAST REGIONAL BRANCH: Story Time for all ages, 11 a.m. Saturday. Bedtime Story Time for all ages, 7 p.m. Monday. 7421 Garners Ferry Road, (803) 776-0855

NORTH MAIN BRANCH: Go Buggy, crafts and stories for all ages, 8:30 a.m. Friday. Silver Screen, movies for ages 55 and older, 11 a.m. Friday. Catch the Movie Bug, refreshments and bug movies for all ages, 12:30 p.m. Saturday. 5306 N. Main St., (803) 754-7734

MAIN LIBRARY: Mother Goose Story Time for 12 months and younger, 10:30 a.m. today. Teen Otaku Association, 5-7 p.m. today. Computer Basics, Basic Internet Part II for adults, 6-7:30 tonight. Story Time for all ages, 10:30 a.m. Saturdays. Summer Reading Club Award Ceremonies, 3:30 p.m. Saturday. Now I Am One! stories and songs for moms and children ages 12-23 months, 10:30 a.m. Mondays. Computer Basics: Typing for adults, 2-3:30 p.m. Monday. 1431 Assembly St., (803) 799-9084

LEXINGTON COUNTY

IRMO BRANCH: Music and Movement for 18 months and younger, 9:30 a.m. Wednesdays beginning July 9; sessions for ages 1½-3 meet 10:30 and 11:30 a.m.; 3- to 5-year-olds, 3:30 p.m. 6251 St. Andrews Road, (803) 798-7880

CHAPIN BRANCH: Toddler Time for moms and children ages 1½-3, 11 a.m. Friday. Preschool Story Time for ages 3-5, 1 p.m. Wednesdays beginning July 9. 129 N.W. Columbia Ave., (803) 345-5479

CAYCE-WEST COLUMBIA BRANCH: Books and Beyond for ages 6-12, 3 p.m. Mondays, July 7 and 21. Preschool Story 500 Augusta Road, (803) 794-6791

GASTON BRANCH: Doodlebugs Club for ages 1½-4, 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays, July 8, 22, 29. 3214 S. Main St., (803) 791-3208

SOUTH CONGAREE-PINE RIDGE BRANCH: Summer Movie Time for all ages, 11 a.m. Saturday. Preschool Story Time for ages 3-4, 2 p.m. Mondays beginning July 7. 200 Sunset Drive, West Columbia. (803) 785-3050

PELION BRANCH: Preschool Story Time for ages 2-5, 11 a.m. Wednesdays beginning July 9. 1206 Pine St., (803) 785-3272

FAITH

CHRISTIAN LIFE CHURCH: “Telling Yourself the Truth” class, 9-10:30 a.m. Sundays through Aug. 31; based on the book by William Backus and Mari Chapian. “Love and Respect,” couples class led by Robert and Sylvia Johnson, 9-10:30 a.m. Sundays through Aug. 31. “Secrets of the Vine,” 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Sundays through July 27; study and discussion of Jesus’ vineyard teachings in John 15:5-8. Free, child care provided for ages 11 and younger; The church is at 2700 Bush River Road. (803) 798-4488, www.christianlifecolumbia.com

STEDFAST CHRISTIAN CENTER: Clothes giveaway, noon-2 p.m. Saturday at 5200 Fairfield Road; free clothing, fun and fellowship. (803) 786-9129

ZION BENEVOLENT BAPTIST: Deacon Patrick Goodwin will deliver his initial sermon at 3 p.m. Sunday at 201 Meeting House Road, Hopkins.

LEXINGTON BAPTIST: Celebrate Freedom services, 9:30 and 11 a.m. Sunday at 306 E. Main St., Lexington. Featured guest speaker will be former S.C. Gov. David Beasley. Musical performances by the Lexington Baptist Church orchestra, adult choir, children’s choir and the Called Quartet. Both services will include a USMC Color Guard and a salute to the armed forces. (803) 886-8807

COMMUNITY EVENTS

MUSIC, ARTS, THEATER

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: 7-10 p.m. Saturdays through Aug. 30 at Finlay Park, downtown Columbia. Sponsored by the Columbia Action Council, the music is free; food and beverages (alcoholic and nonalcoholic) will be available for sale. Picnics welcome but leave alcoholic beverages, glass containers, pets, grills, radios, bikes and skateboards at home. This week’s entertainment features variety with Jump Start. www.columbiaactioncouncil.net

GOSPEL SINGING: Providence Quarter in concert, 11 a.m. Sunday at Woodfield Park Baptist Church, 1834 Morninglo Lane. A love offering will be taken. (803) 736-6865

STERLING CHAMBER PLAYERS DINNER CONCERT: “The Mentoring Project,” tonight at The Hall at Canal & Senate, 320 Senate St. Three young area musicians will join the SCP playing works by Bach, Mozart and Brahms. $17.50 in advance, $20 at the door; students 17 and younger, $8. (803) 252-2001 or www.sterlingchamberplayers.org

MUSIC AT SANDHILL: 6-8 p.m. Fridays through Aug. 29 at Village at Sandhill, Town Center Commons, Clemson and Two Notch roads. This week’s band guest performer is Danielle Howle; concerts also feature family entertainment and giveaways. www.villageatsandhill.com

FINALLY FRIDAY OUTDOOR CONCERTS: The Pound, 6-8:30 p.m. Friday, at the Fine Arts Center of Kershaw County, 810 Lyttleton St., Camden. Free; food and beverages will be available for purchase. Bring a lawn chair. (803) 425-7676, ext. 300

USC SUMMER CHORUS II: Summer Chorus II Program seeks participants. Group meets Tuesdays, Thursdays beginning July 8 at USC School of Music, room 006, Assembly Street. $10 participation fee for non-USC students. Summer Chorus I performances will be 4 p.m. Sunday and 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Recital Hall. Free concerts will feature Rossini’s “Messe Solonneelle.” Handel’s “Judas Macabeaeus” will be performed Aug. 3 and 5 at Rutledge Chapel on the USC Horseshoe. (803) 777-5369

CLASS REUNIONS

LAKEVIEW HIGH SCHOOL (Cayce-West Columbia-Dixiana): Friday through Sunday, July 4-6. Registration 9 a.m.-noon July 4, at 1218 Batchelor St., West Columbia. Banquet at 7 p.m. July 5 at the Radisson Hotel on Bush River Road. Other activities include a picnic, breakfast and worship service. $75; includes T-shirt. Edna Diggs Thompson, (803) 772-0203

DREHER HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI: Classes 1978-81, Aug. 29-31; registration deadline is Monday. Go to www.dreherhighschool.com for details or call Elaine Robinson Norwood, (803) 673-6082.

LOWER RICHLAND HIGH SCHOOL: Classes of 1972-1974, 7-11 p.m. Saturday, July 26, at Leaside, 100 E. Exchange Blvd. Advance tickets, $40; after July 1, $50. (803) 234-4345; e-mail rbennett@sc.rr.com or dmca@aol.com

FUNDRAISERS

FASHION AND TALENT SHOW: 6 p.m. Saturday, at Columbia High School, 1801 Westchester Drive. $10; $12 at the door. Proceeds will benefit A Better Way, Gang Out, an organization that provides youth with counseling, family support groups and alternatives to gangs. (803) 799-0990

GREYHOUND PETS OF AMERICA: Scrub That Pup dog wash, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, $7 per dog, at Earth Fare, 3312 Devine St. (803) 748-7395 www.gpa-sc.com

VFW POST #641: Barbecue fundraiser, 4 p.m. Friday, July 4, at 534 S. Beltline Blvd. Dine-in and takeout available; plates are $10 and include barbecued pork, chicken, hash, rice, baked beans, slaw and a roll. Proceeds will benefit the post’s building fund and veterans’ programs. Tickets available by calling (803) 782-5943

TO MARKET, TO MARKET

SEEDS OF HOPE FARMERS’ MARKETS: All markets are 8 a.m.-noon unless otherwise noted. Farmers Market Nutrition Program coupons for seniors and WIC vouchers accepted. Tuesdays: S.C. DHEC, 2600 Bull St., (803) 898-3471; Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Center, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at One Still Hopes Drive, West Columbia. Wednesdays: Capital Senior Center, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at 1650 Park Circle, Maxcy Gregg Park, (803) 779-1971. Thursdays: The Carolina Apartments, 12:30-2:30 p.m. at 3201 Meadowlark Drive (off Two Notch Road), (803) 754-6200; S.C. DHEC, 1800 St. Julian Place, (803) 545-4490; Tree of Life Congregation, 6719 N. Trenholm Road, (803) 787-2182; Bryan Hospital Wellspring, 7 a.m.-1 p.m. on the State Hospital Campus, 2100 Bull St.; and Ebenezer Lutheran Church, 1301 Richland St., (803) 765-9430. Saturdays: Ashland UMC, 2600 Ashland Road, (803) 798-5350; Christopher Towers, 9 a.m.-noon at 1805 Devine St., (803) 799-5876; Grace UMC, 410 Harbison Blvd., (803) 732-1899; Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, 3707 Moss Ave., (803) 787-7968; Shandon UMC, 3407 Devine St., (803) 256-8383; St. Mark UMC, 3200 Lyles St., (803) 252-7297; Virginia Wingard UMC, 1500 Broad River Road, (803) 772-0794; Washington Street UMC, 7 a.m. until sold out, 1401 Washington St., (803) 256-2417; and Whaley Street UMC, 517 Whaley St., (803) 799-4101. Sundays: Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 8:30 a.m.-noon at 1100 Sumter St.; and Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at 2701 Heyward St.

SANDHILL FARMERS’ MARKET: 3:30-7 p.m. Tuesdays in the Red Barn at Sandhill Research and Education Center, 900 Clemson Road. Fresh local produce, meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, plants, baked goods and more.

MAIN STREET MARKETPLACE: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday at Boyd Plaza (Main and Hampton streets). Open-air market features fresh produce, flowers, specialty gifts, art, crafts and more. (803) 779-4005, ext. 2042 or go to www.citycentercolumbia.sc

COLUMBIA ALL-LOCAL FARMERS’ MARKET: 8 a.m.-noon the fourth Saturday monthly at Rosewood Market, 2803 Rosewood Drive. Featuring organic produce, eggs, dairy, chicken, pork and beef as well as sauces, baked goods, handmade items and more. Breakfast available until 10 a.m. www.localharvest.org/farmers-markets

SPECIAL EVENTS

LEXINGTON COUNTY PEACH FESTIVAL: 50th anniversary edition of the celebration will feature Clebe McClary as parade marshal and guest speaker at 11 a.m. Friday, July 4. The event, held in Gilbert Community Park on Rikard Circle, will feature free entertainment, arts and crafts vendors, barbecue, fresh peaches and other peachy edibles. The parade will begin on Hampton Street, proceed down Main Street, ending at Gilbert Primary School. Shuttle service from Price’s Country Store to the park will be available. www.lexingtoncountypeachfestival.com

PEACH FESTIVAL RECIPE CONTEST: Friday, July 4, at Gilbert Park. Rikard Circle, Gilbert. Sponsored by the Lexington County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee, entries will be accepted in two categories: desserts and salads/main dishes. All prepared foods must be brought to the large tent by 9 a.m.; a written recipe must accompany each entry, the name and address of the entrant must be plainly written on a separate piece of paper and presented at the time of delivery; dishes may be picked up at 11 a.m. First and second prizes of $75 and $50 will be presented in each of the two categories. (803) 794-7548