Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009

Almanac

MEETINGS

COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS

GARDEN CLUB COUNCIL OF GREATER COLUMBIA: Monday at the Garden Council Building, 1605 Park Circle (Maxcy Gregg Park). The board will meet at 9 a.m.; refreshments will be served at 9:30; and the program, "Sharing Our Award Winning Harvests," will begin at 10 a.m.

NEW GROUPS FORMING: Discussion group, social group, preteen youth group, life skills group, Bible study and more. Meet others with similar interests; call (803) 771-2212 after 6 p.m.

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

ELEMENTARY BASKETBALL LEAGUE: Registration continues through Tuesday for boys and girls ages 6-11. All games and Saturday practices will be held at Saxe Gotha Presbyterian Church, 5503 Sunset Blvd., Lexington. Game nights will be Mondays (ages 8-9); Tuesdays (ages 6-7); and Thursdays (ages 10-11). Registration is $45; $40 for each additional child. Pick up a form at the church or register online at www.saxegotha.org, (803) 359-7770, ext. 20

FOR ADULTS

GREATER COLUMBIA CHAPTER OF THE U.S. AMATEUR BALLROOM DANCERS ASSOCIATION: Halloween costume party and dance, 7:30-10:30 p.m. Saturday at the Hugh Dimmery Memorial Center (The Barn), 680 Cherokee Lane, West Columbia. Costumes optional, but prizes will be awarded for the best. Refreshments and non-alcoholic drinks will be available for sale; complimentary dance lesson, 7:45-8:15 p.m. $8; USADance members, $5. www.usadance.us

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

BUS TRIP: Asheville, N.C., Saturday, Dec. 19; $149 (includes lunch and admission to Biltmore House and Gardens). All trips have a 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. Congaree Campfire Chronicles, guided tours through the forest as costumed interpreters re-enact life in the flood plain, Friday and Saturday. Two-hour tours depart every 15 minutes from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Guided canoe trips, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Free; reservations must be made two weeks in advance. Call (803) 776-4396, ext. 0, or go to www.nps.gov/cong.

RIVERFRONT PARK: Outdoor story hour for families, 7 p.m. Wednesday in the Brick Amphitheater (bring a cushion or blanket). The park is at 312 Laurel St. (off Huger Street).

ADVENTURE CAROLINA: After-work kayak trips, 5:30 p.m. Thursdays. Saturday activities include 8 a.m. basic and whitewater kayak classes; noon tube launches and 2 p.m. Congaree River trips. Halloween Trip to Graveyard Island, 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31. Sunday trips include Saluda River at noon and Congaree River at 2 p.m. Adventure Carolina is at 1107 State St., Cayce. (803) 796-4505

CLASSES, WORKSHOPS

AGES 18 AND YOUNGER

MUSIKGARTEN: Early movement (Mommy & Me) class for ages 1 1/2-3, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at Ballentine Community Center, 1009 Bickley Road, Irmo. $40 per month plus $35 activity kit fee. (803) 754-6720, ext. 231

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. Home School Art Class, 1-3 p.m. today. $20 per child, two or more, $15 each; includes materials. (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., is accepting registration for fall classes. Childhood Growth & Development, 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturday; $20. Child Development Program Administration, 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturday; $20. Photographic Composition, 6-9 p.m. Monday through Wednesday; $89. Spanish II, 9:30-21:30 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays through Nov. 30; $129. Sewing II, 6-9 p.m. Tuesdays through Nov. 17; $99. eBay and Beyond: Sales, 6-9 p.m. Tuesdays through Nov. 17; $99. www.mtctraining.com

WOMEN'S SELF-DEFENSE CLASS: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at North Springs Recreation Center on Clemson Road. Free instruction will be led by Lt. Heidi Scott of the Richland County Sheriff's Department. Ages 21 and older, wear comfortable clothing, tennis shoes and bring a water bottle. Sponsored by the Northeast Women's Club. Space is limited, call (803) 446-8605 to preregister.

SHEPHERD'S CENTER OF ST. ANDREWS: Interfaith learning program for ages 50 and older meets 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays through Nov. 17, at Ashland UMC, 2600 Ashland Road. New this fall: "A Brief History of Africa in 9 1/2 Chapters," "Understanding South Carolina Government," "The Science of Baseball," "Lesser-Known Women of the Bible," "A Study of Southern Fiction" and "Basic Digital Photography." Regular class offerings include bridge, classic movies, creative writing, quilting and Spanish. Lunch is available for $6.50, followed by entertainment or a speaker. Tuition for the 10-week program is $25. (803) 731-9394

CARING FOR CREATION CONFERENCE: 2-6:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1, Ndoki Lodge, Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. Free conference will feature representatives from natural resource agencies, conservation groups and churches educating citizens on ways to become better Earth stewards. Exhibits, literature, networking opportunities and door prizes. Registration deadline is today. Sponsored by the Richland County Conservation Commission and the Richland Conservation District. (803) 576-2080; (803) 576-2083

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

FEED YOUR KIDS RIGHT: 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Nov. 7, in the auditorium at Heathwood Hall Episcopal School, 3000 S. Beltline Blvd. Speaker will be Dr. Ann Kulze. $10, register online at www.heathwood.org; (803) 231-7718

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

VILLAGE ARTISTS GALLERY: Art classes at 631-8 Promenade Place, Village at Sandhill. Beginner drawing and watercolor media class, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturdays, Oct. 31-Dec. 5; $100. (803) 269-2826 or e-mail villegeartists@villageatsandhill.com

MIDLANDS TECHNICAL COLLEGE: Beltline Campus, 316 S. Beltline Blvd., is accepting registration for fall classes. Beginner's Motorcycle, 6-10 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; $239. Introduction to Motorcycle Repair, 6-9 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays through Nov. 4; $149. Beginner's Motorcycle, 6-10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 31, Nov. 1; $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 - Digital Photography, 1-3 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, Nov. 30-Dec. 9; $30. eBay the Right Way, 1-3 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, Dec. 1-10; $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.

SHEPHERD'S CENTER OF COLUMBIA: Offering bridge, gardening, creative writing, a study of Southern fiction, acrylic and watercolor painting, music (handbells, dulcimers, singing for fun, stories of famous operas, history of jazz and swing), senior health and wellness, classic movies, German history, Islam, New Testament Gospels, planning your future and travels through the Middle East. Classes meet at 9, 10, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Wednesdays at Trenholm Road UMC, 3401 Trenholm Road; lunch and speaker at noon, $7 (reservations required). Membership is $25 per quarter, ages 55 and older may take one or all classes. (803) 779-4449

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

"MENTAL ILLNESS IN THE 21st CENTURY": 11 a.m. Wednesdays through Nov. 11 in the Leisure Ministries Building at Trenholm Road UMC, 3401 Trenholm Road. Each week a speaker will focus on ways to recognize mental disorders and how to deal with them. Free. (803) 779-4449

CAPITAL SENIOR CENTER: Fall sessions include beginners' cribbage, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesdays; Breakfast for your Brain, for ages 50 and older, 8-8:45 a.m. Thursdays through Nov. 5; $5 for CSC members; $15 for nonmembers; limit 20 participants. All other activities are free for CSC members; $20 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.

MIDLANDS TECHNICAL COLLEGE: Airport Campus, 1260 Lexington Drive, West Columbia, is accepting registration for fall classes. Cake Decorating Certificate, 7-9 p.m. Mondays through Nov. 30 and 6-9 p.m. Monday, Dec. 7; $109. Cake Decorating I, 7-9 p.m. Mondays through Nov. 30; $79. www.mtctraining.com

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

WHAT YOU THOUGHT YOU KNEW ABOUT MEDICARE: 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16, at the Lexington Chamber of Commerce, 321 S. Lake Drive, Lexington. Free, but seating is limited, call (803) 359-0872 or e-mail info@insuresc.com by Wednesday, Nov. 11 to reserve a space.

LEXINGTON 2 ADULT EDUCATION: Also 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

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: Kids' Cozy Corner, story time for all ages, 10:30 a.m. Thursdays. Teen Game Time, 3-5 p.m. Thursdays. Style Me Up for teens, 6 tonight; a representative from Remington College will bring you up to speed on a career in cosmetology. Story Time for all ages, 10:30 a.m. Saturdays. Computer Basics, Basic Internet for adults, 7 p.m. Monday. Let's Speak English for adults, 10 a.m. Tuesday. Hey! Listen to This!, stories and songs for all ages, 4 p.m. Tuesday. Mind Games for adults, 1-3 p.m. Tuesday; keep your wits sharp with Sudoku, chess or crosswords. Read with Curious George, 10:30 a.m. Wednesday; stories, songs and fingerplays for all ages. 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: Story Time for all ages, 11 a.m. Saturdays. Now I Am One!, 10:30 a.m. Monday stories and songs for you and your child ages 12-23 months. Let's Speak English for adults, 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays. Sew Divine, A Gathering of Crafters for adults, 1-2:30 p.m. Tuesdays. At Your Library: Database Training for Home-schooled Children ages 6-12; 9:30 a.m. Wednesday (sign up for one session only). Rats, Cats and Bats, 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29; ages 3-12 are encouraged to wear costumes for stories, crafts and games at a not-so-spooky Halloween celebration. Garden Like a Master: Lasagna Gardening for adults, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29; prepare vegetable and perennial beds using a simple layering technique. 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. today. Family Story Time for all ages, 11 a.m. Saturdays. Halloween Festival for all ages, 3:30 p.m. Saturday; games, books, face-painting and crafts. Let's Speak English for adults, 7 p.m. Monday. Stark Raven Mad, Big Read Film for adults and teens, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday; join your friends for a special screening of "The Pit and the Pendulum" starring Vincent Price. Toddler Story Time for 2-year-olds, 10:30 a.m. Wednesday. 7490 Parklane Road, (803) 736-6575

BLYTHEWOOD BRANCH: Hey! Listen to This!, stories and songs for all ages, 10:30 a.m. Fridays. Halloween is Here, story time for ages 3-12, 3:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30. 218 McNulty Road, (803) 691-9806

COOPER BRANCH: Toddler Story Time for 2-year-olds, 10:30 a.m. Thursdays. Classical Guitar with Marina Alexandra for adults, live concert, 6 tonight. Family Story Time for all ages, 11 a.m. Saturday and 10:30 a.m. Wednesday. Stark Raven Mad Big Read Book Discussion for teens only, 6:30 p.m. Monday; selection is "Great Tales and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe." Halloween Hoedown for ages 6-12, 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29; join your friends for square dancing, apple bobbing and stories. 5317 N. Trenholm Road, (803) 787-3462

SOUTHEAST REGIONAL BRANCH: Stark Raven Mad for adults and teens, 6:30 tonight; the Columbia Marionette Theater presents a special adaptation of "The Tell-Tale Heart and Selected Stories" by Edgar Allan Poe. Blue Bird Banter for all ages, 11 a.m. Saturday; learn how you can help preserve our native birds. Pajamarama Story Time for all ages, 7 p.m. Monday. 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. Hey! Listen to This!, stories and songs for all ages, 10:30 a.m. Wednesday. Get Creative! BYOP (Bring Your Own Pumpkin) for all ages, 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29; all other materials provided. Computer Basics, Microsoft Word 2007 Overview for adults, 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 31. Ghosts Galore, craft and story session for all ages, 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 31; costumes welcome. 7421 Garners Ferry Road, (803) 776-0855

NORTH MAIN BRANCH: Computer Basics: Basic Internet for adults, 6:30 tonight. Silver Screen Movies for ages 55 and older, grab a friend and enjoy a free movie, 11 a.m. Fridays. Page Turners Book Club for adults, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday; selection is "What Doesn't Kill You" by Virginia DeBerry. Fall Festival for all ages, treats and costume contest, 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31. 5306 N. Main St., (803) 754-7734

EASTOVER BRANCH: Game On! video game challenge for all ages, 2-5:30 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday. Hey! Listen to This!, stories and songs for all ages, 10:30 a.m. Wednesday. Tricks or Treats?, story and craft session for all ages, 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 31 (costumes encouraged). 608 Main St., Eastover, (803) 353-8584

WHEATLEY BRANCH: Halloween Fun, join your friends ages 6-12 for a spooky Saturday, 4 p.m. Oct. 31; costumes encouraged. 4931 Woodrow St., (803) 799-5873

MAIN LIBRARY: Mother Goose Story Time for you and your child 12 months and younger, 10:30 a.m. today. RCPL Teen Idol vocal competition, 6:30 tonight. Story Time for all ages, 10:30 a.m. Saturdays. Computer Basics: Introduction to Computers for adults, 10:30 a.m. Saturday. Meet the Music Makers for all ages, 3:30 p.m. Saturday. Wii Happy Hour for all ages, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Monday. Teen Otaku Association, 6-8 p.m. Monday. Computer Basics: E-mail Basics for adults, 6:30 p.m. Monday. Let's Speak English for adults, 10 a.m. Wednesday. Hey! Listen to This! for all ages, 10:30 a.m. Wednesday. Puppets with Bite for all ages, 4 p.m. Wednesday. Preschool Story Time for ages 3-5, 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29. Mister Poe's Nightmares for adults, 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29. Computer Basics: Typing, 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 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 the Computer, 2:30-4 p.m. today; computer basics for adults. XL3 Computer Class for adults, 2:30-4 p.m. Monday; XL2 is a prerequisite. Financial Planning 101 for adults, 6:30-8 p.m. Monday. After School at the Library: Halloween Prep, story and craft session for ages 8-12, 4 p.m. Tuesday. Pajama Story Time for all ages, 7 p.m. Tuesday. Get Set to Read for ages 3-4, 10:30 a.m. Wednesday. Reader's Story Time for home-schooled students ages 5-9, 11:15 a.m. Wednesday. Lunch Bunch Stories for ages 4-5, 1 p.m. Wednesday. Yoga for adults and families, 6:45 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29. Ghoulies, Goblins, Ghosties and Bloodcurdling Tales; Legends and Ghost Stories, 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30. 1304 Broad St., (803) 425-1508

ELGIN BRANCH: After School at the Library: Learn about Mexico, 4 p.m. today; ages 8-12 will make candy skulls in preparation for the Day of the Dead. Get Set to Read for ages 3-4, 10:30 a.m. Monday. Baby Story Time, 11:15 a.m. Monday; stories and songs for you and your child age 2 and younger. 2652 Main St., (803) 438-788

LEXINGTON COUNTY

IRMO BRANCH: Toddlertime for ages 12-23 months, 9:30 today and Wednesday; ages 24-35 months meet at 10:30 a.m. Teen Time, 7 tonight; students in grades 6-12 are invited to dress in costume for the Little (Coffee) Shop of Horrors. Lapsit, 9:30 a.m. Tuesday; stories, rhymes and songs for you and your child 11 months and younger. Preschool Story Time for ages 3-5, 10:30 a.m. Tuesday. Paw-sitive Reading, 4 p.m. Tuesday; students in grades 5K-2 are paired with tutors and therapy dogs who listen to them read to help improve reading, comprehension and communications skills as well as building confidence and self-esteem. 6251 St. Andrews Road, (803) 798-7880

CHAPIN BRANCH: Toddlertime for you and your child, 18-25 months, 11 a.m. Fridays. Preschool Story Time for ages 3-5, 1 p.m. Wednesday. Books and Beyond, 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29; session has a Halloween theme for students in grades 1-5. 129 N.W. Columbia Ave., (803) 345-5479

CAYCE-WEST COLUMBIA BRANCH: Homeschoolers Research Series for ages 6-12, 1 p.m. Thursdays. Bedtime Story Time, craft and stories for all ages, 6 p.m. Monday. Creative Dramatics I for ages 6-9, 4 p.m. Tuesday. 1500 Augusta Road, West Columbia, (803) 794-6791

GASTON BRANCH: Books & Beyond for ages 5 and older, 4 p.m. today. Preschool Story Time for ages 1 1/2-4, 10:30 a.m. Tuesday. 3214 S. Main St., (803) 791-3208

SWANSEA BRANCH: Preschool Story Time for ages 3-5, 11:30 a.m. Tuesday. Halloween program for all ages, 4 p.m. Tuesday. 9 N. Lawrence Ave., (803) 785-3519

SOUTH CONGAREE-PINE RIDGE BRANCH: Teen Time for students in grades 6-12, 4 p.m. Friday. 200 Sunset Drive, West Columbia. (803) 785-3050

LEXINGTON MAIN LIBRARY: Dia de Los Muertos, 2 p.m. Saturday; all ages are encouraged to come in costume for bilingual story time, music and food. So the Story Goes, 7-9 p.m. Saturday; ghost stories for ages 6 and older. Music and Movement for ages 12-23 months, 9:30 a.m. Tuesday; ages 24-35 months meet at 10:30 a.m.; session for ages 3-6, 3:30 p.m. Superstitions of Lexington County for ages 12 and older, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday; J.R. Fennell, director of the Lexington County Museum will discuss superstitions and the belief in ghosts in 19th-century Lexington County. 5440 Augusta Road, (803) 785-2600

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

BATESBURG-LEESVILLE BRANCH: Teens & 'Tweens for students in grades 6-12, 4 p.m. Monday. 203 Armory St., (803) 532-9223

FAITH

OUR LADY OF THE HILLS CATHOLIC CHURCH: S.C. Catholic Charismatic Conference, Friday through Sunday at 120 Marydale Lane. Opening Mass Friday evening; talks on Saturday feature the Revs. Tom Forrest and Michael Cumbie. Mass and healing service Saturday evening, Registration information, (803) 309-2480, e-mail scrocker4@windstream.net

UNION UNITED METHODIST: Dinner and silent auction to benefit the preschool and kindergarten, 6-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, in the Wesley Building, 7582 Woodrow St., Irmo. Dinner by Macaroni Grill, auction will feature class-decorated gifts and themed baskets. Tickets are available in advance. $10; ages 4 and older, $6; ages 3 and younger, free. (803) 407-0986

FAITH, HOPE & CHARITY DELIVERANCE TEMPLE: "Youth on a Move for Christ," 3 p.m. Sunday at 7330 Monticello Road. Local praise dance ministries will be featured. (803) 404-8331.

DENNIS CHAPEL BAPTIST: Anniversary banquet and pastor's recognition program, 7 p.m. Friday at Ariel's Special Event, 1734 Mobile Ave., West Columbia. Guest speaker will be the Rev. Ricky Ezell, pastor of Central Baptist Church and moderator of the Gethsemane Baptist Association; musical guest will be Terence Young. (803) 691-2074

SHANDON PRESBYTERIAN: Contemplative Taize worship services, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Sundays through Nov. 29 at 607 Woodrow St. (803) 771-4408; www.shandonpres.org

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

WESLEY UNITED METHODIST: Health Awareness Day, 10 a.m. Sunday at 1725 Gervais St. Information by health educators, health screenings, flu shots, dinner and awards program. (803) 799-1426

ZION BENEVOLENT BAPTIST: Musical choir's 66th anniversary concert, 4 p.m. Sunday at 201 Meeting House Road, Hopkins. (803) 776-7990

BETHEL UNITED METHODIST: Youth karaoke night fundraiser, 6-9 p.m. Saturday under the picnic shelter at 811 Peachtree Rock Road, Lexington. $5; couples, $8. Hot dogs, chips, sodas and cookies will be available for purchase. www.bethelumcpeachtreerock.org

LEXINGTON UNITED METHODIST: Festival of Tables, 5:45 p.m. Saturday in Wesley Hall, 309 E. Main St. Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m., with music by the Lexington High School Orchestra. Live auction following. Tickets are $12; proceeds will benefit Bethlehem Center, LICS, Sistercare, Killingsworth Home, Rural Missions at Johns Island, Wallace Family Life and the Nancy K. Perry Women's Shelter. (803) 520-6111

SAXE GOTHA PRESBYTERIAN: Stephen Ministry hope and remembrance service, 3-5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1, at 5503 Sunset Blvd., Lexington. (803) 359-7770, ext. 18

COMMUNITY EVENTS

MUSIC, ARTS, THEATER

SONGS OF CAPTIVITY AND RELEASE: Colla Voce chamber vocal ensemble will perform works of Palestrina, Purcell, Larsen, American spirituals and the "Holocaust Cantata," 7:30 tonight at St. Peter's Catholic Church, 1529 Assembly St. $10. (803) 777-5369

AUTUMN CONCERTS AT ST. PAUL'S: Quartet di Sole, 4 p.m. Sunday at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 1715 Bull St. Free, followed by a reception. (803) 779-0030; www.stpaulscolumbia.com

A HAYDN CELEBRATION: Columbia Choral Society concert, 4 p.m. Sunday at Washington Street UMC, 1401 Washington St. $12; seniors and students, $10. (803) 933-9060; www.columbiachoralsociety.org

'LA BOHEME' MEETS THE THREE BARITONES: 7:30 p.m. Friday in the Dreher High School auditorium. Presented by the Palmetto Opera. Tickets are $30; students, $10. (803) 776-0526

JAZZ AT THE VILLAGE: 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Town Center Commons, Village at Sandhill (Clemson and Two Notch roads). Season finale will feature USC's Carolina Alive vocal jazz ensemble and the USC Saxophone Quartet.

WEDNESDAYS AT TRINITY: Free concert series, 12:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Dec. 11 in Satterlee Hall on Senate Street. Lunch is available from noon-12:30 p.m. and 1-1:30 p.m.; $6. This week's performance will feature the Dick Goodwin Quintet. (803) 771-7300; www.trinitysc.org

REID'S ROCKIN' AT THE RACEWAY: Free concert series, 6:30-9 p.m. Fridays at the Historic Columbia Raceway, 2001 Charleston Highway (U.S. 321), Cayce. This week, Hijacked takes the stage. (803) 794-6504

CLASS REUNIONS

C.A. JOHNSON HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1959: 50-year reunion, Nov. 27-29. Call James Kelly Jr., (803) 754-3312; Bangwa Frances Hill-Fair, (803) 772-3824; or Mary Harrison Bowden, (803) 254-6675 for more information.

FUNDRAISERS

COOPERATIVE MINISTRY: "Hold My Hand" fundraiser, 6:30 tonight at the Columbia Marriott, 1200 Hampton St. Event will feature a reception at 6:30 p.m., dinner at 7:45 and the presentation of the Outstanding Community Service Award to Jim "Soni" Sonefeld of Hootie and the Blowfish. $45; couples, $80. Tickets available at www.coopmin.org; (803) 799-3853 or at the door.

BREWS, BLUEGRASS AND BARBECUE: 5:30-9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Sumter and Calhoun streets. Beer, wine, barbecue, live music by the Papa String Band and steel drums featuring Chis Lee. Door prizes, photo exhibit. $30; proceeds benefit the Family Shelter. (803) 771-7040

MASQUERADE DE MACABRE: Columbia Museum of Art Contemporaries Black and White Ball, 8 p.m.-midnight Friday, Oct. 30. Food, silent auction, museum tour, mask contest and silent auction for a Chihuly glass bowl. $50 per person; Contemporaries and museum memberships available in advance. (803) 799-2810

ANIMAL PROTECTION LEAGUE: Benefit auction, 6-10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at the Columbia Marriott, 1200 Hampton St. $45, includes heavy hors d'oeuvres (vegan and vegetarian options), beer, wine soft drinks; $50 at the door. Deadline for advance tickets, table reservations ($300 for a table seating eight) and donations for live or silent auctions is Saturday. (803) 603-5443; www.aplsc.org

CHILDREN'S MIRACLE NETWORK TORCH RELAY: 5K walk, 2 p.m. Sunday beginning at the Blatt Building, 1300 Wheat St. on the USC campus. Online registration at www.torch-relay.org is $15 and includes a T-shirt and drawstring bag; race day registration is $25. Proceeds benefit Palmetto Health Children's Hospital. A cookout provided by Food Lion will be held following the event.

HOLIDAY GREENERY SALE: Accepting orders through Monday, Nov. 2, for wreaths, door swags, garlands and centerpieces to benefit St. Lawrence Place. Items may be picked up at Trinity Episcopal Church the first week in December, or can be shipped anywhere in the U.S. Pick-up items range from $20-$35; direct delivery prices are $30-$75. Order at www.stlawrenceplace.org/cms/node/115 or call (803) 256-3999.

LIGHT THE NIGHT WALK: Community celebration and fundraiser to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society will be 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, at Columbia International University, 7435 Monticello Road. In addition to the walk, there will be music, food and family activities. Registration begins at 6 p.m.; online registration at www.lightthenight.org/sc

LOWCOUNTRY SHRIMP BOIL: 5-7 tonight at Mental Illness Recovery Center Inc., 3809 Rosewood Drive. Tickets are $15 and include shrimp, sausage, corn on the cob, potatoes and onions combo, coleslaw and iced tea. Drive-through available. Live music by Sugar Daddy, door prizes will be awarded. Proceeds benefit MIRCI's programs that secure housing and provide services to homeless persons with mental illness or dual diagnosis (mental illness and substance abuse). (803) 786-1844, ext. 195.

THE COW JUMPED OVER THE MOON CHILDREN'S CONSIGNMENT SALE: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday (all items half price) at Plex Indoor Sports, Village at Sandhill. Consignors receive 65 percent of the price of their sold items; $5 consignor fee will be waived for volunteering at the sale; register at www.jumpedoverthemoon.com. Presale for volunteers begins at 5 p.m. today; new mothers may shop 6-8 tonight. The National Kidney Foundation will be the beneficiary of all donated items after the sale.

FALL PHOTOS BENEFITING TOYS FOR TOTS: Noon-5 p.m. Sunday at Grookett Photography, lower level, Midtown at Forest Acres. In exchange for a professional photography session of their children in Halloween garb, folks are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy for the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program. No appointment necessary. (803) 782-4546; e-mail grookettstudio@yahoo.com

PETS INC. DOG'TOBERFEST: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday at 300 Orchard Drive, West Columbia. Vendor booths, festival games, professional pet photography, bake sale. Howlerween costume contest begins at 1 p.m.; registration fee, $10. All proceeds will benefit the shelter animals at Pets Inc. (803) 739-9333, www.petsinc.org

STEPPIN' OUT TO SHOP: 6-9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, at Stepping Out Dance Studio, 5175 Sunset Blvd., Lexington (behind McAlister's Deli). More than 25 vendors plus door prizes and refreshments. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Stepping Out Dance Studio's company dancers. (803) 808-7766

SPECIAL EVENTS

BOO AT THE ZOO: 6-9 p.m. Friday through Oct. 30 at Riverbanks Zoo. Family-friendly Halloween event will feature trick or treat trail, Frankenstein's Foam Zone, DJ dance party and more. Costumes encouraged for ages 12 and younger. $8; members, $6; advance sales only, no tickets will be sold the night of the event. (803) 779-8717; www.riverbanks.org

CHILI COOK-OFF: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, on Beaufort Street in Chapin. Free admission; sponsored by the Greater Chapin Chamber of Commerce. (803) 345-1100

CANALAPALOOZA ... COLUMBIA CANAL, INTRODUCE YOURSELF TO THE FALL LINE: 1-5 p.m. Sunday at Riverfront Park, Laurel and Huger streets. Free family event features guided tours, lectures, exhibits, kayaking demonstrations and more. Picnics, chairs, bikes and skates welcome. www.columbiagreen.org

BOO AT BRUSTER'S: 2-3 p.m. Saturday at Bruster's Ice Cream (across from Spring Valley High School). Children's pumpkin decorating, games for ghoulish prizes and graveyard sundaes. Free ice cream for your canine friends. (803) 419-8889.

RICHLAND COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT DARESCREAM NIGHT: 5-9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, in the Baskin-Robbins parking lot, 4711 Forest Drive. Dunking booth, face painting, karate demonstrations, bike safety course, police vehicles and D.A.R.E. trucks, poster contest, Halloween costume contest, shag and line dancing demonstration and instruction. Sheriff Leon Lott and School Resource Officers will be behind the counter, serving up ice cream treats.

HISTORIC COLUMBIA FOUNDATION SCARECROWS IN THE GARDEN: Exhibit will be open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily through Saturday, Oct. 31 (except Monday), and 1-5 p.m. Sunday at the Robert Mills House and Garden, 1616 Blanding St. Vote for the People's Choice Award until noon Oct. 31. www.historiccolumbia.org.

CAMELLIA SHOW: Friday through Sunday in the Ellison Building at the State Fairgrounds. Entries will be accepted 8-10:30 a.m. Friday. Sponsored by the Mid-Carolina Camellia Society. (803) 261-1952

JINGLING BROS. CARNIVAL AND CANDY CIRCUS: 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, at Life Springs Worship Center, 5630 Platt Springs Road, Lexington. Parking, games and rides are free; small fee for food and drinks. (803) 947-2221; www.lswc.com

ITALIAN FESTIVAL AND BOCCE TOURNAMENT: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at Finlay Park. Music, car and motorcycle show, food, puppet show, games, entertainment, vendors and a street dance featuring the Sensational Epics. Free; food and beverage concessions require tickets. Participation in the bocce tournament requires a fee and signup onsite. (803) 600-3720

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