Community calendar

THURSDAY

GREEK FESTIVAL: Thursday through Sunday at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 1900 block of Sumter Street. Greek food, music, dancing, vendors, church tours and more. Hours are 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and noon-8 p.m. Sunday.

COVERAGE TO CARE FORUM: Noon-1 p.m. Thursday at Earlewood Park, 1111 Parkside Drive. More answers to questions on the healthcare marketplace/Affordable Care Act. Sponsored by the Cooperative Ministry. (803) 799-3853

CLAIMS AND E-BENEFITS WORKSHOP FOR VETERANS: 4-6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Columbia VA Regional Office, 6437 Garners Ferry Road. Learn more about the VA disability compensation and appeals process; establish eBenefits accounts online and navigate available resources. Claims representatives will answer specific questions and provide helpful information. Easily accessible, free parking will be available directly in front of the office. Interested veterans, their families and service members should RSVP to workshop.vbacms@va.gov with name, number attending and contact information.

FARM TO TABLE DINNER: 6-8 p.m. Thursday at Saluda Shoals Park, 5605 Bush River Road. Opening cocktails, beverage pairings and multiple courses prepared by Dupre’s Catering. Live music by the Dick Goodwin Trio. Tickets are $60; available at http://icrc.net/tickets or call (803) 213-2025. Proceeds will benefit the campaign to build Nature’s Theater at the park.

COLUMBIA BRANCH NAACP MEMBERSHIP APPRECIATION CELEBRATION: 7 p.m. Thursday at Brookland Banquet and Conference Center, 1066 Sunset Blvd., West Columbia. Theme for this year’s fundraiser is “Continuing to Stand for Justice and Equality.” Vi Alexander Lyle will be the keynote speaker. Tickets are $50. (803) 873-4514 or (803) 315-6821

“YOU GOTTA MAKE SOME PLACE TO BE SOMEBODY – THE BIRTH AND REBIRTH OF A MUSEUM”: 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the 701 Center for Contemporary Art, 701 Whaley St., second floor. Lecture featuring Barry Gaither, director and curator of the Museum of the National Center of Afro-American Artists in Boston. Gaither, a native of Great Falls, is the national juror for the 701 CCA Prize 2014. Free. (803) 779-4571; http://701cca.org

USC SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: “Russian Extravaganza!”, 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Koger Center for the Arts, 1051 Greene St. Season opener will feature cellist Zuill Bailey and performances of works by Tchaikovsky and Prokofiev. Tickets are $30; senior citizens, USC faculty and staff, $25; students, $8. (803) 252-2222; http://capitoltickets.com or at the Koger Center box office 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays.

“OKLAHOMA!”: 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Town Theatre, 1012 Sumter St. Special preview performance to benefit the Palmetto Health Richland Children’s Cancer & Blood Disorders Clinic. Tickets are $15; sponsorships available from $100-$1,000. (866) 933-2873 or email gina@curingkidscancer.org

“VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE”: 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Trustus Theatre, 520 Lady St. 2013 Tony Award winner for Best Play, it’s a hilarious adaptation of Chekhov themes that doesn’t require familiarity with Chekhov. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sept. 21. (803) 254-9732; http://trustus.org

FRIDAY

GREEK FESTIVAL: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 1900 block of Sumter Street. Greek food, music, dancing, vendors, church tours and more.

GOLF BALL DROP: 10:30-11:30 a.m. Friday at the Members Club at Woodcreek, 301 Club Ridge Road, Elgin. A helicopter will drop 1,000 numbered golf balls over the club driving range. Tickets will be sold ($10 each or six for $50) and the holder of the ticket corresponding to the ball that lands in or closest to the hole wins $1,000. Proceeds will benefit the programs and services of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Columbia. Tickets available by calling (803) 254-0118 or at http://golfballdrop2014.eventbrite.com

BLYTHEFEST: 5-9 p.m. Friday at Trinity United Methodist Church, 90 Boney Road, Blythewood. Food, silent auction, bake sale, book sale, live entertainment, local vendors, children’s games and rides, face painting and kids’ costume contest. Free admission

USC WIND ENSEMBLE CONCERT: 6 p.m. Friday in the School of Music Recital Hall, 813 Assembly St. Free concert will feature performance of James Stephenson’s “The Devil’s Tale,” conceived as a sequel to Stravinsky’s “The Soldier’s Tale,” conducted by D.M.A. candidate Tremon Kizer. Free.

MUSIC AT SANDHILL: 7-9 p.m. Friday in Town Center Common, Village at Sandhill, Clemson and Two Notch roads. The Java Band, a six-piece ensemble, brings a high-energy mix of jazz, Carolina beach, Motown, rock, soul and top 40 dance hits of the 1970s-1980s. Sponsored by Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, the concert series is free.

“OKLAHOMA!”: 7:30 p.m. Friday at Town Theatre, 1012 Sumter St. The popular musical kicks off Town Theatre’s 96th season with a run through Oct. 11. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are $25; seniors, military and college students, $20; age 17 and younger, $15. (803) 799-2510; http://towntheatre.com

“LEGENDS”: 7:30 p.m. Friday at One Stage Productions, 680 Cherokee Lane, West Columbia. Country music revue from Broadway to the Grand Opry, runs through Sept. 28. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are $18; senior citizens, military and students, $16; youth, $14. http://onstagesc.com

END OF SUMMER DANCE: 7:30-10:30 p.m. Friday at the Lourie Center, 1650 Park Circle. Carolina beach music, oldies, classic rock ’n roll, featuring DJ Rick Wrigley (aka DJ Johnny Fox), who, during the 1960s, broadcast his “Nightbeat Show” from a small radio booth at Doug Broome’s Drive-In. Age 21 and older, tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door. BYOB and snacks. (803) 779-1971; http://louriecentersc.com

“VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE”: 8 p.m. Friday at Trustus Theatre, 520 Lady St. 2013 Tony Award winner for Best Play, it’s a hilarious adaptation of Chekhov themes that doesn’t require familiarity with Chekhov. Running through Sept. 27, show times are 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sept. 21. (803) 254-9732; http://trustus.org

SATURDAY

WOMEN AT HEART EARLY HEALTH SCREENINGS: 7-10 a.m. Saturday at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, 1101 Lincoln St. Screenings will include a fasting lipid panel, blood pressure, body mass index, fasting glucose as well as weight and waist circumference. Health screenings require a 12-hour fast. Participants are encouraged to register early because screening appointments are limited. (803) 296-2273; http://womenatheart2014.eventbrite.com

ELECTRONIC RECYCLING EVENT: 7-10:30 a.m. Saturday at Brookland Baptist Church Northeast Campus, 1203 Summit Parkway. The event is a joint effort of Richland County Solid Waste and Recycling and the Summit Community Association. Shred with US, eCycle Secure and CMC Recycling are sponsors. Accepting computers and computer accessories (keyboards, monitors, printers and scanners); TVs, stereos, household electronics, VCRs, DVD players, power tools, radios, fax machines, small appliances, microwave ovens, household electric items with power cords, telephones (land and cell), pages and answering machines; scrap metal,including stoves, washers, dryers bicycles, metal door frames, metal chairs, metal shelves and lawn mowers (must be free of gas and oil); car tires and light truck tires, bike or wheelbarrow tires (limit eight per family); paper shredding will be available, also. No commercial materials; refrigerators, air conditioners or other units that use Freon will not be accepted. (803) 576-2446; http://rcgov.us

RICHLAND COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT CITIZENS ACADEMY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION YARD SALE: 8 a.m.-noon Saturday at the North Springs Recreation Center, 1320 Clemson Road. Proceeds will benefit the RCSD Sheriff’s Foundation. Great buys on clothes, appliances, toys, DVDs, books, baby items, furniture. CDs and more. Will be accepting donated items at 7:30 a.m. the day of the sale. (803) 576-3023

BLYTHEFEST FAMILY FUN RUN: 9 a.m. Saturday at Trinity United Methodist Church, 90 Boney Road, Blythewood. One-mile untimed run/walk from Trinity to Bethel-Hanberry Elementary School. Trophies will be awarded to the school with the highest number of students participating and to the school with the highest number of total participants. Registrants may indicate which school they’re supporting when they sign up. Entry fees are $10; $30 maximum per family. All proceeds will benefit Trinity’s missions and outreach that serve the Blythewood Community – Salkehatchie, Habitat for Humanity, Christian Assistance Bridge, Trinitree and more. Register at http://blythefest.com/fun-run through Friday. Late registration will be held 5-7 p.m. Friday and 8-8:30 a.m. Saturday at the church.

KEEP THE MIDLANDS BEAUTIFUL RIVER SWEEP: 9 a.m.-noon Saturday at Riverbanks Zoo. Volunteers should meet at the west end of the zoo parking lot by 8:45 p.m. to clean the banks of the Lower Saluda River. Participants will be supplied with trash bags, bug spray, water and gloves. Volunteers should wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and dress for the weather (bring work gloves if you have them). For more information, call (803) 733-1139 or go to http://keepthemidlandsbeautiful.org

BLYTHEFEST: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday at Trinity United Methodist Church, 90 Boney Road, Blythewood. Food, silent auction, bake sale, book sale, live entertainment, local vendors, children’s games and rides, face painting and kids’ costume contest. Free admission.

QUILTS OF VALOR FUNDRAISER: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday at the S.C. National Guard Armory, 1255 Bluff Road. Keynote speakers Marianne and Mary Fons will lecture during the workshop, which is sponsored by Custom Creative Quilting. Funds raised will be used to purchase fabric, thread, batting and backing to be used by South Carolina quilters to help fulfill the Quilts of Valor Foundation – “to cover all combat service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor.” Tickets are $60; $10 for a box lunch. (803) 664-1348

SC PRIDE CELEBRATION: Saturday on Main Street. 5K and fun run begin at 9 a.m.; noon parade starts on Gervais Street, across from the State House. Entertainment will include Lorrie Morgan, Deborah Cox and four cast members from “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” http://scpride.org

CONGAREE NATIONAL PARK: Nature discovery hike, 9:30 a.m. Saturday at 100 National Park Road, Hopkins. Take a walk with a volunteer naturalist to look and listen for animals in the forest. Wilderness tree trek, 2 p.m. Saturday. Walk with a ranger to explore the old-growth forest along the boardwalk. Programs are free, meet at the Harry Hampton Visitors Center; dress appropriately for being outdoors, bring water and insect repellent. (803) 647-3970; http://nps.gov/cong

LET’S MOVE! COLUMBIA GAMEDAY: The event, scheduled for 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday in the green space next to Drew Wellness Center, has been canceled.

WORLD’S LARGEST TRUCK CONVOY: 10 a.m. Saturday from the SC Department of Public Safety headquarters, 10311 Wilson Blvd., Blythewood, down I-77 through Columbia and back. The event is sponsored by the Law Enforcement Torch Run, the State Transport Police, Department of Public Safety and members of the trucking industry to help raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics. Upon the convoy’s return, a picnic, live DJ, dunk-a-cop booth, jump castle, massages and games.

FALL BAZAAR: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at Pisgah Lutheran Church, 1350 Pisgah Church Road, Lexington. Local craftsmen and popular brand vendors will help you get a jump start on your holiday shopping. Free admission.

BARBECUE AND CLASSIC CAR CRUISE-IN: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at BI-LO, 6021 St. Andrews Road. Plates are $10 and include pulled pork, baked beans, coleslaw, roll and a drink; tailgate specials are $25 and include 2 lbs. of pulled pork, eight buns and choice of baked beans or coleslaw. Deadline to order tailgate specials is Wednesday. Proceeds will benefit Children’s Chance during National Pediatric Cancer Month. (803) 254-5996; http://childrenschancesc.org

ROSEWOOD ARTS FESTIVAL: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday at Rockaways, 2719 Rosewood Drive. More than 100 artists will exhibit their work in a family-friendly atmosphere; there will be two stages for live entertainment – acts include members from the S.C. Philharmonic, Tom Hall and the Plowboys, Columbia Marionette Theatre, the Dawn Key Shotguns and the Tonya Tyner Trio.

GREEK FESTIVAL: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 1900 block of Sumter Street. Greek food, music, dancing, vendors, church tours and more.

BARBECUE SALE AND FALL BAZAAR: Saturday at Pisgah Lutheran Church, 1350 Pisgah Church Road, Lexington. Bazaar will be open 10 a.m.-2 p.m. with local craftsmen and popular brands vendors. The barbecue sale will begin at noon; last pick-ups will be available at 3 p.m. The menu will feature whole grilled Boston butts, $40; whole chickens, $10; plates (1/2 chicken, baked beans, coleslaw, pickles and a roll), $8. Advance ticket purchase is required, stop by the church office 8 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays or call (803) 359-2223

FALL FESTIVAL AND PICKIN’ PARTY: 10 am.-5 p.m. Saturday at the State Museum, 301 Gervais St. (outside and in the lobby). Live music, artists and craftsmen, children’s activities, craft beer and barbecue cooks. (803) 898-4921; http://scmuseum.org

COLUMBIA MUSEUM OF ART: “Rivers and Tides,” noon Saturday, a documentary on landscape sculptor Andy Goldsworthy. Free with membership or admission. The museum is at 1515 Main St. Admission is $12; military and age 65 and older, $10; students, $5; age 5 and younger, free. (803) 799-2810; http://columbiamuseum.org

GALLERY TALK: 2 p.m. Saturday at if ART Gallery, 1223 Lincoln St. Meet Eric Miller, whose exhibition, “The Technology of Bricks” is on display at the gallery through Sept. 27. (803) 238-2351; http:/ifartgallery.blogspot.com

CONTRA DANCE: 7-10:30 p.m. Saturday at Wesley Memorial UMC, 2501 Heyward St. Live music by Cabin Fever, caller will be Marolyn Floyd. New dancers workshop7-7:30 p.m. Bring clean, soft-soled, non-marking shoes; no partner necessary. Sponsored by Columbia Traditional Music and Dance, admission is $8; students with ID, $5. (803) 760-5881; http://contracola.org

UU COFFEEHOUSE: Ellis, in concert, 8 p.m. Saturday at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 2701 Heyward St.; doors open at 7 p.m. Advance tickets w/reservations, $15; at the door, $17; all student tickets, $3. Order online at https://squareup.com/market/uu-coffeehouse/online-sales

SUNDAY

GREEK FESTIVAL: Noon-8 p.m. Sunday at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 1900 block of Sumter Street. Greek food, music, dancing, vendors, church tours and more.

HISTORIC COLUMBIA $1 SUNDAY: Richland and Lexington County residents may tour one of Historic Columbia’s house museums (Robert Mills House, Hampton-Preston Mansion and the Mann-Simons Site) Sunday for only $1. Tours are offered on the hour from 1-4 p.m. with the last tours starting at 4 p.m. Valid ID is required and general admission prices apply for any tours after the first. Tickets available at the Robert Mills gift shop, 1616 Blanding St. (803) 252-1770, ext. 23; http://historicolumbia.org

CAROLINA BRIDAL SHOWCASE: 1-5 p.m. Sundayat the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, 1101 Lincoln St. One-stop shopping opportunity for brides-to-be (and members of the wedding party) will feature more than 125 wedding professionals offering bridal gowns, tuxedos, photography, music, wedding cakes, flowers, honeymoons, wedding planners, caterers and more. Admission is $12; discount coupons available at participating exhibitors. Brides may pre-register at http://bridecityshows.com

“THE NEW BLACK”: 2-5 p.m. Sunday at Nickelodeon, 1607 Main St. The documentary tells the story of how the African-American community is grappling with the gay rights issue in light of the recent gay marriage movement and the fight over civil rights. There will be a post-film discussion with Tiffany Adams from Kingdom Outreach Fellowship; attorney John Nichols from Bluestein, Nichols, Thompson, Delgado LLC; and Anthony Beckett, vice president of education & outreach from South Carolina Black Pride. Tickets are $1. (803) 254-8234; http://nickelodeon.org

ART SHOW RECEPTION: 2-5 p.m. Sunday at the Irmo Branch Library, 6251 St. Andrews Road. Meet artists of the Seven Oaks Art League and the Corley Mill Artists’ Group, whose works are on display at the library as part of the Friends of the Irmo Branch Library’s 25th anniversary celebration. (803) 798-7880; http://www.lex.lib.sc.us

CORNELIA FREEMAN CONCERT: 3 p.m. Sunday in the USC School of Music Recital Hall, 813 Assembly St. Chamber music series features members of USC’s music faculty. Program will feature “Duet for Double Bass and Piano,” “The Lake at Evening” and “The Lake at Night,” both from “To Be Sung Upon the Water,” “Auf dem Wasser zu singen” and String Quartet No. 2 in A Minor.” Tickets are $12; senior citizens and USC faculty and staff, $10; student admission is $5. (803) 576-5763; http://sc.edu/music/freeman

PEACE DAY: 3-5 p.m. Sunday at the State House (north side). Festival-style event will feature music, speakers, face painting, peace-themed activities – pinwheels for peace, peace canes, group peace sign photo and more, marking International Peace Day. Sponsored by the Carolina Peace Resource Center. http://carolinapeace.org

UPCOMING EVENTS

COLUMBIA MUSEUM OF ART: “¡Fuerza! Artistas Latin@s,” community gallery opening, 6-9 p.m. Sept. 23 at 1515 Main St. ¡Fuerza! visually explores the connections between domestic violence and the underrepresented minorities in the United States. Opening celebration will feature drinks, music and more. Exhibition will be on display through Nov. 30 (803) 799-2810

WOMEN AT HEART EARLY HEALTH SCREENINGS: 7-10 a.m. Sept. 24 at Palmetto Health Baptist, 1501 Sumter St., ground floor, Classrooms D and E. Screenings will include a fasting lipid panel, blood pressure, body mass index, fasting glucose as well as weight and waist circumference. Health screenings require a 12-hour fast. Participants are encouraged to register early because screening appointments are limited. (803) 296-2273; http://palmettohealth.org

OUTREACH FAIR AND TOWN HALL FOR VETERANS: 4:45 p.m. Sept. 24 at the Medallion Center, 7309 Garners Ferry Road. Staff members from the Dorn VA Medical Center will provide healthcare and benefit information for veterans and their families; the fair will last an hour. The town hall meeting, from 6-7 p.m., will give veterans the opportunity to provide input on the improvement of VA programs.

C STREET BRASS CONCERT: 7:30 p.m. Sept. 24 in the USC School of Music Recital Hall, 813 Assembly St. C Street Brass expands the limits of what’s possible with five brass instrument, connecting lovers of the arts from all walks of life around a unique and innovative concert experience. Free.

SHEPHERD’S CENTER OF LEXINGTON: New session meets Thursdays, Sept. 25-Oct. 30 at Lexington United Methodist Church, 309 E. Main St., Lexington. Classes meet at 10 and 11 a.m. and 1:15 p.m., with a break at noon for lunch and a speaker. Offerings include “Learn to Play Bridge,” “Lake Murray and Historic Houses in Lexington,” “Not Your Grandmother’s Way to Quilt,” “Fall Gardening Tips and Ideas,” “Music That Drives” and many others. Tuition is $25 for the entire session; lunches must be reserved for the entire session; cost is $12 and is due at registration. (803) 359-6838, ext. 110; http://sclex.org

SPEAKER AT THE CENTER: Noon-1 p.m. Sept. 25 at the State Library, 1500 Senate St. Program will feature Richard Dwight Porcher Jr. and William Robert Judd, authors of “The Market Preparation of Carolina Rice.” Free and open to the public; feel free to bring a lunch. Books will be available for purchase and signing. (803) 734-8666; http://statelibrary.sc.gov

TRANSPORTATION PENNY MEETING: 5:30-7 p.m. Sept. 25 at the Richland County Sheriff’s Substation Region 1 Division, 2615 Lower Richland Blvd. Open house format will include an opportunity to view informational displays and aerial maps of the Southeast Richland Neighborhood Master Plan projects funded through the Transportation Penny program.

“LIVE FROM NASHVILLE”: 7:30 p.m. Sept. 25 at the Historic Sumter Opera House, 21 N. Main St., Sumter. Touring production celebrates the many faces of “Music City” in the last century. Tickets are $25; students, $10. (803) 436-2616; http://sumteroperahouse.com

FALL NATURE WALK: 10 a.m. Sept. 27 at Sesquicentennial State Park, 9564 Two Notch Road. Gided nature walk will take participants on a casual stroll along the half-mile Jackson Creek Nature Trail. Meet at the park office and dress appropriately for being outdoors, insect repellent is recommended. Adults must accompany children age 15 and younger. Registration deadline is Sept. 24. Fees are $5, $3 for seniors and children age 15 and younger . Free for all Park Passport Plus holders. (803) 788-2706 or email sesqui@scprt.com

MIDLANDS FALL PLANT AND FLOWER FESTIVAL: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 26, 27 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 28 at the State Farmers Market, 3483 Charleston Highway, West Columbia. Vendors will offer lawn and garden decor, seasonal plants and flowers; Clemson Extension’s Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer home landscape questions. Free admission and parking; dress comfortably and bring a wagon for convenient shopping. (803) 734-0648

KOON/MARTIN MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT: Oct. 3 at Indian River Golf Club, 200 Indian River Drive, West Columbia. Sign-in at 7:30 a.m., 8:45 a.m. shotgun start. Lunch and awards at 1:30 p.m. Winning teams will receive Academy Sports gift cards; $100 each for first place and $50 each for second place. Foursome packages are $240; mulligans, $5 (limit two per player). Registration deadline is Friday. Sponsored by Living Springs Worship Center, proceeds will help fund the South Lexington Community Carnival, South Lexington Egg Hunt and the South Lexington Emergency Food Pantry. (803) 957-2221; http://lswc.com

LOW-CALORIE CRACKED CANDY MOSAIC ART WORKSHOP: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 4 and 11 at the Columbia Parks and Recreation Art Center, 1928 Calhoun St. Sharon Funderburk will guide participants through the process of crating a 12”x12” mosaic art piece. $90, includes all supplies and materials. Registration deadline is Saturday. Class size is limited to 10 students, at least four students must sign up for the workshop to be held. Participants should bring safety glasses. http://columbiasc.net

This story was originally published September 17, 2014 at 9:34 AM with the headline "Community calendar."