Last year, the Power Squadron graduated more than 220 students for the second consecutive year, and has been recognized by the United States Power Squadrons for its service to the community. Education Officer Bob Yannacci of the LNSPS expects, as a result of a tragic injury last year involving a rental boat operated by an inexperienced boater, that all Lake Norman law enforcement will be taking a closer look at all vessel operators in 2012 to make sure that they are in compliance with current state boating laws.
Yannacci also expects more students referred to the program as a result of citations handed out by officers last year, along with a requirement that anyone younger than 26 is required to take a boating safety course.
Although fewer class sessions will be held in 2012, they will be held in larger venues. Pre-registration is required for all classes.
Class sessions hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at a cost of $45, which includes student manual and lunch, along with a free UPSP six-month trial membership for graduates. Register online at www.usps.org/lakenorman.In addition to the four boater safety classes, the Power Squadron will also hold a free navigation class on Saturday, Sept. 15, for 2012 graduates who wish to continue learning boating skills.
The 2012 class schedule includes:
• Saturday, March 24, at Huntersville United Methodist Church, 14005 Stumptown Road in Huntersville.
• Saturday, June 2, at Mount Mourne Volunteer Fire Department, 1577 Mecklenburg Highway in Mooresville.
• Saturday, July 14, at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, 19600 Zion St. in Cornelius.
• Saturday, Aug. 18, at Duke Energy Environmental Center, McGuire Nuclear Station Road in Huntersville.
For more information, call Yannacci at 704-660-5568 or send him an a-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Community Arts Project Valentine's party
The Community Arts Project in Cornelius will sponsor its annual "Have A Heart" Valentine's party Saturday, Feb. 4, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Cornelius Arts Center, 19725 Oak Street, Unit 1, Cornelius. Card making and Valentine crafts for all ages will be provided at the free event. A suggested donation of $5 will be accepted with proceeds shared with the Buddy Kemp Caring House in Charlotte.
The Valentine's event is just one of the activities on CAP's upcoming schedule. Other events include a Summer Camp Crawl and a Taste of Art. Summer Camp Crawl will be held Saturday, March 3, from 9 a.m. to noon. CAP is offering an exciting lineup of summer art camps for children ages 4-12, with more than 40 different themes. Tweens and teens between the ages of 10 and 16 can choose from art and ceramic ventures. The free event includes drop-in art featuring projects from the camps, hands-on demonstrations, ceramic demonstrations and "meet the instructors" gatherings with question and answer sessions. This is an opportunity to check out and register for summer camps and take advantage of early bird and "multiple madness" discounts.
The fifth annual "Taste of Art" fundraising party and art auction to benefit CAP will be hosted at The Fresh Market, 20623 Torrence Chapel Road in Cornelius, on Thursday, March 22, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. The casual evening full of art, food and fun will feature a silent auction and raffle and will include art and other interesting items. Hors d'oeuvres and wine-tastings will be provided. Tickets cost $30 each and can be purchased by calling 704-896-8823.
For more details about future events and general information about The Community Arts Project (formerly The Children's Arts Project & Creative Art Exchange) visit www.thecommunityartsproject.org.
Church house blues at Lake Forest
Hope in a House of Blues, a Lake Forest Church tradition, will continue each Sunday through Feb. 19 at church's Huntersville and Davidson locations. The four-week sermon series addresses hurt, hate, hope and healing with an inspiring, blues-based musical backdrop.
On Sunday, Feb. 5, Larry McCray will be the featured guest. McCray's blues-rock guitar and warm, soulful vocals have drawn attention worldwide. In 2000, he was honored as the Orville Gibson Male Blues Guitarist of the Year and has opened shows for legends such as Eric Clapton, Peter Gabriel and Buddy Guy. Billboard magazine has hailed McCray as "a deep-voiced player with strong original tunes."
"Hope in a House of Blues 2012 has a very transformative feel," says the Rev. Mitch White, LFC's pastor of spiritual growth. "As a church, we have added another campus in Davidson, established a footing in an impoverished local neighborhood and are in the midst of an expansion at our Huntersville location. Though the actual series is only a month long, we are establishing ongoing counseling, leadership and spiritual growth opportunities which will allow us to extend the impact of Hope in a House of Blues well into the future through multiple venues."
Started in 1998 by the Rev. Mike Moses, LFC has grown to a weekly attendance of 1,500. Since its beginning, LFC has been known for reaching "people who've given up on church, but not on God." Sunday worship times in Huntersville are 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m. Worship times in Davidson are 9:30 and 11 a.m.
Pancakes and a floor show
The Rotary Club of North Mecklenburg will hold its annual Pancake Breakfast and Lake Norman Talent Show Saturday, Feb. 11, from 8 a.m. to noon at Bethel Presbyterian Church, 19920 Bethel Church Road, in Cornelius. The club is looking to sign up performers who are are urged to contact Cheri Thebeau at 704-895-5612 to register for the talent show.
Tickets cost $10, and all proceeds will benefit Big Brothers/Big Sisters Big Day at the Lake and Seed Programs International, which provides seeds to help fight world hunger. For more information visit www.Northmeckrotary.org.
St. Albans goes to the movies
Music at St. Alban's presents "A Night at the Movies" Sunday, Feb. 5, at 7:30 p.m. Experience the Roaring 20s at its finest when Charlotte pianist Ethan Uslan returns to St. Alban's Episcopal Church in Davidson with a program of syncopated music from the jazz age, followed by a live accompaniment to Buster Keaton's 1924 silent classic, Sherlock, Jr. In this film, Keaton plays an ofutlandish detective whose adventures culminate in one of cinema's most elaborate and unforgettable chase scenes.
General admission costs $15, $10 for seniors and free for children younger than 12. Tickets are are available for pickup at the door by calling 704-941-0650. St Alban's Episcopal Church is at 301 Caldwell Lane.
SNAP Fitness, TNT fitness challenge
SNAP Fitness, Total Nutrition Technology and the Davidson Parks and Recreation Department, will offer a community weight loss and fitness challenge Feb. 20-April 15. All participants will receive a free comprehensive fitness consultation, a nutrition health assessment, 24/7 access to both SNAP Fitness locations in Davidson, and weekly weigh-ins.
Each participant will be assigned a coach that will guide with informational and motivational e-mails or phone calls. The program includes four free nutrition and fitness workshops, and two group training sessions. There will be customized personal training and nutrition packages available for an additional fee.
Prizes for the top three winners will include a six-month SNAP Fitness membership, a five-week Total Nutrition Technology nutrition plan, and grocery store tour, one-hour massage and more, with a total prize package valued at more than $750. Weigh-ins will be held at SNAP Fitness at 130 Harbour Place in Davidson. Workshop and group training information will be announced at a later date. Cost is $85 for Davidson residents, $94 for all others, with 25 percent of all proceeds donated to the Davidson-Cornelius Child Development Center in Davidson.
'Buddy Benefit' with no instruments
A collection of Davidson College's best a cappella performers will join voices in February to help children with special needs. The third annual "Buddy Benefit" concert to support the Angels in Need organization will be held Sunday, Feb. 12, at the Duke Family Performance Hall on the Davidson campus. The free concert will begin at 4 p.m. and donations will be accepted at the door.
The a cappella concert featuring student groups is being sponsored by The Buddy System of Davidson College and the Kappa Sigma Fraternity.
Angels in Need is a 100 percent volunteer, non-profit charity based in Davidson with the mission of serving children with special needs and their families both locally and in other countries. The organization's goal is to enrich the lives of children and families by supporting existing programs and aiding in the development, implementation and financial support for programs in areas where services are needed.
Angels in Need provides services for children and families throughout the Lake Norman region and helps abandoned, orphaned, poverty-stricken and disabled children through the House of Angels in Romania and the Republic of Georgia.
For reservations for the concert, or additional information about the organizations involved in the benefit, visit www.angelsinneed.org or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Ralph Lambert Senior Softball League
Huntersville and Cornelius parks and recreation departments will offer the spring senior softball league again this year. This league is for adults ages 50 and older. Games will be played on Wednesday nights and the season will consist of 10 games and an end-of-the-season tournament. Registration will continue through March 2. A skills day and players meeting will be held March 3 at 3 p.m. at North Mecklenburg Park in Huntersville. Cost is $30 for Cornelius and Huntersville residents, $45 for all others.
For more information or to register, visit or call Cornelius PARC at 21445 Catawba Avenue in Cornelius, 704-896-2460, ext. 160; or Huntersville Parks and Recreation, 105 Gilead Road, third floor, Huntersville, 704-766-2220.
Hang out with Oscar
North Mecklenburg Women's Club presents "A Night Out With Oscar" Thursday, Feb. 23, Havana Banquet and Ballroom. Festivities begin at 6 p.m. The red carpet gala evening includes a plated dinner, cocktails, fashion extravaganza, gift bag, silent and live auctions, entertainment and surprises.
Admission is $50 per person and evening attire is suggested. To purchase tickets, call 704-806-0077 or 704-996-0389. Havana Banquet and Ballroom is at the former Palace Theater at 8325 Copley Drive in Cornelius.
Cookie drive
Because the Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte still has a stocked freezer of cookie dough on reserve as a result from last year's cookie drive, Cookies for a Cause will expand this year's effort to help more children and families in need. New beneficiaries of the group's efforts will be the Barium Springs Children's Home near Statesville and Angels and Sparrows Soup Kitchen of Huntersville.
Founded in 1891, Barium Springs provided services to 2,969 children, families and individuals in 2011. It's three primary objectives are to "heal the hurt" for children who are troubled, abused or neglected; provide a safe home through residential homes and foster care; and encourage a healthy start through educational and prevention programs.
Founded in 2007, Angels and Sparrows Soup Kitchen's mission is to help fight hunger in in north Mecklenburg. Services extend beyond a weekday meal at its spacious dining room. Angels and Sparrows reaches out to the community to deliver food to those in need and holds annual events, such as the recent Christmas party, to address need in the community.
Last year, Cookies For A Cause provided the Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte with 25,200 cookies. this year's goal is 40,000 cookies for Barium Springs and Angels and Sparrows. A donation of $15 buys one tub of Otis Spunkmeyer cookie dough, or 36 ready-to-bake individual cookies. Donations to purchase cookies can be made online at www.cookies4acause.com.
New Beginnings Singles Club
For people in the 50-plus age range — holds its monthly dinner meeting at 6:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month at LoneStar Steakhouse in Mooresville. Upcoming activities include a day trip to see the mummy exhibit at Discovery Place, a Super Bowl party, a Mardi Gras party, Cabaret at the CPCC Halton Theater, bowling, and movies and dinner. For information, call 704-677-2331 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Davidson Toastmasters
Davidson Toastmasters is an organization that provides its members an opportunity to learn and practice public speaking and leadership skills in a friendly, comfortable environment. Experienced professionals and beginning speakers alike can benefit from a practical, face-to-face learning program that includes weekly club meetings, training seminars and speech contests. Each meeting provides an opportunity to practice conducting meetings, giving impromptu speeches, presenting prepared speeches and offering constructive evaluation. New members are welcome, and meetings are held Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. at the Lake Norman YMCA, 21300 Davidson St., in Cornelius.
Youth Special Needs Youth Programs
One Sunday afternoon each month, a different recreational activity for young people with special needs will be held in north Mecklenburg. Participants will have an individual volunteer to engage them in activity-related skills. In addition, participants will have an opportunity to socialize with peers, improve self-esteem, learn new social skills and increase independence. The program is sponsored by Huntersville Parks and Recreation Department and Cornelius PARC. To register, visit www.corneliuspr.org or contact Trina Roeder at 704-892-6031, ext. 162 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
• Special Needs Basketball: Saturdays, Feb. 4-March 10, at Torrence Creek Elementary Gym, 14550 Ranson Road in Huntersville. Participants ages 5-16 will have an individual volunteer to engage them in basketball-related activities to learn basketball skills. Coaches will encourage participants to hone their dribbling, passing, and shooting skills while learning the rules of the game and interacting with peers. Cost is $35 for Cornelius and Huntersville residents, $40 for all others. Register by Feb. 2.
Summer Camps
Historic Lattta Plantation
Historic Latta Plantation offers several themed summer day camps for children. This year, in addition to its regular camps, Latta is offering three different Farm Camps for ages 4-17. These camps provide an interactive experience for children as they get up close and personal with animals. The historic site is nestled in the 1,342-acre Latta Plantation Nature Preserve, making it an ideal location for summer camp fun. The camps include:
• Civil War Soldier Camp: Boys and girls ages 8-12 are mustered into the Union and Confederate armies to experience life as a Civil War soldier. Relive the war through a week of drills, battles, hikes, farm programs and 19th century life. Campers receive several items to keep that they will use during the camp week, including a replica musket, kepi, haversack, T-shirt and more. The camp week will end with a major battle engagement that families can watch, and a formal graduation ceremony. Contact Matthew Waisner at 704-875-2312, ext. 305 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information. Camps run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day, and are scheduled for are June 25-28, July 9-12 and August 6-9. Cost is $175.
• 53rd Call To Arms Camp: Advanced Civil War Camp is for 13-14-year-olds who have graduated out of the Civil War Soldier Camp. Experience strategic battle planning, tacticals in the woods, fire starting with flint and steel, campfire cooking and more. Contact Matthew Waisner at 704-875-2312, ext. 305 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information. Hours are 9 a.m.-3 p.m., June 18-21. Cost is $175.
• Revolutionary War Soldier Camp: Boys and girls ages 8-12 can relive the American Revolution as a patriot or loyalist during a week of drills, battles, learning about soldier life, and much more. Contact Matthew Waisner at 704-875-2312, ext. 305 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information. Hours are 9 a.m.-3 p.m., July 23-26. Cost is $175.
• Miss Jane's Academy: This Civil War camp takes girls ages 8-12 back in time to see what life was like for women in the 19th century. Hands-on activities include spying, making fans, sewing, open-hearth cooking, and English country dancing to name a few. The girls will take a horse drawn covered-wagon ride through the nature preserve. Each girl will receive an apron, bonnet, and T-shirt to keep. Contact Nicole Cheslak at 704-875-2312, ext. 304 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information. Hours are 9 a.m.-3 p.m., June 25-28, July 9-12 and August 6-9.
• Mini Farm Camp: This camp is for boys and girls ages 4-5 who want to learn about farm life. Campers will meet the Latta animals, including chickens, pigs, sheep, goats, a cow, mule and horse. Each day will include hands-on farm activities, crafts, games and getting up-close and personal with the animals. For more information, contact Nicole Cheslak at 704-875-2312, ext. 304 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Hours are 9 a.m.-noon, June 12-14. Cost is $60.
• Jr. Farm Camp: This camp is for boys and girls ages 6-8. In addition to getting up-close to a variety of farm animals, campers will learn and participate in farm chores, animal care, natural plants and medicines and more. For more information, contact David Clay at 704-875-2312, ext. 303 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Hours are 9 a.m.-1 p.m., July 30-Aug. 2. Cost is $100.
• Farm Camp: This is an intense, extremely hands-on training course in all things farming for ages 12-17. The course will include animal husbandry, historic natural farming techniques, woodworking and more. Participants should be prepared for labor-intensive work and training. This camp is designed for those with a serious interest in learning about farming, animals and agriculture, as well as those who have a future interest in veterinary medicine. For more information, contact Nicole Cheslak at 704-875-2312, ext. 304 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Camp weeks are June 18-22, July 16-20, and Aug. 13-17. Cost is $200. A special spring break week is offered April 2-6.
Historic Latta Plantation
5225 Sample Road off Beatties Ford Road, Huntersville. Regular admission is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and students, free for ages 5 and younger. For information and registration, call 704-875-2312.
• Sweetheart Tours: Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 11-12. Enjoy a special tour and hear unique stories about the Latta daughters and 19th century courting customs. Tour times are Saturday, 11 a.m. and 12, 1, 2, 3 and 4 p.m.; and Sunday 2, 3 and 4 p.m. Tours are free with regular site admission ($7 for adults, $6 for seniors, $5 for students, free for ages 5 and younger).
• Victorian Valentine Homeschool Day: Tuesday, Feb. 14, noon-4 p.m. During a special Valentine's Day tour, learn about 19th century courting customs and etiquette and take part in activities include making old-fashioned Valentines using quill pens, fan language, English country dancing, baking in the old kitchen and more. Cost is $6 per person, free for children 4 and younger and members. No pre-registration necessary.
Library events
Cornelius Branch Library
21105 Catawba Ave., 704-416-3800, www.cmlibrary.org
• Baby Storytime: Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. Babies experience brain stimulation through language and socialization. New sights and sounds are shared with a parent/caregiver through books, songs, and rhymes. Registration required. For ages up to 18 months.
• Toddler Storytime: Wednesdays, 11 a.m. Toddlers build language skills, participate in music and movement activities, and discover the fun of books. Explore letters, sounds, and new words through stories and activities. Registration required. Ages 18-36 months.
• Preschool Storytime: Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m. Preschoolers engage with books and activities that encourage language and pre-reading skills. Hear stories, sing songs, and develop the skills needed to become a successful reader. Registration required. Ages 3-5.
• Learn, Quest, Play — Wii: Wednesdays 5 p.m. Teamwork, critical thinking and learning have never been so much fun. Join your peers to develop your literacy skills and engage with words on a whole new level. Ages 12-18.
• Global Café: Fridays, 10 a.m. Learn about America's history and culture while improving your English conversational skills. Adults.
• Daylily Book Club: Tuesday, Feb. 28, 10 a.m. This month's selection is The Kabul Beauty School by Deborah Rodriguez. All adults welcome; no registration required.
Davidson Branch
119 S. Main St., 704-416-4000, www.cmlibrary.org
• Paws to Read: Mondays and Tuesdays, 4 p.m. Children boost confidence and reading skills by reading to a certified therapy dog, Ages 5-11.
• Preschool Storytime: Fridays, 10:15 a.m. Preschoolers engage with books and activities that encourage language and pre-reading skills. Hear stories, sing songs, and develop the skills needed to become a successful reader. Ages 3-5.
• Toddler Storytime: Fridays, 11 a.m. Toddlers build language skills, participate in music and movement activities, and discover the fun of books. Explore letters, sounds, and new words through stories and activities. Ages 1-3.
• Science Saturday: Saturday, Feb. 4, 2 p.m. This program, designed to support science literacy, will be led by teen volunteer Matthew. Simple interactive science experiments based upon a book will be demonstrated. This month's title is The 5,000 Year Old Puzzle — Solving a Mystery of Ancient Egypt. Ages 5-11.
• Kid Lit for Adults: Monday, Feb. 27, 4 p.m. An informal book discussion of the life and works of Harry Bliss and Kathi Appelt. Teachers, parents, media specialists, grandparents, librarians and all adults who enjoy reading children's books are welcome.
• Global Café: Tuesdays at noon. Learn about America's history and culture while improving your English conversational skills. No registration necessary. Adults.
North County Regional
16500 Holly Crest Lane In Huntersville, 704-416-6000, www.cmlibrary.org
• Spanish Now: Fridays, 2:15 p.m. Learn basic Spanish for beginners. Adults and teens welcome. Contact Adriana at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to register. Teens and adults.
• Baby Storytime: Mondays, 10:30 a.m. Babies experience brain stimulation through language and socialization. New sights and sounds are shared with a parent/caregiver through books, songs, and rhymes. Registration required. Ages up to 18 months.
• Toddler Storytime: Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. Toddlers build language skills, participate in music and movement activities, and discover the fun of books. Explore letters, sounds, and new words through stories and activities. Registration required. Ages 18 months to two years.
• Drop In Family Storytime: Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. Children and adults will engage with books and activities that encourage language and pre-reading skills. Hear stories, sing songs, and develop the skills needed to become a successful reader. All ages.
• Warm Up Your Muscles: Wednesdays, 11 a.m. Stay fit with active songs and exercise. Bring your workout clothes because this class likes to move. Preschoolers engage with books and activities that encourage language and pre-reading skills. Hear stories, sing songs, and develop the skills needed to become a successful reader. Ages 3-5.
• Afternoon Adventures: Mondays, Feb. 13, 20 and 27. Elementary aged children are encouraged to explore literature in a fun and interactive program. Programs are intended to connect children with books and encourage children to use the library regularly. Ages 5-11.
• Spanish Now: Fridays at 2:15 p.m. Learn basic Spanish for beginners. Adults and teens welcome. Contact Adriana at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to register.
Computer classes
• Excel Basics II: Saturday, Feb. 4, 10 a.m. After a review of Excel, class will discuss writing formulas, modifying a spreadsheet, and creating charts and graphs. Registration Required. Adults and seniors.
• Word Basics: Thursday, Feb. 9, 10 a.m. Learn to create, edit and save a document in Microsoft Word 07. Designed for adults with some computer experience, but little or no previous word processing experience. Registration required. Adults and seniors.
• Excel Basics: Tuesday, Feb. 14, 10 a.m. Learn how to create, edit and save a basic spreadsheet in Microsoft Excel 07. This class is designed for adults with basic computer skills and familiarity with Microsoft Word. Registration required. Adults and seniors.
• Internet Basics: Wednesday, Feb. 22, 10 a.m. Covers how to access, navigate and print from a website and demonstrates some basic techniques for finding information on the Internet. For adults with some computer experience but little or no previous Internet experience. Registration required. Adults and seniors.
• Power Point Basics I: Thursday, Feb. 23, 10 a.m. Learn to create, edit and save a basic presentation in Power Point. For adults who have mastered basic computer skills. We strongly recommend you take Word Basics before taking this class. Registration required. Adults and seniors.
Galleries and Exhibits
Davidson College
• Gifts and paper: An art exhibition showcasing the college's "Recent Gifts and Acquisitions," including a major piece by Polish sculptor Magdalena Abakanowicz, is on display at the Belk Visual Arts Center. The exhibit showcases "Works on Paper" by Sean Scully, and marks the release of Davidson Collects: 100 Writers Respond to Art. This 280-page full color book describes the history of Davidson's visual art program, and includes 100 essays by Davidson students about works in the permanent collection. Project organizers There is no charge to view the exhibitions, which are open in the Belk Visual Arts Center from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, and noon to 4 p.m. on weekends. For more information call 704-894-2519.
Music
Davidson College
• Musical Interludes: Friday, Feb. 3, at 12:30 p.m. in Tyler-Tallman Hall of the Sloan Music Center. A mid-day fiddle concert by the multi-talented musician Jon Singleton. There is no charge to attend. For information call 704-894-2848.
• Organ Concert: Tuesday, Feb. 21, at 7:30 p.m. in Lingle Chapel of Davidson College Presbyterian Church. An organ concert by the church's Associate Music Director Michael Rowland, who will present works by Bach and Franck. There is no charge to attend, but donations will be accepted. For more information call 704-892-5641.
• Symphony Orchestra Concert: Thursday, Feb. 23, at 7:30 p.m. in Duke Family Performance Hall. Davidson College Symphony Orchestra's performance will include Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition and Hovhaness's Symphony No. 2 Mysterious Mountain. There is no charge to attend. For more information, call 704-894-2848.
Davidson College
Lectures and events open to the public at Davidson College
Lectures
• Religion Lecture: Tuesday, Feb. 7, at 7:30 p.m. in Duke Family Performance Hall. The annual Staley Lecture with renowned author Barbara Brown Taylor, who will speak about "Learning to Walk in the Dark: The Ancient Way of Unknowing." She will discuss how darkness has gotten a bad name among religious people, when it is in fact where God does some of His best work. Taylor teaches religion at Piedmont College in Georgia, and was voted Georgia's Author of the Year in 2006. She is an author of many articles and 12 books about Christian spirituality. There is no charge to attend. For more information call 704-894-2423.
• Holocaust Studies Lecture: Tuesday, Feb. 7, at 7:30 in Hance Auditorium of Chambers Building. A Holocaust studies lecture by Eric Steinhart, a scholar at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. Steinhart will discuss "Soviet Collaborators and the Holocaust in Ukraine" beginning. Steinhart has authored a number of articles on the Holocaust and Nazi Germany. His recent work, "Policing the Boundaries of 'Germandom' in the East: SS Ethnic German Policy and Odessa's 'Volksdeutsche,' 1941-1944," appeared last year in the journal Central European History. There is no charge to attend. For more information call 704-894-2284.
• Media Affairs Lecture: Wednesday, Feb. 8, at 7 p.m. in the Alvarez College Union Smith 900 Room. A talk about "The Media and International Relations" with U.S. Navy Admiral William J. Fallon (retired). Fallon will speak about how social media outlets are now connecting not only people with other people, but governments to governments. Fallon spent 41 years in the Navy, and currently serves as chairman of the board of CounterTack Inc., a cyber security firm. There is no charge to attend the talk. For more information call 704-894-2440.
• Theatre Lecture: Thursday, Feb. 9, at 7 p.m. in the Sprinkle Room of the Knobloch Campus Center. A talk by Harvard University Professor of Classics Richard Tarrant, who will discuss "Permanence and Change in Metamorphoses." The talk anticipates the Theatre Department's late February production of the modern adaptation of the play Metamorphoses by American playwright Mary Zimmerman. There is no charge to attend the talk. For more information call 704-894-2912 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
• Chemistry Lecture: Friday, Feb. 10, at 2:30 p.m. in Thurman Lecture Hall (B25) of the Martin Chemistry Building. Light refreshments will be served at 2 p.m. A talk by Anne Spuches, Professor of Chemistry at East Carolina University. Spuches will discuss "The Thermodynamics of Metal-Protein Interactions: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly." There is no charge to attend. For more information, call 704-894-2307 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
• Archaeology Lecture: Wednesday, Feb. 15, at 7:30 p.m. in Semans Lecture Hall of the Belk Visual Art Center. A talk by Professor Cheryl Ward of Coastal Carolina University about "Building Pharaoh's Ships." There is no charge to attend. For information call 704-894-2318 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Events
• Dining Event: Wednesday, Feb. 8, from 11 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. in Vail Commons. A dining event with noted public television chef Joanne Weir. Weir, host of the public television series, Joanne Weir's Cooking Class and a new series titled Joanne Weir's Cooking Confidence, will meet fans, talk about cuisine and offer a Mediterranean luncheon she has inspired. Cost of the luncheon is $9.75. For information call 704-894-2600 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
• Solar Celebration: Monday, Feb. 13, at 7 p.m. in the Alvarez College Union Smith 900 Room. A celebration of the recent installation of solar panels on Baker Sports Complex. Speakers will include Davidson College President Carol Quillen, Director of Physical Plant David Holthouser, and a representative of the college's Office of Sustainability. There is no charge to attend. For more information call 704-894-2388 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
North Mecklenburg
Senior Center
16601 Old Statesville Road, Huntersville
www.cmseniorcenters.org
704-875-1270
Annual discount card reduces cost of programs that carry fees. Discount card costs $52 per person, $90 per couple.
• Open Games Day: First and and fifth Friday mornings of each month. Play some Scrabble, chess, checkers, cribbage, work on puzzles, or bring a favorite game of your own. Free to all older adults.
• Tai Chi Class with Mike Gentile: Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m. Pre-registration requested. The first six weeks are free of charge.
• Arthritis Foundation Exercise Class: Mondays and Wednesdays, through March 7, at 1045 a.m. Pre-registration requested. No cost.
• Wii Bowling or Tennis: Begin training for the upcoming Wii tournament in February on Fridays. No cost.
• Knit/Crochet Club: Mondays at 1 p.m. The club is making prayer shawls, lap robes and baby hats to be donated to local charities. All levels of experience welcome. Instruction available. Bring your own needles and materials if you have them. No fee.
• Happy Feet Walking Club: Meets at Jetton Park Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. at the Waterfront Hall. All levels of walkers are welcome. The paved walking trail is 1.4 miles long. Walk once, twice, or as many times as you want. Call 704-875-1270 for more information. No fee.
• Easy Does It Strength Training Class: Mondays and Tuesdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Keep bones and your muscles strong using hand weights and exercise tubes. Improve flexibility, blood pressure, range of motion, bone density and posture. This class is on-going. Newcomers welcome. Fee is $32 per month, $16 with discount card.
• Tai Chi: Tuesdays at 9 a.m. at the Hut at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in Cornelius. Join Tai Chi Instructor Mike Gentile as he leads Arthritis Foundation Tai Chi, recommended for all older adults. Benefits include increased balance, coordination, and strength, all of which greatly benefit older adults. Fee is $30 per month, $25 with discount card.
• Bingo: Tuesdays at 1 p.m Two cards is the limit and donation of $2 per person is requested.
• Hand and Foot Card Game: Wednesdays at 10 a.m. A card game based on Canasta that is easy to learn and very addictive. Fee is $2 per day, free with discount card.
• Pinochle: Thursdays at noon. Fee is $2 per day, free with discount card.
• Mexican Train: First and third Thursdays of each month at 10 a.m. Bring your lunch. Fee is $2 per day, free with discount card.
• Bid Whist: Thursdays at 12:30 p.m. Fee is $2 per day, free with discount card.
• Line Dance Class: Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. Class is for persons of all abilities who want to enjoy a good time of dancing for exercise and fun. Fee is $20 per month, $10 with discount card.
• Lunch at Tenders Fresh Food: Every third Wednesday of each month between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Have lunch and benefit the Senior Center at the same time. A percentage of all the proceeds is donated to the Center.
Computer Classes
• Introduction to the Internet: Thursday, Feb. 9, 1-2:30 p.m. Some computer experience outside the classroom is required to take this class. Cost is $20, $10 with Discount Card.
• Introduction to Word: Monday, Feb. 13,10-11:30 a.m. Cost is $20, $10 with Discount Card.
• Keyboarding: Thursday, Feb. 16, 1-2:30 p.m. Cost is $20, $10 with Discount Card.
Theater
Davidson College
• Dance Performance: Friday and Saturday, Feb. 10 and 11, at 7:30 p.m. in Duke Family Performance Hall. A performance by the student members of Gamut Dance Company. General admission costs $6, and tickets may be purchased at the door or through the ticket office at 704-894-2135 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, or online at www.davidson.edu/tickets.
• Artist Series: Saturday, Feb. 18, at 7:30 p.m. in the Duke Family Performance Hall. An Artist Series performance of Aquila Theatre's production of Oscar Wilde's 1895 masterpiece, The Importance of Being Earnest. This classic play follows the hilarious adventures of young friends Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff, who begin bending the truth and inventing imaginary friends to add some excitement to their lives. Reserved seating cost $20 for the general public. To purchase tickets or for more information, contact the ticket office at 704-894-2135 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, or purchase tickets online at www.davidson.edu/tickets.
• Metamorphoses: Wednesday-Sunday, Feb. 22-26, in The Barber Theatre of Cunningham Theatre Center. A stage presentation of Mary Zimmerman's interpretation of Metamorphoses. The play, originally written by the Roman poet Ovid, is an ironic and moving look at human relationships. Zimmerman's story ultimately brings audience members to a closer understanding of love,lust and loss. General admission is $8 for adults, $5 for seniors 60 and older, and $4 for students. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 22 to 25, with a 2 p.m. matinee on Feb. 26. Tickets may be purchased by calling the ticket office at 704-894-2135 weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., or online at www.davidson.edu/tickets.
Huntersville Parks
and Recreation
For program registration or more information, call 704-766-2220 or visit www.huntersville.org.
Youth
• Spring Adult Softball League: Registration will be held Feb. 6-10 for returning teams, and Feb. 13-March 2 for all teams. Games will be held Bradford Park on N.C. 73m and is open to both men's and co-ed teams. Individual players may register as well as teams. Limited spots are available and the league may fill up before the end of registration. Coaches' meeting will be held Monday, Jan. 30, at 6:30 p.m. at the Parks and Recreation office at 105 Gilead Road, third floor. Cost is $470 for co-ed league, $575 for men's league. For more call 704-766-2220 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
• Youth Volleyball League: Registration for spring volleyball will continue through March 2 for girls age 9-16. The program will consist of an eight-game regular season with games played on Saturday mornings and an end-of-season tournament. The Davidson College women's volleyball team will operate clinics for coaches and players at start of the season. The league will promote skill building, sportsmanship and fun.
Parents information meeting will be held March 1 at 6:30 p.m. Lake Norman Charter Middle School. Skills day will be held March 3. Coaches' certification meeting will be March 7 at 6:30 p.m. at the HPRD office at 105 Gilead Road. Coaches clinic with Davidson College will be March 10 at 9 a.m. at Lake Norman Charter High School and Davidson College players clinic will be held the first week of practices, the week of March 12. Cost is $65 for Huntersville residents, $80 for all others. For more information call 704-766-2220 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Adults
• Sign Language Workshop: Designed for parents of young children, preschool teachers, therapists, healthcare professionals or anyone working around young children. All children from typically developing to special needs children can benefit from learning sign language. Class will touch on tips for success and show some helpful resources to get started. Learn basic signs that will be incorporated into childhood favorite books and songs. The next class will be held Monday, Feb. 6, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Huntersville Town Center. Cost is $40 for Huntersville residents, $45 for all others for one session.
Davidson Parks
and Recreation
All programs are held at the Town of Davidson Parks and Recreation office, 416 Armour St., unless otherwise specified. Register online at www.d-Recs.org or call 704-892-3349.
Fitness
• Line Dance with Mary: Tuesdays, Feb. 7-28, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Join Mary for this fun, low- impact, aerobic dance class for all. Dances are choreographed to funk, country, and Broadway hits. Cost is $32 for Davidson residents, $25 for all others.
• Zumba with Tonya Reber: Tuesdays, Feb. 7-28. 9:30-10:30 a.m. Combines calorie-burning. easy-to-follow dance moves like the merengue, salsa, cumbia and mambo as well as other styles including hip-hop and belly dancing. Zumba incorporates Latin inspired music with body sculpting, fat burning and total body toning that will help burn calories while improving flexibility and muscle tone. No prior dance skills are required. Cost is $40 for Davidson residents, $44 for all others.
• Cardio Dance with Tonya: Fridays, Feb. 3-24, 8:45-9:45 a.m. An exhilarating, heart-pumping workout that combines cardio moves, dance and body sculpting for a slimmer, trimmer body. No dance experience is required. Cost is $40 for Davidson residents, $44 for all others.
• Boot camp with Frank Giancarli: Saturdays, Feb. 4-25, 9-10 a.m. on the Town Green. From core work, body weight training to high intensity intervals, this program will tax every major muscle group. For ages 16 and older. Cost is $40 for Davidson residents, $44 for all others.
• Hooping Fun-damentals: Saturday, Feb. 18, 9:30-10:30 a.m. For ages 12 and older, get fit and have fun in this new hula hoop fitness class. Class includes hooping basics on and off the body, balance and movement. Loaner hoops available as well as hoops for sale. Cost is $15 for Davidson residents, $17 for all others.
• 5K Training with SNAP Fitness: Mondays and Wednesdays, Feb. 27-April 25, 6:30-7:15 p.m. Prepare for the Davidson-Cornelius Child Development Center 5K. The program will prepare runners with a beginner-intermediate running program that will focus initially on intervals of walking and jogging to transform couch potatoes to 5K runners in two months. For ages 13 and older. Cost is $54 for Davidson residents, $59 for all others. Program held at SNAP Fitness in Davidson.
Preschool
• Preschool Music, Movement and Story Time: Fridays, Feb. 3-24, 10-10:45 a.m. For ages 3-5, each class will incorporate movement, counting, singing, make believe and story time. Overall emphasis is placed on having fun while developing coordination, balance, rhythm, and musical expression. Cost is $40 for Davidson residents, $44 for all others.
Classes
• Cat and Dog First Aid: Monday, Feb. 13, 6-10 p.m. Hands-on practice using cat and dog mannequins. Each student will receive a complimentary Red Cross Pet First Aid guide. Learn to know when to call for emergency assistance for an injured animal, determine what is normal for a cat or dog, identify signals of breathing emergencies including choking and provide care for symptoms, recognize and provide care for signs of cardiac arrest, how to move an injured pet, and assemble a "pet friendly" first aid kit. Class is open to all ages. Cost is $70 for Davidson residents, $77 for all others.
Athletics
• Davidson Youth Baseball Association: Registration will be held through February for the program, which is affiliated with PONY Baseball Inc. DYBA has provided youth baseball in the Davidson community for more than 50 years. Games are played at historic McEver Fields. Registration for Davidson residents is Jan. 23-31, Feb. 1-29 for everyone. Age divisions are 7-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, and 15-16 as of April 30, 2012. Cost is $90-$120.
• Davidson Girls Softball League: Registration will be held through Feb. 29 for the girls fast pitch softball league, which is affiliated with the North Meck Filly League and plays Amateur Softball Association (ASA)-sanctioned fast pitch softball. League is for age groups 7-8, 9-10 and 11-13. Cost is $100. For more information, call Chris Goodrum at 704-807-2900.
• Tee-Ball Boys and Tee-Ball Girls: Registration will be held through Feb. 29 for Tee-ball for boys and girls ages 5-6. This instructional level program is designed to provide a positive first experience. Volunteer coaches and team sponsors are needed for the program. Cost is $65 for Davidson residents, $85 for all others.
College Prep
The Davidson Parks and Recreation department is partnering with The Davidson Center to offer study skills, SAT and ACT prep, college search and college admissions workshops. Pre-registration is required. Register for programs online at www.d-Recs.org or call 704-892-3349. All classes are held at The Davidson Center, 452 S. Main St., Suite 110, in Davidson.
• A Guide To Researching Colleges: Tuesday, Feb. 7, 7-8:30 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 11, 10-11:30 a.m. Cindy Turner and Amy Poag, college counselors at The Davidson Center, will present a guide to researching colleges to students in grades 10-11 and their parents. Learn how to use books, Web sites, and campus visits to first identify possible college matches and then determine your best fit. Cost is $45.
