Focus Newspaper Online | The EEL - Extra Events Listing

ART

Full Circle Arts Gallery, New Exhibition Of Art About Women at their new location 29 2nd St, NW, Hickory, where they have begun a partnership with Taste Full Beans. “Art About Women” is an annual exhibition & competition open to visual artists in all media, featuring works about women & women’s issues, to benefit the First Step program for victims of domestic violence of the Family Guidance Center. Exhibition on display Feb 2-Mar 10, opening reception Thurs, Feb 2, 6:30-8:30.Prizes totaling $600 will be awarded. (828)322-7545 www.fullcirclearts.org or email info@fullcirclearts.org

Bethlehem Library Invites Artists To Display Work for 2 month periods with an opening reception first Thurs of opening month. Art may be priced to sell. Exhibiting Artist Series featuring local & regional artists. 45 Rink Dam Rd, Bethlehem. Hours: Mon & Wed 9am-2pm, Tues & Thurs 12-7pm. (828)495-8753 or caywoodstudio@charter.net

BENEFITS

Furry Faces Calendar On Sale At Catawba Humane Society Available at the shelter for $12. All proceeds from the calendar sales go directly to the homeless pets of Humane Society Of Catawba County.(828) 464-8878 www.catawbahumane.org

Hickory Elks Lodge Host Annual Harley Davidson Raffle, Sat, Feb 18 at Hickory Elks Lodge, 356 Main Ave NW in downtown Hickory. Proceeds for this event go to support Elks Lodge activities for patriotic events, area youth events & programs for military veterans. Tickets: $100. One ticket includes entry for two, a BBQ dinner & opportunity to win a 2012 Harley Davidson® FLSTC Heritage Softail® Classic. Drawing at approximately 8pm. (828)322-2527.

Catawba County Heart Ball To Feature Le Galerie, black-tie dinner & evening of entertainment - an exciting silent & live auction filled with items donated by generous individuals & businesses throughout the area. Feb 25 at Lake Hickory Country Club. Catawba County Heart Ball is held each year — to raise money for cardiovascular research, education & outreach programs. Along the way, event also plans to build awareness & understanding of American Heart Association. Any company or organization wishing to donate items for auction should contact Diana May (704)208-5510. Contact Linda Simoncic (704)473-0815 www.heart.org/catawbacountyncheartball

Palliative CareCenter & Hospice Of Catawba Valley Seeks Caring Volunteers who are willing to serve as valued members of the PCHCV team offering needed support for patients and their families. PCHCV currently serves patients in Catawba, Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, Iredell & Lincoln counties. Volunteer training sessions: Sat, Feb 4, 8:15am-5pm & continuing Sun, Feb 5, 12-5pm. Sessions are designed to educate volunteers on how to effectively communicate with patients & families, an overview of hospice & the role of hospice volunteers. (828)466-0466 or swaugh@pchcv.org

Plan To Attend & Donate Items To Support The Catawba County Heart Ball, held Feb 25, 2012 at Lake Hickory Country Club. Black-tie dinner, auction & evening full of entertainment. The theme is “Paris Nights - Listen to Your Heart.” An estimated three hundred individuals will be taking part in the event, & more than fifty companies helping contribute funds for vital heart research & education. It is a unique event designed to celebrate the success of the year-round campaign & the generosity of individuals in the community. Any company or organization wishing to donate items for the evening’s auction should contact Diana May (704)208-5510. For more info about Heart Ball, sponsorships, or ticket sales contact Linda Simoncic (704)473-0815 or www.heart.org/catawbacountyncheartball

Golf Tournament Fundraiser To Assist Lenoir Woman Awaiting Kidney Transplant, Fri, Mar 9 at Lenoir Golf Club, 701 Norwood St. 4-person teams cost $50 per player & includes lunch, prizes & a silent auction. Reg by Feb 10. Contact Barbara Schmidt at 828-729-2824.

Safe Harbor Rescue Mission Resource Warehouse & Gallery Opened Operated under the umbrella of Safe Harbor Rescue Mission Inc & is engaged in the business of collecting industrial and residential discards for creative reuse. Resource Warehouse & Gallery provides programs & services to the community, including collection & drop-off services for industrial/residential discards & other unwanted materials, low-cost resale of reclaimed materials in its retail store & an outreach program that provides hands-on, creative arts programming. 451 11th St. NW, Hickory. Open Tues & Thurs 10am-3:30pm. (828)781-1281 www.resourcewarehouse.org

Join The Catawba County HOPE - Help Our People Eat Garden Project If you are interested in volunteering & would like more dates, times & locations, call or e-mail Christine S. Cofer (828)312-8298 ccofer51@yahoo.com. www.catawbahope.wordpress.com. To make a monetary contribution to the HOPE Project, please make checks & mail to: WNC Epilepsy Association, Catawba County HOPE, 2345 23rd Ave Dr NE, Hickory, NC 28601.

New Exodus Works Thrift Store Is Now Open Please Call To Donate Items, 510 1st Ave SW, Hickory. Store hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 8am-4pm. To donate items, Contact Jerry Ratliff (828)781-3222.

Have Leftover Yard Sale Items? Donate Them To Hospice Thrift Store - Receive A Tax Deduction! Donations accepted: Tues-Fri, 10am-5pm & Sat 10am-2pm. Schedule pickup for large items (828)267-9894.

ALFA Needs Food Pantry Items & Vegetables ALFA, a non-profit agency serving individuals living with HIV. Donations can be delivered to the ALFA office at 1120 Fairgrove Church Rd, Suite 28. Visit www.alfainfo.org. Contact Andie Brymer (828)322-1447 ext. 229 or alfacm3@charter.net .

The Hickory Women’s Resource Center Needs Pantry Donations, Can You Help? Toothbrushes, Toothpaste, Shampoo/Conditioner, Deodorant, Soap/Body Wash, Feminine Products: tampons or pads (helpful if they are in small pkg or boxes), Toilet Paper, Kleenex, Dental Floss, Shaving Razors, Paper Towels, Laundry Detergent, Canned Powdered Cleaner, Toilet Bowl Cleaner, Floor Cleaner, Window Cleaner, Dish Washing Detergent (liquid), Bleach, Dryer Sheets. Donations received Mon-Thurs 9am-4pm at WRC, 125 3rd St NE, Hickory. (828) 322-6333.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

CVCC Black History Month Celebration 11am-8pm Tues, Feb 28 in the CVCC Tarlton Complex (formerly CVCC Multipurpose Complex). The fourth in the five-part Multicultural Series celebrating diversity on our campus & in our community, the Black History Month Celebration features food, entertainment & informative displays about the African American culture. Entertainment will include the Rick Cline Trio, CVCC One Nation Dance Group & the Combined Community Choirs directed by Mr. Raymond Hollis, Jr. Guest speaker: Kimberly L. Boyd, 2011 recipient of the Outstanding Contribution to the African American Community Award. (828)327-7000, ext. 4578.

CLASSES/WORKSHOPS

Harper School Of Performing Arts Offers Course Using Garage Band Software In February A class description, curriculum, requirements and additional details are available on our website by clicking on “Recording Classes” on the home page. (828)754-2297 www.theharperschool.org. 1113 College Ave Suite B, Lenoir.

Free Yoga Classes Patrick Beaver Memorial Library, 375 3rd Street NE on the SALT Block in Hickory. Swati Bhende, a yoga instructor certified from India & the US, every Wed at 6pm. Open to teens & adults with open enrollment – attend any Wed to begin. Open to everyone, men & women. No prior experience is necessary. www.Yoga-Reflection.com

CONTEST

The Green Room Theatre Announces Playwriting Contest, Playwriting contest open to 3rd-12th graders. Plays judged in 3 categories: 3rd-6th grade, 7th-9th grade & 10th-12th grade. All plays submitted in the 3rd-6th grade category have a 10-15 min time limit, submissions in other two categories have 30-45 minute limit. Submissions can be mailed to New Playwrights Festival, The Green Room Community Theatre, PO Box 1317, Newton, NC 28658 or e-mailed to greenroom@the-green-room.org. Entries must be received by Mar 23 (828)464-6583.

JOBS

CVCC Job Fair Set For Tuesday, March 6. Hickory - The annual CVCC Job Fair will be held at Catawba Valley Community College on Tues., March 6, from 1 to 6 p.m., in CVCC’s Tarlton Complex (formerly the Multipurpose Complex) on the main campus. There is no charge for job seekers to attend or for employers to recruit workers. Employers from the Catawba Valley and across the state are invited to participate and set up exhibits to offer employment information about their companies and to take applications from the public. Over 1,300 people attended 2011 Job Fair seeking information about career possibilities and job openings. For additional information and an updated list of participating exhibitors, visit the CVCC Web site at http://www.cvcc.edu and click on CVCC Job Fair. Job Fair 2012 is a collaborative effort between CVCC, the Catawba County Chamber of Commerce, the North Carolina Department of Commerce Division of Employment Security, Catawba County Department of Social Services and Lenoir-Rhyne University. Employers planning to recruit may call (828) 327-7000, ext. 4400 to receive a registration packet.

HEALTH

Smoking cessation programs in your community 1-800-227-2345 www.cancer.org

MUSEUMS

Hickory Aviation Museum FREE admission! Display aircraft are: Grumman F-14D Tomcat; North American FJ-3 Fury; Douglas A-4L Skyhawk; Northrop F-5E Aggressor; Fokker F-27; Republic F-105B Thunderchief; Lockheed T-33A; DeHavilland Vampire; McDonnell-Douglas F-4B Phantom II; LTV A-7A Corsair II. The F-27 and the A-7A are both open to the public, so if you’ve ever wanted to sit in the pilot’s seat, here’s your chance! Volunteers are available to answer questions. Schedule group tours, (828)323-1963. Veterans program open to veterans of all wars the first Saturday of the month beginning at 11am. Hickory Regional Airport, just off of Highway 321, at 3101 9th Avenue Drive NW. Fri 10-2, Sat 10-5, Sun 1-5. www.hickoryaviationmuseum.org.

The Hickory Museum of Art located in the “SALT Block” Arts & Science Center of the Catawba Valley. 243 3rd Ave NE Hickory. Opening Reception For IMAGE*INATION, Fri, Jan 6, 6–8pm. Event is free & open to public. Winning photographs will be on exhibition in the Museum’s Entrance Gallery Jan 6-Mar 31. Annual competition open to youth ages 13-17 & amateur & experienced adults. DISCOVER FOLK ART: Unique Visions by Self-Taught Southern Artists from the Hickory Museum of Art Collection. This interactive exhibition invites viewers to explore folk art in a whole new way. Hours: Tues-Sat, 10am–4pm & Sun 1–4pm. Admission is free. (828)327-8576 www.HickoryArt.org

Catawba Science Center • Currently showing at Millholland Planetarium: Infinity Express, Molecularium, Winter Stargazing & One World, One Sky. For tix & showtimes. Dinosaurs Opens Jan 28. Exhibit features half-sized roaring robotic dinosaurs, including King of the Dinosaurs Tyrannosaurus rex — along with Triceratops, Pachycephalosaurus, Dimetrodon, Stegosaurus & a mother Apatosaurus protecting her newly hatched babies. Special events & activities for families throughout the exhibit thru Sep 2. Starting Feb 1: Digging up the Past Wednesdays, 4pm, Saturdays/Sundays 2pm. Learn about tools used by paleontologists to uncover fossils that shed light on prehistoric plants & animals. Use various tools to dig for fossils & identify them according to geologic time period. Fossil Features Fridays, 4pm, Saturdays/Sundays, 2pm. What is a fossil? Learn what an object a fossil, different types of fossils & how they are formed. Fossil Fair Trip Feb 4, 9:30am-4:30pm. Join CSC Naturalist Bruce Beerbower for a field trip to the Fossil Fair at the Schiele Museum of Natural History. See fossils, minerals & gemstones on display from area clubs, paleontologists & private collectors. CSC provides transportation. Cost: $15 members, $25 nonmembers. Call (828) 322-8169 to register. Dino Family Day Mar 17, 10am-4pm. Activities included with general admission include dino rubbings, fossil-making & a Dino Dig slide show at 2pm. (828) 322-8169 www.CatawbaScience.org. Located in the “SALT Block” Arts & Science Center of Catawba Valley, 243 3rd Ave NE. Hours: Tues – Fri,10 am until 5 pm, Sat: 10am-4pm. Sun: 1-4p.m.

Discovery Place in Charlotte Hours: Mon–Fri 9am-4pm, Sat, 10am-6pm, Sun, noon-5pm. Located in uptown Charlotte at 301 N Tryon St. www.discoveryplace.org

SENIORS

Newton Recreation Department Hosts Senior Citizens Sweetheart Dance, Ages 55 & older. Thurs, Feb 9, 7-10pm on the lower level of the Newton Rec. Local band “Midnight Flyers” will provide music. Tickets: $8 at door no advance ticket sales. Attendees asked to bring finger foods; soft drinks provided. Newton Rec 23 S Brady Ave Newton. (t828) 695-4317.

SINGLES

Age 35 & Over Singles For more info contact Annette Strassner (828)962-4589. www.mountaingrove.org

SPECIAL EVENTS

Call For Stories About Whiskey Production During Prohibition Gaston County Museum is looking for stories about whiskey production in Gaston County during prohibition. In the fall of 2012, the Museum will be opening an exhibit telling the history of whiskey in our area & we would like to hear from the descendants of people who were involved in any way with the making and distribution of whiskey during that time. If you have any information, stories, photographs, or objects you would be willing to share for the exhibit, please contact Stephanie Elliott at (704)922-7681 Ext 104 or stephanie.elliott@co.gaston.nc.us

The Lenoir Rhyne University Visiting Writers Series Presents Isaac Anderson & Judy Goldman, Thurs, Feb 2 when two authors, LRU Visiting Writer-in-Residence Isaac Anderson & author Judy Goldman, come together to discuss their works. Event begins at 7pm in the Belk Centrum on the L-R campus. Free & seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. No tickets required. (828)328-7077. http://visitingwriters.lr.edu

Let’s Talk About It Book Discussion Series Returns To Hickory Public Library Program features different topic & selection of books each year. Theme: “Tar Heel Fiction: Writers from NC Literary Hall of Fame”. Tues evenings Jan 24, Feb 7 & 21 & Mar 6 & 29, 7pm. Free & open to public, pre-registration required. Teacher certification renewal credit is available through this program. To register: (828)304-0500 ext. 7275 or register in person at the Reference Desk at Patrick Beaver Memorial Library 375 3rd Street NE on the SALT Block.

NC Special Olympics Polar Plunge 2012, Take the plunge with $50 minimum donation, Feb 11, 11am-2pm, Whittenburg Public Wildlife Access, Hwy 127, Hickory. Music, doughnuts, coffee & hot chocolate available during the event. Dress up in your favorite plunge attire!! Bring a towel & dry clothes. Participants Must Sign A Waiver Prior To Plunge. Monies raised will go directly to Special Olympics NC. (828)261-2600 or email risenhour@hickorync.gov
Catawba Science Center Sponsors Dinosaur Dig In The Great American West, Register By Ap 4. Join CSC Naturalist Bruce Beerbower & chief paleontologist Dr. John Foster at the Museum of Western Colorado for a Dinosaur Dig Jun 24–30. Be a paleontologist & explore the sites of the Great American West including, Colorado National Monuments with canyons, buttes & mesas, Dead Horse Point & Arches National Park in Utah. Adults & youth (ages 12 & up with a guardian) are urged to attend this week-long dinosaur expedition. Register at the CSC’s office, located on the third floor. Participants will gather for an orientation meeting in early June. Cost details for the trip can be found at www.CatawbaScience.org. Cost includes naturalist guide service, airfare at current prices, ground transportation, six night motel lodging, three breakfasts, five field lunches, one dinner & park/museum admission fees. Deposit due upon registering. Total balance due May 4. The Dinosaur Dig is sponsored by CSC in cooperation with the Museum of Western Colorado Dinosaur Journey. The trip is a special program tied to the Dinosaurs exhibit, featuring six half-sized robotic dinosaurs & interactive opportunities for visitors to learn about the lives of dinosaurs & dig for fossils. Exhibit on display at CSC thru Sep 2. www.CatawbaScience.org for program details, trip fees & reg info. Call or email Bruce Beerbower for additional details at (828) 322-8169 ext. 308 or email naturalist@catawbascience.org.

Writers’ Night Out/Poetry Hickory 2nd Tues of each month, 5pm at Taste Full Beans, 29 2nd Street NW, Hickory, Downtown. Provides area writers a chance to network with other writers & share work & info on publications, contests, & events. asowens1@yahoo.com, (828)234-4266.

SUPPORT

Meditation Group At Unitarian Universalist Church of Catawba Valley Thursdays 4:30-5:30pm. Meditation & discussion to foster mindfulness & clarity. Free. 833 5th Street SE, Hickory. Contact: (828)328-5457 or uuhickory@charter.net www.uuhickory.org

Celebrate Recovery Meetings, Every Friday For over five (5) years, every Friday night, people have passed through the doors of a Celebrate Recovery meeting at Christ Church to find that there is hope, there is peace & there is sanity! A 12-Step Christian based recovery ministry for anyone & everyone with hurts, habits & hang-ups! Join us at Christ Church, Mountain View campus. (828) 294-6858 www.celebraterecovery.com to find additional locations or email celebraterecovery@christnc.com. All calls & emails are confidential!!

Quest4Life’s FREE Smoking Cessation Classes All classes Tuesdays at 6pm at Q4L. Support System, Relaxation, Stress Management & Assertive Communication Weight Management & Exercise Relapse Prevention. Open to the public! Call (828)757-8753 to register for the class. Quest4Life Wellness Center, 1031 Morganton Blvd., Lenoir, NC

Mindfulness Meditation Circle Unitarian Universalist Church of Catawba Valley, Every Thursday 4:30-5:30pm. Mindfulness meditation is art & practice of being present for your life & only requires you to be curious. It is found in the works of Emerson, Thoreau & Native American wisdom. Free! 833 5th St SE, Hickory. (828)328-5457 or Email: uuhickory@charter.net or www.uuhickory.org

Stalking Awareness- Hickory’s Family Guidance Center’s First Step Program offers educational programs & free materials for groups & businesses to promote awareness & public education about stalking during the annual observance. For more info, contact Liz Eller, First Step Domestic Violence Community Educator (828)322-1400.

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren support group meets 11am - 1 pm, 3rd Sat, each month, at Parenting Network Offices in Conover, Hwy. 16. (828)465-8151. www.catawbaparenting.org

You & Me, Baby! Classes For New Moms, meets 3rd Wed of each month, 10am-11:30am at the Tyndall Center located across from Sipe’s Orchard Home on County Home Rd. (828)465-8151.

New Parents May Surrender Infants Without Repercussions parents can surrender a baby to a Safe Haven location during the first 7 days after birth without risk of criminal charges. For more info about NC’s “Safe Surrender” law contact Catawba County Department of Social Services (828)324-9111.

ADHD Support Group For parents of children with ADHD or thought to have ADHD meets 3rd Wed of each month from 5:30-7pm, Sipes Orchard Home Office Building on County Home Rd in Conover. Childcare provided. (828)465-8151

Dad’s League Meets 3rd Thurs of each month from 6–7pm Hickory YMCA. Childcare available. (828)695-5745

Sensory Integration Support Group For parents & caregivers of children with sensory integration difficulties. Meets last Tues of each month, 6:30–8:30 pm. Children’s Neurotherapy Services office on L-R Blvd in Hickory (behind Golden Corral) Childcare available if registered in advance. (828)267-1688

THEATRE

Mildred Keeter Auditorium Hosts Forever Plaid, thru Feb 5. Feb 9, 1964, en route to pick up their custom-made tuxedos, Francis (Sean Whitworth), Jinx (Keith Cantrell), Sparky (Eric Wright) & Smudge (Chad Spurling), were broadsided by a bus of Catholic teens on their way to see the Beatles make their American debut on the Ed Sullivan Show. The teens escaped unharmed. But our guys, Forever Plaid, were killed instantly in mid-chord. Feb 3, 4 at 7:30 & Feb 5 at 2:30 at Mildred Keeter Auditorium on the campus of Cleveland Community College, 137 S Post Rd Shelby. Ticket outlets in Shelby are Arnold’s Jewelers, Badcock & More, CC Arts Council, Maxwell B. Hamrick Insurance, Neal Senior Center. Tickets at those places discounted by $2. Reg ticket price $12 adults, $10 seniors/students. (704)484-4000.

Auditions for 3rd Annual Rotarian Idol Jan 26 & 29. Event held Sat, Mar 17, 7pm in PE Monroe Auditorium on the campus of Lenoir-Rhyne University. Auditions held at The SALT Block Auditorium Jan 26, 6-9pm & Jan 29, 2-5pm. No limit to age or place of residence, but professional singers will not be allowed to audition. $5 fee is required. 100% of the money raised will be used to benefit education throughout Catawba County. Tickets: $20 each. Contact John Rambo (828)327-3855 Ext 113 or john@hct.org. Allen Finley at (828)324-6700 or allen@finleyadvertising.com

Caldwell Arts Council Offers Chance To See Beauty And The Beast at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center in Charlotte Jun 28, 7:30pm. $100 includes your ticket & round trip bus fare. Bus will leave Caldwell Arts Council about 3:30pm & return about 11:30pm. (828)754-2486!

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