Tues, Feb 9, 9-3pm: Nonprofit 101, a comprehensive workshop for people working in and with nonprofit agencies at Mayland Community College in Spruce Pine.  The main presenters will be Kim McGuire from WNC Nonprofit Pathways and Beth Maczda from the Comm Foundation of WNC.  They will be assisted by AMY Reg Library Dir Dr. Dan Barron and MainPRO organizer Susan Larson.  Topics to be covered include planning, board basics, financial management, communications, fund development, and evaluation.  In addition, self-assessment tools will be shared to help organizations evaluate their infrastructure and effectiveness, and participants will gain information on how to pursue additional resources and assistance.  McGuire and Maczda will present an overview of the new Common Grant Approach, which is being implemented in 2010 by United Ways and the Community Foundation of WNC, two major funding sources in WNC.
Sam Center on the MCC Main Campus, 3 mi east of Spruce Pine on 19E.  Registration opens at 8:30am. with a coffee and snacks provided, and lunch is included in the registration fee of $30.  Every registrant will also receive a comprehensive notebook of information on each of the topics presented. Advance registration advised; please go to www.amyregionallibrary.org/MainPRO. Questions, contact to Susan Larson at susielarson@earthlink.net or 828-765-2652.

ArtsCentered is now accepting enrollment for spring semester. Eight-week courses available. Ongoing classes for adults and children. For more info, contact Jann Welch at 688-9192 or Mayland Comm College at 765-7351, x241.

Fri, Feb 19, 6-9pm: Clay Date Night. You are sure to have a great night learning some slippery moves at this monthly event. Bring a date, come with friends, or meet someone new on a Fri night. Our instructors will walk you through a few simple projects, or you can impress your date with your own creations. $25 per person/$45 for two. Odyssey Ctr for Ceramic Arts, 828-285-0210

Java Jam on Friday night, August 8 features Gypsy Band Wagon (Celtic) from 8 to 10 pm at the Burnsville Town Center. Tickets are $12, $6 students for a great homemade dessert, gourmet coffee, and a night of dancing. www.gypsybandwagon.com