originally published June 20, 2007

PERFORMANCE

Teenscreen showcases films by local youth as part of AthFest 2007. Redeemer Presbyterian Church on Saturday, June 23 at 8 p.m.

ASHFORD MANOR CONCERT SERIES

Spread out on the lawn for a picnic supper and hear some great music. Held on the first and third Monday of every month, through Oct. 15. Next up: Packway Handle Band on July 2. Tickets: $5–$12, under 6: FREE! All shows are weather-permitting. Bring lawn chairs, blankets and a picnic dinner (or preorder one from Donderos' Kitchen). Ashford Manor, Watkinsville. Gates open at 6 p.m., concerts are 7–9 p.m. 706-769-2633, www.ambedandbreakfast.com.

ATHENS MASTER CHORALE & ATHENS BRASS CHOIR

The Athens Master Chorale and The Athens Brass Choir present "Music for Voices and Brass." First Presbyterian Church on Friday, June 29 at 8 p.m. FREE! www.athensmasterchorale.org.

FIGGIE'S @ FIVE

The Georgia Museum of Art continues its series of monthly concerts and receptions. Food, beverages and live music for only $5. Next event is Wednesday, June 27 at 5 p.m. with local neo-soul singer Kyshona Armstrong. 706-542-4662.

STANDUP COMEDY SHOW

Comedians Neil Hamburger (host of the live-to-web talk show "Poolside Chats with Neil Hamburger" and "expert" commentator on FOX News' "Red Eye"), Dr. El Suavo and Pete McBrayer perform. Tasty World on Wednesday, June 27 at 10 p.m. 706-543-0797.

THEATRE

MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM

Rose of Athens Theatre presents a "cheeky" version of Shakespeare's classic - with music! Jittery Joe's Roasting Co., 780 Broad St., on June 21–23 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $15, $10 for students and anyone under 25. Portion of proceeds will go the Clarke Middle School. Reservations, 706-769-9829.

STEPHANIE ASTALOS-JONES & LISA MENDE

Local actresses Stephanie Astalos-Jones and Lisa Mende ("Seinfeld") present the original two-woman comedy show "It Was Open Mic Night at Ye Olde Rustic Inn," a "zany look at comedy teams." The show has been playing to sold-out crowds the last couple months. Ciné on Friday, June 29 & Saturday, June 30 at 8 p.m. Tickets: $15. Adult themes. Reservations, 706-372-4753.

THE TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL

Town & Gown Players present Horton Foote's touching story of one woman's journey to find her long-lost home. Carrie Watts (Gay Griggs McCommons) escapes her dull life living with her son and daughter-in-law in 1950s Houston to travel back to her childhood home of Bountiful, TX. Directed by Marie Bruce. See Out There! Pick. Athens Community Theatre on June 22–23 & 28–30 at 8 p.m., June 24 & July 1 at 2 p.m. Tickets: $5–$15. Reception follows the opening night performance. 706-208-TOWN.

WAIT UNTIL DARK

Athens Creative Theatre presents Frederick Knott's thriller Wait Until Dark. A blind woman must battle ruthless men who have invaded her home in search of a valuable doll filled with drugs. Memorial Park Quinn Hall on June 21–24 at 7:30 p.m., matinees on June 23–24. Tickets: $10–$15. Reservations, 706-613-3628.

EVENTS

ATHFEST 2007

The 11th Annual AthFest is a celebration of everything Athens, AthFest returns downtown for four days and nights of music, art and film. Boasting performances from over 175 local bands on its outdoor stages and during the club crawl (see here for music writers' picks), the festival also includes KidsFest, a juried Artisan Market, Sprockets Video Competition (see Out There! Pick), TeenScreen, Self Made at ATHICA (see Art Notes on p. 15), the WIRED Electronic Music Festival and much more. The whole thing gets started with the Flagpole Athens Music Awards Show (see Feature here) on Thursday, June 21 at the Morton Theatre, doors at 7:30 p.m.; show starts at 8 p.m. sharp! Live music from Tin Cup Prophette, Grogus and much more. See back cover of this issue for a list of nominees. Tickets: $4 w/AthFest wristband, $6 advance, $8 at the door. The Festival's location is at the west end of Washington Street, outside the 40 Watt Club and stretching up Washington to Hull Street and beyond, June 20–24. www.athfest.com has all the information you need to know, or call 706-548-1973.

AMATEUR RADIO FIELD DAY

The community is invited to come and see what the Amateur Radio Service is all about. Ham operators will be demonstrating communication techniques that don't use established infrastructure - ideal during natural disasters. Athens Ben-Epps Airport starting Saturday, June 23 and running continuously through Sunday, June 24 at 12 p.m. Find out how to get your own FCC license. For more info, contact Bob Herrin at 706-540-3421.

BENEFIT COOKOUT FOR CANOPY

The Friend of Earth Fare Benefit. This month: Canopy Studio, includes 15-min. restorative yoga sessions, veggie/ non-veggie plates for only $5. Earth Fare on Saturday, June 30, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Donations: 706-227-1717.

EMERGENCY FUND DRIVE

The GRACE Fund and the Michael Lemon Fund are holding an emergency fund drive at several intersections in Oconee County (Similar to the firemen's "boot" drive) on Saturday, June 23. Half of the money raised will go help support UGA football player Michael Lemon and his brother since the loss of their mother and their home. The other half will help low-income dog owners pay for treatment at the UGA vet school. Volunteers, supplies and sponsors are needed! For more info, call Dr. Flynn Nance at 770-483-7225.

FARM TOURS

Full Moon Cooperative Farm Tour with Jason Mann, Agroecology Laboratory and Full Moon Farms, Director Institute of Ecology, UGA. Saturday, June 23, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Roots Farm Tour with Sara Callaway of Roots Farm, on Saturday, July 14, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Cost for each tour: $12 (fees benefit the farms). Preregistration required, 706-542-6156.

"FROZEN FINALE" BENEFIT

Two parties in one featuring music, dancing, light buffet and cash bar. Guests must by 18 & up, luau-type attire is encouraged. Presented by Alpha Phi Alpha to benefit scholarships, education support and services. Diverse Universe on July 20, beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets: $10 advance, $15 at the door. etaiotalambda1959@yahoo.com.

HOOPLA!

Bring your own hoop or buy one at the library. Make them glow in the moonlight with special decorations. Share your special hoop tricks, dancing, refreshments. Madison County Library on Saturday, June 30 at 8 p.m. FREE! roundahartlein@yahoo.com.

MASTER GARDENERS CONFERENCE

Georgia Master Gardener Association Conference titled "Athena's Garden of Wisdom." Speakers, vendors, doorprizes, lunch and snacks provided, private garden and Picadilly Farm tours. Classic Center on Aug. 4–5. Open to the public. Cost: $75 advance. 706-613-3640.

ROAD KILL CAFE

The 6th Annual Road Kill Café benefit, presented by the Food Bank of N.E. Georgia, features 12 of Athens' finest chefs doing what they do best, live music from 16 Tons and silent auction. Southeast Clarke Park on Sunday, June 24, 5:30–7:30 p.m. Tickets: $25 per person (family pass for 2 adults and 2 kids under 17 is only $60). All proceeds benefit the Food Bank. 706-354-8191, www.foodbanknega.org.

SOCIAL CIRCLE COTTAGE TOUR

Annual tour of historic cottages and homes in Social Circle, GA. Includes the former home of author Wylly Folk St. John. Presented by the Historic Preservation Society of Social Circle. Aug. 11, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Tickets: $18, group discount available. 770-464-1866, www.historicsocialcircle.com.

THE STAR-SPANGLED CLASSIC

The annual Star Spangled Classic features live music from the Classic City Band, Powerplay and The 60s, the Little Mr. and Miss Firecracker Contest, the ACC Community Birthday Cake and fireworks at dusk. Bishop Park on Wednesday, July 4 starting at 6 p.m. FREE! No alcohol, glass containers or pets allowed. 706-613-3589.

TYCHE'S GAMES

Shadowfist Tournament on Saturday, June 30 at 12 p.m. Multiplayer Comrades in Arms format. Prizes for all. Entrance fee: $1. 1056 S. Lumpkin St., 706-354-4500, www.tychesgames.com.

DRAGON*CON 2007

America's largest fan-run Sci Fi, Fantasy, Comics, Horror, Computer Gaming, Science and just about everything else that's complete geeky fun for grownups and kids Conference. Over 20 programming tracks, gaming, concerts, film festival, free munchies in the "ConSuite," panels and much more. TV/ film stars, sci fi/ fantasy authors and comics artists galore. Atlanta Marriott Marquis, Hyatt Regency Atlanta and Atlanta Hilton, Aug. 31–Sept. 3. Admission: $70 for a four-day pass. www.dragoncon.org.

LECTURES & FORUMS

LAURA FLANDERS

Air America's "Radio Nation" host and author Laura Flanders will discuss her new book, Blue Grit: True Democrats Take Back Politics from the Politicians. Book sale and signing follow the talk. See interview. UGA Student Learning Center Room 148 on Tuesday, June 26 at 5:15 p.m. FREE! and open to the public. 706-542-0066.

THE LAW OF ATTRACTION

Lecture on "Harnessing the Law of Attraction in Your Life." Learn the power of positive thinking and how to "launch dreams into reality." Presented by nationally licensed Professional Counselor Janet Gray. Athens Tech, Business & Industry Area, Bldg. #1 Training Room on Monday, June 25 at 7 p.m. FREE! Email changeyourworldjg@yahoo.com.

POVERTY IN ATHENS

Three free public events related to poverty issues in Athens: Affordable housing lecture by Dr. Andrew Carswell, UGA Main Library on Friday, June 22 at 5:30 p.m. Reception for the opening of "A Place for Us: the Challenges of Housing in Athens and Surrounding Areas" at UGA Main Library on Friday, June 22, 6–8 p.m. "Making Ends Meet: Is There a Way to Help Working Athenians?" at UGA Student Learning Center Room 214 on Saturday, June 23 at 10 a.m. More info: www.libs.uga.edu/russell/events/index.html.

RIGHT WHALES

Presentation by Hans Neuhauser, executive director of the Ga. Environmental Policy Institute, on the Georgia coast's Right Whales. In conjunction with "Sea to Shining Sea: 200 Years Charting America's Coasts" exhibit. ACC Library on Sunday, June 24 at 3 p.m. FREE! 706-613-3650.

U.S. SOCIAL FORUM

Thousands of progressive activists from hundreds of organizations will be in Atlanta, June 27–July 1 for the first United States Social Forum. The conference includes an opening march and outdoor festival, many presentations and workshops, a film festival, free concerts, and crafts and book vendors. Cost: sliding scale starting at $20. Visit www.ussf2007.org for more information or to volunteer.

WORD ON THE STREET

AAHS CALENDAR CONTEST

The Athens Area Humane Society is holding a pet photo contest for its 2008! Entries are $15 each. Deadline: July 31. All proceeds benefit AAHS programs. www.athenshumanesociety.org.

ATHENS MEMORY WALK

Help raise awareness and money by attending or participating in the Athens Memory Walk 2007. Proceeds benefit the Alzheimer's Association. Walk will be at Sandy Creek Park on Oct. 20. 706-613-2224.

HEART WALK

the St. Mary's Wellness Center is raising funds for its Aug. 25 Clarke-Oconee Heart Walk. On Wednesdays, nonmembers who come to exercise can donate their $5 guest pass fee to the Heart Walk Fund. 706-389-3897.

HIV TESTING

In honor of National HIV Testing Day on June 27, AIDS Athens is offering free HIV tests. Walk-ins welcome, 9 a.m.–7 p.m. Call for directions, 706-542-2437.

IRAQ WAR PROTEST

The Women in Black, an international peace movement, holds a silent vigil for peace at the UGA Arch on Tuesdays, 5–6 p.m. All are welcome. 706-546-5237.

TEACHER REUSE STORE

The third annual Regional Teacher Reuse Store at the ACC Recycling Facility on Hancock Industrial Way will be open Aug. 18 for area teachers to get materials for their classrooms for free. Currently, donations of general office supplies, unusual industry byproducts that might be used as art supplies and more (no electronics) are being sought from area businesses. Call the ACC Recycling Division at 706-613-3512 for more info. www.acc-recycle.org.

SUMMER LUNCH PROGRAM

Free lunches for ACC kids through July 20. All children who are residents of Clarke County are eligible. Call Athens Housing Authority at 706-425-5354 for times and sites.

LITERARY EVENTS

JUDGE PATRICIA BARRON

Learn about the Athens court systems through the eyes of a child in Judge Barron's picture book. Borders on Saturday, June 23 at 2 p.m. 706-583-8647.

LORAN SMITH & VINCE DOOLEY

Smith and Dooley will team up to sign copies of The University of Georgia Football Vault. UGA Bookstore on Wednesday, June 20, 1–3 p.m.

LIBRARY SUMMER BOOK SALE

Summer Book Sale at the Library features 1000s of books to choose from at cheap prices: fiction, non-fiction, hardbacks and paperbacks. All proceeds benefit Library programs. ACC Library on Saturday, June 30, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. 706-613-3650, ext. 307.

KIDSTUFF

BODY SMART: JUGGLING FOR TEENS

Make your own juggling balls, then learn to improve hand-eye coordination. Ages 11–18. ACC Library on Thursday, June 28 at 2 p.m. Preregistration required, 706-613-3650, ext. 329.

BOOKS & BITES FOR TEENS

Bring four books for uninterrupted reading (or choose from the library collections). Pizza, chips, chocolate and lots of comfy chairs. Ages 11–18. ACC Library on Friday, June 29, 5:30–10 p.m. FREE! Preregistration required, 706-613-3650, ext. 329.

CLASSIC TRY-ATHALON

The inaugural Classic TRY-athalon is open to youth ages 7-18. Competition in swimming, biking, running and more. Teams and individuals welcome. Participants get T-shirt, goodie bag and more. Bishop Park on June 30. Cost: $30 per person or $75 for a relay team. Volunteers needed for the event! 706-613-3589.

FAMILY FUN FEST

Kickball tournament, inflatables, performances, free festival food and more. Part of National Recreation and Parks Month. Sandy Creek Park on July 29, 2–5 p.m. FREE!, includes park admission. 706-613-3625.

PAINTING FOR TEENS

Taught by local artist Jim StipeMaas at the Lyndon House Arts Center, June 25–29. Preregistration required, 706-613-3623.

SUMMER THEATRE CAMPS

Summer theatre camp sponsored by Athens Creative Theatre, July 9–21, 9:30 a.m.–3 p.m. For 3rd–10th graders. Camps culminate in productions of Hi Ho Robin Hood and Hans Christian Andersen. Cost: $150. 706-613-3628.

SUMMER DRAMA CAMPS

Hosted by Athens Little Playhouse. Theatre games, improv, skits, weekly presentation, moviemaking and much more. Alps Village Shopping Center, July 23–27, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Cost: $125 per week. Discount for siblings. www.athenslittleplayhouse.org.

ART EVENTS

The AthFest Artisan Market features work by Cathy Dailey. AthFest Main Stage Area on Washington Street, Friday, June 22–Sunday, June 24.

CHER SHAFFER

Storyteller doll workshop on Saturday, June 30 at 3 p.m. Cost: $45, includes materials. Children welcome if accompanied by a parent. Preregistration required, space limited, 706-552-0750. Flat Penny Folk Art Gallery, www.flatpennyfolk.com.

GUIDED TOURS

Guided Tour of "Cut Along the Grain" on Thursday, June 21 at 2 p.m. Guided Tour of "Selections from the Permanent Collection" on Thursday, June 28 at 2 p.m. All are FREE! 706-542-4662.

SELF MADE

ATHICA hosts a visit from three touring visual artists as part of AthFest. Brice Bischoff, Kevin Parks Hauser and Jamie Spinello will create installations, photography and wall-based constructions all day on Thursday, June 21. Summer solstice reception with the artists, 5–7:30 p.m. Hauser will perform a set of acoustic "hopelessly sad songs" at 6:30 p.m. FREE! 706-208-1613, www.athica.org. See AthFest Program inserted in this issue and Art Notes.

ART ANNOUNCEMENTS

"ANIMAL INSTINCTS"

"Animal Instincts: Allegory & Anthropomorphism" - ATHICA seeks work on individual and societal tendencies to imbue other species with purely human physical and psychological characteristics. Curated by Melissa Link and Mark Watkins. Submission deadline: Aug. 3. Show is Sept. 16–Nov. 4. See details at www.athica.org.

ARTISTS SOUGHT

Local interior designer currently developing "show houses" in the Athens area to showcase area artists and designers. Interested parties, email jbfertig@earthlink.net.

ATHICA SEEKING PROPOSALS

The Athens Institute for Contemporary Art invites proposals from curators, collectives and artists with challenging, progressive or innovative projects for our Annual Season. Deadline: July 19. www.athica.org/callforentries.php.

EXHIBIT YOURSELF

The Tate Student Center Art Gallery at the University of Georgia is currently accepting exhibition applications from local and student artists for display during Fall 2007. Deadline is Friday, June 22. 706-542-6396, www.uga.edu/campuslife.

GYPSY ART/ PICASSO'S ATTIC SALE

The Gypsy Art Sale gives local artists an opportunity to display and sell their art. Picasso's Attic will feature secondhand art and craft supplies. All proceeds benefit Lyndon House Arts Center. LHAC on July 28. To donate goods for the sale, call 706-247-5601. For more info on Lyndon, call 706-613-3623.

SANDY CREEK CALENDAR

Submit your nature photos taken at Sandy Creek for the the 2007 Sandy Creek Nature Center Photography Contest. Deadline for entries is July 31. Edith Hollander at 706-613-3615 x 235 or EdithHollander@co.clarke.ga.us.

ART CLASSES

CLASSES AT MICHAELS

New classes in oil and watercolor painting, and pastel drawing, taught by Bettie Miller. Bead weaving class with Shanna Futch. Kids' Craft Camps through July 27. Cost: $10 per day. Michaels Arts & Crafts Store (next to Target). Call Tina Harris, 706-543-2868.

"THE ENTREPRENEURIAL ARTIST"

One-day workshop for artists wanting to turn their art into a business. Point of Art Gallery, Union Point, on Saturday, June 30, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. 706-486-6808, www.thepointofart.net.

GOOD DIRT

Adult summer classes begin this week: beginning wheel, tile-making, relief techniques, colored clay and more. See schedule online. Now accepting registration for kids' summer camps, through Aug. 17. Ages 4–6, 7–10, 11–18. Try Clay every Friday, 7–9 p.m. Cost: $20. www.gooddirt.net.

OPEN STUDIO: LIFE DRAWING

Refine your drawing skills with live models, no instruction, provide your own supplies. Ages 18 & up. Georgia Museum of Art on Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. Cost: $3 per session. 706-542-4662, www.uga.edu/gamuseum.

ART AROUND TOWN

Last chance to see "Avoiding Capture: A Multimedia Collage Journey through the Dissertation Process at UGA" by Maria Inez Winfield, Ph.D. Healing Arts Centre through June 22.

A. La FERA SALON

Paintings by Emma. Through June.

ACC LIBRARY

Photography by Victor Paul. Through June. "From Sea to Shining Sea: 200 Years Charting America's Coasts." June 21–July 20.

BIG CITY CAFE

Work by Athens artist Mike Jones in 3-D. Outsider art featuring found objects.

CIRCLE GALLERY

(UGA College of Environment and Design) "Sculpture, Landscape & Waterscape: Photography & Photo Etchings 1974–2006," by Stuart McCall Libby. Through July 31.

CLASSIC HAIR AND SPA

Photos, drawings and blue donkey paintings by Edwyna Arey through July.

ESPRESSO ROYALE CAFFE

Paintings by Matt Blanks. Through June.

GEORGIA MUSEUM OF ART

"The Jackleg Testament," a woodcut film, with samples of the woodcuts and wood blocks by Jay Bolotin; "Cut Along the Grain: Woodcut Prints in the Permanent Collection." Through July 8. "Suitcase Paintings: Small-Scale Work by Abstract Expressionists." Through July 22.

HEALING ARTS CENTRE

"Avoiding Capture: A Multimedia Collage Journey through the Dissertation Process at UGA" by Maria Inez Winfield, Ph.D. Through June 22.

HOT CORNER COFFEE

Photography by Cary Whitley showcasing Athens, with live band shots, trapeze performances, scenery and still lifes.

LYNDON HOUSE ARTS CENTER

"Chenille Exhibition" features a variety of chenille items from the collection of Peter and Sandy Loose. Through Aug. 4. "Four Mexican Artists in Georgia," featuring paintings, photographs and mixed-media works by Jorge Arcos of Decatur, Claudia Padilla of Norcross, Angel Ros of Cumming and Hijo de la Luna of Atlanta. Curated by art historian Dr. Evan Firestone, professor at UGA Lamar Dodd School of Art. Through Aug. 11. See Art Notes.

MADISON-MORGAN CULTURAL CENTER

(Madison) Sculpture park featuring two pieces by Athens artist Didi Dunphy. "Blacksmithing with a Southern Accent: Metalwork from the Southeast."

MAMA'S BOY

Fifty years of sports, news and celebrity photographs by Dozier Mobley.

MONROE ART GUILD

"Daughters of Mother Earth: Selected Works" by Cameron Hampton, Lisa Hampton-Pepe and RainDance. Through June 30.

TRANSMETROPOLITAN

"Hiding in Plain Sight," nature photography by Matt King. Through June.

UGA BROAD ST. GALLERY

(257 W. Broad St.) “Young and Hungry: Contemporary Prints." See Art Notes. Through June 27.

WASHINGTON HISTORICAL MUSEUM

Special exhibit of "Museum Melt Down: The Allure of Georgia Coin Silver" featuring some of the earliest examples of Georgia Coin Silver from Savannah, Macon, Augusta and Athens. Through Sept. 1. Call for hours, directions and admission: 706-678-2105, or email historical@washingtonwilkes.org.

CLASSES

"A COURSE IN MIRACLES"

Open to all denominations, emphasizing "positive living through love and forgiveness." Taught by Drew Smith. Unity, 1435 Oglethorpe Ave., on Sundays at 2 p.m. Donations encouraged. 706-613-8050, 404-899-8486, www.unityathens.com.

ACUPUNCTURE CENTER

Stop-smoking programs. Also, nutritional testing and counseling. Fees vary. 706-369-8855.

AQUATIC AEROBICS

Low-impact exercise program at Memorial Park Pool on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings. Cost: $5 per session. 706-613-3580.

BEGINNER EGYPTIAN BELLYDANCE

Classes with Amani at The Healing Arts Centre. New six-week session starts Thursday, June 28 at 7:30 p.m. Call 706-613-1143 for registration or contact amanidance@hotmail.com.

CANOPY STUDIO

New classes: Adult Beginner Fabrics, Adult Beginner Trapeze, Teen Beginner Trapeze, Pilates. Summer camps for kids: June 25–July 6. K-2nd, 3rd–6th grade. Cost: $150–$250. Canopy Studio, 160 Tracy St., 706-549-8501, www.canopystudio.com.

CHAKRA BELLY DANCE

Invoke the Goddess within. For women only. All shapes, sizes and skill levels welcome. Red Lotus Institute on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. 706-549-2913.

CLOWN CLASS & IMPROV THEATER

At Clown Class, learn the meaning, design and use of clown properties like makeup, stilts, fake noses and big shoes. Fridays, 6:30 p.m. Cost: $5 per class, drop-in. In Improvisational Theater, learn and practice the fundamental principles of spontaneous acting based on the work of Keith Johnstone. Sundays, 8:30 p.m. Cost: $5 per class, drop-in. Rubber Soul Yoga Revolution, www.rubbersoulyoga.com.

DOG AGILITY & FLYBALL CLASSES

Introductory dog agility training classes, www.luckydogagility.com. Double Dog Dare Flyball Racing Club offers introductory flyball classes on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. www.flyballdogs.com/dddare. Lucky Dog Agility in Winterville.

EARTH FARE COOKING CLASSES

Learn to prepare authentic Latin mole sauces and how to cook with dried chiles on Wednesday, June 20 at 6:30 p.m. FREE! Please sign up, 706-227-1717.

EGYPTIAN BELLYDANCE

Beginner classes focusing on basic Egyptian isolations, technique and choreography with A'ttar. Sangha Yoga Studio on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. Also, Intermediate Egyptian Bellydance classes on Mondays at 8:15 p.m. Cost: $60 for 6 weeks, drop-in: $14 per class. 706-613-1143, rainbowdancer77@yahoo.com.

HEALTHY HOMES

Learn how to keep your home healthy at "Healthy Homes: Combating Lead, Asbestos, and Mold." 375 Satula Ave. on Monday, June 25 at 12 p.m. 706-613-3155.

JIU-JITSU

Martial arts for fitness and self-defense, ages 5 to adult. Classes in Gracie Brazilian and Japanese Jiu-Jitsu taught by fourth-degree black belt Randy McElwee. American Black Belt Academy, Perimeter Square. FREE! introductory lesson. 706-549-1671, www.americanblackbelt.org/ABBA.html.

MAIN STREET YARNS

Classes: Beginning Knitting, Advanced Beginning Knitting, Felted Bag, Sock in One Day, Youth Knitting, Spinning and more. Main Street Yarns and Fibers in Watkinsville, 706-769-5531, www.mainstreetyarns.com.

MEDITATION

For information about meditation groups and classes in Athens, go to www.meditationinathens.com or call 706-208-8353.

POSH POTS

Paint your own garden canvas on June 24. Create a "Planted Chair" for your garden on July 28. Also upcoming: Farmer's Market Wreaths, Moss & Butterflies, Painted Metallic Gourds, Fall Mailbox Swag and more. Cost per workshop: $35, $55 for two people. 706-207-4114.

THAI MASSAGE

Free demonstration with Robert Wootton, using volunteers from the audience. Healing Arts Centre, Prince Ave. Friday, June 22, 7:30–9:30 p.m. Thai Massage training with Robert Wootton at the Healing Arts Centre, June 23, 24 & 30. Certificate for CE Hours approved by NCBTMB. One-day intro, 8 CE hours $120; two days, 16 CE hours $220; three-day Level 1 training, 24 CE hours $320. 706-613-1142, www.healingartscentre.net and ThaiBodywork.info.

YOGA & MEDITATION CLASSES

All levels welcome. Kundalini Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Kids Yoga, Prana Dance, Tibetan chanting, meditation and Laughing Club. Rubber Soul Yoga Revolution studio, 675 Pulaski St. Ste. 1400, Suggested donation: $3–$5. www.rubbersoulyoga.com.

YOGA

Gentle yoga classes at St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church on Barnett Shoals Rd., Tuesdays, 5:30–7 p.m. Bring your own mat or towel and wear loose clothing. Cost: $7 per class. Julie Horne, instructor. 706-354-1996.

YOGA FOR WORLD PEACE

Beginners to experienced. Taught by Elizabeth Alder, NCMT, CCT, CYT. YWCO on Mondays at 12:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Newcomers and nonmembers welcome. 706-549-8999.

AUDITIONS

THREE SISTERS

Auditions for The Town & Gown Players' production of Anton Chekhov's Three Sisters. Needed: 5 F, 9 M, ages 18–80. Athens Community Theater on June 25–26. www.townandgownplayers.org.

MEETINGS

ATHENS ZEN GROUP

Orientation sessions at Rubber Soul Yoga on Sundays at 11 a.m. See more at www.athenszen.org.

BUDDHISTS

Tibetan Buddhist Group: chanting and silent meditation every Saturday, 12:30–1:30 p.m. at Sangha Yoga Studio, 834 Prince Ave. Affiliated with Padmasambhava Buddhist Center International, a Buddhist meditation and study center in the Nyingma tradition. xanadax@gmail.com.

CLARKE COUNTY DEMOCRATS

Monthly meeting at the Clarke County Courthouse Grand Jury Room on Thursday, June 28 at 6 p.m. All are welcome. For more info, contact Jenny Penny Oliver, 706-369-1982.

DIVORCE RECOVERY/ RESOURCE GROUP

Now forming, one for ongoing divorce and one for divorce recovery with professional facilitator. Cost: $10 per session for six weeks, childcare avail. Call for more info/ to register, 706-818-2103.

OFF-ROAD BIKING

Meet others into off-road biking at the Southern Off-Road Biking Association (SORBA) meeting. Trail work at Heritage Park on Wednesday, June 20 at 6:30 p.m. Monthly meeting at Earth Fare on Tuesday, July 3 at 6:30 p.m. Newcomers welcome. www.sorbaathens.org.

SUPPORT GROUPS

ALZHEIMER'S GROUP

The Athens Area Alzheimer's Support Group meets at the Adult Day Care Center, 135 Hoyt St., the third Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. Eve Anthony, 706-548-6476.

EATING DISORDERS

Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD) support group for anyone affected by eating disorders: anorexia, purging, bingeing, etc. Athens YMCA on Thursdays, 6:30–7:30 p.m. beginning June 21. Open to all. 706-543-6596.

EMOTIONS

Emotions Anonymous, a 12-step group for emotional wellness, meets at the Unitarian-Universalist Fellowship each Sunday at 4 p.m. Informal, supportive and always open to newcomers. 706-227-2354.

SHARE ATHENS

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support Group meets at Forest Heights Baptist Church on the 3rd Thursday of every month at 6:30 p.m. Open to all parents who have experienced a perinatal loss. Pat Nielsen, 706-475-5622.

SOCIAL GROUP

Social group for the young and young at heart with mental health issues now forming. Fun activities. Jen, anewhopeinathens@yahoo.com.

SUICIDE SURVIVORS

Open to anyone who has lost a loved one to suicide. Nuçi’s Space, 396 Oconee St., on the second and last Wednesday of every month at 5:30 p.m. Email linda@nuci.org or call ahead for schedule changes. 706-227-1515.

HELP OUT!

AMERICAN RED CROSS

Volunteers needed year-round at the donor center, blood drives, and for the office. Red Cross Blood Donor Center, 3525 Atlanta Hwy. Call Helen Wenner, 706-546-0681, ext. 230.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES

Give the gift of communication. Catholic Charities is seeking volunteer teachers to teach immigrant adults in Athens. Call Jackie Saindon at 706-548-9421 or email cssesl@yahoo.com.

FOR THEATRE LOVERS

Volunteer as an usher, box office or concession seller for Town & Gown productions. Meet new friends, and see shows for free. www.townandgownplayers.org/volunteers.

MEALS ON WHEELS

The Meals On Wheels Program of the Athens Community Council on Aging needs volunteers to deliver meals to homebound clients in Clarke County. Training is provided. Volunteers are asked to commit to one day a week, 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Volunteers are required to use their own vehicles. 706-549-4850 or email meals@accaging.org.

PROJECT SAFE

The Project Safe Thriftstore is seeking volunteers to help pick up donations, move furniture, and sort and organize merchandise. 995 Hawthorne Ave., Monday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. 706-425-8863.

Margaret Moore