[around town]
What’s happening around the Port City

By: Andrew Kinback

Editor's Pick:

Saturday, July 19th: Writers, grab your pens (or ultra-cool old typewriters), and prepare to make those publishing dreams a reality—Bottega Gallery is currently accepting poetry and prose in all genres for an upcoming one-night poetry festival and publication called Between the Lines. But you’ll have to hurry because today is the last day to submit! Poetry and prose (up to 10 pieces total) must be e-mailed in MS Word format to art@bottegagallery.com. The cost is free; call: 763-3737 for more information, or visit Bottega online at bottegagallery.com. Good luck!

Rock On
Wednesday, July 16th: Who says people should only have fun on weekends? Karaoke Night with Gary Allen is held every Wednesday at the Rusty Nail, and it’s here to put that myth to rest. It’s the most fun you could hope to have during the midway point of your work week! It all gets underway at a new time, 8pm, when amateurs and music-lovers come together to sing their hearts out in front of a live—and hopefully forgiving—audience. Check out www.myspace.com/garyallen53 for more details, and start preparing that star singing voice now!

Heart to Heart
Thursday, July 17th: You’ve seen it done in movies like Hitch, where speed-dating events are always highly entertaining, at the very least promising either comical encounters or the hope of true love. Why not bring the possibilities to life for yourself—what have you got to lose? The Dirty Martini presents the perfect opportunity tonight as they will be holding Speed Dating at 7:30pm for all singles, ages 29-42. Participants can go on up to 12 six-minute dates in one evening, without pressure or rejection. (If you feel there is chemistry with any one of your dates, privately check “yes” on your scorecard, indicating you’d like to get to know the person better.) The cost is just $35 for a night filled with other singles looking to have fun and meet new people, just like you. The Dirty Martini is located at 1900 Eastwood Road; register now at www.Cupid.com/PreDating.

Brotherly Love
Friday, July 18th: They say it’s a job in which you have to love it in order to do it. It’s emotionally demanding and can be utterly thankless. Yet the intangible rewards for offering time and energy in the home healthcare field are innumerable and invaluable. If you have a heart for the elderly, a deep level of compassion and a high level of commitment, Liberty Hospice Services hopes you will apply for its volunteer-training program. Individuals, families, couples and/or groups are invited to join the Liberty Hospice Team to serve in a variety of ways to help make a difference in the lives of seniors in the Port City. For more information, please contact Paula Recko at 910-332-5751.

From the Canvas
Sunday, July 20th: Capture your inner Picasso with Adult Painting Classes with Cynthia O’Neal of Found Gallery. Classes will be held in the new gallery space, Shadowbox, downtown in the City Market building. Classes are held every Sunday afternoon from 1-3pm. The cost is $48, which includes materials, a snack and beverage, and a finished painting at the end of each lesson. Pre-pay for 10 classes, and the cost is reduced to $38 per class. For more information, contact Cynthia at 763-4465.

Cheers!
Monday, July 21st: The only drinks on my agenda this time of year are ice-cold. Forget the coffee or hot tea. If you’re planning a cocktail cookout with friends—in the shade from the sweltering heat, of course—consider adding Blue Cosmos to the menu. In honor of the recent release of Sex and the City: The Movie, Cosmos are a hot item as of late, and the tint of a Blue Cosmo honors summertime’s sea and skies. To make, place three ice cubes into a cocktail or martini shaker. Add two ounces of vodka, one ounce Blue Curacao, one ounce of white cranberry juice and a splash of fresh lime juice. Shake well for approximately 10 to 15 seconds, and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a slice of lime, orange, lemon or dried cranberries, and enjoy!

Bust a Move
Tuesday, July 22nd: Burn calories, have fun, learn something new—the benefits of hip-hop dance classes are endless! Offered every Tuesday night at the Dance Cooperative, summer teen/adult classes are from 7:30-8:30pm. The cost per class is $10 for adults and $5 for students. No cell phones, street shoes or gum are allowed; clothing should be comfortable but not so baggy as to hinder movement. Don’t forget a few friends, a lot of rhythm and the willingness to try! The Dance Cooperative is located at 118 South 17th Street. Call 763-4995 for more details.