Ballantyne
Organizers of the seventh “Adopt A Child” Christmas program are seeking donations to provide gifts, clothing, and a hot Christmas meal for children at A Better World, an after-school program in Charlotte's center city.
Costs are $50 to sponsor a child; $150 for a family. Provides holiday food, clothing, and a gift card. Deadline: Dec. 15. Questions: 704-544-2724. Celeste Smith
Matthews
The Town of Matthews has mailed 1,700 surveys to randomly selected citizens asking about town services, including parks, streets, garbage and recycling and more.
The responses to help guide the town's long-term planning. Responses must be returned by Friday. Questions: 704-847-4411 ext. 230. Melinda Johnston
Pineville
The Town of Pineville will host the fifth Annual Tree Lighting at 6:30 p.m. Saturday in the Pineville Police Department Parking lot, 300 Main St., Pineville. Information: 704-889-2291. Melinda Johnston
Monroe
The first phase of renovations to turn the Old Armory building near downtown Monroe into a community center are complete. There will be a dedication at 2 p.m. Monday. The renovations to the Old Armory, in the low-income Quality Hills neighborhood, took several months and cost $710,000. The first phase includes offices for staff and a community officer, a computer and tutoring room and a kitchen. Plans for the second phase include a media room and a fitness room, said Monroe Parks and Rec Director Mike Courtney. Esther Robards-Forbes
Local gift ideas
We're looking for stores and artisans in southern Mecklenburg, Union and York counties that sell locally produced items. They could include artwork, jewelry, pottery, and specialty foods.
To nominate a store or Web site by Nov. 26, send information to cesmith@charlotteobserver.com: store name or site, items and price range. Address, phone number and Web address. Also welcome are e-mailed photos in JPEG format.
Index
Dining out 2
News in brief 2-3
Home sales 5
Union news 7
York news 8
