Community calendar

Please submit your event information online. Go to http://events.charlotteobserver.com and click on “add to our listings.” Email photos to stories@newsofsouthcharlotte.com. The submission deadline for print is two weeks in advance of the event date.

Dec. 30

Holidays at the Garden:

Our holiday display promises surprises aplenty with a new festive display of Christmas trees, a lighting display with 500,000 lights, and a touch of warmth offered by tasty s’mores enjoyed beside a glowing fire. Closed Dec. 25. 12 p.m. Adults $12; seniors 60-plus, $11; children 4-12, $6;. 704-829-1252. Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, 6500 S. New Hope Road, Belmont. 704-825-4490. www.dsbg.org.

Holiday Afternoon Tea:

Join The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge for Holiday Afternoon Tea in the main lobby throughout December. Reservations required. 1 p.m. The cost is $30 for adults and $15 for children, ages 5-12, and complimentary for children ages 4 and younger (plus tax and gratuity). 704-248-4100. The Ballantyne Hotel and Lodge, 10000 Ballantyne Commons Parkway, Charlotte. 704-248-4000. www.theballantynehotel.com.

Dec. 31

Puppies for Patients:

Donate blood with the Community Blood Center of the Carolinas and sign a tag that will be attached to a stuffed animal puppy and delivered to children in local hospitals and care facilities during the holidays. 10 a.m. Community Blood Center of the Carolinas, 4447 South Blvd., Charlotte. 704-972-4700. www.cbcc.us.

Story Time Monday:

Chick-fil-A Cotswold and Books-A-Million have teamed for Story Time on Monday mornings at Chick-fil-A Cotswold. Recommended for children 18 months to 4 years of age. 10:30 a.m. Free. Chick-fil-A Cotswold, 4431 Randolph Road, Charlotte. 704-366-0073. www.cfarestaurant.com.

Opening Night Matthews:

With our 11th season, we will welcome the New Year with an evening of mystery and mayhem. This production ends with enough time to ring in the New Year with family and friends. 9 p.m. $10. www.carolinatix.org. Matthews Playhouse, 100 McDowell St., Matthews. 704-846-8343. www.matthewsplayhouse.com.

Jan. 2

Charles Basham and Christopher Clamp:

Jerald Melberg Gallery presents two solo exhibitions for artists Charles Basham and Christopher Clamp. 10 a.m. Free. Jerald Melberg Gallery, 625 S. Sharon Amity Road, Charlotte. 704-365-3000. www.jeraldmelberg.com.

Jan. 3

Gallery Exhibit: New Year, New Works:

Charlotte Fine Art Gallery represents award-winning artists from the Carolinas as well as around the nation. 10 a.m. Free. Charlotte Fine Art Gallery, 7510 Pineville-Matthews Road, Charlotte. 704-541-0741. www.CharlotteFineArt.com.

Charles Basham and Christopher Clamp:

Jerald Melberg Gallery presents two solo exhibitions for artists Charles Basham and Christopher Clamp. 10 a.m. Free. Jerald Melberg Gallery, 625 S. Sharon Amity Road, Charlotte. 704-365-3000. www.jeraldmelberg.com.

Jan. 4

Gallery Exhibit: New Year, New Works:

Charlotte Fine Art Gallery represents award-winning artists from the Carolinas as well as around the nation. Opening reception/meet the artists on this first Friday; refreshments served. 6-9 p.m. Free. Charlotte Fine Art Gallery, 7510 Pineville-Matthews Road, Charlotte. 704-541-0741. www.CharlotteFineArt.com.

Charles Basham and Christopher Clamp:

Jerald Melberg Gallery presents two solo exhibitions for artists Charles Basham and Christopher Clamp. 10 a.m. Free. Jerald Melberg Gallery, 625 S. Sharon Amity Road, Charlotte. 704-365-3000. www.jeraldmelberg.com.

Drama Kids of south Charlotte and south Mecklenburg County:

Enthusiastic students age 6-11; we’re a place where all children, from the shy to the outgoing can develop at their own pace, with plenty of positive encouragement. 5 p.m. Check for promotions. 704-612-1441. dramakids.com. Sports Connection, 11611 Ardrey Kell Road, Charlotte. www.sportsconnectionnc.com.

Gallery reception:

“First Fridays” happen at Charlotte Fine Art Gallery. 6 p.m. Free. Charlotte Fine Art Gallery, 7510 Pineville-Matthews Road, Charlotte. 704-541-0741. www.CharlotteFineArt.com.

Jan. 5

Joe Davis Memorial Resolution Run:

A 5k Run/Walk and 1 mile Fun Run at Walter Elisha Park in Fort Mill, S.C., to benefit Keystone Substance Abuse Services in Rock Hill, S.C. 9 a.m. $25; $30 on race day. Walter Elisha Park, 345 N. White St., Fort Mill. 803-412-4972. www.joedavisrun.racesonline.com.

Gallery Exhibit: New Year, New Works:

Charlotte Fine Art Gallery represents award-winning artists from the Carolinas as well as around the nation. 10 a.m. Free. Charlotte Fine Art Gallery, 7510 Pineville-Matthews Road, Charlotte. 704-541-0741. www.CharlotteFineArt.com.

Saturday art session - Windblown Winter Trees:

Projects are inspired by the museum collections and exhibitions and are appropriate for the entire family. All ages. Drop in anytime between 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free after museum admission. Mint Museum Randolph, 2730 Randolph Road, Charlotte. 704-337-2000. www.mintmuseum.org.

Showing of “Genetic Roulette”:

We will be showing the film “Genetic Roulette” in the community room of The Healthy Home Market. Due to space constraints this will be limited to the first 50 people who register; contact Pam Watson at 704-599-9087 or by email at itsrealfood@yahoo.com. 6:30 p.m. Free. 704-599-9087. Healthy Home Market, 2707 South Blvd., Charlotte. 704-522-8123. www.hemarket.com.

Cup of Humor Comedy Night:

Come get your laugh on in the first event of the New Year at Madison’s Coffee House. We are also setting up some live music for the evening. 8 p.m. $5. Madison’s Coffee House, 7878 Idlewild Road, Indian Trail. 704-628-0106. www.madisonscoffee.com.

Jan. 6

Book event and dinner by author Stacey Marshall:

Stacey Marshall, author of “Captain Courage and the Fear-Squishing Shoes,” will show simple, powerful strategies for optimal, self-assured speaking in any situation. Reservations required for dinner. 4:30 p.m. Free, $5 for dinner. 704-366-5007. http://bit.ly/TYTwh4. Levine Jewish Community Center, 5007 Providence Road, Charlotte. 704-366-5007. www.charlottejcc.org.

Jan. 7

Intermediate genealogy:

Olde Mecklenburg Genealogical Society will provide a four-week course that will aid in searching for long-lost loved ones. This is a second part in a series. Most of the research will be conducted on the Internet. Space is limited; registration is required. 1:30 p.m. Free. Tyvola Senior Center, 2225 Tyvola Road, Charlotte. 704-522-6222. www.cmseniorcenters.org.

GED class:

Weekly GED classes. 6 p.m. Free. Union United Methodist Church, New Town Road, Wesley Chapel. 704-843-1603. 704-843-1603. www.unionumc.net.

Mind and meditation session:

Reduce stress and improve overall health and well-being through meditation

6:30 p.m. Free. Earthfare Supermarket, 12235 N. Community House Road, Charlotte. 980-216-8732. us.artofliving.org.

Jan. 8

MainStreetChamber’s Speed Networking for Breakfast:

Join MainStreetChamber Charlotte and Sweet Tea’s Restaurant for Speed Networking for Breakfast. 7:30 a.m. Free. 704-313-5153. mainstreetchambercharlotte.org/chamber-events. Sweet Tea’s Restaurant and Catering, 9101 Pineville-Matthews Road, Pineville. 704-855-1803. www.sweetteascatering.com.

The Garden Club of Weddington Vegetable Gardening:

The speaker is David Blackley, garden expert and owner of Renfrow Hardware. The program is “Vegetable Gardening.” He will speak on gardening 365 days a year. Guest welcome. 9:15 a.m. Siler Presbyterian Church, 6301 Weddington Monroe Road, Matthews. 704-821-7445. www.gardenclubofweddington.com.

Senior chair yoga:

Weekly senior chair yoga. 9:30 a.m. Free. Union United Methodist Church, New Town Road, Wesley Chapel. 704-821-1603. www.unionumc.net.

Gallery Exhibit: New Year, New Works:

Charlotte Fine Art Gallery represents award-winning artists from the Carolinas as well as around the nation. 10 a.m. Free. Charlotte Fine Art Gallery, 7510 Pineville-Matthews Road, Charlotte. 704-541-0741. www.CharlotteFineArt.com.

Planning for the End of Your Life: A Primer for Caregivers:

Learn about legal needs, your rights as a patient, Hospice and more in a free program from The Ivey memory care day center. Registration requested; 704-909-2070. Speaker Marilyn Morenz of Hospice will talk about the living will, health care power of attorney and other essentials. 2 p.m. Free. The Ivey Adult Day Services, 6030 Park S Drive, Charlotte. 704-909-2070. www.theivey.com.

Drama Kids Acting Academy:

DKI Acting Academy is open to all students ages 12-17 who wish to explore, and expand their speaking, acting and auditioning skills. Call 704-612-1441 for discounts or email Dramakidsnc2@gmail.com. 6 p.m. $66 per month; ask for promotions. Elevation Blakeney, 8835 Blakeney Professional Drive, Charlotte. 704-612-1441. www.dramakids.com.

Love and Logic parenting class:

Teen Health Connection is excited to offer Love and Logic, a parenting program designed to give participants practical skills that can be used immediately with adolescents ages 11-18. 6 p.m. Free. Community House Middle School, 9500 Community House Road, Charlotte. 980-343-0689. schools.cms.k12.nc.us/communityhouseMS.

GED Class:

Weekly GED classes. 6 p.m. Free. Union United Methodist Church, New Town Road, Wesley Chapel. 704-843-1603. www.unionumc.net.

Katya Lezin book signing:

“But I just Grew Out My Bangs! A Cancer Tale.” Author and South Charlotte News columnist Katya Lezin will speak about her memoir, followed by a panel discussion with her medical team. 7 p.m. Free. http://bit.ly/12FhhQq. Levine Jewish Community Center, 5007 Providence Road, Charlotte. 704-366-5007. www.charlottejcc.org.