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.

Jan. 27

Orchid Spectacular:

On display this winter are the best from the garden’s collection of more than 5,000 orchids. 9 a.m. $12 adults; $11 seniors 60 and older; $6 kids 4-12; Free for garden members and children younger than 4. 704-825-4444. Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, 6500 S. New Hope Road, Belmont. 704-825-4490. www.dsbg.org.

Animal Talks:

Can turtles trade shells? Why are toads bumpy? Discover the answers to these questions and more. 2 p.m. Free. McDowell Nature Preserve, 15222 York Road, Charlotte. 704-588-5224.

Author signing: Dr. James C Howell, “Struck from Behind”:

James Howell tells intriguing stories from childhood, romantic life, travel, friendships, tragedies, and wonders, and how God was there, although unnoticed or uninvited at the time. 2 p.m. Park Road Books, 4139 Park Road, Charlotte. 704-525-9239. www.parkroadbooks.com.

Camp Harrison Family Friendly Movie Viewing:

Family friendly afternoon to begin with a viewing of our new camp video filmed during summer 2012. The first 25 families to reserve spots will receive one small popcorn, and the family traveling the farthest to this event will receive a $25 gas gift card. Families with kids age 6-16 are encouraged to reserve for this event at www.checkineasy.com/event/camp-harrison-private-showing-of-camp-video-and-courageous/index. 2:30 p.m. Free. Charlotte Crownpoint Theater, 9630 Monroe Road, Charlotte. 800-514-1417. www.campharrison.org.

Adult Fitness Hike:

Suffering from the winter blues? Get the family outdoors for a brisk fitness walk on the trails at McDowell Nature Preserve. Registration Required. Course No. 40096. 3 p.m. Free. 704-336-7600. www.parkandrec.com. McDowell Nature Preserve, 15222 York Road, Charlotte. 704-588-5224.

Gaudium Musicae Concert: Carolina Men’s Chorus:

Next concert in the third season of Gaudium Musicae to feature performance by the Carolina Men’s Chorus, conducted by Carey Cannon. Reception following the concert. 4 p.m. $12 for adults; $8 for students; children 12 years old or younger are free. St. Ann Catholic Church, 3635 Park Road, Charlotte. 704-523-4641. www.StAnnCharlotte.org.

Jan. 28

Robert Motherwell: A Survey of paintings, paper and prints:

Jerald Melberg Gallery presents a survey of paintings, works on paper and prints by Robert Motherwell, one of the founders of the Abstract Expressionist movement. 10 a.m. Free. Jerald Melberg Gallery, 625 S. Sharon Amity Road, Charlotte. 704-365-3000. www.jeraldmelberg.com.

Intermediate Genealogy:

Olde Mecklenburg Genealogical Society will provide a four-week course that will aid in finding long-lost loved ones. This is the second part to this series. Registration 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. www.unionumc.net.

Jan. 29

“Did Race and Money Matter? Discrimination in the NC Eugenics Program”:

Dr. Daniel Grano, Dr. Margaret M. Quinlan and Elliot Hamer, (Communication Studies at UNC Charlotte) will discuss the recent discourse surrounding eugenics in North Carolina. 8 a.m. Free to attend, reservations required. YWCA of the Central Carolinas, 3420 Park Road, Charlotte. 704-525-5770. events.constantcontact.com.

Before and After - Landscape Projects with Carole Joyner:

Carole Joyner’s lecture features several before and after projects in which her focus is the architectural elements involved in landscape and hardscape design. Registration required. 9:30 a.m. $15. Wing Haven, 248 Ridgewood Ave., Charlotte. 704-331-0664. www.winghavengardens.com.

Robert Motherwell: A Survey of paintings, paper and prints:

Jerald Melberg Gallery presents a survey of paintings, works on paper and prints by Robert Motherwell, one of the founders of the Abstract Expressionist movement. 10 a.m. Free. Jerald Melberg Gallery, 625 S. Sharon Amity Road, Charlotte. 704-365-3000. www.jeraldmelberg.com.

Health Corner:

The Tyvola Senior Center is collaborating with the Alzheimer’s Association to provide mini seminars regarding various health-related topics affecting the senior population. January’s Health Corner will focus on vertigo. 10:45 a.m. Free. Tyvola Senior Center, 2225 Tyvola Road, Charlotte. 704-522-6222. www.cmseniorcenters.org.

Arthritis Tai Chi:

The course is appropriate for all levels of mobility. 1 p.m. Free. Tyvola Senior Center, 2225 Tyvola Road, Charlotte. 704-522-6222. www.cmseniorcenters.org.

Examining Estate Planning and Estate Taxation:

Hhow to optimize your estate plan to reduce or eliminate the effects of federal and state death taxes so you can pass on the maximum possible to heirs. Registration required: 704-708-5001. 7 p.m. Free. Matthews Woman’s Club, 208 S. Trade St., Matthews. 704-849-5063. www.matthewswomen.org.

Jan. 30

Laboring over long-term care:

We will study the facts and figures regarding the likelihood of needing long-term care and the cost of coverage in our area. Attend this session to learn how to protect yourself and your family. Registration required: 704-708-5001. 7 p.m. Free. Matthews Woman’s Club, 208 S. Trade St., Matthews. 704-849-5063. www.matthewswomen.org.

Jan. 31

The Garden in Winter with Andrea Sprott:

Enjoy a delightful morning of learning firsthand all the magic the winter garden has to offer, as seen through the eyes of renowned garden writer Elizabeth Lawrence, in her own garden preserved and maintained by Wing Haven. 9:30 a.m. $15. The Elizabeth Lawrence House and Garden at Wing Haven, 348 Ridgewood Ave., Charlotte. 704-331-0664. www.winghavengardens.com.

Gentle Yoga:

Chair Yoga is adapted to provide all of the benefits of yoga including improving strength, flexibility and posture without getting on the floor. 10:15 a.m. Free. Tyvola Senior Center, 2225 Tyvola Road, Charlotte. 704-522-6222. www.cmseniorcenters.org.

Fly Tying 101 - free introduction to fly-tying clinic:

All equipment provided, registration required: 704-571-6100. 5:30 p.m. Free. Orvis Charlotte at Phillips Place, 6800 Phillips Place Court, Charlotte. 704-571-6100. www.orvis.com.

Alzheimer’s Support Group:

Join us at Elmcroft Senior Living the last Thursday of each month for a support group. Talk with other caregivers and families feeling the same effects and emotions. 6 p.m. Free. Elmcroft Senior Living, 7745 Little Ave., Charlotte. 704-541-9333. www.elmcroft.com.

Maximizing retirement income and protecting your money:

If your retirement financial goals include maximizing income for life, safety of principal, growth, liquidity, tax-advantages, and control of your money, don’t miss this session. Registration required: 704-708-5001. 7 p.m. Matthews Woman’s Club, 208 S. Trade St., Matthews. 704-849-5063. www.matthewswomen.org.

Charlotte Christian School JK-12 Open Houses:

Charlotte Christian School will host two admissions open houses for parents and prospective students interested in grades junior kindergarten through grade 12. Contact admissions@charchrist.com or 704-366-5657, ext. 6510, for information or for reservations. 7 p.m. Free. Charlotte Christian School, 7301 Sardis Road, Charlotte. 704-366-5657. www.charlottechristian.com.

Pain Lecture - A neuromuscular massage therapist’s insights:

Hear neuromuscular massage therapist Marty Kunsman talk about body types as it relates to pain. This talk centers around his book “Hard Body Pain, Soft Body Bliss. Reservation-only event: nashmassage1@gmail.com. 7 p.m. Free. Charlotte Massage and Bodywork Center, 730 Tyvola Road, Charlotte. 704-968-0322. www.nashbodywork.weebly.com.

Feb. 1

How Sweet the Sound: A Tribute to George Beverly Shea:

Come celebrate George Beverly Shea’s 104th birthday during this special exhibit at the Billy Graham Library. Explore his life and discover what motivated this world-class baritone to forgo a promising radio career and travel to the ends of the earth as a member of the Billy Graham Crusade team. 9:30 a.m. Free. Billy Graham Library, 4330 Westmont Drive, Charlotte. 704-401-3200. www.billygraham.org.

Gallery Exhibit: Sandy Siepert – The Color of Water:

During February, Charlotte Fine Art Gallery will highlight work from North Carolina watercolor artist Sandra Siepert. Opening reception. 6 p.m. Free. Charlotte Fine Art Gallery, 7510 Pineville-Matthews Road, Charlotte. 704-541-0741. www.CharlotteFineArt.com.

“Macbeth”:

A one-hour version of the Shakespearean classic performed by our own acting company. Suitable for all ages. 7:30 p.m. $9-$10. 704-846-8343. www.carolinatix.org. Matthews Playhouse, 100 McDowell St., Matthews. 704-846-8343. www.matthewsplayhouse.com.