LOCAL EVENTS

Pasquotank Arts Council. The Current gallery exhibit features painter Dennis Lighthart and pottery from Hatteras Island's Red Drum Pottery. The exhibit runs now through Feb. 2 at the Pasquotank Arts Council Gallery on Main Street in Elizabeth City.

Perquimans Arts League. The Perquimans Arts League has a new photography show in its gallery at 109 N. Church St., Hertford, in the Hall of Fame Building until Feb. 5. Hours are 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. 426-3401 or 326-5657.

Encore Theatre Company. Ticket are on sale now for Encore Theatre Company's production, "The Spitfire Grill," a bluegrass musical. The show runs Feb. 16,17, 22, 23, & 24 and March 2 & 3 at the Main Street Stage. Tickets are $10 and may be purchased at Clown N' Around, The UPS Store or at the door.

ECSU speaker. Dr. David Dennard, associate professor of history and director of the Institute for Historical and Cultural Research at East Carolina University, will speak at ECSU's fine arts center auditorium Thursday at 11 a.m., in celebration of Black History Month.

Poetry Reading.Tim Seibles, a nationally renowned poet, will be reading selected poetry Thursday from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at ECSU in the Johnson Hall Auditorium in celebration of Black History Month. He will also do a book signing afterwards. Call 335-3713 for more information.

Dance party. A free dance party will be sponsored by North Eastern North Carolina Chapter 6102, USA Dance, Inc., and the Albemarle Family YMCA, Friday Groundhog Day. Dancing is from 8:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the YMCA. No partner needed. Call 207-6014 or 334-9622 for information.

VFW Post 6060. The VFW will hold a fish fry, Friday for $6 per plate. They will deliver meals to those that order five or more plates. 338-2828 or send an e-mail to vfw6060@yahoo.com. Deliveries will be within a six mile radius of post.

A love banquet. A love banquet honoring Bishop Ed Smith and Pastor Ann Smith of the New Birth Outreach Ministries will be held at the Perquimans Central Grammar School Saturday, at 4 p.m. Donations are $10 per person. Contacts are 335-4384 and 771-5367.

Pasquotank-Camden Library. "It's Valentine's Day" at the library Saturday, at 10:30 a.m. for kindergarten thru third grade. Enjoy stories and a craft. For more information, call 335-2473.

Chess. Second annual Groundhog Open is Saturday, through 7 at 906 4th St., Elizabeth City, a USCF rated event. Registration is 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Starts at 9 a.m. Entry fee is $10 for six rounds. US Chess Federation membership required, and may be purchased at the site. 338-4120.

PAC Student art show. The Perquimans Arts League is sponsoring a Student Art Show Feb. 9 through Mar. 9, 2007. The show is open to all students in all grades in Perquimans County. No fee and a limit of 3 pieces of work per student. All works of art must be appropriate to be displayed in the gallery. See your teacher or us at 426-3041 or 426-5657. Works must be received by Feb. 1.

MOA Burnside Expedition. Join the Museum of the Albemarle on February 9 & 10 as scholars from across the southeast and mid-Atlantic gather to discuss the Burnside Expedition of 1862. Dr. Richard A. Sauers, a recognized authority and author on the Burnside expedition will provide the keynote address.Registration for all events required by Friday. Registration forms and fee details available at the MOA Web site at www.museumofthealbemarle.com.

Gospel night of elegance. God's Cho"Z"en second annual Gospel Night of Elegance, Saturday, Feb. 10 from 8 p.m. to midnight at the K.E. White Building featuring Maggie Ingram & the Ingramettes. Dinner $30 per couple, $20 single. 338-3872 or 338-3262.

FUNDRAISING EVENTS

Cook books. First Baptist Church cook books are still available for $11. Call 338-3904.

Pancake breakfast. There will be a pancake breakfast Saturday, from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the CPOA Building on Cardwell St. Cost is $5. All proceeds go to the Pasquotank-Camden Special Olympics.

Pancake breakfast. The Nixonton Ruritan Club is having their monthly fundraiser pancake, sausage and grits breakfast, Saturday, from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. for $4.

BBQ benefit. A barbecue plate benefit will be held for Ernest Cartwright, Saturday, Feb. 10 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. for $6 per plate, at Masonic Lodge, Elizabeth City. Eat in or take out. For more information, call 264-2290.

Singing Valentines. Have a barbershop quartet deliver a red rose and two love songs to that special someone, anywhere in Chowan, Perquimans or Pasquotank Counties, on Valentine's Day, Feb. 14, for only $25. Order by calling 482-1975 by Monday, Feb. 12. All proceeds to go vocal music programs in local schools.

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