Submissions to the community calendar need to be in writing and arrive or be brought into The Mount Airy News office before 5 p.m. at least five days before the event should appear in the newspaper. Be sure to include the full name and address of the event; the time, day and date of the event; and a contact phone number in case our staff has any questions. Information may be mailed to: The Mount Airy News, P.O. Box 808, Mount Airy, NC 27030; faxed to 789-2816; or emailed to aeldridge@mtairynews.com.

Today

n A country breakfast will be held at the Eldora Ruritan Club building, 2078 Ararat Road, Ararat, from 8 to 10 a.m. On the menu is scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, grits, gravy, biscuits, butter, jelly, coffee, orange juice and soft drinks. Donations will be accepted. Proceeds go to promote fellowship and goodwill in the community.

Jan. 26

n The Surry Arts Council presents an eight-week series of classes on the fundamentals of directing. Taught by esteemed director and teacher Ray Collins, the classes will consist of lecture, discussion, critical analysis, readings, group work and rehearsal both inside and outside the class. Scenes from contemporary plays will be cast among the class participants. The class will meet downstairs at the Andy Griffith Playhouse from 7 to 9 p.m. for eight Mondays. Cost is $75 for the entire series. Class size is limited so call now to reserve a space. The Surry Arts Council offers this opportunity to work with a skilled and experienced theatre professional. For more information, contact the SAC at 786-7998.

Jan. 27

n The January Picture Books book club at the Mount Airy Public Library has selected “The DaVinci Code,” by Dan Brown. It will meet at 6 p.m. at the library to watch the movie. This event is free, and popcorn will be provided by the library.

Jan. 29

n The meeting of the Special Education Advisory Committee of Carroll County Public Schools will be held at 5:30 p.m. in the large conference room on the third floor of the Carroll County Governmental Center in Hillsville, Va. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the budget impact and considerations for developing the Annual Plan for the 2009-2010 school year. The meeting is open to the public.

Jan. 31

n There will be a benefit for the John Martin family at the Ararat Ruritan Building, Ararat, Va., from noon to 4:30 p.m. John was diagnosed with cancer and this benefit is to help with medical expenses. Lunch, dinner and takeouts are available. On the menu are spaghetti, salad, rolls, dessert and a drink for $6. New items have been donated for sale. The auction will be from 2 to 4 p.m.

n A bluegrass concert will be held at Francisco Elementary School, 7165 N.C. 89, in the gym at 6 p.m. Performing will be the Nunn Brothers bluegrass band and the Country Boys. Donations will be accepted at the door. Hot dogs, pintos, cornbread, drinks and dessert will be available. All proceeds go towards the fourth- and fifth-grade field trip. For more information, call 351-2453.

n There will be a benefit supper for Kancie Tate, daughter of Tony and Tracie Tate, to help with Brenner Children’s Hospital medical expenses. The dinner will be from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Remnant Worship Center, 432 McBride Road, Mount Airy. Donations will be accepted at the door.

Feb. 3

n In honor of the Lincoln Bicentennial, the Friends of the Mount Airy Public Library will host a performance of “Mr. Lincoln’s Office, a Visit with the President.” This dynamic one-man presentation is based on the writings of Abraham Lincoln. The performance will be held in the library’s multi-purpose room at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 and are available at the library. For more information, contact the library at 789-5108.

Feb. 4

n Award-winning author and North Carolina native Robert Morgan will speak at Surry Community College, library second floor, R Building, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Robert Morgan is the author of “Boone: A Biography” (2007). Copies of “Boone” will be available for purchase and signing. The event is free to the public. This event is part of Surry Community College’s Cultural Event Series. For more information on the event, David Wright at 386-3252.

Feb. 5

n The North Carolina Ballet will present Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Lake” at the Andy Griffith Playhouse at 7:30 p.m., and tickets are $10. This performance is made possible by the support of the cARTwheels program of the North Carolina Arts Council. Contact the Surry Arts Council for tickets at 786-7998.

Feb. 6

n The youth of Holy Angels Catholic Church, 1208 N. Main St., Mount Airy, will be hosting a Valentine’s dance for special people from 5 to 7 p.m.

Feb. 7

n The Surry Arts Council presents a special screening of “Our Neck of the Woods” at 7 p.m. at the Downtown Cinema Theatre. Filmed in Mount Airy during late Feb. and early March of 2008, “Our Neck of the Woods” was directed by Mount Airy’s own Rob Connolly as his MFA thesis project for the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. Connolly made the film with the help of crew members from North Carolina, New York and Los Angeles. Dozens of Mount Airy businesses and residents were also involved in this project, which will appear as an official selection of the 2009 Sundance Film Festival before premiering in Mount Airy. The “Our Neck of the Woods” screening is free and will include an introduction of the film, viewing of the 15 minute film and behind the scenes footage and a question and answer session with Rob Connolly. Call 786-7998 for more information.

Feb. 8

n The Friends of the Mount Airy Public Library will host a presentation by author Bill Thompson at 2 p.m. in the library’s multi-purpose room. Refreshments will be served. Tickets are $5 and are available at the library. Bill Thompson has been a regular columnist in “Our State” magazine for almost a decade and is the author of three books. His books capture humorous stories of everyday life in North Carolina. For more information, contact the library at 789-5108.

Feb. 9

n Join the Glenn Miller Orchestra for an evening of gourmet dining, dancing and the best music of the Greatest Generation. The event will be held at Cross Creek Country Club. Tickets are $75 per person. Don’t miss the special evening featuring the classics of big band music, performed by the world famous Glenn Miller Orchestra. Contact the Surry Arts Council for tickets at 786-7998.

n The Surry County Genealogical Association will meet at 7 p.m. in the teaching auditorium at Surry Community College in Dobson. Bring pictures, genealogy and anything that could be shared about the family or the area. This meeting is free and everyone is invited. For more information, call 786-2545, 755-9462 or email epdj1@embarqmail.com.

Feb. 21

n The Carolina Travelers welcome special guests None of the Above to an evening of bluegrass music. Based in Mount Airy, None of the Above has been playing their unique mix of bluegrass, newgrass, acoustic country, folk and old-time fiddle music around North Carolina for over ten years. Voice of the Blue Ridge is held every third Saturday at the Downtown Cinema Theatre. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 or $5 for Surry County residents and Surry Arts Council members. Children 12 and under free. For more information, contact the Surry Arts Council at 786-7998.

n There will be a benefit supper for Charlie Smith at the Red Bank Ruritan Club in Claudville, Va., from 5 to 7 p.m. On the menu are pinto beans, corn bread, potatoes, slaw, drink and dessert for $5.

Feb. 27 and 28

n Join the Surry Arts Council and Old-Time Music enthusiasts in celebrating Tommy Jarrell and his music during the sixth annual Tommy Jarrell Festival. Featuring renowned old-time musicians Ira Bernstein, Benton Flippen, Willard Gayheart, Richard Bowman, Richard Dotson, Kirk Sutphin and more. The festival includes jam sessions, lectures, music, film, dancing, instrument makers, youth talent and tours of Mount Airy. The Tommy Jarrell Festival commences with a dance on Friday at 7 p.m. at the Andy Griffith Playhouse. Benton Flippen and the Smokey Valley Boys and the Slate Mountain Ramblers play the old-time music that has its roots in Surry County. Wayne Jarrell, Tommy’s son, will be on hand to call the dance. Tickets are $4. Join world-class dancer Ira Bernstein and accompanist Riley Baugus as they lead a free dance workshop on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. at the Andy Griffith Playhouse. Youth old-time fiddle, banjo, mandolin, guitar, dance and vocal categories compete for cash prizes during the Tommy Jarrell Old-Time Youth Music Competition at 4:30 p.m. at the Andy Griffith Playhouse. A special birthday concert will be held at 7 p.m., also at the Andy Griffith Playhouse. Join mentees of Tommy Jarrell as they celebrate Tommy’s birthday and ensure that his music is preserved in his hometown. Kirk Sutphin, Kevin and Trish Fore, Ira Bernstein and Riley Baugus, Slate Mountain Ramblers, Benton Flippen and the Smokey Valley Boys, The Toast String Stretchers, Backstep and others join in the celebration that is hosted by Lew Bode. Tickets for this event are $10. To purchase tickets or for more information on these events, contact the Surry Arts Council at 786-7998.