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, 319 N. Renfro St., Mount Airy, NC 27030; faxed to 789-2816; or emailed to aeldridge@mtairynews.com.

Ongoing

- Dobson Rescue Squad Inc. hosts bingo with cash prizes every Saturday night starting in January. The bingo is at the Dobson Rescue Squad at U.S. 601 and Rockford Road. Early birds start at 5 p.m. Regular pack begins at 7 p.m. The late bingo depends on the number of players. The regular pack is nine games for $20. The players game is $5. A child pack, for children 13 and under, is $5. Concessions are sold on site by Dobson Rescue. For more information, call 374-4100.

- Jamming in Jamsburg in Lambsburg, Va., is held every Friday from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Community Center. Bluegrass, old-time, gospel and other types of music will be playing. Situated at the foot of the Sugar Loaf Mountain and surrounded by the mountains makes a beautiful backdrop for the jam. There’s plenty of space indoors and outdoors. There are concessions with the clean entertainment for the whole family. All musicians and music lovers are invited to come play, dance or just listen and enjoy. Admission is free, and concessions are available.

- The Surry Arts Council presents free fiddle, guitar and banjo lessons for kids downstairs at the Andy Griffith Playhouse every Thursday evening. Master musician Jim Vipperman teaches fiddle at 5:30 p.m., and guitar and banjo at 6:15 p.m. No sign-up required, instruments are available for use during the lessons. For more information, call 786-7998.

- A Jam Session will be held every Thursday from 7 to 10 p.m., free at the Andy Griffith Playhouse.

- A Jam Session will be held every Saturday from 9 to 11 am, free at the Downtown Cinema Theater.

- WPAQ 740 AM presents a live radio broadcast every Saturday from 11 am to 1:30 p.m. at the Downtown Cinema Theater.

- Every Thursday evening, the American Legion Post 123 hosts Bingo at the American Legion Hall at Veterans Park, 691 W. Lebanon St. in Mount Airy. Cash prizes total up to $2,400 being paid. Early Birds start at 6:30 p.m. and regular games start at 7 p.m. Doors open at 5 p.m. Free coffee is offered and drinks and snacks are sold. Everyone is welcome. For more information, call 710-7322.

- If you or a family member is struggling with substance abuse, help is a phone call away. Twin City Area Narcotics Anonymous Helpline is available 24 hours a day at (800) 365-1035 or at www.teana.org. Call or visit the Web site for meeting schedules and additional information. This is a 12-step recovery program.

- Catch a tribute to “The King” on the second Saturday of each month at the Andy Griffith Playhouse. Professional tribute artist Jimmy W. Johnson brings a unique Elvis performance. Showtime is 3 p.m. Prices for the shows are as follows: first 10 rows are $25, last 10 rows are $20, balcony seats are $15. Contact the Surry Arts Council to reserve tickets at 786-7998.

- The Ararat Ruritan Club, Va., has dances every Saturday from 7 to 10 p.m. Admission is $5. Children under 12 are free. For more information, call (276) 251-5436.

- The Disabled American Veterans meets the fourth Thursday of each month at the National Guard Armory in Mount Airy at 7 p.m. Meetings are open to all members and their families.

- Join the Foothills Arts Council for The Artists Forum on the first and third Thursdays of each month at 5:30 p.m. This is an informal artists group for anyone interested in exploring their creative side. These discussions are presented free at the FAC building, 129 Church St., Elkin. For more information, call 835-2025.

- The Woman’s Club of Mount Airy meets the fourth Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. The club is seeking new members. The Woman’s Club of Mount Airy is a member of the General Federation of Woman’s Clubs of North Carolina. It is a service organization which gives back to the community in many ways including scholarships for local students and projects around Surry County. Anyone interested in attending a meeting should contact Wendy at 786-5747.

- Clayworks is having open studio for ceramics in Elkin on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to noon on Front Street. This is for adults who would like studio time to work on their own projects with or without instruction. The cost is $145 for 12 sessions. Start any date, work on the project of your choosing. To register, call the Yadkin Valley Craft Guild at 835-2717. For more information, visit www.yadkinvalleycraftguild.org.

- Every Thursday, the Mount Airy Public Library will have Game Night at 6 p.m. The library will have games like Scrabble, Boggle, Uno, Life, Sorry, Yahtzee, Trivial Pursuit and other games available to play.

- The Beulah Ruritan Club will have a dance every Friday from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Admission is $5. Children under the age of 12 are free. For more information, call 352-3383.

- Meetings will be held each Thursday at Bojangles from 6 to 8 p.m. for those healing from a broken marriage.

- Jam sessions will be held every Friday from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Willis Gap Community Center. Jammers of all skill levels are invited to attend. Enjoy a night of fun, food, friends and fellowship while hearing bluegrass, old-time, country and gospel music. Admission is free.

- Mayberry Ballroom Dance of Carolina Heartland will have dances at Pro Health Fitness Center in Mount Airy on Nov. 14 and Dec. 12. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. Lessons will be held from 7 to 7:45 p.m. and the dance will be from 7:45 to 10:30 p.m. Visitors are $8, USA Dance Members are $5 and full-time students are $3. Beverages will be provide but bring a snack. For more information, call the Mayberry Ballroom Dance Committee at 374-2712 or (276) 755-3072.

- Surry County Health and Nutrition Center, assisted by Reeves Community Center, will be having classes for diabetics to learn and meet others who understand. The following classes will be held: “Start Your Holidays on the Right Foot,” Nov. 18 from 11 a.m. to noon at Reeves Community Center; and “Hints for a Healthy Holiday,” Dec. 9 from noon to 1 p.m. at N.C. Cooperative Extension in Dobson. People with disabilities who would like to participate can be accommodated. For more information, call Kelly Whittington, RN at 401-8459 or Carmen J. Long at 401-8025.

- Corn Maze Days will run through October on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 84 Concord Road, Meadows of Dan, Va. Special events planned include a moonlight couples night and a haunted corn maze. For more information, call Sue Shelor at (276) 952-6575 or (276) 952-5568 or visit www.mountainmeadowcrafts.com.

- The Wings of Glory Christian Bikers Ministry will meet the first Monday night of each month at Prime Sirloin in Mount Airy. Fellowship will begin at 6 p.m. and the meeting will start at 7 p.m. Anyone who rides a motorcycle or who would like to join with helping is invited to attend. For more information, call Wayne Todd at (336) 200-0359 or Patsy Payne at 648-5055.

- The American Legion Auxiliary from Mount Airy Post 123 is holding a haunted trail running each weekend through Halloween at Veterans Park. The trail will be from 7:30 to 11 p.m. The cost is $5.

- The Friends of the Mount Airy Public Library will hold its fall book sale on Nov. 11 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Nov. 12 from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Nov. 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Nov. 14 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. books will be half price. Proceeds will be used to support various library programs and services including the children’s summer reading program. For more information, call the library at 789-5108.

- A new eight week session of Chi-Kung class will begin on Oct. 28 from 11 a.m. to noon at the Surry Senior Center and from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the Pilot Mountain Senior Center. The class is $24. This is open to all ages. For more information, call 786-6155 ext. 255.

Today

- The Copeland Masonic Lodge will be holding a BBQ pork dinner from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Copeland Ruritan Building. Plates are $8 and carry-outs are available. Proceeds go to the Masonic Home for Children and the Masonic Eastern Star Home.

- The Elks Care Fall Poker Run will leave the Mount Airy Elks Lodge at 11:45 a.m. and return for soup and sandwiches. Sign-up starts at 10 a.m. Trophies and cash for the best and second-best hands and skunk hand will be given out. Door prizes will include certificates for 15 frozen turkeys from Mount Airy Meat Center. Proceeds go to Hope Valley Drug and Alcohol Abuse Treatment Center. For more information, call (336) 972-1235.

- The Smith family reunion will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Ruritan building in Ararat, Va. Bring family and a favorite covered dish. Drinks, cups, plates, eating utensils and napkins will be provided. For more information, call Larry Smith at (276) 251-5217 or Bill Smith at (276) 251-8194.

- The Gallery Group and Art Studio, Inc. will host a reception for Jim Shepard, Artist of the Month. This event is free to the public, and attendees will have the opportunity to meet the artist and peruse the gallery. Light refreshments will be provided. The reception will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Parking is available on the street and at the municipal parking lot. For more information, call Donna Jackson, Gallery Group director, at 786-0057.

Nov. 6

- Francisco Elementary School will have a fall festival from 6 to 8 p.m. with hayrides, games, prizes and food.

Nov. 7

- The 2009 Busted Pumpkin 5K run/walk will be held at the Mt. View Loop, Patrick Springs, Va. Registration will be held from 7 to 7:45 a.m. with the race beginning at 8 a.m. This event is sponsored by Women Caring for the Community, WCC, and proceeds go to support Christmas Cheer in Patrick County, Va. For more information, call (336) 601-0846 or email nchokiegal@yahoo.com.

- The Mountain Park Fall Bazaar will be held by the Mountain Park Ruritan Club at Mountain Park Community Park starting at 8 a.m. Spaces are available for rent. A 12x12 space is $25 and a 12x24 space is $35. Businesses, churches and families are all welcome. A space must be reserved by Nov. 5. Spaces must be set up by 7:45 a.m. The Ruritans will be selling ham and sausage biscuits for breakfast and hot dogs for lunch. Raffle tickets will be sold on a rifle with three interchangeable barrels. The drawing will be held at 2 p.m.

- The Friends of the Mount Airy Public Library will have a special children’s book sale from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the multipurpose room. For more information, call the library at 789-5108.

- The House of Recovery Faith and Hope Ministry will be having a Healing Circle from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Westwood Park. This event will have specific ministers to help those who are recovering from addictions. Bring a chair, umbrella or blanket. For more information, call Angela Allen at 371-9035 or email houseofrecoveryfaithandhope@gmail.com.

- MCA Athletic Boosters will be having a yard sale from 7 a.m. to noon in the parking lot. Rent a table for $20 and sell items and keep the profits. Rain or shine, the sale will go on. If it rains, the event will be moved inside to the gym. Anyone is welcome to rent a table. Home businesses are also welcome to sell. Mobys Coffee and Holly Springs Cafe will be providing refreshments, with a percentage of the sales going to MCA Boosters. The Massage Cafe will provide massages. For more information, call Paula Collins at 755-6456 or email paacollins276@yahoo.com.

- The Westfield Booster Club will have live bluegrass music, hot dog supper, raffle drawing and silent auction beginning at 6 p.m. at the Westfield Ruritan Building. The auction and drawing will begin at 7 p.m. Hot dog plates are $5 and carry-outs are available. All proceeds will go to youth athletics.

- Mount Airy High School will have Fall Fling from 4 to 8 p.m. There will be obstacle courses, rock climbing walls, dunking booths, bungee run, hay rides, pie your teachers, cake walks, face painting, food and more. This even is presented by the MAHS Student Council.

- A benefit home interior bingo will be held for Joey Timmons, open heart surgery patient, at White Plains Ruritan Building. The doors will open at 5 p.m. and bingo will start at 6 p.m. Barbecue will be sold with all the trimmings and desserts. Anyone willing to donate any desserts will be appreciated. There will be a drawing for a stainless steel gas grill with gas tank. Bingo will be 20 games for $20. There will also be a cover-all and door prizes. All proceeds will go to help pay medical bills.

Nov. 9

- The Surry County Genealogical Association will meet at 6 p.m. in the research room at Surry Community College, Dobson, for a sharing and research meeting. Everyone is asked to bring genealogy or pictures, old letters, anything they would like to share about their family. The Carlos Surratt Research Room will be open for research, also. This meeting is free and everyone is invited. For more information, call 786-2545 or 755-9462 or email epdj1@embarqmail.com.

- The Special Education Advisory Committee of Carroll County Public Schools will meet at 5:30 p.m. in the large conference room on the third floor of the Carroll County Governmental Center. The purpose of this meeting will be to give an update on the Services Fair and a SmartBoard demonstration. The public is invited to attend this meeting.

Nov. 13

- The Surry County Senior Center is planning a trip to Charlotte for a day of shopping at the Southern Living Christmas Show. Departure will be at 8 a.m. in the parking lot of Blockbuster/Sonic. The group will return in Mount Airy around 6 p.m. The cost is $30 to cover the ticket to the show and transportation. Sign up by Nov. 4 to reserve a spot.

Nov. 14

- Fancy Gap Elementary School will have its 24th annual Christmas Bazaar from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. with unique pottery and art, handmade crafts, Christmas gifts and baskets, specialty food items and local vendors and business displays. For more information, call (276) 728-7504.

Nov. 17

- The Surry County Cooperative Extension will have a bus tour to the Southern Living Christmas Show leaving from the Dobson town parking lot at 8:15 a.m. and returning around 5:30 p.m. The cost for the day is $30 and spaces are limited. For more information or to reserve a spot, call 401-8025.

Nov. 19

- The Annual Meeting of the Surry County Historical Society will be held at 6:30 p.m. at Cross Creek Country Club. The program entitled “Fallen Heroes: The Chestnut in Appalachian Life and Chestnut Trees Now” will be provided by Dr. Charlotte Ross. Reservations must be make by Nov. 13 by sending a check to Jo Ann Eddy, c/o Surry County Historical Society, P.O. Box 469, Mount Airy, NC 27030. For more information, call 789-4304.

Nov. 21

- Meadowview Middle School will be holding bingo starting at 6 p.m. Doors will open at 5 p.m. Admission is $20 and includes 20 games. The last game is a bonus game and the cost is one card for $3 or two for $5. The prize is a weekend get-away to Pigeon Forge, Tenn., that includes a two-bedroom condo and two passes to Dollywood or Dixie Stampede, a $500 value. There will also be lots of door prizes. Daubers are required to play. Daubers will be available for purchase. Refreshments will be available. For more information, call 789-0276.