MARCH 7

AUTHOR COFFEE TALKS SERIES with Judith Geary, 10:30 a.m. at the Thomas B. Norton Library in Gulf Shores. Geary is the author of “Gertorix:  The Eagle and the Bull: A Celtic adventure in Rome.” For more information contact the circulation desk at the Thomas B. Norton Library at 251-968-1176.

SHAWL MINISTRY KNITTING LESSONS

Meets mondays in March from 9:30-11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Gulf Shores, 309 E. 21st Ave., Gulf Shores. Teacher Larna Ver Morris Baker has volunteered her experience as a shawl knitting teacher to conduct on-going classes at the First Presbyterian Church of Gulf Shores. Requirements for each participant is to bring two skeins of Lion Brand homespun yarn for each shawl and size 15 or 17 knitting needles. The event is free to public. For more information, call   251-968-7472 or visit www.gspres.com

MARCH 7, 8 , 9

ENTERTAINMENT SERIES 2011 PRESENTS:  RHYTHM OF THE DANCE   at  7:30 p.m. at Erie Meyer Civic Center, 1930 W. 2nd St., Gulf Shores. The National Dance Company of Ireland featuring a live band, three tenors and some 22 dancers, this two-hour dance and music extravaganza is an inspiring epic reliving the journey of two Celtic clans as they battle their way to freedom. It is truly a celebration of all things Irish. Ticket Prices: $26 preferred, $24 good. for more information call  251-968-1172 or visit www.cityofgulfshores.org.

MARCH 9

AFTERNOON MATINEE SERIES at Orange Beach Library, 3 p.m. “Girl With a Pearl Earring.” This 2003 film, starring Scarlett Johannson and Colin Firth, is an adaptation of the book of the same name by Tracy Chevalier. Film rating: PG-13; for some sexual content. Shown in the meeting room of the Orange Beach Library, 26267 Canal Rd., Orange Beach and is free to the public. For more information, call 251-981-2923 or visit www.orangebeachlibrary.org.

MIXED MEDIA AND ACRYLIC PAINTING Classes meet Thursday and March16 12:30-2:30 p.m. at Orange Beach Art Center. Instructor: Zach Baisden.  This class includes acrylic painting with a variety of other additional media such as paper, charcoal and found objects incorporated into the work. Go a step further and experiment with unlikely combinations. Students will receive individual instruction. You will enjoy Zach's encouraging teaching methods. Class cost $65. The center offers a variety of classes in varying mediums. For more information, call 251-981-ARTS (2787) or visitwww.orangebeachartcenter.com

MARCH 10

GUIDED BEACH TOURS OF DYNAMIC DUNES: Tours on Thursday, March 15 and March 22 at 10 a.m., March 8 and 17 at 9 a.m. Discover why these dunes are so important. Meet at the Mobile St. access parking lot. It is free to the public, but reservations are required. For more information, call 251-50-7720.

GUIDED TOUR AT CENTENNIAL TRAIL: Tours at 9 a.m., March 10 and 24 at 7:30 a.m. Explore the transition from Maritime forest to dune swales to a swamp discovering different species of plants and wildlife. Meet at Jeff Friend Trailhead. It is free to the public, but reservations are required. For more information, call 251-50-7720.

MARCH 10-13

AND MARCH 18-20

SOUTH BALDWIN COMMUNITY THEATRE PRESENTS: THE FOREIGNER: Shows are at 7:30 p.m. with matinees at 2 p.m. March 13 and 20. A fishing lodge in rural Georgia is often visited by “Froggy,” a demolition expert who occasionally runs training sessions at the near-by army post. This time "Froggy"”has brought along a pathologically shy man, Charlie.   South Baldwin Community Theater, 2022 W, Secind Ave., Gulf Shores. Tickets are adults $12; students $8. For more information,  call 251-968-6721 or visit www.sbct.com

MARCH  11

EVENING DANCE From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. for $5 per person, the Vintage Vagabonds Band will be providing music for an evening dance at the Orange Beach Adult Activity Center. The center is located at 26251 Canal Road. For more information, call 251-981-3440, visit obparksandrec.com or e-mail cvines@cityoforangebeach.com.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT: Speaker: “Turtle Czar”, Mike Reynolds of “Share the Beach” Sea Turtle program. Learn how this local volunteer organization monitors and helps protect threatened and endangered turtles. The Adult Activity Center, 260 Clubhouse Drive in Gulf Shores, is the place to be select Friday mornings throughout the winter season. The “Something to Think About” series of speakers is sure to entertain and enlighten listeners of all ages. Come for coffee at 9:30 a.m. and stay for the main event beginning at 10 a.m. Each presentation will last about an hour and is free to the public. For more on this and other opportunities sponsored by the City of Gulf Shores visit www.gulfshoresal.gov or call the Special Events Office at 251-968-1172.          

MARCH 12

MARCH FANTASY DOLL AND TOY SHOW AND SALE by the Eastern Shore Doll Study Club of Alabama from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. a the Fairope Civic Center. Admission is $2 for adults and $1 for children ages 6-12. For more information call Ruth Ann Brett at 251-980-5958.

MARDI GRAS BEAD CRAFTS AT  from noon-1 p.m. at Orange Beach Art Center, 26389 Canal Rd., Orange Beach. For more information, call 251-981-ARTS (2787) or visit www.orangebeachartcenter.com.

RUMMAGE SALE ST. ANDREW BY SEA COMMUNITY CHURCH sponsored by the Education Committee from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Palm Plaza Shopping Center at 3501 Gulf Shores Parkway, which is across from the airport.  Needed are gently used items you no longer use such as household items, including pots & pans, linens, whatnots, clothing, electronics, books, furniture, tools or anything else you think someone would love to have, it may be someone else's treasure.  You may contact Dee Derstine at 251-923-6935 or Debra Housch at 251-747-1389 to arrange for a pick up or schedule a time to bring items to the church or the shopping center. For further information, please contact 205-335-7900.

PEPSI STAR SERIES AND THE WHARF PRESENTS:  COREY SMITH IN CONCERT WITH SPECIAL GUEST COLT FORD at 8 p.m. Opening for Corey Smith, Matt Stillwell.  Tickets are $25 for General Admission on the floor or $20 for reserved 200 level seating. For more information call 251-224-1021 or visit www.ithewharfamphitheatretickets.com.

MARCH 12-13

2011 ORANGE BEACH FESTIVAL OF ART 10 a.m.-5 p.m. both days at Waterfront Park on Canal Road in Orange Beach. The Orange Beach Festival of Art is held each year on the second weekend of March.  There will be a wide range of exhibits and shows including visual arts, music, kid’s art alley, performances, literary arts and great festival food. Admission is free. For more information call 251-981-ARTS (2787) or visit www.obfoa.com.

MARCH 16

AFTERNOON MATINEE SERIES at Orange Beach Library, 3 p.m. This 2009 film, “State of Play” starring Russell Crowe, Ben Affleck, Rachel McAdams, Helen Mirren, Robin Wright Penn, and Jason Bateman is an action-thriller. Film rating: PG-13; for some violence, language including sexual references, and brief drug content. Shown in the meeting room of the Orange Beach Library, 26267 Canal Rd., Orange Beach and is free to the public. For more information, call 251-981-2923 or visit www.orangebeachlibrary.org.

MARCH 17

ST. PATRICK’S DAY DINNER AND SING-A-LONG at the Erie Meyer Civic Center. Tickets are available for $10 and may be purchased at the Harry Roberts Community House, Bodenhamer Recreation Center and The Adult Activity Center in Gulf Shores. Enjoy live entertainment and great food: the event begins at 5 p.m. and is BYOB. For more information please call 251 968-1434.

MARCH 17 & 23

GUIDED TOUR OF THE GATOR LAKE TRAIL, 8 a.m. March 17 and 9 a.m. March 23. Walk along a dune ridge and see many species of birds and plants that are typical of this transitional habitat between the Maritime forest and the frontal dunes. Meet at the Gator Lake Trailhead nine miles west of Alabama 59 in Gulf Shores on Fort Morgan Road. It is free to the public, but reservations are required. For more information, call 251-50-7720.

MARCH 23

AFTERNOON MATINEE SERIES at Orange Beach Library, 3 p.m. “Butterfield 8” from 1960 film stars Elizabeth Taylor, Laurence Harvey, Eddie Fisher and Dina Merrill. Shown in the meeting room of the Orange Beach Library, 26267 Canal Rd., Orange Beach and is free to the public. For more information, call 251-981-2923 or visit www.orangebeachlibrary.org.

MARCH 25

PERDIDO VINEYARD AND LUNCH – Enjoy a buffet lunch at the Stagecoach Café before journeying on to the vineyards to tour and taste the many flavors of wines and vinegars produced and bottled in South Alabama. You will also enjoy the history as told by the owner of the farm. Departure is 10:30 a.m. from  Harry Roberts Community House at 300 E. 16th Ave in Gulf Shores. For more information call Sylvia Lamberth 251-968-1434 or e-mail at slamberth@gulfshoresal.gov.

MARCH 26

BOATING AND SAFETY COURSE offered by the Perdido Bay Power Squadron. The course meets the Alabama boating license requirements mandated for operating any type of watercraft in state waters.     Instruction is provided free by experienced members of the squadron. You may pre-register and materials for the course may be purchased at the Coleman Outlet Store or Blue Water Ship’s Stores, both located in Foley. Fee of  $50 covers all class materials, including a text book, an instructional video on chart navigation, two CDs and lunch for one person. If multiple family members are attending only one book is necessary and a small fee will be charged for additional lunches.  Class will be limited to 20 students.  The course runs from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information please call 251-980-1536.

THE ORIGINAL GERMAN SAUSAGE FESTIVAL from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at Elberta Town Park, Main St., Elberta. The best German Sausage you have ever tasted! Made from a secret recipe developed by the founding fathers of Elberta. Arts & crafts, live music, carnival rides, baked goods & more. Don't forget to visit the Bier Garten for a large selection of imported beers. The event is free to public. For more information, call 251-986-5805 or visit www.sausagefest

.elbertafire.com

MARCH 29

FREE CHOLESEROL, GLUECOSE, ANEMIA AND BLOOD PRESSURE TESTING in the parking lot of the Gulf Shores First Presbyterian Church located at 309 E. Ave., Gulf Shores 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Fasting for 4 hours prior to testing is recommended, but not required. This free-to-the-public event is hosted by Sacred Heart's Mission in Motion Team and the Christian Service Center Emergency Aid agency of Gulf Shores.  The Christian Service Center, now celebrating its 20th year serving this community, is located at 317 Dolphin Ave., Gulf Shores, AL. For questions call: 251-968-5256.

MARCH 30

AFTERNOON MATINEE SERIES at Orange Beach Library, 3 p.m.  This 1999 film, “Remains of the Day,” starring Anthony Hopkins, Emma Thompson, James Fox and Christopher Reeve, is an adaptation of the book of the same name by Kazuo Ishiguro. Shown in the meeting room of the Orange Beach Library, 26267 Canal Rd., Orange Beach and is free to the public. For more information, call 251-981-2923 or visit www.orangebeachlibrary.org.

Ongoing

FREE HELP WITH TAX RETURNS: This year, the Orange Beach Senior Center will again be offering free AARP tax services to senior citizens. This service is free and available to all seniors, both our local residents and visitors. Free electronic filing and automatic deposit of refunds is offered. This service can answer most of the tax issues faced by low to moderate income taxpayers, including BP or Gulf Coast Claims Facility payments. Special attention is given to those ages 60 and older. You do not need to be a member of AARP. All AARP volunteers have previous experience in tax preparation and must complete an IRS training course and testing each year. AARP volunteers will be at the Orange Beach Senior Center from Feb. 1 thru April 15 on Tuesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. to assist you. By appointment only. Please call 981-3440, or visit the Orange Beach Senior Center for an appointment.

THE GULF COAST GOSPEL SHOWCASE: Dec. 10, 2010-April 30, 2011. The Gospel Showcase will be held Romar Beach Baptist Church and Some of the nation’s best known and most beloved Gospel Singers will visit the Gulf Coast in a benefit for the Gulf Coast Disaster Relief Fund. The Showcase will run December through April. Tickets are $10 each, tickets can be purchased at the door. Check website for complete concert information.  www.lighthousegospelproductions.com

WEEKLY WEDNESDAY SUPPER AND SERVICE  at the Gulf Shores First Presbyterian Church. Supper will be served at 5:30 p.m. followed by a 30- minute service of music, prayer, and scripture.  Join us each Wednesday for a spiritual uplift, and bring a friend. Please call the church 251-968-7720 or email (gsfpcusa@gulftel.com) by Monday, if you plan to attend.  The Ministry Team providing the meal will need an accurate count to prepare. All are welcome. The church is located at 309 E. 21st Ave., Gulf Shores. Directions and more information are available at www.gspres.com.

JAN. 4-MARCH 15

CULINARY PRESENTATIONS on Tuesdays beginning Jan. 4 at 4 p.m. each day, Café CITE at Beach CITE Studios will proudly offer presentatins by the chefs at Cosmo’s & Cobalt Restaurants featuring international flavors and local favorites. The Schedule: Jan. 4, French; Jan. 11, Asian; Jan. 18, West Coast; Jan. 25, French; Feb. 1, East Coast; Feb. 8, Italian; Feb. 15, GulfCoast; Feb. 22, Creole; March 1, Creole; March 8, Mardi Gras; March 15, St. Patrick’s Day. Seating is limited so please make your reservations early and cost $20 per student. Call Beach CITE Studios at 251-981-1989 or visit www.beachcitestudios.org.

TUESDAYS THROUGH

MARCH 29

BLUEGRASS TUESDAY CONCERT SERIES at Johnny's Lakeside RV resort (formerly Palm Lake RV resort) in Foley from 7-9 p.m.. Price is $6 for adults and children 10 and are free. “Bluegrass Tuesdays” through March 29. Family friendly event, No alcoholic beverages. For more information, visit www.palmlake

rv.com/index.html