A one-day seminar for writers of all levels—from professionally published authors to those who plan to “write one of these days”—is scheduled for Saturday, October 15, at the College of the Albemarle campus in Manteo.

The event is sponsored by the Dare County Arts Council (DCAC) in cooperation with the six-state Southeast Chapter of Mystery Writers of America.

Featured presenters will include Chris Roerden, award-winning author and professional editor, who will discuss “making your manuscript publishable.”  Roerden, who has more than 40 years of experience as an editor and college instructor, is the author of the highly acclaimed “Don’t Sabotage Your Submission” and “Don’t Murder Your Mystery.”

Also presenting will be Maggie Toussaint, the author of six published books with two more under contract. She writes mysteries as well as romantic suspense novels. Nationally, Toussaint has given talks on writing, and she will discuss “Genre Crossing: Writing Mysteries and Romances…and Books in Between.”

Acclaimed local writer Suzanne Tate, a best-selling author of about 40 nature and history series books for young readers, will give a presentation on “Writing for Children Is More Difficult Than You Think.” Her books have sold nationally in the millions.

Special guests for the event will be Kip Tabb and Joseph Terrell. Tabb is editor of the North Beach Sun and a prolific free-lance writer. Tabb is chairman of the Literary Arts Committee of the Dare County Arts Council. Terrell is a local author of five novels, the most recent are mysteries set here at the Outer Banks. He is a member of the Literary Arts Committee, Mystery Writers of America, where he serves as Eastern Representative for the Southeast Chapter, a member of Sisters in Crime, and the National Press Club.

The seminar will run from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with a break for lunch. For members of the DCAC and for students, advance registration is $15; non-members of DCAC, $20 for advance registration; at the door, DCAC members and students $20; non-members at the door, $25. Box lunches from Coastal Provision will be available for $6 each.

For more information or to register, visit www.darearts.org or call 252-473-5558.

The first Caring Effectively Class at College of the Albemarle will be Wednesday September 7, 6-8 p.m. Brian Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center at Duke University has praised the Caring Effectivelly curriculum, calling the series of classes “rich, practical and comprehensive.”

There is still time to register for the first class by calling Gail Sonnesso at 252.480.3354.

Topics will include a brief overview of memory screening tools for social workers.

Families with professional or informal caregivers might consider enhancing their caregivers’ expertise as they provide caring for your loved one with memory loss.

The GEM Center, a non-profit organization providing dementia care, education and support within the Outer Banks community will present this six-week class. Designed for family care givers as well as health professionals, the course has been well received within the Alzheimer research community.

Each two-hour session will address a specific aspect of providing effective to the elderly, especially those who suffer from dementia.

Topics include understanding the progression of the disease, how to communicate effectively at each stage of the disease, examples of successful behavioral interventions and choosing a caregiver. Also included is a brief overview of memory screening tools for social workers.

The course is designed by Gail Sonnesso, MS, QDCP and Gem executive director and costs $65 for all six sessions. Interested participants may receive certification from Alzheimer’s North Carolina Inc. for an additional $10. Preregistration is succested. Call Gail Sonnesso at 252-480-3354.

The GEM Center, a non-profit organization providing dementia care, education and support within the Outer Banks community, will present a six-week class “Caring Effectively.”  Designed for family care givers as well as health professionals, the course has been well-received within the Alzheimer research community.

Lisa P. Gwyther, education director for the Bryan Alzheimer’s Disease Re-search Center at Duke University, has praised “Caring Effectively” curriculum, calling the series of classes “rich, practical and comprehensive.” Each two hour session will address a specific aspect of providing effective care to the elderly, especially those who suffer from dementia.

Topics include understanding the progression of the disease, how to communicate effectively at each stage of the dis-ease, examples of successful behav-ioral interventions and choosing a caregiver. The course is designed by GEM Executive Director Gail Sonnesso. Interested participants may receive certification from Alzheimer’s North Carolina Inc. for an additional $10.Pre-registration is suggested call Gail Sonnesso at 252-480-3354. (Courtesy www.obxCommonGood.org.)

A new Learn 2 Play Bridge class will start at the Baum Center Sept. 2. Books cost $15 each.

For information contact Jane Smallwood at 261-2552 or stop by the front desk.

If you are interested in learning to play pinochle, stop by the Baum Center on Mondays or Thrusdays from 12:30-4:30 p.m.

Hudson Williams will be teaching water color and wood carving classes at The Dare County Center Tuesdays, September 6, 13, 20, 27, Oct. 4 and 11. The water color class will begin at 1 p.m. and the wood carving class at 4 p.m. The cost is $20 per class.

All supplies will be included, and you do not have to attend each class, you can drop in at any time. The fee is due at class time.

For information call the center at 475-9270. Sign-up is in the front office.

Denise Turner, a local, teaches many different jewelry-making classes and would like to share her passion with you.

If you have an interest in this, sign up in the front office. If there is enough interest, a class will be held Thursday, Aug. 18. The group will make a bracelet with semi-precious stones, crystals and glass beads. There is a $20 fee for the class.

For any questions, contact Brooke at 475-9271. Check out Turner’s jewelry at www.uvgems.com.

Join other seniors at the Dare County Center for some shag dancing Thursdays, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

This is free to all, no partner is necessary and all skill levels are welcome. Instructors are Sandy and Jeff Albarty.

For information or to sign up, call the center at 475-9270.

Line dancing classes and dances are being held at the Dare County Center Thursdays, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Learn how to do the Toosh-Push, Key Lime Pie, Electric Slide and other dances. Line dancing is a great way to get exercise while having fun and coming together in a social environment.

Loretta Fertel is the instructor. This event is free to all. Bring water and wear appropriate supportive footwear.

Ceramic painting classes are being planned for September, October and December at the Dare County Center.

For personal pieces, Halloween goods or holiday cheer, there will be a variety of class options sure to interest you or the little ones.

If you have any suggestions or ideas you would like to share, contact Alex at 475-9273.

Do you or a friend or family member deal with mental health, substance use or other life challenges?  Free participation in Wellness City’s workshops is available.  The workshop consists of 15 stand-alone units of Living and Coping Skills. It will be held at the Dare County Library in Manteo, the 90 minute workshops begin at 6 p.m.

This is presentedby adult providers for East Carolina Behavioral Health and is county funded. Outreach Wellness City’s classes are not designed to replace what someone is doing for their recovery but to enhance their recovery process.

Recovery Innovations uses a wellness based approach instead of the traditional illness based approach. The focus is on strengths and is person-centered. For more information contact Jim Harrison, Recovery Innovations at Cell: 252.702.2804 or jim.harrison@recoveryinnovations.org (Courtesy www.obxCommonGood.org)