Found on Facebook, Aug. 31

Facebook is giveaways galore these days. Make sure you go over and enter, enter, enter!

• In the mood for some live music later? Guy Unger and Jeremy Smothers (DL Token) will be playing at The Flame Steakhouse tonight (and every Tuesday) from 9pm-12am. Go grab some tasty local food and then groove to the tunes.

• Need an Amy’s Confection Company fix? Today is the last day to get 33% off your online orders for local pickup. You can get your treats any time through the end of the month, so order today using code FBAUG10.

• The Coalition for Families in Lee County needs your help at the No Scare Fair on Oct. 30! Contact them today if you can volunteer for a half day (either 9am-1:20pm or 1:30-5:50pm) or a full day (9am-5:50pm). And if you aren’t a fan of their page ... what are you waiting for?

• Have you “liked” Kids Kloset? The giveaways keep coming -- including today’s free month to G Force Kempo Karate -- so go enter!

• Did you see the great giveaway for $10 to Tea Room Treasures? From back-to-school and teacher gifts to early Christmas shopping, there’s something for everyone. Make sure you enter to win!

See you tomorrow -- same time, same place.

Found on Facebook, Aug. 30

Congratulations to the winner of our Black Belt Leadership Academy giveaway winner AMANDA GAINES! If you haven't won yet, don't get discouraged. We have a brand new giveaway on the table for a $10 gift certificate to Tea Room Treasures. If you want to win, you should go enter now!

Here's what you missed today:

• If you haven't "liked" the Sanford Lions Club - Lee Regional Fair page yet, head on over. They only need 51 more fans to begin the giveaways!

• If you have a baby between ages 3 months and 6 months who can't yet sit on his/her own, you should click over to Anna Fonke Photography for a free Halloween photo. You have to supply the costume and she needs to take the photo this week, but it'll be cute!

Stay tuned for lots of music and local event posts tomorrow!

A Tea Room Treasures Giveaway

We all know it's important to shop locally, but it can be a little intimidating to walk into a store you know nothing about and look for a gift or something special for yourself. What do they have? Are the employees helpful? When are they open? If you've ever wondered about Tea Room Treasures, now is your chance to find out.

Located next to Mrs. Lacy's on Carthage Street, Tea Room Treasures is a great gift shop with a little bit of everything. Jewelry and other accessories, home decor, food items, and more fill the charming old home. I had a great time looking at everything and planning Christmas gifts when I stopped by last week and Janice (the owner) was kind and helpful and fun to talk to while I walked around the store. She was able to point out some great inexpensive gift ideas for teachers as well as nicer items for my mom and mother-in-law. Not to mention all of the things I'd like to have for myself!

Tea Room Treasures is open from 10:30am to 5:00pm Tuesday through Friday and 10:30am to 3:00pm on Saturdays. Stop by and pick up a back-to-school gift for yourself or start your Christmas shopping a little early. You'll be glad you checked it out!

And now for the giveaway details! Go by the Tea Room Treasures Facebook page and like it by clicking the button at the top of the page. After you've done that, you must comment on this blog post. (Click on the link below that says how many comments the post has received.) We need to have your Facebook name or an email address so that we can get in touch with you and you must be able to pick up the gift certificate in Sanford. (Locals only, please!) And if you haven't already liked SocialSanford's Facebook page, go ahead and do that, too. We'll choose a winner Monday afternoon (September 6) and announce it on Facebook. The winner will receive a $10 gift certificate to Tea Room Treasures!

View the new Kiwanis Children's Park

As promised last week, here are photos of the updated play structure and area at Kiwanis Children's Park.

Update: The county has added back a fence and installed the music feature. 

On to the show (and hope you don't mind the little tester, she had to touch and play with everything. That's a good sign!):

Though this play structure replaced the previous one, the merry go round and ride-ons are still there. The swings and picnic area also remain the same.

So what do you think? What additions would you like to see? Have you tested out the updated park yet? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Found on Facebook, Aug. 28-29

We hope you had a calm, relaxing weekend to prepare for the week ahead. Unfortunately, life isn't always either calm or relaxed so our posting was light this weekend.

If there's something we've missed or that you'd like us to post on SocialSanford, please let us know by commenting on this post or shooting us an email. And now on to the show:

• Don’t forget about the car, truck, and motorcycle show at Lett Family Park in Broadway. If gardening is more your style, head over to Big Bloomers for the perennials workshop. The fun starts at 10 am for both events.

• Have you entered our giveaway for $500 worth of prizes from Black Belt Leadership Academy? Time’s running out! Click the link to be sure you’re in the running.

• Love to be on stage? Learn how to get there with Star Community Theatre's How To Audition workshop. Registration is limited and ends on September 10, so sign up today!

• I've posted pics of Millstone Creek Orchards in Ramseur, NC for those who were interested. Click here to view the photo album. Pics of Kiwanis Children's Park will be on the blog tomorrow (better late than never!).

Let's have a great Monday!

Found on Facebook, Aug. 27

Have you entered our giveaway? Time's running out -- click here to enter. We'll announce the winner Monday evening! Without further ado, here's what you missed today:

• Come hear the awesome Tim Hair at a benefit concert for Brandon Noble on the Nov. 13. The organizers need a host location, volunteers, and sponsors to make the concert successful. Contact them at Brandon24Seven4Life@gmail.com to offer your support!

• Don’t forget the Beach Music Dance Party is tonight at Chef Paul’s. Tickets are $25, include hors d’ouevres and benefit Habitat for Humanity. And on Sunday is the Lee County Arts Council’s Shared Abundance dinner at the Civic Center to benefit The Bread Basket.

• If you've found youself with some free time now that all the schools are back in session, Communities in Schools of Lee County could use your help. They have volunteer opportunities that include spending just an hour per week helping local students. Go get involved in this great organization!

• The American Red Cross needs blood donors urgently. Do your part at the Central Carolina Hospital blood drive on Wednesday, Sept. 1 starting at 11 am. Call (800) 483-6385 to make an appointment!

• Rev up your engines this Saturday as you head over to Lett Family Park in Broadway for the Broadway Optimist Club’s 1st annual Car, Truck, Tractor and Motorcycle Show. Gates open at 10am, judging is from 11am-2pm, and the trophy ceremony is at 3 pm. For more information contact Stephen Dollar at 919-356-7229.

Have a great weekend!

Found on Facebook, Aug. 26

Thanks for subscribing to SocialSanford. Here's what we shared on Facebook today:

• Green up your thumbs with Big Bloomers’ monthly gardening seminars. The first one is this Saturday from 10am-12pm and will focus on perennials.

• Story hour is back at the Lee County Library! For kids two and under, story time will be on Wednesdays (starting Sept. 8) at 10 am and last about 30 mins. Preschoolers (age 3-5) will go on Thursdays (starting Sept. 9) at 11 am and last about 45 mins.

• Educators -- you'll want to work out your kinks this year because starting next year the best-performing elementary school in the county will win $50,000 (and everyone gets a cut)! Click here for details!

• Have you bought your tickets to the Beach Dance Music Party for tomorrow night? Tickets are $25 and include heavy hors d’ouevres. Cash bar is available. Proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity.

• Have an evening gown or other fancy dress that you aren't using? The men of the Sanford Drag Race need gowns ranging in size from 12-28. Let them if you can donate to the cause!

• Don’t miss out on $500 in freebies from Black Belt Leadership Academy, including 3 months of classes. Enter our giveaway -- which is open to everyone, especially those who are "young at heart"!

Now who's ready for the weekend?!

Found on Facebook, Aug. 25

In case you missed it:

• Want to win a $10 giftcard to San Felipe? Go over to Kids Kloset and enter by leaving a comment!

• Interested in community gardening? Sign up for an Aug. 31 webinar on organizational planning to help guide and advocate local and state efforts for community gardens. The webinar starts at 1pm and is free.

• You don’t have to leave Sanford to have a great camping experience. San-Lee Park now has three functional R.V. campsites with water, sewer and power! Call Parks and Recreation at 775-2107 for more information or to reserve your spot.

• Plan to attend the Shared Abundance Dinner at the Civic Center on Sunday, Aug. 29 from 5-7pm. The dinner is hosted by the Lee County Arts Council and also benefits The Bread Basket. Tickets are $10 and you'll leave with a beautiful handmade bowl! For tickets & info call Rebecca at 774-6139.

The week's half over. Anyone have fun plans for the weekend?

Found on Facebook, Aug. 24

The traditional school year starts tomorrow. We hope you're as ready as we are! :) Here are today's posts:

• Love soccer? Then you won’t want to miss the Lee Senior men’s team hosting Southern Lee on Thursday at 6:30 pm. Make sure you bookmark these sites to know when both teams are playing: the Cavaliers’ schedule and the Jackets' schedule.

• Get your pet microchipped for half the price you'd pay a vet thanks to Willow Creek Animal Hospital's clinic for Carolina Animal Rescue & Adoption at Kiwanis Park this Saturday from 9am-12pm. The fee is only $20 per chip.

• If you enjoy reading or writing, you won't want to miss a poetry reading by the Sanford Writer's Group tomorrow at 6:30pm at the Steele Street Cafe. This is a great opportunity to meet local writers and learn more about the group.

• The 2nd annual Fun Run to benefit Carolina Animal Rescue & Adoption is this Saturday from 8am-noon. Click here to register!

Found on Facebook, Aug. 23

A new week brings a new giveaway! Make sure you check out our newly posted giveaway from Black Belt Leadership Academy! You won't believe all the stuff included in the prize package!

• This is the last week to schedule a session with Somethin Blue and enter the 16 x20 canvas portrait giveaway. It's not too late! Call them and get your session on the calendar!

• Carolina Animal Rescue & Adoption is in need of folks with an hour or two to spare on Saturdays for the next few months to help with adoption events in Sanford and Cary. All you have to do is hold a leash and help introduce the puppies. Send an email to Laurie to volunteer!

• The Boomer Expo is right around the corner. Get a free health screening, meet local physicians, win door prizes and have fun on Wednesday from 10-2:20 pm at the Civic Center. Oh, and lunch is free, too!

• Want to win a ride band for the Sanford Lions Club - Lee Regional Fair? Go like their page. They’ll be giving away cool prizes at the 850- and 1,000-like marks!

Now go enter the giveaway!

Here's Why You Should Invest In Martial Arts (Giveaway!)

Today, Master Jeremy Jackson of Black Belt Leadership Academy is sharing the four top reasons children should participate in martial arts. Make sure you read the full post so that you don’t miss out on an awesome giveaway that includes family passes, private lessons and a pizza party – a prize package worth $500!

Reason #1: Everyone participates. Children love team sports — when it’s their turn to participate. But you’ll be hard pressed to find a team sport that doesn’t require your child to sit on the sidelines for at least part of the game. Martial arts allow each and every child to participate fully — no matter his or her level of experience or skill.

Reason #2: Healthy competition. Many parents are torn between wanting their children to learn to lose gracefully and wanting to protect their children from failure. Martial arts are a great middle ground because children only compete against themselves. The sport encourages children to beat their own “personal bests” rather than compare themselves to those around them.

Reason #3: Accomplishing goals breeds confidence. Martial arts programs consist of a series of objectives, such as a new belt, a new stripe, or even a new uniform. As children meet these goals, they develop a healthy sense of self esteem and gain the confidence to tackle new challenges.

Reason #4. Discipline pays off everywhere. The discipline required to perform martial arts — and that’s required by martial arts instructors — carries over into children’s daily lives. Whether at home, at school, or in the karate do jo, children who participate in martial arts learn the discipline required to maintain good grades, pay attention, and exhibit a positive attitude.

Bottom line: Respect, confidence, discipline, focus. These are the benefits of your child spending just a couple hours each week involved in martial arts. Participants who gain these benefits in childhood are more successful in their adult lives. To learn more Black Belt Leadership Academy, give them a call at 777-6913.

GIVEAWAY: Want to see the benefits of martial arts for yourself? Here’s your chance! One lucky Socialite* will win:

• 1 uniform,
• 3 months of martial arts training,
• 2 buddy passes,
• 1 VIP family pass,
• 1 private lesson, and
• a pizza party!!!

The rules: To be entered in this giveaway — which is a $500 value — you must complete two steps:

First: Go "like" the Black Belt Leadership Academy’s Facebook page.

Second: Leave a comment on this post (click on the word "COMMENT" below this post) telling us how your child or family would benefit from martial arts.

If you don't complete both steps, you won't be eligible to win. We will draw the winner at 10 pm on Monday, August 30. Good luck!

UPDATED: Our winner is commenter #7 Amanda Gaines! Congratulations, Amanda. Please shoot us an email with your contact info so we can hook you up with your prize package.

*Yes, you must also "like" SocialSanford, but that's a given, right?

Found on Facebook, Aug. 21-22

We hope you had a great weekend. If you weren't on Facebook, here's what you missed:

• Lots of great workshops and lunch-and-learns happening at the Sanford Area Chamber of Commerce in the coming months. Make sure you check out their calendar and take advantage of this great local resource!

• If you haven’t “liked” Southern Jewelers or Endless Possibilities, you’re missing out on contests and giveaways from two great local businesses. Go like them before you miss another chance to win something cool!

• Heads up, golfers -- the Sanford Wounded Warriors Golf Tournament has space for 2 more teams. The tournament will be on Saturday, Aug. 28 and is to benefit local veterans.

• If it’s summer, then it’s the perfect time for some beach music. Get your fix on Aug. 27 at Chef Paul’s to benefit Habitat for Humanity. The party starts at 7 pm and will feature music by The Big Time Party Band. Get your $25 ticket at the Habitat Home Store, Habitat for Birds, Lee Builder Mart, or Prudential Sanford Real Estate.

• Looking for unique gifts? Check out NCPROCOM, the newest addition to the Shops of Steele Street. Lots of specialty items, including collectible tea pots and handmade dream catchers.

• Heads up, instrumentalists -- The Lee County Community Orchestra will begin rehearsals on Tuesday (6:30-9pm) at the Instrumental Rehearsal Hall at Lee Senior. Come one, come all!

• Ever wanted to cane a chair? The North Carolina Cooperative Extension is hosting a 2-day workshop that will show you how. The basic info session is on Tuesday (6-8pm) and Saturday (10-4pm) will be when you do it.

Here's to a great week ahead!

Found on Facebook, Aug. 20

The summer is quickly winding down, but there's still plenty to do in Sanford. Today's wrap-up brings you live music, football, and park talk. Don't miss it!

• Tomorrow is the third Saturday of August and that means live music in Town of Broadway! Head over to the Veterans Memorial Pavilion to hear Four Heart Harmony starting at 7 pm.

• Don’t forget to support our local athletes tonight. Lee Senior plays at Western Harnett and Southern Lee is hosting South Johnston. Both games start at 7:30 pm.

• In case you aren't following Lee County Government, this was just posted: Per the Lee County Parks and Recreation Director, the fence at Kiwanis Children's Park is planned to be replaced by this fall. (Your voices have been heard!)

• Looking to try something new this weekend? Check out the Sharpe Store Music festival in Bear Creek. Read about why the festival is so important in this The Sanford Herald article from last Sunday or go to the festival's website!

Enjoy your weekend! Our next installment will arrive Sunday evening.

Found on Facebook, Aug. 18-19

Sorry we missed the update last night. To make up for it, here are two full days of updates. And make sure you read each one -- lots of discounts, contests, football, and local news and events!

• Interviews for the Sanford Lions Club - Lee Regional Fair beauty pageants are this Sunday. If your girls are interested, be sure to follow the link for all the information you’ll need along with printable applications. The pageants are open to girls in grades 1-12.

• Get your favorite Pampered Chef's products and benefit Carolina Animal Rescue & Adoption at the same time at an "extravaganza" on Aug. 22 at Encore School of Performing Arts. The party starts at 3 pm and will include door prizes, product displays, and yummy food. Anyone is welcome to attend. Click the link to learn more!

• Wanna win $20 in Chamber Bucks? Like their new page between now and August 24th for an automatic entry into the drawing! And here's how you can spend your winnings.

• If you are a student or recent graduate with a passion for energy conservation and efficiency, you should check out these new paid internship opportunities with Sustainable Sandhills.

• Lee County Industries has won a $200K grant to help train and place disabled citizens in local jobs and enhance independence for people with disabilities. Congratulations to a great local organization!

• You have one last chance to grab super discounts at Added Accents. Get your shopping in by tomorrow to take advantage of discounts up to 60%!

• Lee Senior Yellow Jackets are playing their first game of the season tomorrow night at 7:30 pm. Go support our local athletes! [ETA: This game will be at Western Harnett. The Southern Lee Cavaliers will host South Johnston at the same time.]

• Plan to attend a Wine Tasting/Silent Auction at Cafe 121 tomorrow night. Tickets are $15 or 2 for $20 and the money goes to support the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society. Another great reason to spend your money and time right here in Sanford!

• Don't forget to check out the live music happening around town tonight. You'll find it at The Flame Steakhouse, Steele Street Coffee and Wine Bar, and Downtown Sanford, Inc.'s Function in the Junction.

• Installation of the main playground equipment and shade structures is complete at Kiwanis Children's Park. A musical element will be installed soon. What do you think of the park’s new look?

• Bad news bears: Due to the summer’s extreme heat, the local Farmers’ Market in Depot Park is closed for the season. 

 As always, please let us know if there's something we've missed or information you'd like us to share.

Found on Facebook, Aug. 17

We hope you enjoy these daily digests. Please let us know whether you find them helpful!

• There’s still time to sign up your children for Parks and Recs’ dance and gymnastics classes. Download the Parks & Rec program book to be sure you don’t miss out on any of the county’s great children’s programs!

• Thinking of La Dolce Vita for lunch or dinner? Make sure you click over to their FB page and print out a post that will get you 50% off one item of your choice (excluding alcohol). The offer expires on Aug. 23!

• Great news for those looking for a new pet: Carolina Animal Rescue & Adoption has reduced the adoption fee to $50 for all cats until Labor Day. They will waive the fee completely for adopters over age 60. Remember -- the faster the kitties find homes, the more CARA can save!

• The Friends of the Lee County Library are meeting tonight and invite anyone interested in joining their ranks to attend. The meeting starts at 6 pm and will be in the conference room at the main branch. 

Thanks for reading!

Found on Facebook, Aug. 16

We're off to a great week. Here's what you missed today:

• Plan to check out the park beside SanLee Middle School this week. Parks and Rec have added a new play feature for toddlers (still no baby swings, though)! The park is open to the public and offers a play structure for older children as well as swings and picnic tables.

• Don’t forget: The Lee County Library is showing “To Kill a Mockingbird” tonight at 7 pm (free). Watch tonight and then return at 7 pm tomorrow to discuss both the movie and the book. Make sure you have a seat by calling the library at 718-4665 x 5483 to register.

• Have you booked a session with Somethin' Blue Portrait Boutique for this month? If not, you’re missing out on the chance to win a 16x20 canvas print! You have 2 more weeks to book and enter!

• Star Community Theatre’s production of Trial and Errors starts at on Wednesday and runs through Saturday at the Civic Center. Go support Sanford’s community theatre (and laugh it up with this courtroom comedy)!

• Anna Fonke Photography is looking for a newborn (no more than 10 days old) to do a photo shoot in the next couple of weeks. If you have a brand new baby and want a free session, here's your chance!

It's the last full week of summer vacation ... we hope you make the most of it!

Found on Facebook, Aug. 14 and 15

We loved hanging out with our giveaway winners at the SocialSanford table at Dancing with the Lee County Stars on Friday night. Thanks again to everyone at Communities in Schools of Lee County for their hard work and the special folks who helped us make the giveaway happen. Lee County has an invaluable resource in its people.

And while we didn't get a photo with our giveaway winners, one of the Mr. SocialSanfords did manage to take this shot (and, no, we didn't coordinate colors):

Now, on with the information we posted this weekend on Facebook:

• Online voting for the Sanford Drag Race is open! Go vote for one of these contestants: Brent Patterson, Buzz Wilson, Donnie Suggs, Dusty Phillips, Kevin McGeehee, Jeremy Mullins, Joey Stoker, John Osburn, Josh Hall, Matt Gardner, Paul Freedle, Robert Pressley, Roger King, or William Holder!

• Deal alert! Monday is the Family & Friends event at Sears Hometown Sanford. You'll get an extra 10-20% off regular, sale, and clearance items. Click this link for details.

• Who couldn’t use a new backpack full of school supplies? The Central Carolina Jaycees are raffling one off and each ticket is just $1. Let us know if you want to purchase any!

• Have you heard about the The 3/50 Project? Think of three local businesses you'd hate to see disappear, then pop in and say hello. Pick 3. Spend $50. What 3 Sanford businesses can you not live without?

• Lots of coupons plus a great story about Communities in Schools of Lee County in today’s Sanford Herald. Make sure you pick one up!

We hope you have a great Monday!

Found on Facebook, Aug. 13

It's Friday the 13th, y'all. Be safe!

• T-1.5 hours until online voting ends for Second Annual Dancing with the Lee County Stars, but you can still purchase a ticket at the window tonight. And those attending the show can vote live throughout the night. It’s gonna be a great show!

• SanLee Middle School’s 6th grade open house is tomorrow from 10am-noon. Go explore the school, meet the teachers, and enjoy a free hot dog lunch served by the Central Carolina Jaycees. Check this link for the dates and times for other grades and schools!

• Sad news: Stanley Lawn & Garden (501 Wicker St) is going out of business, according a report in today’s Sanford Herald. Go show your support of this long-time icon -- and the Stanley family -- by taking advantage of a massive liquidation sale. Everything is discounted!

• Don't forget about the summer sale at Added Accents today! You can't beat 30-60% off all summer merchandise!

• Planning to shop at Sears Hometown Sanford today or tomorrow? Print and bring in this coupon for $20 off a $100+ purchase!

Your next SocialSanford recap will be Sunday night, so be sure to check our Facebook page tomorrow and Sunday if you get some free time.

Found on Facebook, Aug. 12

Busy today? Here's what you missed:

• This is the last day to sign up for Parent’s Night Out at Brickcity Childcare Center. You must contact the center (775-1916) before 5pm today to secure your space for tomorrow night. Plan a nice evening out without worrying about the kids for a few hours!

• There’s still time to vote for Second Annual Dancing with the Lee County Stars! Contact the CIS office at 718-5426 or cisleedirector@windstream.net to cast a vote or purchase a ticket ($75)!

• Deal alert! Summer merchandise will be discounted 30-60% at Added Accents tomorrow. And if you like them on Facebook, you’ll get those discounts today!

• Looking for office furniture? Pentair is giving some away, including desks, filing cabinets, and shelves. Call Susan Clegg at (566-8216) today or tomorrow if you’d like to take something home. If you want several items, they’ll deliver!

• If you have a Dora the Explorer fan at home, you’ll want to be at Walmart this weekend between 11am-4pm for Dora’s birthday party. You child will get free cupcakes and a free Dora photo card!

Hope you've had a wonderful Thursday!

Mark Your Calendars for Open House

Though summer seemed like it would never end, we're firmly in back-to-school time. The first day of the traditional school year is Wednesday, Aug. 25. But don't wait until then to transition your child back into the school year. Ease them back into their routines by taking them to meet their new teachers and explore their schools on these open house days*:

Saturday, Aug. 14
SanLee Middle, 6th grade: 10am - noon (food served)
West Lee Middle, 6th grade: noon - 3pm (food served)

Monday, Aug. 16
Southern Lee High schedule pickup for seniors

Tuesday, Aug. 17
Southern Lee High schedule pickup for sophomores and juniors

Thursday, Aug. 19
Lee County High freshman orientation: 8am - noon
Lee County High schedule pick-up for seniors: 1pm - 3pm
SanLee Middle, 7th and 8th grades: 5pm - 7pm
West Lee Middle, 7th and 8th grades: 5pm - 7pm
Bragg Street Academy, all grades: 4pm - 6pm

Friday, Aug. 20
Lee County High schedule pick-up for sophomores and juniors: 8am - 11:30am

Monday, Aug. 23
Broadway Elementary: 4pm - 6pm
B.T. Bullock Elementary: 4:30pm - 6pm
Deep River Elementary: 4pm - 6pm
East Lee Middle: 5pm - 7pm
Greenwood Elementary: 4pm - 6pm
J.R. Ingram Elementary: 4pm - 6pm
J. Glenn Edwards Elementary: 4pm - 6pm
Southern Lee High freshman orientation: 8am - 11am
Warren Williams Child Development Center: 4pm - 6pm

Tuesday, Aug. 24
Floyd L. Knight: noon - 2pm

Monday, Sept. 13
Lee County High: 6pm

Monday, Sept. 20
Southern Lee High: 6pm - 7:45pm

*If there are any changes or updates, we'll be sure to let you know.
**As announced in the school guide published jointly by the Sanford Herald and Lee County Schools.

Found on Facebook, Aug. 11

Today was a light posting day -- but it ended with a bang. Here's you missed:

• The Lee County Library is celebrating the 50th anniversary of "To Kill a Mockingbird." Watch the movie on Monday, Aug. 16 at 7 pm and return on Tuesday at 7 pm to discuss the book. Register for either event by calling 718-4665 x 5483.

• Plan to nosh at La Dolce Vita on Saturday. They’ll be donating 50% of all sales to keep Bodie the Bear at Aloha Safari Zoo!

• Our giveaway has ended and we have TWO lucky winners: Zhyra Barber and Kelly Hazen Klug! Congratulations, ladies! You each have two tickets to sit at the SocialSanford table at Friday night's Second Annual Dancing with the Lee County Stars -- that's a total $300 value!

 We have some fun stuff lined up for tomorrow, so stay tuned!

Found on Facebook, Aug. 10

No time for Facebook? We have you covered. Today we posted:

• Looking for a babysitter on Friday night? Check out Brickcity Childcare Center's first Parent’s Night Out. They’ll be open from 6pm to 10pm, so you can go to dinner and a movie or enjoy Second Annual Dancing with the Lee County Stars without worrying about your kids!

• Don’t forget about the 2:30 pm kids movie at the Lee County Library on tomorrow. The movie will be about a kid notorious for being a weakling. Can you guess what the title is?

• Hope you’ve been practicing -- auditions for Lee County 2010 Idol (ages 35+) are today at 7 pm at Depot Park. Entry fee is $10 and all proceeds will benefit the Helping Fund. Call 776-0501 for details.

• Want your name in lights? Be one of our Roving Reviewers! Here's a Socialite's take on new downtown restaurant Sabatino's Italian Restaurant and Bar!

• Heads up, taxpayers -- The Lee County Tax Office is giving you a six-month interest-free extension for paying your property taxes. They suggest you pay in partial or monthly payments, but interest won’t start accruing until Jan. 5, 2011. Call them at 718-4662 for details!

 And that's the long and the short of it!

Roving Reviews: Sabatino's Italian Restaurant

Note: Company is no longer in business.

Today, Kim Pritt, one of Sanford's bloggers and a highly-involved community leader (Communities in Schools and Carolina Animal Rescue & Adoption), is sharing her thoughts on the newest restaurant to open its doors in downtown. Read on to find out whether Sabatino's is worth your hard-earned dollars:

Sabatino’s Italian Restaurant has only been open about a week, but I had already heard many great reviews about the food and the prices that I decided to give it a try this past Saturday.

Thanks to eating a late breakfast, I didn’t really think about lunch until about 2:00 – a time when most of the locally owned restaurants are closed. I was happy to see that Sabatino's doors were open. That's a huge bonus for those of us who often miss out on a local meal because we get hungry after traditional lunch hours.

The restaurant: I found Sabatino's to be delightful! The decor is bright and cheery, yet still has that wonderful Sanford old building feel with at least one wall of exposed brick. There was lovely old Italian music playing to set the mood and everything was very welcoming.

The menu: The menu has a wide variety of wonderful sounding dishes and the news of it being reasonably priced was accurate. I had the 1/4 rotisserie chicken (dark) with mashed potatoes and corn, though there was a full range of Italian options. I was very happy that there were light options mixed in with the heavier entrees, meaning I could eat a good meal without feeling like I'd had a full dinner at 2 pm.

The food: My chicken had a crisp skin that was seasoned beautifully and the meat was moist and flavorful. The sides were huge, homemade, and perfectly prepared. The best part was the price tag. My bill was just about $5.00 total!

Bottom line: I love all the locally owned restaurants downtown, but I am very excited about this new addition to the line up. Sabatino's gives the downtown area a little more variety, especially since it is open when some of the others aren’t, and will attract a wide range of diners thanks to both it's flexible menu and affordable prices.

Try it yourself: Sabatino’s is located on the corner of Steele and Carthage Streets at 101 Steele Street. They are open Mon-Sat 11:00 am – 10:00 pm and Sun 11:00 am – 4:00 pm. Call 777-0501 for more information.

***Read Kim's previous Roving Review here. To submit a review about a local restaurant, business, or organization, contact us today!***

Found on Facebook, Aug. 9

A new week means we have only a few days left in our giveaway. Don't forget to vote and enter! And now, for what you missed:

• Heads up, teachers -- Didn’t get to take full advantage of tax-free shopping? Office Max wants to help you continue to stock up for your students. Click here to find out how you can get 15% your entire purchase!

• Don't forget that Dancing with the Lee County Stars is coming this Friday! Have you voted yet? If so, don’t forget to enter our giveaway! Remember -- if you’ve voted at any time since this year’s line up was announced, you are qualified to enter!

• Friday is the last day to pre-register for fall classes at CCCC. Click this link for more details or to find a class.

• Are your kids’ bookshelves full to bursting? Donate those extra books to Coatlition for Families in Lee County. They’ll take any childrens/preschool books you have. There are drop boxes at the Lee County Library and Added Accents. You can call the Coalition at 774-8144 for more info.

• A new study is showing that girls are reaching puberty earlier than ever. Combat those statistics by feeding your family local, whole foods instead of processed and preserved goods from somewhere else. The NC Cooperative Extension has signed on to help you get started. Learn more here.

• Have you entered the giveaway? Remember -- if you’ve voted at any time since the contest started, you can enter to win 2 free tickets. You don’t have to cast another vote to win.

 Check back tomorrow for even more local information!

Found on Facebook, Aug. 7-8

Busy this weekend? Here's what you missed on Facebook:

• Tax-free shopping weekend is here! Get out there and stock up on everything you need to make this a great school year. Click here for more info.

• Sanford boasts some really amazing local talent who bring art to life. Go check out a few of them in Star Community Theatre’s production of Trial and Errors, a courtroom comedy guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat, laughing all the while.

• It’s not too late to check out “This Thing We Did” out at the Ol’ Gilliam Mill. Check it out by clicking here.

• Want to learn more about acting? Check out a new class at CCCC’s Pittsboro campus called Drama 130, which usually has a wide range of student ages and skills -- though no experience is required. Go to CCCC to register!

• Don't miss out on a Beach Music Dance Party to Benefit the Sanford Area Habitat for Humanity. For just $25, you'll get to hear The Big Time Party Band while noshing on heavy hors d'oeuvres and soft drinks (though a cash bar is available).

Now let's get back to work! :)

Found on Facebook, Aug. 6

Here's what we shared on the SocialSanford page today:

• Have you voted for your favorite Dancing with the Lee County Stars couple? Remember, just one $10 vote puts you in the running for two free tickets to the show -- that’s a $150 value!

• Tonight is First Friday at Cafe 121 benefiting the CIS BackPack Pals Program. Go eat some delicious food while supporting this awesome cause.

• If you’ll be in Pittsboro tomorrow, swing by the Advanced Auto to get your car washed by the Central Carolina Jaycees. A portion of the funds will go toward buying school supplies for needy Sanford area kids!

• Music lovers -- you’ll want to be at the Ol’ Gilliam Mill tomorrow for “That Thing We Did,” a rock music festival that will feature some great local bands as well as others from around the state. A day of music and fun for just $5!

• If you notice a greenish tint in local waterways and streams, don’t panic -- it’s just the last of the green dye Public Works used for testing this week and it’s non-toxic. 

 Now, go enjoy your weekend!

Found on Facebook, Aug. 5

We know you're busy and can't -- or don't want to -- monitor Facebook to stay in the loop about what's happening in and around Sanford. So we've devised a way for you to get the same quality content we post on the SocialSanford Facebook page right in your email inbox or RSS reader... (Drum roll, please!)

Beginning today, at the end of every day, we'll re-post all our status updates and links from the day. You can subscribe via email (see that handy box on the right?) or subscribe to our RSS feeds (either by grabbing the feed in a reader or clicking on the "Follow" button on the bottom right side.

Best part: With these daily re-caps, SocialSanford's content is entirely searchable. That means you can swing by the blog any time and use the search feature (right column) to catch up on things you've missed. For instance, say you remember something about a date night, but can't remember when it was posted. Now you can type "date night" in the search box and immediately access that update. So handy, right?!

We hope you like this new and improved -- and much less cluttered -- way to find out where and when all the good things are going on. So here goes:

• Did you check out our exclusive giveaway yet? four tickets to the Second Annual Dancing with the Lee County Stars!!! We have been buzzing with excitement all week just waiting to spill these beans! Check out this post that outlines how you can win!

• Are you watching UNC-TV? The episode of North Carolina Weekend featuring the steele pig is coming on! It will repeat tomorrow night at 8 pm if you missed it.

• Looking to play ball out in Northview? August 8 is the last day to register! All the info you need is at this link: Deep River-Northview Optimist Baseball

• Need a babysitter for Second Annual Dancing with the Lee County Stars? (Or just need a night out without kids?) Look no further than Brickcity Childcare Center! They’re offering Date Night on August 13 from 6pm-10pm. First child is $20, each additional child is $10. You have to head over to their page to check out the new, sweet incentive!

• Don’t want to brave the heat for music and fun in the park? Stay cool at the Steele Street Coffee and Wine Bar while listening to acoustic blues performed by Blu Boy.

• Depot Park is the place to be tonight! First it’s the United Way celebration (completely with food from the steele pig and giveaways from 3M, then it’s Function in the Junction. Beach music by RN5P will keep you cool for this great night out in Sanford!

We'll see you right here again tomorrow!

Exclusive Giveaway: Get Out Your Dancing Shoes!

Let's take a wild guess -- The thought of cutting a rug while being watched by a room full of strangers leaves you hyperventilating into a paper bag while attempting to fight off a nasty case of hives. But ten brave couples have agreed to do just that.

On Friday, Aug. 13 (that's just one short week away) at the Civic Center, a group that includes a lawyer, a CPA, a teacher, and a news reporter will take the stage to dance their hearts out to make area children's lives better. That's right, we're talking about Dancing with the Lee County Stars, an event that raises more than half of the money Communities in Schools (CIS) relies on to fund its many programs for needy kids.

Attendees at the event will revel in some of the best food our area has to offer during the Taste of Lee County reception. And then they'll cheer (and vote) for these local stars and dancers:

• Roger King (Pfizer) and Holly Hight (The Sanford Herald)
• Jonathan Owens (The Sanford Herald) and Kelly Buie-Godfrey (The Nautilus)
• Shane Seagroves (Lee Co. Emergency Management) and Lynn Smith (Sanford Sting)
• Lee West (The Temple Theatre) and Terri Robertson
• Alexander Brower (Hometown News) and Jane Pomilio (Community Volunteer)
• Kevin Yow (Air Cleaning Equipment Co) and Karla Koballa (Cooper Mechanical)
• Michele Bullard (United Way) and Micah Tyler (LCHS)
• Lee Arnold (The Pantry, Inc.-Kangaroo Express) and Chef Gregg Hamm (Cafe 121)
• Suzanne Clifford (Sanford School of Classical Ballet) and Charles Clifford (Medicine Park Pharmacy)
• Margaret Murchison (WWGP/WFJA Broadcasting) and Jeff Ward (Attorney)

But you don't have to be at the event to help CIS meet its goal and do your part to improve the lives of local children -- you can also show your support with your dollars. Each vote costs $10 and the couple who raises the most money will win the top prize.

And that's where we come in. We have an exclusive giveaway just for YOU, our Socialites! Thanks to the generous support we've received from the Sanford and Lee County community, we now have in our possession four tickets to Dancing with the Lee County Stars!

That means we can give away two tickets each 

to TWO Socialites!  

(That's a value of $150 per winner.)

Are you as excited about this as we are? Entering the contest will be easy and we'll announce the winner on Wednesday evening (Aug. 11), leaving you plenty of time to arrange for an amazing night out right here in Sanford.

How to win: Follow these steps to snag your entry into this awesome giveaway:

Step #1: "Like" us on Facebook. You must be a Socialite to win.

Step #2: Go to the Dancing with the Lee County Stars website and place a $10 vote for the couple of your choice. For every $10 you pledge, you'll get an additional entry into the contest.

Step #3: Comment on this blog post with your name and the time you placed your vote. Make sure to note how often you voted (or the amount you pledged) so that we can mark your name for additional entries. We will verify your vote with CIS.

That's it! For just a $10 vote, you could be sitting at the SocialSanford table, sampling the best food in Sanford, and cheering on some really fearless and dedicated "dancers." You won't find this kind of opportunity anywhere else. So what are you waiting for?

Go vote! 

Fitness + Fun? It's possible!

Getting a workout in can be a chore. It's too hot outside. Gyms are expensive. The videos and equipment at home get boring after a while. There is a better option! 

First Baptist Church in Sanford offers Zumba classes on Mondays and Wednesdays at 5:30 pm. Zumba incorporates basic dance moves and upbeat music to give you a great workout that is also a lot of fun.

I have been wanting to try Zumba, but I was nervous. I'm always self-conscious about joining fitness classes. Will I be the oldest one there? Will they all be skinny? What if I can't do it all? I enlisted some friends to go with me just in case, but it wasn't necessary...there were people of all ages, sizes, and skill levels there. I felt perfectly comfortable and got a fabulous and fun workout in an air conditioned facility. I will definitely be back!

A few tips if you plan to go:

#1. Bring water. There were several water breaks and I really wished I'd thought to bring a water bottle with me. Won't make that mistake again!

#2. Enlist some friends. I always feel better when I have friends encouraging me. Plus it adds a measure of accountability. I know my girls won't stand me up, so I make sure I don't stand them up.

#3. Call ahead. The current teacher will be going back to school soon so the schedule may change. The phone number for the Family Life Center is 776-6137. We'll also try to announce any changes on our Facebook page.

The Family Life Center also offers yoga, a gym, and several fitness machines. For a schedule or more information, give them a call at 776-6137. It's all free and open to the community. What a great resource for the people of Sanford!

UPDATE: The Sanford Nautilus and Racquetball Center now offers Zumba classes, as well. Luckily our tips work well no matter where you're taking your class!