Found on Facebook, Jan. 29-30

• Heads up, runners -- Scout Pack 806 and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints are hosting a Freedom Run 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run to raise money for summer camp. The run will be Saturday, Feb. 19 at 10am and registration closes on Thursday, Feb. 17. More details here!

• More local live music tonight! Pocket Creek is playing tonight at The General Store Cafe in Pittsboro (8pm) and Brian Shaw and Maraj will be at Steele Street Cafe (8:30).

• Workin’ On Commission is debuting several new songs from their upcoming CD at New Hope Baptist Church (Hawkins Ave) tomorrow night starting at 7pm. Go enjoy this band’s great combination of sounds, which includes Christian contemporary, rock, and blues.

Found on Facebook, Jan. 28

• Lee Senior, Southern Lee, Lee Christian, Grace Christian, and Lee Early College are competing in the Library Quiz Bowl tomorrow (10am) at the Old Fellowship Hall at First Presbyterian Church (Hawkins Ave). Let's go support our students!

• Tomorrow is the day to shop for new furniture! Dossenbach's Finer Furniture and Mattress Center is holding a special "Half Day Half Off Sale" from 9am-3pm at the main store (Wicker St). All furniture and mattresses will be 50% off!

• The Sanford Area Society of Shaggers needs donations for a Make-A-Wish silent auction. If you can donate an item or service, shoot them an email at mainstmono@aol.com.

Found on Facebook, Jan. 26-27

Our week of giveaways has ended and we were able to share some really great prizes sponsored by local businesses. We encourage everyone to check out the following companies and let them know how much we appreciate having them in our community:

• Amy's Confection Company (won by Michelle Thomas Cox)
• 31 with Emily Page (won by Alice Young Mashburn)
• Everything Girl and some boy stuff (won by Amy Cruz)
• Vacuum Outlet of Sanford (won by Cristian Wood)
• Cake-A-Doodle-Do (won by DeShanta Prince)
• The Temple Theatre Company (won by Cristin Banks)
• Sanford Antique Mall (won by Wanda Post)

We'd like to thank them again for supporting SocialSanford and our awesome network of Socialites!

And here's what we posted on Facebook today and yesterday:

• There's still time to win a free photo session with Somethin' Blue. All you have to do is email a photo of you/your family pointing up to lauralettbruce@gmail.com!

• Did you see that many of Sanford's own will be in the USA Boxing State Championships tomorrow and Saturday night at the Lumberton National Guard Armory? The fights start at 7pm and cost $12/adult or $6/child.

• If it’s Thursday, then it’s time for some live music! Rob Matthews will be at The Flame Steakhouse starting at 7pm and Peter O’Dea will be at Steele Street Cafe around 8:30pm!

• URGENT: Please be on the look out for Penny, a 6-month-old beagle puppy that went missing from a home on N. Gulf St around noon today. She has a thin pink collar with a bell and looks like a standard tricolor beagle. If you have seen her, please call Emily (356-8988) or Ed (356-8989).

Six Days of Giveaways: Day 7 (!!!)

There's only one place in Sanford you can go to immerse yourself in history like Victorian furniture, North Carolina pottery, depression glassware, vintage jewelry and clothing, and more. And that one place is the Sanford Antique Mall, tonight's giveaway sponsor!

With 75 dealer spaces and 18,000 square feet, you never know what you'll stumble upon when walk through the Sanford Antique Mall's doors. From vintage and estate jewelry to quilts to tools and furniture -- there's something for everyone. These are just a sampling of what you can find in the store:






And to make the last night of our Six Days of Giveaways something special, owners John Bane and Jenks Youngblood are giving one lucky Socialite a gift certificate for $50 to use in the store!

Located right across from Depot Park on Moore Street, the Sanford Antique Mall is open Monday through Saturday from 10am to 5:30pm, and Sunday from 1pm to 5pm. The Socialite who'll be going there to shop her vintage heart out is:

WANDA POST

Congratulations on being our last (but not least) winner in this round of giveaways! Send us your mailing address and we'll get your certificate in the mail immediately.

Found on Facebook, Jan. 25

Congratulations again to Cristin Banks on winning 2 tickets to see CROWNS at The Temple Theatre. If you haven't heard about this show, click here for details!

• Need to get your pet spayed or neutered? The ‎Spay Neuter Assistance Program of North Carolina will be at Petsense (Horner Blvd) on Thursday. Spay/neuter surgeries cost $100 for dogs and $70 for cats, and you can apply for assistance through the PALS program.

• Heads up, parents -- Susan Condlin will be sharing tips on how your family can maintain a healthy and active lifestyle tonight at the Ingram Elementary gym. This is part of Lee County Schools' free "Family Connections" series and starts at 6:30pm.

• Those who were looking for a local consignment sale take note -- Kids Kloset is gearing up for another big sale in March. If you want to sell your items, start tagging now. If you want to buy, start saving now!

Six Days of Giveaways: Day 6 (!!!)

Hattitude. If you're not sure what this word means, imagine an African-American woman on her way to church on a Sunday morning in her very best hat. That is hattitude.

Hattitude -- and the values, style, and grace it represents -- will be on display starting tomorrow at the Temple Theatre as it presents CROWNS, a co-production with Burning Coal Theatre Company.

Crowns "demonstrates the handing down of culture from one generation to the next and celebrates the refuge, equality and healing that occurs in [the African American church community,] a place of spirituality," the Temple says.

The production runs from January 27-February 6 and the following Socialite will be getting two free tickets:

CRISTIN BANKS

Of course, this is a show we should all go support. Wednesday night is the "Pay What You Will" performance, which allows patrons to pay what they can afford, though the suggested donation is $5. That makes this the perfect girls' night out or date event!

Congratulations to Cristin for winning tickets to this great production. Email over your contact information and we'll put you in touch with the Temple to reserve your seats.

Found on Facebook, Jan. 24

• The Town of Broadway is already registering folks for its annual Run the Buck 5K and Ride the Buck 50K/100K. Make sure you register now so you'll be ready for the race by April!

• Did you notice our new Resources page on the blog? It contains information on non-profit groups, governmental organizations, and civic groups. If your group isn’t listed, let us know so we can get it up there!

• If you’re looking for a job, plan to attend Sanford Job Seekers (NC)'s workshop "Too Good to Be True: How to Avoid Scams Targeted at Jobseekers" on Wednesday (9am) at First Baptist Church. Attorney Sara Harrington will be giving out some great advice!

• Show your support for local musician Chad Spivey by downloading the new album from Country Mouse, City Mouse after 12am tonight. The album is FREE and the more folks who listen and share it, the better!

Six Days of Giveaways: Day 5 (!!!)

It's January -- which means we're smack dab in the middle of Diet Season. Too bad we're about to tempt you with delights of the cake variety!

Tonight's giveaway is sponsored by Cake-A-Doodle-Doo, a premier cake design studio located right in Broadway. In case you haven't heard of them, take a look at these gorgeous cakes:

And tonight's winner will be taking home a dozen beautifully decorated cupcakes -- just for being a Socialite! (Diet be damned!)

The winner is:

DESHANTA PRINCE

Congratulations! To redeem your prize, just shoot us an email with your contact information. We can't wait to help you indulge your sweet tooth!

Found on Facebook, Jan. 23

Congratulations again to this weekend's winners -- Amy Cruz and Cristian Wood! Please go "like" the Facebook pages for our generous sponsors (Everything Girl and The Vacuum Outlet of Sanford)!

• Trying to stick to your new year’s resolution to lose weight? Try the North Carolina Cooperative Extension - Lee County Center's weight management class, which starts Wednesday at 12pm. The class costs $28 and will run for 16 weeks. Register by calling 775-5624.

• Tomorrow’s the deadline for purchasing a Thirty-One tote to support Lee County Partnership for Children. If you wanted to participate in the Thermal Tote SALE and FUNDRAISER for Stepping Stones!, time is winding down on that as Thirty-One sale as well. Be sure you shop for these great causes! Get all the contact info here.

• Sign up your middle schooler for Central Carolina Community College's "High Tech-High Touch" laser workshop, scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 19 at the Harnett County campus. The workshop starts at 9am and costs $10. Call (919) 718-7347 to register before it fills up!

Six Days of Giveaways: Day 4 (!!!)

Watching my son vacuuming our living room floor this afternoon -- and then having to go behind him to pick up the stuff the vac wouldn't pick up -- inspired pure jealousy toward the winner of tonight's giveaway. Why? Because tonight's giveaway is sponsored by The Vacuum Outlet of Sanford!

Located in the Food Lion shopping center in Tramway, The Vacuum Outlet of Sanford sells and can service any vac, including Kirby, Electrolux, Filter Queen, Oreck, Kenmore, Hoover, Eureka, Panasonic, Dirt Devil, TriStar, Koblenz, and Bissell. And you can bring in your Rainbow or other high-end vacuum cleaner just like your standard upright -- or have them install or service your Central Vac.

If you've never had your vacuum serviced, you may not realize what a difference it can make. For every vac in need of tuning up, store owner Skip Moltenbrey replaces the belt, adds a new bag and fragrance, cleans the brushroll, lubricates the bearings, cleans or replaces the filter*, checks all electrical connections, inspects for safety, cleans and polishes the machine, performs a suction test and cleans out any clogs. All that for only $28.95! Can you imagine your vacuum performing like new -- and being able to delegate that chore to the kids again -- for such an affordable price?

And now for the good stuff. Tonight's winner will receive a free servicing! That means all you have to do is take your vacuum to The Vacuum Outlet of Sanford and you'll get back a mean, lean dirt-picking-up machine. (Should I mention the jealousy again?)

The Socialite who'll have the cleanest floor in town is:

CRISTIAN WOOD

Congratulations! To redeem your prize, send an email to us (socialsanford@gmail.com) with your contact information included and we'll get the ball rolling.

*HEPA filters not included

Found on Facebook, Jan. 22

Congratulations again to AMY CRUZ for winning tonight's SIX DAYS OF GIVEAWAYS prize, which was $25 to spend at Everything Girl. Everyone should go check out the store -- it's full of unique gift ideas!

Today's posts were:

• Spending some time shopping today? Head over to Brandy’s Favors at the Shops of Steele Street. She’s offering 10% off your entire order today!

• Go get your grub on at La Dolce Vita Pizzeria! They’re offering buy-one-get-one-free when you print out their status update (linked here). Offer ends on the 25th!

• The Campbell University Choir and Campbell Voices ensemble will perform at Jonesboro UMC (407 Main St) tomorrow evening at 7pm. The performances are free, though donations (to support the group’s upcoming trip to Ireland) are encouraged!

Six Days of Giveaways: Day 3 (!!!)

If you're looking for a unique gift for a child's birthday or a friend's baby shower -- or simply something unique for yourself -- you'll love this giveaway.

Get ready Socialites because tonight's giveaway features Everything Girl, the newest shop full of handmade clothing, jewelry, hairbows, diaper cakes, and confections as well as doll clothes and accessories, handbags, and more! And what's great is Everything Girl is located at 5145 Hwy 87, making it highly convenient for military families.

So what's the prize? How about $25 cold hard cash to spend in the store! Not sure what you'd purchase? Here are some great ideas:

Click on this image to get a closer look at these items!

And the person who gets to do all the great shopping is:

AMY CRUZ

Congratulations on winning this awesome prize! We'll be sending your name over to the store, so feel free to stop by anytime to start your shopping!

Found on Facebook, Jan. 21

Congratulations to tonight's big winner! Alice Young Mashburn is the proud new owner of a fantastic 31 with Emily Page prize pack. Here's a rundown of the goodies, plus a little extra for everyone else!

Tune in tomorrow night for yet another giveaway!

• Common Thread in downtown Sanford is have a big sale today! They are open from 9:30am-1:30pm, so make some time to go shop.

• Teen actors -- Don’t forget about the audition tomorrow for The Temple Theatre Company's winter observatory, which will perform Macbeth in March. Click here for audition details!

• There will be another fundraiser for Brandon Noble on the first weekend of February. Organizers are in need of coolers. If you have one they can borrow, please let Matt at Tramway Fire Department know (770-0111).

• Stay tuned tonight at 9pm for day 2 of our Six Days of Giveaways! Congratulations again to Michelle Thomas Cox for winning the prize pack from Amy’s Confection Company. You never know who will be the next big winner!

• Get out and hear some great live music in Sanford this weekend. The Tuesday Night Music Club will be at Steele Street Cafe and local favorite Tim Hair will be at The Flame Steakhouse!

Six Days of Giveaways: Day 2 (!!!)

Girl alert! Tonight's giveaway is either going to tickle you pink, or turn into an awesome Valentine's day gift for the woman in your life. Either way, prepare to smile.

That's because tonight's winner is scoring a gorgeous quilted Demi Purse in Black Pocket Full of Posies from 31 with Emily Page! And since no purse is complete without it, Emily is throwing in a beautiful and functional hard case wallet in Dot Dot!

But that's not all. Tonight's winning Socialite will get 15-percent off any one item from 31 with Emily Page! If you haven't seen the new Spring/Summer collection, that should probably be the first place you start scouting for something fabulous!

And the winner is .......

ALICE YOUNG MASHBURN

Okay, okay. Great prizes for the winner, but what everyone else, right? You're in luck! Emily is offering a $25 gift certificate at the close of a qualified party for anyone who books a party and mentions SocialSanford -- in addition to the hostess incentives offered by Thirty-One.

And if you're looking to beef up your income like Emily and her network have, check out her "11 in '11" incentive. The first 11 consultants will have the opportunity to earn their start-up kits for free. Shoot her an email ASAP to find out the scoop!

Congratulations again, Alice! To redeem your prize, send an email to us (socialsanford@gmail.com) with your contact information included and we'll get the ball rolling.

Found on Facebook, Jan. 20

Today was a big day 'round these parts. For starters, we reached 1600 "likes" on our Facebook page! That awesome accomplishment has kicked off Six Days of Giveaways (!!!). Tonight (and for the next five nights after it) we'll be giving away great prizes from local businesses!

Our winner (Michelle Thomas Cox) for tonight is getting an exclusive prize pack from Amy's Confection Company, which includes an item from her spin-off, Amy's CandyGirl Crafts!

And, did you notice our new Local Businesses page? Make sure your business is listed by shooting us an email at socialsanford@gmail.com. We've also created a Resources page for non-business groups. Let us know if we missed you!

And here's what we posted on Facebook today:

• Want to learn more about advocating for the causes you believe in (including preventing teen pregnancy)? Register for an advocacy workshop being held tomorrow at the North Carolina Cooperative Extension - Lee County Center (9:30am-12:30pm). The cost is $35 per person.

• Here’s another way to get some great family photos -- Michele Quick Photography is hosting a "Let’s Get Physical" contest. Submit a photo with that theme and ask your friends to like. The winner will get a bevy of prizes, including a membership to SNR Express!

• Head over to Business After Hours at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sanford/Lee County hosted by the Sanford Area Chamber of Commerce tonight from 5-7pm. There will be door prizes and refreshments! The club is located at OT Sloan Park.

• Go support our local athletes tonight! Lee Senior is hosting Southern Lee at 6pm (girls) and 7:30pm (boys). Tomorrow it’ll be Grace Christian at Lee Christian (girls at 6pm, boys at 7:30pm).

• The North Carolina Cooperative Extension - Lee County Center is gauging the community’s interest in a Master Gardener class. It would be offered on Tuesdays from 10am-12pm for approximately 10 sessions. You’d have to buy a manual ($75). Give them a ring and let them know your thoughts -- 775-5624!

Six Days of Giveaways: Day 1 (!!!)

When you think of the words "high quality," "delicious," "affordable," and "cake truffle," only one woman -- and one gourmet treat -- come to mind.

That's right. We're kicking off six days of giveaways with Sanford's most beloved treasure: Amy's Confection Company! Owner and Sanford native Amy Burns has turned making candies and cakes into an art form, and anyone who's tasted her confections knows you can't stop at just one.

Luckily, with this giveaway, you don't have to. One lucky winner will get an exclusive selection of Amy's treats! And to sweeten the pot, she's throwing in a little something from her newer-but-just-as-awesome line of crafts, appropriately called Amy's CandyGirl Crafts -- a personalized tile (see example below) that will be the perfect addition to any home!

Now onto the good stuff. Which Socialite will get this prize pack just in time for Valentine's day? (... drum roll please ...)

MICHELLE THOMAS COX

Congratulations! You're our first winner -- and you're bound to be pleased with your prize. To redeem your winnings, send an email to us at socialsanford@gmail.com and we'll hook you up!

If you didn't win, but you now have a hankering for Amy's treats, you can grab them from her website or pick them up at either Added Accents or Everything Girl!

Found on Facebook, Jan. 19

• We're only 5 likes away from the big giveaway -- which is looking more like another Giveaway Extravaganza!!! Make sure you tell your friends and family to check out SocialSanford and become our newest Socialites!

• Want another way to win a free photo session this season? Cassie Coley Photography is hosting a Valentine’s giveaway for a free session. Enter by Friday by sending in a photo of someone you love with a brief note about why your relationship is valuable. Most likes wins the prize!

• Take your empty shopping bags -- paper or plastic -- over to the Lee County PTO Thrift Store. They need the bags for customer purchases, and you want the bags out of your house. It’s a win-win!

• Tomorrow night is your last chance to show your support for the proposed changes to Lee County’s animal ordinances. There will be a public meeting at Broadway Elementary from 6-8pm. The more people who show up, the more like the changes will pass!

• Want to support local businesses? Use our newly created cheat sheet to find and learn more about what our local folks have to offer! (And if you want to be listed, shoot us an email at socialsanford@gmail.com.)

Found on Facebook, Jan. 18

• Here’s another free education opportunity: The Small Business Center is offering "Crucial Steps in Doing What You Love and Making Money Too" from 3:30-5:30pm at CCCC's Pittsboro campus today. Call (919) 545-8013 for details on this FREE seminar!

• Fun photography contest alert: Send photos of you or your family pointing up at the sky to lauralettbruce@gmail.com for a chance to win a free session with Somethin’ Blue Portrait Boutique. You have a week to enter!

• Head over to Chatham Marketplace in Pittsboro tomorrow night for Tasting & Tapas, a fun night of wine and food pairings hosted by Dave Schirmer that will run from 7-9pm. Call (919) 542-2643 for details and to reserve your spot!

Found on Facebook, Jan. 17

• Don't forget about the formal observance of Dr. King's life and legacy at the Civic Center today starting at 1pm. Lots of fun activities for the whole family happening there right now!

• Looking forward to Valentine’s day? Check out Cassie Coley Photography and Crooked Pigtails’ VDay mini-sessions. You’ll get a handmade outfit for your kiddo, plus photos, cards and more. Click here for all the details.

• Here’s a lunch-n-learn you won’t want to miss: The Lee County Small Business Center is offering "Managing Generational Differences in the Workplace" on Thursday (11:30am-1pm) at the Sanford Area Chamber of Commerce for only $10. Details here!

Found on Facebook, Jan. 16

• A Sanford family of 7 lost their home to a fire this week and are currently staying in a hotel provided by the Red Cross. If you’d like to donate to help this family get back on its feet, you can contact the Red Cross by phone at 774-6857.

• Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy tomorrow at the Civic Center. Doors open at 9:30am, a mime/youth choir/praise team contest will start at 10am and the formal observance will start at 1pm.

• You aren’t the only one who loves Girl Scout cookies. You can send boxes of the treats to our troops through the Scouts’ Operation Cookie Drop! Place your order through any scout leader, or contact Troop 676 at 356-4659. The boxes are $3.50 each.

Found on Facebook, Jan. 15

• Calling all teen actors! Open auditions for The Temple Theatre Company's 2011 Winter Youth Conservatory production of Macbeth are on Saturday, Jan. 22, from 1-6pm. Actors aged 14-19 are eligible to audition. Click here for details!

• Don’t forget about the Southern Brotherhood MC fundraiser for Carolina Animal Rescue & Adoption today. You can get a chicken plate at the clubhouse on Gunter Lakes Road for $5 starting at 4pm (or just go drop off a donation for CARA). Get your eat on for a good cause!

• Want to be healthier in 2011? Start with a free blood pressure check. Both of our local Walgreens locations are offering free tests along with a specialist consultation and training for at-home testing through tomorrow -- all for free!

Found on Facebook, Jan. 14

• The Heart of Carolina Jazz Society is performing tonight at The Temple Theatre Company. Tickets are only $15 for adults and $10 for students and children. This is always a fabulous show!

• Kudos to West Lee’s advanced music class for combining technology and academics to create a comprehensive music history website. We need more of this type of creativity in our our schools! Learn more in today's Sanford Herald.

• Want to win a dozen roses for Valentine’s day and a photo session (with CD)? Go post your love’s photo on The Flower Station’s Facebook page along with a comment on why that person is special to you. The photo with the most votes wins!

• Planning to see The Green Hornet? Go tonight to see students from the Black Belt Leadership Academy perform a martial arts demonstration. The fun starts at 6pm at Spring Lane Cinemas.

• Heads up, soccer fans -- It’s time register for the Sanford Area Soccer League’s spring recreation season. Click here to download the forms due January 21!

Found on Facebook, Jan. 13

• Heads up, homeschoolers and youth groups -- The Raleigh Executive Jetport offers educational tours that allow kids to get up close and personal with their facility and aircraft. They even have sightseeing flights. This would make a great field trip!

• Parents of children with disabilities -- The Exceptional Children’s Assistance Center and the Moore County chapter of the Autism Society are holding a free workshop tonight from 7-9pm at the Sandhills Childrens Center. The topic is "Inclusion." Take advantage of this resource!

• If you have a child between the ages of 9-12, head over to the North Carolina Cooperative Extension-Lee County Center tonight at 6:30 for the inaugural meeting of the county's newest 4H group. Participation is free!

• It’s time to buy some truffles! Amy’s Confection Company is offering a 20% discount off your total web purchase through tomorrow night (coupon code CABINFEVER) for orders through Feb. 28. Stock up for Valentine’s day!

• Love sushi -- or want to give it at try? Umami Sanford is holding a Sushi 101 and Wine Tasting event on Monday night at 6pm. Sounds like a great date night! Email umamibistro@gmail.com to reserve your spot.

Found on Facebook, Jan. 12

• Love writing? The Pittsboro Writers' Morning Out is this Saturday at 11am at Virlie's Grill in Pittsboro. All writers -- new or established -- are welcome to attend.

• Bad news: Ham's on Horner has closed (as of Monday) which means no more kids' nights. Good news: There are plenty of other (and a couple local) options. We'll miss those homemade chips though! Here's our list of other kids' nights out.

• School update: No Saturday school! Make up days for the traditional-calendar schools are Tuesday, Jan. 18 and Wednesday, Jan. 19 -- both previously scheduled as teacher work days.

• It’s national mentoring month! Communities In Schools of Lee County is looking for local businesses to volunteer 10-20 people to participate in e-mentoring with local students. The program would involve email communication and a spring field trip. Let them know if your company is interested!

• Plan to attend the Lee County Community Orchestra's Winter Interlude on Monday (Jan. 24) at the new lower level of Cafe 121 starting at 6:30pm. For $35/person, you'll get a three course meal and one glass of wine, and the LCCO will get a $17 donation. This will be a fantastic night out in Sanford, so reserve your spot now by sending an email to rseaman@windstream.net or call 776-4628.

Found on Facebook, Jan. 11

• Wondering about cancellations? The Sanford Herald has a full list on its website that they’re updating as information is available. It’s a great resource!

• If your group or organization has a few good spellers, you need to enter the Beginning Life with Books Delta Rho Spelling Bee (6-9pm, March 28). The fundraiser costs $200 per 4-person team and provides books for every baby born at Central Carolina Hospital. Contact Reinette Seaman at 776-4628 to enter or for more information.

• Tired of scrounging up meals? Though most local restaurants are closed tonight, The Flame Steakhouse will be open! Get out and grab a tasty meal before the roads freeze back over. (Know of other local restaurants serving dinner tonight? Post it in the comments!)

• Bicyclers and walkers -- The NCDOT wants feedback on statewide bicycle and pedestrian safety issues. Click here to take a survey (should take approx. 10 minutes) that will allow you to share your thoughts.

Found on Facebook, Jan. 10

• Parks & Rec and Upward have canceled all activities today due to the weather. Also, Central Carolina Hospital's family nutrition class that was slated tomorrow night at 6pm in the community classroom has been postponed.

• Calling all bikers -- The Southern Brotherhood MC is holding a Polar Run on Saturday, Jan. 15 to benefit Carolina Animal Rescue & Adoption. Participation costs $10 or a donation from CARA's wish list. Grab a chicken plate for $5 after the ride (or skip the ride and come out to eat). Here are all the details!

• Want to win something beautiful for the little girl in your life? Go leave a comment at Crooked Pigtails before Wednesday. 5 lucky commenters will win a gift certificate! (Nothing like entering a local giveaway to turn stuck-at-home into something fun!)

Found on Facebook, Jan. 7

• Check out the Quilting and Fiber Arts Marketplace at the Civic Center today and tomorrow from 9am-5pm. There will be nearly 40 vendors, admission is $5, and parking is free.

• If your kids love playing baseball (ages 9-18) or softball (age 8-18), you’ll want to sign them up for Parks & Rec’s upcoming season. Registration costs $25 and is open through Feb. 18. Here are all the details!

• Want to shoot something? Head over to the Deep River/Northview Optimist baseball fields for a turkey shoot tonight and tomorrow starting at 6:30pm. Nothing like shootin’ for your supper!

Found on Facebook, Jan. 6

• The Health Department is holding a meeting tonight at Deep River Elementary from 6pm-8pm to discuss the Animal Control Ordinance. If you miss this meeting, there will be two other opportunities to share your thoughts. Details at the link!

• If you’re interested in how health reform will affect your business, you’ll want to attend the Chamber’s public policy luncheon at Chef Paul’s on Monday. Central Carolina Hospital CEO Doug Doris and CNO Ursula Lawrence will share their insights!

• Jobs alert: The Boys & Girls Club of Sanford/Lee County is hiring for two part-time positions. You have to be available from 1pm-6:30pm Monday through Friday. And the Steele Street Cafe is hiring part-time wait staff. Click over to their pages for all the details!

• It’s live music Thursday! Head over to The Flame Steakhouse tonight at 7pm to see the FOG Band. And Peter Odea is playing at Steele Street Cafe starting at 8pm. Have a great night out in Sanford!

Found on Facebook, Jan. 5

• Looking for a job? The City of Sanford has posted three new openings on its website. Go apply!

• Interested in volunteering at Books at a Steal? They need helpers this weekend, so click over and let them know if you might be available!

• Carolina Animal Rescue & Adoption is in need of Purina Puppy Chow, bleach, non-clumping kitty litter, and laundry detergent. You can drop off any donations from 3pm-7pm tomorrow (or use the donate button on their site).

Found on Facebook, Jan. 4

Sorry it's been scarce here the past few days. The flu flattened good ol' SocialSanford for a few days, but things seem to be back to normal. Thanks for hanging in there -- let's get back on track!

• Hey parents -- sign up your child for a fun cheer clinic this weekend taught by the Southern Lee cheerleaders! It's for those in kindergarten-8th grade, costs $25, and runs 9am-noon (Jan. 8). Best part: Participants will cheer at a future game halftime!

• You have several chances to donate blood this month. For starters, tomorrow there will be a blood drive from 9:30am-2pm at Zurn Industries and from 12:30pm-5pm at Central Carolina Hospital. Click here to find information or schedule an appointment for these drives or any of the others.

• We've updated our guide to kids' nights here in Sanford ... and one of our new additions happens tonight! Happy eating out with the kids!

• Love new purses? Buy one for a good cause! Purchase a large ($18) or small ($15) Thirty-One tote and $5 of your price will go straight to the Lee County Partnership for Children. Or, participate in a Thermal Tote sale and fundraiser for Stepping Stones! Contact Melissa (melcardi@gmail.com) or Delores (dibarra@leecountypfc.org) to help out LCPFC or Emily (emilypage31@gmail.com) to help out Stepping Stones!

Have A Family Night Out in Sanford

Time is scarce and some days (most days for some of us), the thought of getting dinner on the table in time to get the kids fed (and then bathed, and in bed by a decent hour) makes you cringe.

For those days -- or when you just want a change of pace -- consider these local "kids' nights" options for a fun and affordable treat:

Skip ahead: Browse the list by restaurant or by day of the week. Search for a particular restaurant or day of the week using Ctrl + F.

BY RESTAURANT

Chick-Fil-A of Sanford, 3224 NC Hwy 87 S, Sanford NC, 919-777-0707
When: The first Monday of each month
What: Crafts, face painting, balloon art, and games.
Terms: Meals are regular price.
Notes: The Cow will be in attendance and some months will have special themes.

***Free*** Dickey's Barbecue Pit, 2278 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Sanford NC, 919-775-1847
When: Sundays
What: Kids under 12 eat free.
Terms: An adult must purchase a dine-in meal.
Notes: Ice cream is free every day when you purchase a meal (adults included).

Fairview Dairy Bar, 109B Carbonton Road, Sanford NC, 919-775-5721
When: Thursday nights
What: Kids meals are discounted by 50 cents
Terms: Drink not included.
Notes: Coloring sheets available. Kids meals come with a scoop of ice cream.

***Free*** Firehouse Subs, 3248 NC Route 87 South, Sanford NC, 919-777-2996
When: Wednesdays after 4pm, all day on Sundays
What: Kids eat free
Terms: An adult must purchase a dine-in meal
Notes: Kids get a firefighter hat with meal.

Jeff & Lisa's Brickhouse Grill, 1401 Colon Road, Sanford NC, 919-777-0427
When: Wednesday nights
What: Kids eat for 99 cents
Terms: An adult must purchase a meal
Notes: Coloring sheets available.

***Free*** Pizza Hut, 1923 S. Horner Blvd, Sanford NC, 919-776-8306
When: Tuesday nights from 5pm-8pm
What: Kids eat free from buffet
Terms: 10 and under only, one free child's meal per each paid adult meal, drink not included.
Notes: No coloring sheets. Extras include a child's craft, arcade games, and a jukebox.

***Free*** Pizza Inn, 1952 S. Horner Blvd, Sanford NC, 919-708-5700
When: Tuesday and Saturday nights beginning at 5pm.
What: On Tuesdays: Kids get full buffet for free; On Saturdays kids get the buffet for $1.99
Terms: An adult must purchase a regular buffet. Drink is included.
Notes: Arcade games.

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BY DAY

Monday

Chick-Fil-A of Sanford, 3224 NC Hwy 87 S, Sanford NC, 919-777-0707
When: The first Monday of each month
What: Crafts, face painting, balloon art, and games.
Terms: Meals are regular price.
Notes: The Cow will be in attendance and some months will have special themes.

Tuesday

***Free*** Pizza Hut, 1923 S. Horner Blvd, Sanford NC, 919-776-8306
When: Tuesday nights from 5pm-8pm
What: Kids eat free from buffet
Terms: 10 and under only, one free child's meal per each paid adult meal, drink not included.
Notes: No coloring sheets. Extras include a child's craft, arcade games, and a jukebox.

***Free*** Pizza Inn, 1952 S. Horner Blvd, Sanford NC, 919-708-5700
When: Tuesday and Saturday nights beginning at 5pm.
What: On Tuesdays: Kids get full buffet for free
Terms: An adult must purchase a regular buffet. Drink is included.
Notes: Arcade games.

Wednesday

***Free*** Firehouse Subs, 3248 NC Route 87 South, Sanford NC, 919-777-2996
When: Wednesdays after 4pm, all day on Sundays
What: Kids eat free
Terms: An adult must purchase a dine-in meal
Notes: Kids get a firefighter hat with meal.

Jeff & Lisa's Brickhouse Grill, 1401 Colon Road, Sanford NC, 919-777-0427
When: Wednesday nights
What: Kids eat for 99 cents
Terms: An adult must purchase a meal
Notes: Coloring sheets available.

Thursday

Fairview Dairy Bar, 109B Carbonton Road, Sanford NC, 919-775-5721
When: Thursday nights
What: Kids meals are discounted by 50 cents
Terms: Drink not included.
Notes: Coloring sheets available. Kids meals come with a scoop of ice cream.

Saturday

Pizza Inn, 1952 S. Horner Blvd, Sanford NC, 919-708-5700
When: Tuesday and Saturday nights beginning at 5pm.
What: On Saturdays: Kids get full buffet for $1.99.
Terms: An adult must purchase a regular buffet. Drink is included.
Notes: No coloring sheets, offers character appearances; balloon animals, and arcade games.

Sunday

***Free*** Firehouse Subs, 3248 NC Route 87 South, Sanford NC, 919-777-2996
When: Wednesdays after 4pm, all day on Sundays
What: Kids eat free
Terms: An adult must purchase a dine-in meal
Notes: Kids get a firefighter hat with meal.

***Free*** Dickey's Barbecue Pit, 2278 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Sanford NC, 919-775-1847
When: Sundays
What: Kids under 12 eat free.
Terms: An adult must purchase a dine-in meal.
Notes: Ice cream is free every day when you purchase a meal (adults included).

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Did we miss a local kids' night option? Leave the details in the comments below or shoot us an email and we'll update.