Weekend Roundup, July 29-31

Want to attend Dancing with the Lee County Stars 2011? You can go for FREE if you win our contest. Here's how!

And here's what's happening in the Sanford/Lee County NC area this weekend:

Skip ahead: Friday in Sanford/Lee County NC, All Weekend in Sanford/Lee County NC, Saturday in Sanford/Lee County NC, Saturday in the region, Sunday in Sanford/Lee County NC. Remember to use Ctrl+F (or Command+F) to search for specific events.

Friday in Sanford/Lee County NC

• Try something new at Jeff and Lisa's Brickhouse Grill! Round 3 of the restaurant’s "mystery dish" game will feature eggplant, rosemary, almonds, vanilla, and coca-cola. Make sure you like their page so you can suggest next week’s ingredients (which earns you a discount on the meal)!

• Head to Bynum Front Porch (7-9pm) in Chatham County for The Tommy Edwards Bluegrass Experience, a 5-piece band that uses traditional bluegrass instruments to create a diverse, authentic sound.

• Check out Madman's Sunday at Steele Street Cafe starting at 9pm.

• Head out to the 103 Restaurant & Lounge for its first-ever Pajama & Lingerie Party. Men must wear shirts (no tank tops, sleeveless shirts, or doo-rags) and women must have all private areas completely covered.

All Weekend in Sanford/Lee County NC

• Start your weekend with yoga on the beach. Presence Yoga with Crystal Hetrick offers yoga every Saturday and Sunday morning at 8:30am in Carolina Lakes. Click here to get more info.

• Love a good sale? Check out We "3" Thrift Store's summer clear out event. Items in the store are up to 75% off through the weekend. Bonus: Mention SocialSanford and get an addition 10% off your entire purchase!

• Parents and daycare providers will want to check out this sale. The bad news is that Home Away From Home Childcare (Tramway) is closing its doors. The good news is they are selling a ton of children's items -- from furniture to musical instruments to toys -- at bargain prices. This sale will continue until all items are gone.

• If you'll be near Wilmington this weekend, check out the Cape Fear Blues Festival happening at several music venues across the city. Featured musicians include Studebaker John and the Hawks, Rickey Godfrey and Band, and Eric Manning with E-Train and The Rusted Rails.

Saturday in Sanford/Lee County NC

• It's the Holly Hill Day Lily & Crinum Farm's last day of business (7:30am-5pm). Purchase flowers from this local treasure located in Moncure while you have the chance.

• If you’re out yard saling, make sure you head over to Sanford Real Estate at 304 N Horner Blvd for a multi-family yard sale (8am-noon) to help the SASL Sharks raise money for travel expenses. Want to share you yard sale information? Post it in the comments!

• Another yard sale you'll want to hit: There will be a large multi-family yard sale at 504 Providence Hall Drive in the Carthage Colonies subdivision starting at 7am. You'll be able to choose from scrapbooking supplies, baby gear and clothes, house and kitchen items, and more.

• Try Zumba for free at One on One Fitness (Steele Street). New instructor Nancy will help you start your weekend on the right foot. 

• Get all the fresh, local foods you’ll need for a tasty weekend at the Sanford Farmers’ Market (9am-noon) in Depot Park. Vendors will be selling seasonal produce, chicken and pork products, plants, and more.

• Want to do something fun, educational, and free this weekend? Make plans to be at Big Bloomers Flower Farm for Hummingbird Day (10am-2pm)! You’ll want to get there early, this event is always packed!

• Take your pets to Carolina Town & Country for a Vaccine Clinic (10am-2pm). They'll be offering rabies shots for $10 and discounts on other services, as well.

• Ready for Christmas in July? The Lee County Arts Council's Christmas in July Reception and Show & Sell Event is 10am-1pm at The Artist's Loft in downtown Sanford. Sounds like a fun way to do some early shopping and support local businesses!

• Give the gift of life at Tramway Baptist Church's (Jefferson Davis Hwy) first blood drive starting at 1pm. There will be free food, music, and door prizes. Schedule your donation time by calling Dana at 919-770-3333.

• Music lovers will want to be in Depot Park starting at 5pm for the Summer Showcase, a great night of local music from the bands Madman's Sunday (5pm), Method to Madness (6pm), Future Ghosts (7pm), and No Mercy (8pm). This concert is free, but merchandise will be on sale to support the bands.

Saturday in the region surrounding Sanford/Lee County NC

• Want more local produce? Check out Chatham County’s offerings, which include the markets at Carolina Brewery (9am-1pm), Chatham Marketplace (8am-noon), or Siler City Farmers’ Market (9:30am-1pm).

• Millstone Creek Orchard in Ramseur NC is opening its you-pick apple season at 9am. They have Grand Gala, Royal Courtland, and Honeycrisp ready to pick and devour.

• Go hear excerpts from Clyde Edgerton's novel The Night Train at McIntyre's Books (Fearrington Village, Pittsboro). The event begins at 11am.

• Another chance to try Zumba! Take part of a Zumba-thon at Dance EFX in Lillington (1180 N. Main St, 3-5pm). The cost is $10 and proceeds are being donated to a dance studio in Joplin, MO that lost everything in the tornado. There will be four instructors, a bouncy castle, a dunking booth, and more -- so bring the kids!

Sunday in Sanford/Lee County NC

• Plan to take a tour of "The Plant," a biofuel and biofarm complext that includes Piedmont Biofuels Industrial, Eastern Carolina Organics, Piedmont Biofarm, Screech Owl Greenhouses, and more. The tour starts at 10am.

• Our last week of Vacation Bible School starts today at Vineyard Assembly on Henley Road. Check out specific dates and times in our roundup. Want your church's upcoming VBS to join the list? Just send it over to us!

Facebook Recap, July 28

Want to attend Dancing with the Lee County Stars 2011? You can go for FREE if you win our contest. Here's how!

Today's recap:

• Looking for a deal? We "3" Thrift Store is offering up to 75% off summer clothes through the weekend. Bonus: Mention SocialSanford and get an addition 10% off your entire purchase!

• There's still time for your kiddo to enjoy a summer camp! Black Belt Leadership Academy has a couple spots left in its martial arts camp that starts on Monday. Call 919-777-6913 to register!

• Have you heard about Sitter Stay? Go like the page, learn more about the service, and post a comment saying what kind of pets you live with. One commenter will win a $25 PetSmart e-gift certificate! (Contest ends on Aug. 5.)

• Don't forget: Blender is playing country and oldies music tonight in Depot Park starting at 7pm as part of the Function in the Junction concert series. And take a look at this great "slice of life" photo taken at last week's concert!

• The Lee County Arts Council's Christmas in July Reception and Show & Sell Event is this Saturday (10am-1pm) at The Artist's Loft in downtown Sanford. Sounds like a fun way to do some early shopping and support local businesses!

• Did you see The Sanford Herald's story today about Jean Johnson's literacy initiative at The Kangaroo on the corner of Horner Blvd and Woodland Ave? You can donate gently used children's books for her program. Call 919-774-4731 for details!

Slice of Life: Little boys and dogs

It's time for another photo in our "Slice of Life" series.

Contributor: Donnie Pardue

Donnie says: "What a great combination. Caught this 'getting acquainted' session during last Thursday night's concert by Thin Blue Line in Depot Park [part of the Function in the Junction concert series]. Hard not to smile when you see this kind of chance meeting."

Thanks Donnie! Tune in next week for another slice of local life!


Want to submit a photo for this series? Send it to us with a short bio and caption.

Facebook Recap, July 28

Did you see our giveaway for TWO tickets to see Dancing with the Lee County Stars 2011 at the Civic Center on August 5? Click over to find out how YOU can be in the audience when the magic happens! Act fast -- the contest ends on August 1!

Today's posts also included:

• URGENT: Bread of Life Ministries is out of food and had to close up early last night at dinner. Help them help others by donating food at Grace Christian Church tonight (7pm in the cafeteria) to be served at Bread of Life on Thursday.

• Hey, jobseekers -- The Sanford Herald is hiring! Submit your resume for an advertising sales position to Gina at geaves@sanfordherald.com. Creative self-starters preferred!

• Heads up, golf lovers -- The Stevens Center is holding a tournament on August 9 at Tobacco Road to raise money for people in our area with disabilities. It's just $65 per person for 18 holes, lunch, cart, and prizes.

• Want to do something fun, educational, and free this weekend? Make plans to be at Big Bloomers Flower Farm on Saturday for Hummingbird Day (10am-2pm)! You’ll want to get there early, this event is always packed!

Exclusive Giveaway: Let's Dance the Night Away!

It's become the highlight of the summer season and everyone you know wishes they had a ticket. Of course we're talking about the annual Dancing with the Lee County Stars event!

On Friday, Aug. 5 (that's just around the corner) at the Civic Center, another group of dancers will take the stage to make area children's lives better. This annual event isn't just fun -- it is also the main fundraiser for the local Communities in Schools (CIS) and helps to fund programs like BackPack Pals and the Teacher Resource Room.

Attendees at the event will revel in some of the best food our area has to offer during the Taste of Lee County reception (6pm). And then they'll cheer (and vote) for these local stars and dancers:

• Lee Arnold and DeMorris McMillan
• Carl Bryan and Wendy Bryan
• David Clay and Suzanne Mills
• Ed Page and Emily Page
• Cliff Marion and Jennifer Marano
• Betsy McNeill and Patrick Kelly
• Brian Smith and Kerri Martin
• Joy Still and Chris Emano
• Dr. Catherine Evans and Rev. Thomas Smith

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 our Socialites! Thanks to the generous support we've received from the Sanford and Lee County community, we now have in our possession two tickets to Dancing with the Lee County Stars!

These tickets entitle you to sample the best food in the area at the Taste of Lee County reception and then you'll be the envy of your friends as you laugh, applaud, and dance in your seats as the stars take the stage. (That's a $150 value.)

Are you as excited about this as we are? Entering the contest will be easy and we'll announce the winner on Tuesday, August 2, at noon, 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" SocialSanford and Communities in Schools of Lee County on Facebook. You must like BOTH pages.

Step #2: Go to the Dancing with the Lee County Stars website and place a vote for the couple of your choice. For every $10 you pledge, you'll get an additional entry into the contest. (This means you get 1 entry for up to $10 and then an additional entry per additional $10.)

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(s).

That's it! For just a one vote, you could be sitting at the Civic Center next Friday, 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!

Facebook Recap, July 26

Today is the one-year anniversary of the passing of Elijah Caddick. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family and friends on this special day of remembrance. Want to help keep Elijah's memory and spirit alive? Click here for to find out his mom's special plan.

• Heads up, folks looking for toddler and preschool activities: Parks & Rec is now registering for dance and Tiny Tots. Both have limited space, so register as soon as you can.

• Dancing with the Lee County Stars 2011 is coming up in just 10 days. Get your business' name on printed materials by contacting Communities In Schools of Lee County (919-718-5426) by tomorrow.

• Did you see Chick-fil-A of Sanford has a new item on the menu? 120-calorie oatmeal! Try it for free on Thursday (6-10:30am) in the store, and get a free cholesterol check from Central Carolina Hospital while you're there.

• Want to win a free 30-min photo session? Go like Tabitha Jennings Photography and comment with the type of session you'd like (pre- or post-wedding, engagement, newborn, family, or senior). She'll choose a winner at noon tomorrow!

• Need funding for an arts program? The Lee County Arts Council has some they can share with arts organizations and non-profits. Here are the details -- but act fast. The deadline is July 31.

Facebook Recap, July 25

Today's rain was a welcome respite from the tremendous heat we've experienced the past few days. Hope your gardens have enjoyed it as much as ours have!

Today's posts were:

• If your child (ages 6-16) love basketball, make sure you sign them up for the Stevens Center's basketball fundamentals camp coached by Larry Goins. It runs tonight through Wednesday (6-8pm) and costs $20. Call 774-4048 to sign up.

• In the mood to shop? We 3 Thrift Shop is knocking 50% off tons of items throughout their brand-new store. Go check them out!

• Heads up, jobseekers -- A Chatham County family is looking for part-time care for a special needs child. Pay starts at $10/hour, you must have a car, and references are a must. Send inquiries ehba@mindspring.com.

• Giveaway alert! Family Fashionz Consignments is giving away a new Ralph Lauren purse and the winner's choice of lipstick purse when the page reaches 100 likes. Go click like so you'll be in the running! Update: The 100-like mark has been reached and a winner will be announced on Tuesday morning.

• Lost animal alert! If your small black-and-white kitten has gone missing from the Carbonton Road area, call 919-498-4244. It has been found!

Weekend Roundup, July 22-24

Here's what's happening in the Sanford/Lee County NC area this weekend:

Skip ahead: Friday in Sanford/Lee County NC, All Weekend in Sanford/Lee County NC, Saturday in Sanford/Lee County NC, Saturday in the region, Sunday in Sanford/Lee County NC. Remember to use Ctrl+F (or Command+F) to search for specific events.

Friday in Sanford/Lee County NC

• Support Lee County Schools while also preparing your kiddos for a new year at the Lee County PTO Thrift Store's $7-per-bag clothing sale. You'll get all the summer clothes you can fit in an average, grocery style plastic bag for just $7. The sale lasts through Saturday!

• Try something new at Jeff and Lisa's Brickhouse Grill! Round 3 of the restaurant’s "mystery dish" game will feature cilantro, banana peppers, zucchini, okra, and field peas. Make sure you like their page so you can suggest next week’s ingredients (which earns you a discount on the meal)! This week’s protein will be seafood.

• Head to Bynum Front Porch (7-9pm) in Chatham County for Swift Creek, a creative duo that consists of vocalist and violinist Caitlin Carry and folk musician Matt Douglas.

• Check out JD Shaw at Steele Street Cafe starting at 9pm, then come back for Kyle Lindley on Saturday. There's no cover charge, just two nights of great music.

All Weekend in Sanford/Lee County NC

• Start your weekend with yoga on the beach. Presence Yoga with Crystal Hetrick offers yoga every Saturday and Sunday morning at 8:30am in Carolina Lakes. Click here to get more info.

• It's time for the annual Carolina DockDogs competition! Beginners and open practice will begin at 2pm on Friday at the Ole Gilliam Mill (Hwy 42) and run until dark. Saturday's qualifying waves start at 10am, 1pm, and 3pm and the Extreme Vertical competition will begin at 5pm. Sunday's qualifiers are at 9:30am and 11:30am with Divisional Finals at 2pm. Take your pup out to play or just go watch the fun.

• Want to try Starrlilght Mead? This weekend is the time to do it! They’ll be serving up Meadjitos and lemonade slushies in preparation for Mead Day (Aug. 6). Go try it out!

Saturday in Sanford/Lee County NC

• If you’re out yard saling, make sure you head over to Bond Court (off of US1 behind Grace Chapel Church) for a community sale that will include electronics, clothes, baby items, scrapbooking items, costumes, and more. Want to share you yard sale information? Post it in the comments!

• Get all the fresh, local foods you’ll need for a tasty weekend at the Sanford Farmers’ Market (9am-noon) in Depot Park. Vendors will be selling seasonal produce, chicken and pork products, plants, and more.

• Love a good sale? Check out Added Accent’s annual Sidewalk Sale (8-4pm). There will be huge savings on the store’s top-selling items. Make sure you stop by!

• Ready for Christmas in July? The Central Carolina Hospital Auxiliary gift shop is marking down their inventory just in time for you to stock up. All proceeds benefit the Auxiliary's projects.

• The Sandhills Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. is hosting another collection event for tornado victims in the Wilson & Reives Law Firm parking lot (10am-noon). They'll accept toiletry and non-perishable items, as well as monetary donations. You can also make donations to Matt 6 or Neighbors Helping Neighbors (ongoing).

• Heads up, teens! The Temple Theatre is holding open auditions for Temple Teens starting at 4pm. To schedule an audition, contact Jordan at 919-774-4512 ext 221. Be prepared to sing two contrasting songs, a monologue, and a dance.

• Central Carolina Community College is kicking off its 50th anniversary celebration with a full slate of events at the old airport (Tramway Road), including a kids zone, raffles, storytelling, cornhole, freefallers, caricatures, food, live music, and more! The fun starts at 3pm and runs until 9pm. You’ll want to stay until the end so you don’t miss the big fireworks show!

• Shave your head to fight childhood cancer -- or support someone else’s shaving -- at St Baldrick’s hosted by Tony Chilton at The Flame. Stop by for an early dinner and then go watch the show at 7:30pm. Note that this is a family friendly event until 10pm -- so bring the kids and get involved! Click here to see who’s participating and links to their fundraising pages.

Saturday in the region surrounding Sanford/Lee County NC

• Looking for a community service project? Go help Fayetteville Beautiful with the Cross Creek Clean Sweep (8am-noon), a clean-up project that will include the areas between Blue Street and Grove Street. Find volunteer details here or call George Quigley at 910-286-5508 for information.

• Want more local produce? Check out Chatham County’s offerings, which include the markets at Carolina Brewery (9am-1pm), Chatham Marketplace (8am-noon), or Siler City Farmers’ Market (9:30am-1pm).

• The Town of Lillington is hosting a grand opening for its new community center (607 S. 13th Street) starting at 10am. There will be tours, equipment demonstrations, and refreshments.

• Aberdeen Bead Co is celebrating its first year of business with bead specials, cupcakes, and other refreshments from 10am to 4pm. Spin the “beadalicious” wheel for the chance to win extra discounts and prizes.

• Pittsboro’s City Tap Bar is turning three this weekend. Patrons will get $3 deals on food and drinks, as well as live music, all day long. The real party will begin at 5pm.

• Want to consign your gently used clothes? Take them to Family Fashionz Consignments at the Goldston Growers' Market's twilight sale on Saturday (5-9pm). Learn more about Family Fashionz here!

• If big cats are your thing, then you won’t want to miss out on Carolina Tiger Rescue's weekly twilight tour ($25). The tour runs from 6-7:30pm and allows you to see the predators during the most active part of their days. No one under 13 years old allowed.

Sunday in Sanford/Lee County NC

• Grab your binoculars and go paddle Robeson Creek and parts of the Haw River with a state park ranger (2pm). This excursion will begin at the Robeson Creek Canoe Access and is not recommended for first timers. No children under age 10 are allowed. You must make reservations to participate in advance (919-362-0586 ext 219).

• Love 31? Make plans for a "First Glance, Last Chance" Open House for 31 with Emily Page (3-5pm) at Page Law Office (315 W. Courtland) to browse and shop from the company's Spring/Summer catalog, including many products and fabrics will be retired. There will be discounts (including 15% off all items in the new Fall/Winter catalog) and chances to receive a free clearance item!

Facebook Recap, July 22

If it's a Friday, then you know the Weekend Roundup is ready and waiting for you. This week's edition has everything from the CCCC 50th anniversary event and the St Baldrick's fundraiser to the farmer's market and local deals! Go check it out!

Today's posts:

• Want to win something this weekend? Then you'd better go like Bronze Boutique and Amy's CandyGirl Crafts. Both are offering fun prizes for their Facebook fans over the next day or so. If you don't enter, you can't win!

• Don't forget about Jeff and Lisa's Brickhouse Grill's mystery dish tonight. And Tony's Seafood has some great new specials. Enjoy some tasty local food right here in Sanford!

• Win a chance to be on the air with Brian Lee during SwapShop? Go enter your name in the running. There will be 4 winners, one for each Friday in August. Deadline for entry is Thursday, July 28 (noon) and winners will be announced on Friday, July 29. Details here!

• This just in: It's FREE FRIDAY at Michele Quick Photography -- and it's definitely a free for all. Go post your name on her wall to win a free 20-minute session. The contest ends at 7pm!

• Support Lee County Schools at the Lee County PTO Thrift Store's $7-per-bag clothing sale. You'll get all the summer clothes you can fit in an average, grocery style plastic bag for just $7. The sale lasts through Saturday!

Facebook Recap, July 21

Today's posts:

• All you domestic gods and goddesses (or those like me who try to be one), need to like Magical Maid Service. You'll find great tips and ideas for making house cleaning easier!

• Want to consign your gently used clothes? Take them to Family Fashionz Consignments at the Goldston Growers' Market's twilight sale on Saturday (5-9pm). Learn more about Family Fashionz here!

• This raging heat is especially hard on our local seniors. Consider donating a box fan or funds to Lee County Senior Services. They help residents aged 60+ with heat (or cold) relief and all donations go right back into the community! The person to contact for more info is Tammy Carter at 919-776-0501 ext. 2212.

• The best part of summer may just be LIVE MUSIC THURSDAYS! Fine Blue Line is playing in Depot Park (7pm), TNMC Tuesday Night Music Club at The Flame Steakhouse, and a guest band at Steele Street Cafe. Plan for a great night out!

Facebook Recap, July 20

If you are following the tragic story of the teen who was shot in Sanford last night, The Sanford Herald is following this story and has an update at the link. Our prayers go out to the child's family and friends.

Today we posted:

• Are you planning to participate in the St Baldrick's fundraiser and head shaving event this Saturday at The Flame Steakhouse (7:30pm)? Post the link to your fundraising page here!

• Hey veterans -- head over to the Enrichment Center (Third Street) for a veterans job fair tomorrow (July 21, 1-5pm). Several local employers will be accepting applications and veterans' service organizations will be on hand. Bring your resume and prepare for on-site interviews!

• Heads up jobseekers: Tony's Seafood is looking for a part-time experienced cook. Stop by and put in your application!

• Need family photos? You could get them for free from DWA Photography on Aug. 15 if you have at least one child aged 2-7. Send an email to dana@dwaphotography.com if you are interested. No Facebook requests accepted.

• Want a great reason to try Jeff and Lisa's Brickhouse Grill this Friday? Go suggest an item for them to use in their mystery dish (anything except a protein). If you are one of the top 5 suggesters, you'll get a discount on the dish!

• ‎DWA Photography has an offer for married folks, too. If you didn't get the pictures you deserved on your wedding day, send an email to dana@dwaphotography.com. One couple will get a free session on August 15. You must have a wedding dress to wear and no Facebook requests accepted.

• Don't forget tonight (Wednesday) is kids eat free night at Tony's Seafood and for just 99 cents at Jeff and Lisa's Brickhouse Grill. Get a full rundown of local kids' nights!

Facebook Recap, July 19

Today's posts were:

• Something fun: Want to win the hostess benefits for a 31 party? Go put your name in the hat by placing an order of $10 or more. The "game" ends on July 23 and the winner will be announced on July 24.

• Paint a beautiful lily with Sociable Art while also helping to raise money for Communities In Schools of Lee County. The event is Thursday (6:30pm) at The Dancers Workshop and costs $40. RSVP to Suzanne at 919-774-7548 or click here!

• Cool new resource: Lee County Government has added a Google Maps feature on their Facebook page that outlines the local convenience centers, their hours, and what you can you can bring to them. Go check it out!

• Ready to get in shape? Join the Brick City Running Tribe tonight for an inaugural run/walk tonight (6pm) at the Endor Greenway. Can't make it tonight? The group will meet up EVERY Tuesday at the same time and place. Go get fit with friends!

• Already know your mineral rights? You may want to hit the "Fracking Bewarness" event at Fearrington Barn tonight from 7-9pm to learn one perspective on natural-gas drilling (aka fracking).

• Looking for a new way to entertain the kids? Take them the pollinator garden at Chatham Marketplace to catch mantids to take home and care for. Just be careful not to step into the garden beds!

Drugstores: The Heart of Deals!

All right fellow couponers, it's time to get down and dirty! If you really want to start saving money, you'll want to take advantage of weekly deals at local drug stores: CVS, Walgreens (WAGS), and Rite Aid.

Why? Free "money" to spend in each store!

How it works: Each of the three drugstores have an in-store cash program, these can be used on mostly anything in the store (excludes tobacco, alcohol and gift cards). The sales and special offers change each week, but you'll usually find freebie items as well as significant discounts. Here's the breakdown for each store:

• CVS's Extra Care Bucks (ECBs). Extra Care Card holders (that's CVS' loyalty card) will find ECBs at the bottom of their receipts or can print them off the Internet. You can then use the ECBs to knock down the price of in-store items. (To sign up for an Extra Care Card, simply ask any cashier. The program is free.) Your card entitles you to extra coupons at the "magic coupon machine" located in each store. Many times the coupons printed here can help you score an awesome deal!

• WAGS's Register Rewards (RRs). After you make a transaction, your RRs will print off on a separate machine, so you'll want to wait until all your RRs and/or coupons have printed to shop the in-store deals. WAGS's coupon policy is slightly complicated in that you must purchase the same number of items as you have coupons. So, for example, if you have three coupons, you need to have three or more items -- including any RRs you want to use. WAGS also restricts how you use RRs. You cannot will not get the same RR twice. For instance, you buy a razor and receive a $5 RR. Now you turn around and buy the exact same razor and pay with your $5 RR. You will NOT receive another RR. (Stay tuned to more specific information on how to use WAGS's deals in an upcoming post.)

• Rite-Aid's Single Check Rebates and UP Rewards (SCR/UPRs). Most of Rite-Aid's savings come from mail-in rebates. I find that I get too impatient to wait for my money, thus I don't use them much. However, the program works much like CVS's ECBs.

This week's deals:

• CVS

Oral-B Indicator Toothbrush
$1.99 with card
$1.00 ECBs
$2/2 Oral-B Indicator 7/3 P&G
TOTAL: w/o coupon $.99/1; w/ coupon $1.00/2

Crest Toothpaste
$1.99 with card
$1.00 ECBs
TOTAL: $0.99

• WAGS

Mitchum or Lady Mitchum Deodorant
$2/6
$4 RR
TOTAL: $2/2 OR $1 each

While these drugstore deals don't seem like the amazing ones most people see on TV or the Internet, just remember that to start the big savings you have to “buy into” the program. After this week you will have “free money” at each store which equals even bigger savings next week, and it just keeps building!

So, what kind of deals are you socialites looking forward to the most? Do you have any questions so far? How much did you save this week?

Slice of Life: Swimmin' Hole

Today is the first in a series of "Slice of Life" posts by community members. We hope you enjoy these captured moments, which will be published each Saturday.

Contributor: Donald (Donnie) Pardue

About Donnie: A native son of Sanford and cardiac triple bypass survivor, Donnie is always trying to capture the slices of the life around him with blogs as well as photographs. A veteran and father, Donnie has an inquiring mind and a desire to know the best in people around him, as well as the unheralded aspects of his hometown, county and state. You could say he takes the road less traveled, or that he's just an old redneck with a camera. Either way, the smiles will go along with the miles.

Donnie says: "Thomas Wolfe said you can't go home again, and Joe South sang don't it make you want to go home again. Such conflicting signals! Yet there are moments we can capture in our minds by looking at pictures that take us back to some of those "good old days."

I caught this scene a couple of years ago on a sultry summer afternoon. The place was Deep River Park out at Cumnock. It was a series of moments that I'm sure those three kids will remember when they're older and have kids of their own. One day, these kids will share grandpa's old swimming hole with their own families.

Summer is like that. It's a breeding ground for those memories we'll look back wistfully and wish we could recapture. Carly Simon sang it so well with her song, Anticipation: "...these are The Good Old Days...."

So true."

Thanks Donnie! Tune in next week for another slice of local life!

Facebook Recap, July 15

Hope you're ready for a great weekend. Make sure you check out the Weekend Roundup so you don't miss a minute of the fun!

Here's what we posted today:

• Another job opportunity: Carolina Tiger Rescue is hiring a gift shop manager. Job duties include managing the shop and identifying new merchandise and vendors. Pay is $10/hour for 24 hours/week. Email pamfulk@carolinatigerrescue.or​g to apply!

• Don't forget to sign up for TPP Design Studio's Watermelon Workshop painting class for kids (ages 5+). It's tomorrow from 10am to noon and costs $25. Participants will paint a placemat, koozie, coaster, and more!

• Everybody needs a free burger. Click here to receive one from Ruby Tuesday -- but do it quickly. There are a limited number of coupons.

• Beat the heat with a roping event at 11 Bar East Ranch (Lower Moncure Road) starting at 7pm. This will be a fun event for budding cowgirls and cowboys!

• Harnett County families: You can register for Lillington Parks and Recreation's fall athletics at the Lillington Community Center (607 S. 13th Street) tomorrow from 10am to 2pm. These sports include soccer, football, cheerleading, baseball, or softball.

Weekend Roundup, July 15-17

Here's what's happening in the Lee County NC area this weekend:

Skip ahead: Friday in Lee County, Friday in the region, Saturday in Lee County, Saturday in the region, Sunday. Remember to use Ctrl+F (or Command+F) to search for specific events.

Friday in Sanford/Lee County NC

• Try something new at Jeff and Lisa's Brickhouse Grill! Round 3 of the restaurant’s "mystery dish" game will feature soy sauce, jicama, blueberries, avocado, and Jack Daniels -- all as suggested by Facebook fans. Make sure you like their page so you can suggest next week’s ingredients. If your suggestion is used, you’ll get a discount on the meal!

• Beat the heat with a roping event at 11 Bar Easta Ranch (Lower Moncure Road) starting at 7pm. This will be a fun event for budding cowgirls and cowboys!

• Go hear classic rock band Resonance at the Steele Street Cafe (9pm). If karaoke’s your thing, you’ll find it at The Flame Steakhouse. Have a great night in Sanford!

Friday in the region surrounding Lee County NC

• Every third Friday of the month is Siler City’s Art Walk. There will be live music, arts and crafts, wine tastings and more as you stroll the city’s art galleries and explore other local shops.

• Explore energy and its many concepts at The ENERGY Show, an art exhibition and informational event at Hotel Hadley Studios (Siler City) co-sponsored by NC WARN. The opening reception will start at 6pm.

• Head to Bynum Front Porch (7-9pm) in Chatham County for The Small Ponds, a creative duo that consists of vocalist and violinist Caitlin Carry and folk musician Matt Douglas.

All Weekend

• Start your weekend with yoga on the beach. Presence Yoga with Crystal Hetrick offers yoga every Saturday and Sunday morning at 8:30am in Carolina Lakes. Click here to get more info.

• It's Christmas in July at Kathryn's Hallmark! Go to the store from 10am-7pm on Saturday and 1-6pm on Sunday for the premiere of their 2011 Keepsake Ornament collection. They'll be serving festive refreshments and holiday cheer all day!

Saturday in Lee County NC

• Get your flapjack fix at an Applebee’s pancake fundraiser to support the Goldston Lions’ efforts to assist blind and visually impaired community members. The event will run 7-10am and tickets ($7) can be purchased at the door. Donations are encouraged!

• Get all the fresh, local foods you’ll need for a tasty weekend at the Sanford Farmers’ Market (9am-noon) in Depot Park. Vendors will be selling seasonal produce, chicken and pork products, plants, and more.

• Tired of the same ol’ same ol’? The Painted Petal Design Studio is offering a Watermelon Workshop for Kids (ages 5+) from 10am-noon. The cost is $25 and kids will paint a placemat, koozie, coaster, and more!

• Support the Wounded Warrior Project at a “Chairs of Change” cut-a-thon at Yesterday’s Pub and Grill in the Buffalo Lake Shopping Center (4pm-2am). There will be raffles, live music, massages, giveaways, face painting, a corn hole competition, and more. For more information, call Christy at 910-964-2895.

• Make plans to be at the Gift for a Life Celebration (4-6pm) in honor of Janet McCormick Harrington, 20-year liver transplant survivor. Blair Dougher will perform to benefit Carolina Donor Services. Tickets are $12.

• Interested in learning more about Ron Paul? Go to a Liberty Defined BBQ (5-8pm) and hear mini-speeches and presentations meant to explain his platform. Dinner will be hot dogs, chips, baked beans, cookies, and drinks. The cost is $5.

• Music lovers: Stop by Steele Street Cafe tonight to hear Trae Edwards’ mix of live music and DJing starting at 9pm. Or head over to The Flame Steakhouse to hear Rob Mathews on the patio.

Saturday in the regions surrounding Lee County NC

• Need some new electronics? Hit up the Lenovo Warehouse Sale in Morrisville (5221 Paramount Parkway, 8am-3pm). They’ll be selling headsets, hard drives, LCD monitors, speakers, laptops, and more at reduced prices.

• Harnett County families: You can register for Lillington Parks and Rec's fall athletics at the Lillington Community Center (607 S. 13th Street) from 10am to 2pm. These sports include soccer, football, cheerleading, baseball, or softball.

• Want more local produce? Check out Chatham County’s offerings, which include the markets at Carolina Brewery (9am-1pm), Chatham Marketplace (8am-noon), or Siler City Farmers’ Market (9:30am-1pm).

• Love antiques? Then you’ll want to be in Cameron for the Summer Sizzler Sale (10am-5pm). More than a dozen shops will be open selling new and discounted merchandise.

• Peach season is in full swing. Head out to Candor, NC for the NC Peach Festival and help the town celebrate the peach with a parade (10am), live entertainment, games, rides, food, vendors, and all the peaches you can stomach.

• Load up the kids to see X-Men: First Class under the stars at The Lumina Theatre in Chapel Hill. The movie costs just $4 per person. Remember to bring a blanket or chair to sit on and your picnic meal.

• If big cats are your thing, then you won’t want to miss out on Carolina Tiger Rescue's weekly twilight tour ($25). The tour runs from 6-7:30pm and allows you to see the predators during the most active part of their days. No one under 13 years old allowed.

Sunday in the Lee County NC area

• Starting today, you can donate money or school supplies for economically disadvantaged students right at Walmart, thanks to the Communities in Schools of North Carolina’s “Build a Backpack” campaign. Donate money during check out and drop supplies in the store’s marked bins.

• Plan to take a tour of "The Plant," a biofuel and biofarm complext that includes Piedmont Biofuels Industrial, Eastern Carolina Organics, Piedmont Biofarm, Screech Owl Greenhouses, and more. The tour starts at 10am.

• Eat your Sunday dinner at Celebrity Dairy in Siler City (1-6pm). The menu always includes fresh, local foods and features the dairy’s signature cheeses.

• Another week of VBS starts today at several different churches, including Southside Baptist in Broadway and Northview Christian on Hawkins Ave. Check out specific dates and times in our roundup.

Facebook Recap, July 14

If you're like most, you need all the coupon/deals help you can get ... which is why it's great that we have a new deals editor: Carrie Norris, the Deals Diva! Check out her first blog post and get ready for many more to come!

Today we posted:

• Interested in the Sanford Area Chamber of Commerce's Leadership Program? Then you'd better get your application in. Tomorrow is the deadline.

• Grab your Harry Potter fans and head over to Raven Rock State Park tonight for a one-hour program on local owls (8pm; Visitor's Center). You'll learn myths, sounds, and secrets of the wizarding world's favorite animal.

• It’s Function at the Junction night. Go hear Heart of Carolina Jazz tonight at Depot Park (7pm). Need more music? Check out FOG Band at The Flame afterward.

• Smart phone users — take a friend to Added Accents and check-in on your phone. Tag that friend and you’ll get 15 percent off a regularly priced item!

• Have you heard of Swagbucks? You can earn points just for searching the web -- and using coupons! The program is free, and you only need $450 Swagbucks to get a $5 Amazon gift card. Happy shopping! ~Carrie

• Calling all artists and potters! The Sanford Antique Mall is opening a new handcrafted art and pottery store at 148 S. Moore Street! Any artists/potters interested in this new retail outlet should shoot an email to jenks@sanfordantiquemall.com.

Catch Up On Couponing

It's all over the news -- couponing has become its own art form. But getting started can be daunting for those who are new to clipping coupons or seeking them out online. Enter our new Deals Diva, Carrie Norris.

A Sanford local, Carrie has been couponing and deals-shopping for more than a year now and has saved thousands of dollars in that time. Luckily, she's agreed to share her bottom-dollar secrets with all the other Socialites for the long term!

Read on for some great starter tips and stay tuned for more of Carrie's tips and tricks for boosting your savings ... and make sure you give Carrie a great welcome!

:::::::::::::::::

Beginner couponers should make a beeline for one resource first: the Raleigh News and Observer (N&O). The Sunday edition is full of inserts and coupons -- many of which can be doubled or tripled.

Best deal: Subscribe to the Sunday edition only and then choose to pay in 8-week increments. This breaks down to $2.04 per paper, meaning you're only pay $.04 more for delivery. You can also add on an extra paper, which lets you get two sets of coupons.

Start Your Savings With These Inserts

Why are those Sunday N&O are so great? Nearly every week, it contains at least two different coupon inserts that cover a broad range of products, including:

1) The Red Plum/Valssis (RP) family of coupons. These coupons are for everything from household items to food and, depending on the brand, last around three to four months.

2) The Smart Source (SS) family of coupons. These coupons cover different brands from across all categories. There are a bit more coupons than in the RP and they last a bit longer.

3) The Proctor & Gamble (P&G) family of coupons. This insert comes out on the first Sunday of each month and is the smallest insert as it's only for the P&G brand (e.g., Tide, Pantene, Gillette, Always, etc). 

Organize Your Haul So It Doesn't Go To Waste

Once you get that Sunday N&O, you should go through all the coupons and figure out the expiration dates. Then file them in a way that allows you to access them when it's time to go shopping.

My way: I use a binder and sheet protectors to store my coupons. I add the coupons to a sheet protector and mark the type of coupon (RP vs SS vs PG, etc) and the date I received them. Others prefer to cut the coupons and file them according to type. Play around with it until you come up with a system that works for you.

What you don't want is to spend your money on getting a paper, taking the time to go through all the inserts, and then never use your coupons. Make sure you choose a system that helps you remember what coupons you have and that makes it easy for you to take them with you when you hit the store.

Any other couponers out there? What's your favorite method for organizing your inserts?

Facebook Recap, July 13

We hope everyone fared okay in this afternoon/evening's storms. Remember, you can stay ahead of extreme weather by subscribing to the Lee County Emergency Services' weather alerts via Nixle. The site will send alerts to you via your email or mobile phone.

Now onto the show:

• The Central Carolina Community College's 50th anniversary kickoff (July 23) is shaping up to be a wild ride -- including live music, freefalls, cornhole, story telling, a "Taste of the Counties," giveaways all day and more. Add it to your calendar!

• Wednesday means Improv Night with Star Community Theatre! Head over to Encore School of Performing Arts tonight (7-9pm) to enjoy the show.

• It's Tasting and Tapas night at Starlight Mead (Pittsboro; 7pm). For $25 you'll sample local beers and nosh on a variety of bar foods, including fried green tomatoes and pulled pork tamales. Email marian@chathammarketplace.coop​ to reserve a spot!

• Deal alert: Starting July 25, donate a backpack with school supplies to at Body Balance Massage and Bodywork's back-to-school drive and you'll get a free 30-minute massage! Use the massage for yourself or give it to someone in need.

Found on Facebook, July 12

Welcome to the hottest days of summer. We hope every one is able to stay cool and take advantage of all the great indoor activities Sanford/Lee County has to offer.

Here are today's posts:

• Calling all deals-seekers! If you rarely pay full price and always have the scoop on where to find more for less, let us know!

• Looking for a fun way to stay cool and entertained tomorrow? Go to MOPS Day at Marbles (9am). Take advantage of the great group rate and have a day of play that includes the a visit to the museum and seeing a movie at the IMAX.

• Clear your kid's schedule for Saturday morning. The Painted Petal Design Studio is offering a Watermelon Workshop for Kids (ages 5+) from 10am-noon. The cost is $25 and kids will paint a placemat, koozie, coaster, and more!

• It's the middle of summer, but soccer season is coming up quickly. Registration for Sanford Area Soccer League's fall season ends on July 24th. Get details and download a registration form here.

• Okay, Francophiles -- In honor of Bastille Day, McIntyre's Books in Fearrington Village is giving away a picnic for two made of recipes from "French Classics Made Easy." To enter, just like the page and shoot your email address to books@fearrington.com. Deadline is July 14. Click here for a sneak peek of the cookbook.

Found on Facebook, July 11

We hope everyone had a fabulous weekend and a great first day of the week. Here's what we posted on Facebook today:

• Want to win $250, $150, or $100? Go post a military photo on Crossroads Nissan of Sanford's wall and ask your friends/family to go like it. The top three most-liked photos will win! Contest ends August 3 at midnight.

• Don't forget to register for the canning sessions at North Carolina Cooperative Extension - Lee County Center. Green beans tonight, tomatoes tomorrow night, each $8 but all you have to supply is your produce.

• Want to know more about how our local government works or network with other community leaders? Apply for Sanford Area Chamber of Commerce's Leadership program. You'd better hurry -- the spaces are filling up!

• Job seekers: Kelly MarCom is hiring an Interactive Designer. Check out the qualifications and other specifics.

• Indulge your art lover (ages 5-11) with a Sociable Art Kids' art class in Apex tomorrow (10-11:30am). The cost is $25 and your kiddo will paint 'Girl in a Purple Dress.'

• This just in: Body Balance Massage and Bodywork has a last minute massage opening at 7pm tonight. It's $20 for 30 mins or $40 for an hour. Call Crystal at 910-695-5229 to grab up this offer before it's gone! (Update: Offer claimed.)

• There's Zumba tonight, and a Zumba party tomorrow (complete with prizes!). Find out the when-and-where right here!

• Giveaway alert: Go like Bastille Design. At 50 likes, they'll give away a "family" decal or custom design of comparable size! (Remember to also like Companion Cleaning for a chance at half-off a cleaning service!)

• Heads up, parents of rising 6th graders at SanLee Middle: Be on the lookout for a postcard inviting your kiddo to participate in 6th Grade Academy (Aug 8-12, 8-11:30am). Time is running out to sign up! Call 708-7227 for details.

Weekend Roundup, July 8-10

Here's what's happening in the Lee County NC area this weekend:

Friday

• Break out your best cow costume -- it's Cow Appreciation Day at Chick-fil-A of Sanford! Dress like a cow and you'll get a free meal, dress up a little bit and get a free entree. Who's in?

• Help send care packages (20-30 items and a letter of encouragement) to our military men and women by donating to Support US Armed Forces today at Walmart (2-8pm). Learn more about the organization.

• Try something new at Jeff and Lisa's Brickhouse Grill! Round 3 of the restaurant’s "mystery dish" game will feature cinnamon, cumin, corn, peache​s, and beer -- all as suggested by Facebook fans. Make sure you like their page so you can suggest next week’s ingredients. If your suggestion is used, you’ll get a discount on the meal!

• The first session of The Temple Theatre Company’s youth conservatory will perform an original adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland at 7pm. The performers range in age from 8 to 18. Tickets are $12/adult or $6/child under age 13. Buy them at the box office or click here.

• Head out to Bynum Front Porch for the Friday Night Music Series, which will happen every Friday night from 7-9pm through August. Tonight’s music is from the Lizzy Ross Band. Tickets aren’t required but a $5-7 donation is encouraged.

• Get in touch with your artistic side at the Joyful Jewel (44-A Hillsboro Street, Pittsboro). Local folk singer Diantha Rau will perform and Ralph Earle will read poetry. The night's events will run from 7 to 9pm.

• Friday nights mean karaoke at The Flame Steakhouse! Go sing your heart out or support the folks who are brave enough to belt one out.

Saturday

• Get your flapjack fix at an Applebee’s pancake fundraiser to support the Grace Christian School soccer program (7:30-10:30am). Tickets are $7 and can be purchased at the door. Donations are encouraged!

• Get all the fresh, local foods you’ll need for a tasty weekend at the Sanford Farmers’ Market (9am-noon) in Depot Park. Vendors will be selling seasonal produce, chicken and pork products, plants, and more.

• Newly formed inter-faith support agency SLIDR-San Lee Interagency Disaster Recovery Committee needs 200 volunteers to help assess storm victims' needs this Saturday (9am, St Luke UMC, 2916 Wicker Street). Call 919-775-1724 or send an email to slidr@windstream.net for more information or to volunteer.

• On the hunt for a new vehicle? Bid on one (and lots of other items) at a cash-only auction at the Sheriff’s Department (1401 Elm Street, 11am). The items being auctioned were seized in drug arrests. Get a sneak peek at the items at 10am.

• Head over to Raven Rock State Park to watch a park ranger demonstrate unusual cooking techniques like baking a cake in a cardboard box and boiling an egg in a paper cup. Meet at the back of the Visitor Center at 1pm.

• The budding pilots in your family will a unique opportunity to learn more about aviation at Raleigh Exec Jetport (off of Farrell Road). Every second Saturday, the airport holds a cookout (noon-1pm) at the Wings of Carolina Flight Center for aviation enthusiasts, club members, and local pilots. Lunch is available for $5.

• The first session of The Temple Theatre Company’s youth conservatory will perform an original adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland at 2pm and 7pm. The performers range in age from 8 to 18. Tickets are $12/adult or $6/child under age 13. Buy them at the box office or click here.

• Meet and support first-time author Regina Jenkins Emerson at Get Smart Inc (1309 Washington Avenue; 2-5pm). She'll be signing her new book "Life Has Meaning: A Selection of Short Stories and Poetry."

• It's time for another Kendale All-American Cruise! The event will start with a Car Show at Brick City Grill (4-8pm) complete with carnival rides, giveaways, and live music from The FOG Band. Hot dogs, burgers, fries, and shakes will be for sale for $1 each. The cruise portion will begin at 8:30pm in the Kendale shopping center. This is sure to be a great fun-filled evening with your family and friends!

• All the local hot-spots are open, including The Flame Steakhouse, Local Joe's Tap & Grill, Steele Street Cafe, The 103 Restaurant & Lounge, and the Tiki Sanford. Have fun (but be responsible)!

Saturday in the regions surrounding Lee County NC

• Want more local produce? Check out Chatham County’s offerings, which include the markets at Carolina Brewery (9am-1pm), Chatham Marketplace (8am-noon), or Siler City Farmers’ Market (9:30am-1pm).

• Put your budding pilots in the cockpit at Siler City Municipal Airport's open house (80 Aviation Drive, Siler City NC; 10am-3pm). Children ages 7-17 will be able to take a free plane ride with parents' permission. You'll also be to view local aircraft and emergency equipment. Concessions will be available for purchase.

• Get a behind-the-scenes look at Carolina Brewery with a free tour and tastings. The tours start at noon and 1pm, but you must reserve your spot in advance by calling 919-545-2330.

• Load up the kids to see Kung Fu Panda 2 under the stars at The Lumina Theatre in Chapel Hill. The movie costs just $4 per person. Remember to bring a blanket or chair to sit on and your picnic meal.

• If big cats are your thing, then you won’t want to miss out on Carolina Tiger Rescue's weekly twilight tour ($25). The tour runs from 6-7:30pm and allows you to see the predators during the most active part of their days. No one under 13 years old allowed.

Sunday

• The first session of The Temple Theatre Company’s youth conservatory will perform an original adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland at 2pm. The performers range in age from 8 to 18. Tickets are $12/adult or $6/child under age 13. Buy them at the box office or click here.

• Grab your binoculars and go paddle Robeson Creek and parts of the Haw River with a state park ranger (2pm). This excursion will begin at the Robeson Creek Canoe Access and is not recommended for first timers. No children under age 10 are allowed. You must make reservations to participate in advance (919-362-0586).

• Another week of VBS starts today at several different churches, including Crossroads Ministries in Broadway, Shallow Well Christian Church, and Jonesboro Heights Baptist Church. Check out specific dates and times in our roundup.

Did we miss an event? Let us know in the comments!

Found on Facebook, July 7

We still haven't received contact information from one of our giveaway winners. If you won a prize and haven't sent your contact info to us by email or submission form, you'll need to get it in by Friday, July 8 at 10pm or we'll have to draw another name.

Now onto the show. Here's what we posted today:

• Break out your best cow costume -- tomorrow's Cow Appreciation Day at Chick-fil-A of Sanford! Dress like a cow and you'll get a free meal, dress up a little bit and get a free entree. Who's in?

• It's Function at the Junction night! Go grab a $5 park pack from La Dolce Vita Pizzeria and then head over to Depot Park to hear Coyote Ridge (7pm)! See other live performances happening near Sanford NC.

• Want to eat out with the kids tonight? Head over to The Fairview Dairy Bar. They knock 50 cents off the price of kids’ meals every Thursday night! See other affordable dining options for kids.

• Be sure you've liked Neighbors Helping Neighbors in Sanford, NC so you can be aware of the ongoing needs of our local disaster victims. They've continued serving those in need -- so help them however you can!

• Here's another chance to get a discount on cleaning! Companion Cleaning will give away a half-off coupon for any cleaning service if 75 Lee County residents like their page by August 1. Go click like!

Found on Facebook, July 6

You asked and we listened. We've created a comprehensive roundup of places to walk, run, hike, or bike in Lee County and areas close to us. You'll be able to find the roundup anytime in the "Guides" section of our menu.

Thanks again to Sanford Antique Mall, The Temple Theatre Company, Body Balance Massage and Bodywork, and Dandalia Bakery for donating some fabulous prizes for our Survey Giveaway. Make sure you check to see if you won!

Today's posts were:

• Have you "liked" The Cupcake Pub? THREE people will win a dozen cupcakes if they reach 300 likes by August 1. Go click "like" to be entered to win!

• Help the Sanford Business & Professional Women's Organization prepare a local student for her freshman year of college tomorrow (5:30-8:30pm) at the Lee County Arts Building/Red Cross office.

• Newly formed support agency SLIDR-San Lee Interagency Disaster Recovery Committee needs 200 volunteers to help assess storm victims' needs this Saturday (9am, St Luke UMC). Stay tuned to their new FB page for contact details.

• Nothing like getting 10% off your purchase without a rewards or value card. Swing by Smithfield Chicken & BBQ (Horner Blvd) to get the same deal until July 10.

Hit the Ground Running at These Local Trails

When folks move to Lee County from more health-focused communities, they usually comment on one thing first: There are no sidewalks.

Sure, historic downtown and City Hall offer them, but the rest of the city and county are strictly road-meets-grass. Unfortunately, that means if you want to take a walk or go for a run, you’re putting yourself in danger of oncoming vehicles.

Luckily, there are some great options for getting your cardio without having to be on the lookout for traffic.

Skip ahead: City of Sanford, Deep River Elementary, Endor Greenway, First Baptist Indoor Track, Kiwanis Park, Old Gilliam Mill, San Lee Park, Tramway Road Park, West Lee Middle, Harnett County (including Raven Rock), and Moore County.

Group Running

• Brick City Running Tribe (BCRT)
  What: Walk or run with others (all age groups) in this community-centered running club. Routes are either 3-, 4-, 5-, or 6-mile loops.
  When: 6pm on Tuesdays.
  Where: Far corner of Riverburch Shopping Center on Spring Lane, Sanford NC.
  Cost: Free.

Lee County

• City of Sanford, 225 E. Weatherspoon Street, Sanford NC (back to top)
  What: A sidewalk loops around the building, perfect for walking or running. There is a informational marker that will let you know how many loops equal one mile.

• Deep River Elementary School Track, 4000 Deep River Road, Sanford NC (back to top)
  What: The school offers a park, walking track, fitness area, and large open field that's open to the public.

• Endor Greenway, Sanford NC (map) (back to top)
  What: This newly established, paved walking trail extends from Kiwanis Park (Carbonton Road entrance) to Douglas Drive. It is 1.43 miles from end to end.
  Try this: Want to extend your walk? Park in the back lot of the Timberwood Apartments (Wicker Street) and pick up the paved Kiwanis Park greenway trail from there and add another half mile (end to end).

• First Baptist Church, 202 Summit Drive, Sanford NC, 919-776-6137 (back to top)
  What: Indoor track on the second floor of the Family Life Center that is open to the public.
  Hours: 7am-2pm on Wednesdays and Fridays, 7am-2pm and 5:30-8pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Weekend hours vary.

• Kiwanis Park Fitness Trail, 1800 Wicker Street, Sanford NC (map) (back to top)
  What: Kiwanis Park is known for its mile-long fitness and walking loop. There are fitness stations along this unpaved, hilly trail. Note that some of the trail is shaded, but most of it is not.

• Old Gilliam Mill Park, Hwy 42 West, Sanford NC (back to top)
  What: While there is no official trail at this historic mill that also boasts an old bridge and kiln, there are plenty of opportunities to get some walking or running in on the 15-acre park.

• San Lee Park Hiking Trail, 572 Pumping Station Road, Sanford NC (info) (back to top)
  What: The park offers 4 miles of hiking trails that start at the fishing bridge. The trail to the right is one mile and connects to the Stevens Center. The trail to the left offers fishing access, nice views, and a slightly more difficult terrain.
  Do more: Take your bike on the Mountain Bike Trail that winds around the entire park’s perimeter (8+ miles). This a moderate-to-difficult course and is only open during park hours (varies season — usually 7am to sunset).

• Tramway Road Park Trail, 2303 Tramway Road, Sanford NC (back to top)
  What: The park offers two walking segments that can be used separately or combined. The longest segment of the trail (two-thirds mile) wraps around the ball field complex and is half concrete, half rock screenings. The other segment (one-third mile) wraps around the pond and is covered with rock screenings.
  To park: The park’s lot is off of the main entrance to Southern Lee High School just past the soccer field on the left.

• West Lee Middle School Track, 3301 Wicker Street, Sanford NC (back to top)
  What: The school offers a walking track and open field area that's open to the public.

In Harnett County (back to top)

• Cape Fear River Trail Park, 1002 South 13th Street, Erwin NC (map)
  What: This new park offers one mile of trails complete with four overlooks and canoe/kayak access. It is located off Hwy 217 South.
  Do more: Want to kayak or canoe while you’re there? Get the access lock code from Harnett County Parks and Rec at 910-893-7518.

• Dunn-Erwin Rail Trail, Dunn NC (map)
  What: Folks in or near Harnett County can explore this 5.3-mile trail that connects Dunn and Erwin and traverses light industrial, farm, and wetland areas. The corridor is maintained by the City of Dunn.
  Get there: You can park, grab a map, and enter the trail where Powell Avenue crosses Ashe Avenue in Dunn. There are other entrance points around Dunn and Erwin.

• Raven Rock State Park, 3009 Raven Rock Road, Lillington NC (map)
  What: This park located right outside of Lee County offers a little something for everyone. Loop Trail cuts through a hardwood forest to reach Raven Rock (one mile). There are wooden stairs (100+ steps) that lead down to the base of the rock and access to the river. See other trails and exact mileage here.
  Important: Due to rain and renovations, several of the horse trails are closed. Check with the park before you take horses out.

In Moore County (back to top)

• Pinehurst Greenway Trail, Pinehurst NC (map)
  What: The trail offers five miles for walking, running, and bicycling that wind past the Butterfly Center, Rassie Wicker Park, and Canon Park. There are several access points in the area.

• Southern Pines Greenway System, Southern Pines NC (map)
  What: Southern Pines offers 11 miles of greenway that are used by local high schools and bike races as well as by those looking for somewhere to walk or run. The greenway system connects several trails, including Nick’s Creek Trail, Forest Creek Trail, Longleaf Trail, and Tall Timber Trail.
  Try this: Park at Sandhills Community College to access one of the many trails that cross its campus.

Did we miss your favorite place to run? Submit it so that we can update the guide!