WHAT'S UP

Notices

Area residents who wish to cast absentee ballots in the Presidential Preference Primary Elections may now do so at the Voter Registration Office in the Peactree Centre, 1434 N. Limestone St., Gaffney. The office is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. The Republican Presidential Primary will be Saturday, Jan. 19, and the Democrat Presidential Primary will be on Saturday, Jan. 26.

Political events

The Cherokee County Democratic Party will sponsor a dutch breakfast on Saturday, Jan. 12, at 8:30 a.m. at Ryan's on Floyd Baker Boulevard. Anyone interested is invited to come for fellowship and updates on the 2008 Presidential election. For more information, call (864) 487-2563.

Education

The GED examination will be given in Gaffney on March 8 at the Limestone Community Learning Center. Those adults who wish to prepare for the high school equivalency diploma may enroll in the adult education program Tuesdays at 5 p.m. or Fridays at 8:30 a.m. The assessment and orientation takes less than three hours, and many students who start now and work hard will be ready to pass their GED examination in March. The adult education program offers classes for different age groups and schedules, a GED skills lab for people 22 years of age and older in the mornings, a FastTrack class for highscoring students ages 17-21 in the afternoons, evening classes for people of all ages, and additional morning and afternoon GED classes.

Classes

The Cherokee County American Red Cross has planned a number of health and safety courses this month. The class schedule includes: Jan. 7-8, 6-10 p.m., CPR with first aid courses, $49 fee; Jan. 14, 6:30-7:30 p.m, Blood Borne Pathogens, $10 fee; Jan. 19, 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Child and Adult CPR, $42 fee; Jan. 26, 8 a.m.-2 p.m, Babysitters Training with ARC first aid kit, $40 fee. Pre-registration and pre-payment is required. All courses will be at the ARC office, 405 N. Limestone St. To register call 489-6066.

Special programs

Upstate Carolina Medical Center in collaboration with the American Cancer Society will host "Look Good… Feel Better" on Monday, Jan. 14, starting at 6 p.m. in the hospital's classroom. "Look Good… Feel Better" is a free program for women undergoing cancer treatment, designed to help them improve their appearance and self-image by teaching them hands-on beauty techniques that overcome the appearance-related side effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Licensed cosmetologists, aestheticians, and nail technicians volunteer their time to work with the ladies. Each lady attending will receive a free box of make-up valued at over $300. Wigs, turbans, hats and scarves will also be available. "Look Good… Feel Better" is also sponsored by The Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association Foundation; and the National Cosmetology Association. The program is free, but pre-registration is required. For more information or to register, call toll-free 1-866-227- 4395 by Jan. 11. Space is limited.

Computer classes

The Cherokee County Public Library is now accepting registration for its first series of public computer classes. Funded by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library Services and Technology Act and administered by the South Carolina State Library, the classes focus on training patrons ages 55 plus. "Computer Basics," an introductory class for adults with little or no computer skills, and "Introduction to the Internet," a basic introductory class on internet navigation and online resources, will be taught in two-hour sessions during January and February. The January classes will be taught Wednesday, Jan. 23, and Thursday, Jan. 24. The February classes will be Monday, Feb. 11, and Wednesday, Feb. 13. Class schedules and registration information are posted at the library, or you may call the library at 864-487-2711 for more information on this, or any, library program.

Support groups

AA meetings are held at 8 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday in the building behind Limestone Methodist Church on Carlisle Street. If you have a problem with alcohol, you are welcome to attend.

Do you think you have a problem with drugs? If so, Narcotics Anonymous can help. NCAA's Helpline number is 1-800-828-5689