Blessing of the Animals

 The Episcopal Church of the Incarnation, 308 College Drive, will be have a Blessing of the Animals service on Sunday, Oct. 4, at 5 p.m. Prior to the service, the youths of the church will have a dog wash. Bring your precious pooch or your muddy mutt and let the youths clean them up before they receive their blessing at the service. All money raised will help send the youths on church retreats. "St. Francis was known for his gentle love for all God's creatures. The community is invited to join us as we celebrate that spirit at our Blessing of the Animals. We'll meet in the Trinity Garden at 5 p.m. for worship centering around the gift God has given us in the animals we love," said the Rev. Jenny Cooper, Rector. "Bring your pets (either on a leash or in a crate, please) to enjoy the music and prayers and to receive a special blessings. Each pet will receive a St. Francis medal, a reminder of God's tender love for each little creature."

Class reunions

 The Blacksburg High School Class of 1994 will celebrate its 15-year reunion Oct. 9-11. Event details may be found at http://blacksburgclassof94.com/ or call Farrah Bauman, 864-490-9381.

 Members of the Blacksburg High School Class of 1979 who have not received any notification of upcoming events for the 30-year reunion are asked to contact Dorcas Blackwell-Wright at 864-839-1310.

Support groups

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

 Narcotics Anonymous meetings are held at St. Paul's Lutheran Church on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. For information call 1-800-828-5689.

News for seniors

 An Exercise Foundation Program will begin classes Oct. 13 for 8 weeks at Brookview Health- Care Center, 510 Thompson St. Classes will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4-5:30 p.m. Anyone who has any type of arthritis can learn how to keep muscles and/or joints strong and flexible. If interested, call Joan Hall at the Gaffney Senior Center, 489-3868.

Blood drives

The following public blood drives are planned in Cherokee County during the coming weeks: Southside Baptist Church, Thursday, Oct. 8, 3-8 p.m.; SCC Cherokee Campus, Tuesday, Oct. 27, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.;