Cooking classes set to begin March 13
Local chef Matt Haley will introduce cooking classes at noon, Saturday, March 13, at the East Coast Garden Center near Millsboro. Classes will be held in the new Cordrey Enrichment Center. The menu and cost for the class are to be announced. Another class led by chef James Boyer from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 16, will explore cooking with home-grown herbs, many of which will be available at the center this season. Attendees will be tasting filet mignon with roasted potatoes and marinated vegetables along with a glass of wine paired with the meal. Cost for this class is $25 per person; attendees should register by calling Ruth Dingwall, event coordinator, at 302-682-9080. There is limit of 15 people for each class. Another upcoming class themed Springtime in Paris will be led by chef Gary Papp; details will be available later.

Garden therapy program set March 18
The Roxana CHEER Center is offering a free garden therapy program at 10 a.m., Thursday, March 18, in the Pyle Health & Social Service Center, 34314 Pyle Center Road, Frankford. This program helps senior citizens keep the hands, fingers, wrists and joints healthy while having a fun time and making beautiful flower and plant arrangements. The program is open to the public. For more information, call 302-732-3662.

Equine Council to hold fundraiser March 20
The Delaware Equine Council is hosting its fifth annual Dinner Dance Scholarship Fundraiser from 6 to 10 p.m., Saturday, March 20, at the Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village in Dover. Members can enjoy the evening with other horse enthusiasts and support the Delaware Equine Council’s Scholarship Fund. Dress is casual and tickets are $30 per person. Door prizes will be drawn throughout the evening. The event will begin with a cash bar and hors d’oeuvres followed by a buffet dinner from Marilyn’s Catering. There will be silent and live auctions and music by DJ Robert Bailey. Tickets may be purchased from the members of the Equine Council board of directors until Wednesday, March 10. No tickets will be sold at the door. Event sponsorships are available. For more information, contact President Stan Vonasek at 684-3966.

Cat owners can get spaying, neutering help
Cats Around Town Society, better known as C.A.T.S., has in the past year spayed and neutered 205 felines in Ocean View, Millville, Millsboro, Frankford, Selbyville, Dagsboro and other surrounding areas. This was done through the help of local veterinarians, the Delaware SPCA, and the time and monetary donations of many local citizens. The group has found homes for 183 cats and kittens through an alliance with PetSmart Adoption Programs. Members also placed 35 cats through private adoptions. Currently, thanks to a grant from the national ASPCA, C.A.T.S. is paying 50 percent of the cost of feline spaying or neutering for those who cannot afford private vets or low-cost clinics. To make arrangements or for details call 302-355-9979.

AAUW book discussion set for March 9
The American Library Association Notable Books Group, sponsored by the Coastal-Georgetown branch of the American Association of University Women, will discuss “Pictures at a Revolution: Five Movies and the Birth of the New Hollywood” by Mark Harris. The best-picture nominees provide a framework for examining pivotal changes in the film industry reflecting radical shifts in American society. The meeting will be held from 10 a.m. to noon, Tuesday, March 9, at the South Coastal Library in Bethany Beach. All are welcome. For more information call 226-3773 or 302-436-2981.

Program to explore after-death ideas
“Hello from Heaven” will be the topic of March’s Lunch Bunch Lecture from noon to 1:30 p.m., Friday, March 5, offered by the Family Support Center at the Delaware Hospice Center, 100 Patriots Way, Milford. Dr. Judy Pierson, licensed clinical psychologist, will discuss the after-death experiences reported by many individuals who have lost a loved one. The Lunch Bunch Lectures are open to the public. Registration is required as seating capacity is limited, and a minimal donation of $3 per person for the cost of lunch is suggested. Register by calling Vicki Costa, 856-7717, Ext. 1129, or email vcosta@delawarehospice.org.

Restaurant supports Georgetown library
La Quetzalteca Mexican Restaurant in the Georgetown Plaza shopping center will give the Georgetown Public Library 10 percent of its receipts all day Monday, April 5. For information call the library at 856-7958. The library is in need of funds to complete its new building by July 2010. Every donation made to the library building fund between now and July will be matched up to $100,000 by an anonymous donor. Donations may be left at the library or made out to the Friends of the GPL and mailed to 10 West Pine St., Georgetown.

Defensive driving course set for March
The Delaware Safety Council has announced its upcoming schedule of defensive driving courses, which are available to all Delaware drivers. Upon successful completion of this six-hour course, participants will be eligible for a minimum 10 percent reduction in the liability portion of their automobile insurance policy for a three-year period plus a three-point credit on their driving record. Advance registration is necessary and may be made by calling the safety council offices at 302-654-7786 or toll free 800-342-2287 for downstate callers. The cost for these courses is $32 per student. The course will be held from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday, March 10 and 11, at the Nutter Marvel Museum, 510 S. Bedford St., Georgetown.

SPCA offers pet food assistance program
The Georgetown SPCA is reaching out to the local community in response to an increased number of pets being turned in to the shelter as an effect of the current economic climate. To help families keep their pets, the Georgetown SPCA will provide a free bag of food to those who truly need assistance. Food can be picked up at the Georgetown shelter. It is recommended that those interested call prior to pickup to assure that food is available. In addition to the food bag program, the Georgetown SPCA also offers inexpensive vaccination and rabies clinics and low-cost spay and neuter services regularly to the public. For more information on the services offered call 302-856-6361 or visit delspca.org.

Hearts Unlimited offers handyman for seniors
Hearts Unlimited has instituted a new program, Handyman for Seniors, for those who need small repairs and household jobs. These jobs include changing air conditioning/heating filters and light bulbs; fixing faucets, changing locks, hammering in loose nails, minor electrical, plumbing and carpentry work. Small donations are sought for these services to help raise money for local families in need of food, clothing, shelter and baby supplies. For more information, call 302-430-1813 or 302-430-1512 or visit heartsunlimitedinc.vpweb.com.