Kwanzaa Ujamaafest set at Porter Sanford
People who are new to Kwanzaa or who have celebrated Kwanzaa since its inception are invited to attend the sixth annual Ujamaafest Saturday, Dec. 31, 12 to 7 p.m., at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Center, 3181 Rainbow Drive, Decatur.
Kwanzaa is a celebration of family, culture and African American heritage and is observed Dec. 26 – Jan. 1. The event will showcase various cultural performances such as African drumming, storytelling and will feature the Kuumba Marketplace, a ‘Black Money Matters’ financial literacy workshop, healthy cooking demonstrations, science/STEM and art activities in the Kijana Zone for children and a Kwanzaa candle lighting ceremony.
Admission is free, but reservations are required for each adult. Only one name per RSVP will be admitted. For more information, visit www.ujamaafest.com.
ATLANTA
Get fit for free
Come get a healthy dose of free fitness on the Atlanta BeltLine Jan. 7, 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., 828 Ralph McGill Boulevard, Suite W4, Atlanta.
FitWit boot camp is a free 60-minute workout geared to get your heart pumping. Classes are designed for all fitness levels, combining fitness equipment and natural landscapes when weather permits.
The program is open to those ages 18 and over. For more information, visit beltline.org
Venkman’s offers princess brunch series
Dust off your crown and jewels and head over to Venkman’s Restaurant for sing-a-long party at Venkman’s, 740 Ralph McGill Blvd NE, Atlanta.
This musical experience invites audiences of all ages to sit back, “Let it Go,” and sing along with a special interactive screening of Disney’s “Frozen.” Advance reservations are encouraged for this royal event for mothers and daughters, grandmas and granddaughters, sisters and BFFs. The kitchen will be offering a royal brunch feast including princess flapjacks for the little ones. Tickets are free, but guests must make reservations at www.venkmans.com (see “Reservations”) or by calling 470-225-6162.
DEKALB
STEMFest 2017 set for the new year
The Stone Mountain – Lithonia Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is planning a STEM fair Saturday, Jan. 7, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Redan High School, 5247 Redan Road, Stone Mountain.
In partnership with Georgia Piedmont Technical College and the United Way of Greater Atlanta, SM-LAC has a day planned for workshops, activities and hands-on demonstrations in science, technology, engineering and math. At this year’s event, Georgia Tech Students will be on hand, eager to show middle and high school students the exciting world of STEM.
The event is open to students in grades six through 12, parents, and teachers. For more information, visit smlacdst.org.
National Association of Active and Retired Federal Employees hosts info session
The DeKalb Chapter of the National Association of Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE), will hold its next meeting Tuesday, Jan. 10, 1 p.m., at Piccadilly Restaurant, Galleria at South DeKalb Mall, 2801 Candler Road, Decatur.
All active and retired federal employees, their spouses, and surviving spouses who are not currently a member of NARFE are welcome to attend this free meeting to learn more about the benefits of NARFE.
For more information, visit ganarfe.org or contact Chapter President Calvin Stevens, 404-288-3604.
GWINNETT
Gwinnett Public Library partner with rec center to offer story hour at the pool
Join the Gwinnett County Public Library for poolside story time Friday, Jan. 6, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at Bethesda Park Aquatic Center, 225 Bethesda Church Road, Lawrenceville.
The featured book to be read is “How I Became a Pirate” by Melinda Long. Children are welcome to swim and participate in other fun book-related activities. All ages are welcomed.
Pre-registration is required. The cost to attend is $6 per person (ages 3 and under are free). For more information or to register, call 678-277-0880.
Gwinnett Parks and Recreation to host line dance party for residents
Gwinnett County residents are invited to a soul line dance party Saturday, Jan. 7, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Shorty Howell Park Activity Building, 2750 Pleasant Hill Road, Duluth.
Research indicates that line dancing reduces stress, facilitate changes in brain chemistry and aids in relaxation and alertness. Guests ages 18 and up are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and footwear and to bring a towel and water.
The cost is $8 per person, $10 at the door. Guests must pre register by Jan. 6.
Call 678-277-0900 for more information.