N.C. Speaker of the House Thom Tillis will be the keynote speaker at the North Mecklenburg Republican Women’s dinner meeting Feb. 13 at NorthStone Club in Huntersville. Men and women are invited. Tillis will give an update on legislation impacting North Carolinians including Voter I.D., redistricting, the Racial Justice Act, the Defense of Marriage Amendment. Info, reservations: nomeckrw@gmail.com. The cost of admission is $20 cash or check, payable at the door. Registration begins at 6 p.m.; buffet, 6:30.

The Hough High School “Ping Pong Ball” Feb. 11 will benefit Special Olympics of Mecklenburg County. The ping pong tournament will be played under neon black lights in the gym.  Coinciding with the tournament will be a "Through the Eras" dance with music ranging from 1970s disco to recent hits.  The event is open to all area high school students, faculty and parents as well as all Special Olympics NC athletes and family in the area. Dance admission is $5. Refreshments will be available for purchase and event T-shirts will be sold for $12.  A few slots remain for those interested in competing in the ping pong tournament. More info: Johnny Piedmonte at 704-287-2750. All proceeds of the event will benefit Special Olympics Mecklenburg County.

On March 22 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., the Community Arts Project hosts its fifth annual Taste of Art fundraising party and art auction at The Fresh Market, 20623 Torrence Chapel Road. A silent auction and raffle will include art and other interesting items. Hors d'oeuvres and wine tastings provided. T ickets are $30 each; call 704-896-8823. Details:

www.thecommunityartsproject.org

On March 3 from 9 a.m. to noon, the Community Arts Project and PARC offer a free lineup of summer art camps for children ages 4-12, with more than 40 different themes. Kids ages 10-16 can choose from art and ceramic themes. Registration for summer camps will be available; discounts offered. Details: www.corneliuspr.org  

The Lake Norman Chamber is teaming up with area businesses to fund and build a new home for a deserving family in Cornelius.  Help celebrate with the sponsors 8 am, Feb. 21 at Our Towns Habitat, 20310 N. Main St., Cornelius. More info: tcox@ourtownshabitat.org

Registering is easy: Just login — creating a username and password to access this month's New Corporation filings.

Login to access residential transactions through Jan. 6 in Cornelius, Davidson and Huntersville recorded by the Mecklenburg Register of Deeds.

MICHALSKI

Noell Michalski likes to cook to relax.

Michalski is the owner of Burgundy Moon Spa & Winehouse in Jetton Village, and recently expanded to a larger building and added an Art of Living Fitness (Mind/Body) & Boutique Craft Studio.

Among her passions is tasting and learning about wines from around the world.  She is planning a trip to Italy later this year to help in her exploration of the Italian wine market.

JENNINGS

The Lake Norman Lucky Cats program is a 501(c)3 non-profit that was started out of necessity. Back in the 1990s Lucky Cats founder Abigail Jennings became aware of a colony of 19 feral cats in the woods behind the then-new Lake Norman Realty building on West Catawba Avenue.