Book-signings

The Old Edgefield District Genealogical Society will play host to two book-signings today beginning at 3 p.m. in the Lynch Building annex of the Tompkins Library, 104 Courthouse Square, Edgefield, S.C.

James B. Clary, author of A History of the 15th South Carolina Infantry: 1861-1865 , will speak about the men who served in the Confederate unit in the Civil War.

Also, Robert Johnson, author of This Violent Land , will speak about his historical narrative, which tells the story of Maj. William Stone, an agent of the South Carolina Freedman's Bureau during the Reconstruction era.

Both authors will have books available to autograph. Call (803) 637-4010.

The following cooling centers are open free of charge:

- 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday, H. Odell Weeks Activity Center, 1700 Whiskey Road, Aiken. Call (803) 642-7631.

- 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Smith-Hazel Recreation Center, Kershaw Street, Aiken. Call (803) 642-7634.

- 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and various times when open for other events on Saturdays and Sundays, Citizens Park II, 651 Old Airport Road. Call (803) 642-7761.

The artwork of Jean Blackmer will be on exhibition in the Aiken Artist Guild Gallery at the Aiken Center for the Arts through July 31. Many of Ms. Blackmer's paintings have been featured in the Aiken County Visitor's Guide and the Thoroughbred Country Visitor's Guide.

Also, artwork from the Summer Arts Camp for children will be on display in the first-floor galleries during July and August.

The free exhibitions are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Aiken Center for the Arts, 122 Laurens St. S.W., Aiken. Call (803) 641-9094.

Leadership Aiken County is accepting applications through Tuesday for the 2008-09 class. Applications are available at the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce, 406 West Ave., or by calling Pamela Amendola at (803) 643-2258. Tuition is $600 and is due at the time of acceptance to the program, no later than Sept. 15.

The class teaches leadership skills through involvement in the community.

The firm of Hass and Hilderbrand is conducting a survey for Aiken in Crosland Park in preparation for improvements to that area's sewer system.

The surveyors, who carry identification, need access to backyards on the following streets: Vincent, George and Alfred and parts of Crosland Drive and Croft, Schroder, Hahn and Aldrich streets.

The work is scheduled to be completed in autumn. The surveyors will be in each yard for about 30 minutes. Residents do not need to be at home when the surveyors are working, but they are asked to unlock gates and put dogs inside.

For information, call Ted Jones, of the Department of Public Works, at (803) 642-7610.

The Edgefield Community Development Association is sponsoring a farmers market on Saturday mornings. Village Markets will be held around the square from 8 a.m. to noon on first and third Saturdays.

If you have something to sell, call Johanna Holmes at (803) 637-1981 or Sharon Nunamaker at (803) 637-3400.