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­Activities scheduled for this week include:

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TODAY

Child safety program: A DNA LifePrint child safety program will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Augusta Dodge, 1886 Gordon Highway. DNA LifePrint is a non invasive procedure that captures a child's DNA by swabbing the inside of the cheek. The sample can be used to identify victims of violent crimes and kidnapping. The program is free. For information, call 736-8414.

Tour of homes: North Augusta's Christmas Tour of Homes will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in downtown North Augusta. There also will be a brunch and fashion show at 10 a.m. at North Augusta Country Club. Tickets for the tour cost $18, and tickets for the fashion show are $10. For more information, call 279-5074.

The Nutcracker: The Augusta Ballet will present The Nutcracker at 1 and 5 p.m. today and 2 and 6 p.m. Sunday at Imperial Theatre, 745 Broad St. Ticket prices range from $17 to $40. For more information, call 261-0555 or visit www.augustaballet.com.

Masterworks Chorale concerts: The University of South Carolina Aiken Masterworks Chorale will hold concerts at 5 and 7:30 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 261 Trail Ridge Road, Aiken. The chorale will perform Amahl and the Night Visitors. Tickets cost $12 for general admission, $10 for seniors and $7 for USC Aiken faculty, staff and students. For more information, call (803) 649-3305.

Sunday

Family concert: The Augusta Concert Band's free Family Christmas Concert will be at 4 p.m. at Grover C. Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre, Augusta State University, 2500 Walton Way. For more information, call 722-0077.

Lions Club festival: The North Augusta Lions Club will present its Christmas festival and parade from 12:30 to 5 p.m. in downtown North Augusta. There will be food and craft vendors, pictures with Santa, raffles and performances from schools and dance and karate students. The parade will begin at 3 p.m. For more information, call 278-3402.

Holiday music: The Edward Bradberry Holiday Concert, featuring the Augusta Opera Chorus and Orchestra and the Augusta Children's Chorale, will begin at 3:30 and 6 p.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 605 Reynolds St. The annual Holiday Tea will be from 5 to 6 p.m. The concert costs $25 a person and the tea costs $10. For more information, call 826-4710.

Monday

Democratic women meet: The Aiken County Democratic Women will meet at 7 p.m. in the Aiken County Council Building, 736 Richland Ave. For more information, call (803) 643-9371.

Benefit holiday concert: The Columbia County Middle School band program will present its holiday concert at 7 p.m. in the school's gymnasium, 6000 Columbia Road, Grovetown. The concert will benefit Happy Tails.

AARP meeting: Aiken's AARP chapter will hold its monthly meeting at 3 p.m. at H. Odell Weeks Activity Center, Room 3, 1700 Whiskey Road. Those attending are asked to bring an unwrapped toy for a child. Anyone older than 50 is invited to attend.

Children and work

Here are some ways to help children learn about the world of work, from Ellen Galinsky's book Ask the Children:

- Have the children visit – and even help you – at work.

- Share information about your job and interesting experiences at work. Welcome your child's questions about work and answer them directly and honestly.

- Explain the reasons why you work and why you like your work. If you don't like it, you can share some of those reasons.

- Young children learn through play. Encourage them to play different jobs.

- Invite house guests to describe their occupations to your children.

Today in regional history:

DEC. 4, 1982

An Augusta man was shot in the neck Friday by a Richmond County sheriff's deputy, who was helping to subdue and arrest another man for possession of marijuana.

Willie Fludd, 26, of Ellis Street, was listed in fair condition at Talmadge Memorial Hospital. Sheriff J.B. Dykes refused to comment on the incident, referring all questions to Capt. Billy E. Carter, who said the gun accidentally discharged.

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