Calendar

THIS WEEK

KIMBERLA LAWSON ROBY BOOK SIGNING: 7 p.m. Friday, Barnes and Noble, Augusta Mall, 3450 Wrightsboro Road; discussion and book signing by the New York Times best-selling author; (706) 737-0012

AUGUSTA NEWCOMERS CLUB POT LUCK DINNER: Saturday; call for time and location; Jeannie Hipsher (706) 210-7547

WATERFOWL WALK: 9 a.m. Saturday, Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, 1858 Lock and Dam Road; take a trip through the nature park's wetlands in search of wintering waterfowl; $3 members, $5 nonmembers; register by today; (706) 828-2109

PENDLETON KING PARK BARK PARK OPENING CEREMONY: 3 p.m. Saturday, Pendleton King Park, 1600 Troupe St.; dogs welcome but must be leashed; (706) 733-4176

UPCOMING

WINTER GATHERING OF WRITERS: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22, Augusta State University, 170 University Hall, 2500 Walton Way; readings by writers Leonard Todd and Angus Woodward; book signing and reception following readings; free; (706) 667-4437, (706) 729-2417

ALS ASSOCIATION BENEFIT CONCERT WITH BRIAN LAM: 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30, Warren Baptist Church, 3203 Washington Road; concert featuring American Idol semifinalist Brian Lam; benefits ALS Association, which focuses on Lou Gehrig's disease; $10 advance, tickets available at Family Christian Stores, 204 Robert C. Daniel Jr. Parkway; $12 at door; LamALSconcert@ yahoo.com

BABYPALOOZA: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, Doubletree Hotel, grand ballroom, 2651 Perimeter Parkway; vendors and resources to help expectant mothers prepare for parenthood; free; first 100 expectant mothers receive special gift bag; (706) 721-7606

LUCY CRAFT LANEY HERITAGE GALA: 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, Augusta Marriott Hotel, 2 10th St.; keynote speaker retired Judge John H. Ruffin Jr.; dinner, live music and a silent auction; black-tie event; $100 per person; reservations required by Thursday, Jan. 22; (706) 724-3576, www.lucycraftlaneymuseum.com