Around gilbert & summit

Gilbert Middle School’s PTSA is offering a free self-defense class November 16 at 10 am for teens and women. The instructor will be Master Patrick McSweeney, who has been a martial arts instructor for over 30 years and owns a martial arts school in Gilbert.

Participants will learn strategies to minimize their risk of becoming victims of an attack. The class will be held in the GMS gym. If you would like to attend, RSVP to Facebook-Gilbert MATC.

Gilbert Middle School honored our veterans on Veterans Day November 11. Many veterans in the community attended the “Honoring the Brave” luncheon reception.

Congratulations to GMS 8th-grade student Andras Warczyglowa, who was recognized as being the High Point Varsity Swimmer for 2019. This is the 2nd year she has received this award by scoring more points than senior swimmers.

Cotton Branch Farm Animal Sanctuary will celebrate its annual “ThanksLiving” November 16 at Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Columbia 6 pm. CBFAS invites you to celebrate with them to support their mission of saving animals who have fallen through the cracks. CBFAS has 300 farm animals residing at the sanctuary. It has saved over 900 animals and placed them in approved homes within a year. Chef Gloria Clay will prepare the vegan menu. CBFAS is a nonprofit farm near Gilbert. For information and cost of tickets, visit www.cottonbranch.org .

Gilbert artist Candance Cotterman Thibeault invites the community to view the artwork of Michel McNinch, whose work is on display at Lexington’s Old Mill. McNinch specializes in portraits and landscapes. Her work will be on display through November. Thibeault is currently working on a special display for December at the Old Mill. We will have information soon.

“Blackout Poetry”, will be a treat this week for teens enrolled in the TweenScene program at the Gilbert-Summit Branch Library. This program will be held November 14 at 6 pm. For information on programs at the library call 785-5387.

Happy Birthday to Karolyn Grimm, Arthur Weed, Ryan Allman, Dylan Jones, Mallory Price, Samantha Rowell, Jimmy Price, Eddie Crout, Steven Dawson, Janette Carter, Vonnie Shealy, Mary Sease, Halie Gos-sett, Melinda Rhoad, Joe Carter, Martha Garlock, and Wanda Sweatt.