Business Extravaganza — Thursday, January 17 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Camp Hanes. The time is drawing closer for this event and the RSVP list is growing. At this time there are 54 booths reserved. Please remember that the theme is Rock and Roll and Taylor Vaden is providing the entertainment this year. The décor will be based on a 50’s car hop as will the food. A contest for the best theme booth is planned. So decorate your booth around the theme and dress the part. For additional information or questions, call Alan Wood, Stokes County Economic Development, at 336-593-2496, or email adwood@co.stokes.nc.us.

The Real Estate Brokers for Stokes County (REBSC) group will be hosting educational seminars during the months of January and February. The classes will be held at the three public libraries in Stokes County: January 24 in Danbury, February 7 in King and February 21 in Walnut Cove. These seminars will educate people who may be interested in buying or selling real estate properties in 2013. Each class will begin at 6 p.m. For more information, go to www.stokeshomesandland.com.

The Stokes County Arts Council has a selection of books available for sale. For more information go to http://historyalivegwh.blogspot.com and georgehicks@publishedauthors.net.

Stokes Family YMCA — Gain as much as you lose with a YMCA membership. “Pay The Day” membership offer ends January 31. For example — if you join today, January 10, you will pay $10; if you join tomorrow the 11th, it will be $11, and so on. Even if you wait until the last day of the month you will still save money, and you’ll get lots of positive change in return.

If you want to make a change in your life, visit the Stokes YMCA. Start your New Year with a lot of energy and keep that energy throughout the rest of the year with these any many more programs: Feed Stokes 5K, Boxing, Spartan Spirit Training, Self Defense, Get Your Boot in Gear Boot Camp, Get On Your Weigh, Indoor Soccer, Indoor and Outdoor Kiddie Kickers, Adult Volleyball and Flag Football, Swim Lessons for all ages, Scuba Diving Certification, etc.

Les Mills Body Pump is coming to the Stokes YMCA. This 60-minute workout challenges all your major muscle groups by using the best weight-room exercises like squats, presses, lift and curls. Great music, awesome instructors and your choice of weight inspire you to get the results you came for — and fast. This class is suitable for all fitness levels. If you are new to resistance training, or if you’re out of shape, you can start with light weights. Contact the YMCA at 336-985-9622 or visit their website at www.stokesymca.org for more information regarding memberships and programs. Scholarships are available to help individuals and families with special financial needs.