ALPHARETTA
Beer dinner
The New Year’s celebrations continue. But, after all that champagne, it’s time for beer to get some well-deserved attention. Salud, the cooking school connected to Whole Foods, will hold a beer dinner for enthusiasts as well as those who are just starting to give brews a try. Dishes will be paired with an assortment of beers, and chefs will demonstrate how to prepare many of the food items, using brews to enhance flavor. Menu highlights will include beer-braised pork belly, beer and herb-steamed clams and gingerbread cake with stout ice cream.
6:30 p.m. Jan. 8. $55. Whole Foods Market Avalon, 2800 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta. 770-442-3354, wholefoodsmarket.com.
DACULA
Doggie Tales
Encouraging your child to read can be a bit tricky, but the folks at the Gwinnett County Public Library can lend a helping paw. Each month, the Dacula branch holds Doggie Tales, when kids ages 5 through 10 can snuggle up with a furry friend and read their favorite books to a very attentive listener. The event partners with the local Dacula chapter of Therapy Dogs International, an organization dedicated to training and testing all breeds of dogs to assist with different kinds of therapy. The presence of a caring canine often helps young readers gain confidence as they practice their reading skills. Call ahead to reserve a spot.
10:30 a.m. Jan. 9. Free. Dacula Library, 265 Dacula Road, Dacula. 770-978-5154, gwinnettpl.org.
CARTERSVILLE
Photography as a career
The Booth Western Art Museum is presenting “Ansel Adams: Before & After,” an exhibit featuring works from artists who influenced Adams and those who were influenced by him. The exhibit runs through March, but on Jan. 9 photographer Julieanne Kost will give a lecture on how to transform photography from a fun activity and passionate hobby to a viable career. Earlier in the day, she also will hold a seminar on techniques for using Adobe Photoshop. Prices for just the seminar range from $50 to $100, depending on membership level.
5 p.m. Jan. 9. $10 for nonmembers. Booth Western Art Museum, 501 Museum Drive, Cartersville. 770-387-1300, boothmuseum.org.
