The Gastonia Parish Nurse Ministry continues its series of fall events to help you improve your health and wellness.

Organizer Lisa Marisiddaiah says families with children should make plans to attend these two workshops, both starting at 6:30 p.m. at first United Methodist Church, 190 E. Franklin Blvd., Gastonia.

Wednesday — Health at Home: a Complete Guide to Symptoms, Solutions and Self-Care, presented by Wendy Whisnant of the Gaston Community Healthcare Commission. Anyone who attends receives a free Health at Home resource book published by the commission. The guide helps readers made appropriate decisions about when and how to care for themselves, call the doctor, or go to the emergency room.

Oct. 19 — Preventative Health Care for Children, presented by Dr. Gary Schenk. There will be an Interactive Health Fair for Children during this event.

Childcare is provided for both sessions with a reservation and can be made by calling 704-864-4371 or email   .

Other upcoming events include:

Flu Clinic — For ages 14 and older from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at first United Methodist. Free with medicare card. most insurance accepted or filed. Fee is $25 for others. Walk-ins are welcome but appointments can be made by calling 704-864-4371.

Flu Clinic & Health Fair — 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Oct. 20, first United Methodist, featuring flu shots, free shoulder and scalp massages, and free body composition analysis. There will also be free health screenings for blood pressure, blood glucose, bone density, functional movement, heating, mental health, MRSA and HIV. those attending can drop off expired and unused prescription and over-the-counter medications through Operation Medicine Cabinet. There will also be information about adult and aging services available in Gaston County, including Alzheimer’s Disease, Dementia, fall prevention and Meals on Wheels. And you can learn about issues including breast health.

TAILGATE AT FORESTVIEW

The annual Forestview Tailgate will be held at the high school on Oct. 21 before the Jaguars take on the Hunter Huss Huskies.

The barbecue sale takes place from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Deliveries are available for orders of 10 plates or more.

Barbecue will be available on site from 4 to 7 p.m.

Before, it will be available at Hillbilly’s Barbeque & Steaks, 930 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia.

Dine-in is available at the school after 5 p.m., 5545 Union Road.

Cost is $7 per plate and includes pork barbecue, slaw, sauce, two buns and chips.

For more information, call the school, 704-861-2625 or visit gastonk.12.nc.us/   schools/forestview  .

BOOT CAMP THIS WEEKEND

Armstrong Athletic Club, 3372 Robinwood Road, Gastonia, is hosting its military-style “Fit-Strong” workout program from 8 to 8:50 a.m. Saturdays. The workouts will use military drills, group runs, tub work and more to help participants run longer, get stronger and lose body fat.

Military-fashioned workouts gained popularity several years ago, in part due to the popularity of reality television programs such as “The Biggest Loser” and “Celebrity Boot Camp.” One of the trend originators, fitness personality Army Staff Sgt. Ken Weichert (also known as “Sgt. Ken”), led a “Fit to Fight” boot camp at the National Guard Armory in Gastonia over the weekend and certified local instructors on how to utilize his techniques.

Participation is $59 for eight weeks or $10 a class for drop-ins; free for Armstrong members at the group exercise level. For more information, visit armstrongath  letic.com   or call 704-867-8900.

ARTS CLASSES ANNOUNCED

The Gaston School of the Arts begins the second session of adult pottery, jewelry and painting classes the week of Oct. 17.

The pottery class will meet on Thursdays, from 6 to 8 p.m., Oct. 20-Dec. 1 (no class Nov. 24). Participants will learn clay techniques and how to use the pottery wheel. The class will be taught by Tim Stiles who teaches the youth summer pottery and drawing classes. he also teaches at Ashbrook High School. Cost is $150 per six-week session.

The jewelry class will be an Introduction to Silver Soldering, offered by artist Susan Lambert. She has been teaching at the Gaston School of the Arts for several years and returns for a series of two week classes, available in the afternoon and evening. Classes and dates are available at gastonschoolofthearts.org  .

Oil and Acrylics will be offered on Tuesdays from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., taught by Holt Harris. The fee is $100 per month and students may join the class at any time. Participants are taught at their own level and high school students are welcome.

The Gaston School of the Arts is located at 825 Union Road, Gastonia. you can get more information by calling 704-866-8882