On Feb. 21, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute held its annual winter social at Kennesaw State University Center. This year, the theme included Mardi Gras-style decor, food and music. More than 200 people ages 50 and older attended the event that featured live music by the Reflections Swing Band and J.C. Campbell.

Dinner included red beans and rice, etouffee and other Louisiana style favorites provided by Copeland's of New Orleans. Many of the guests donned their best Mardi Gras attire - masks, bead necklaces and hats in the signature colors of purple, green and gold.

Attendees included Ann and Roy Barnes, Cheryl and Bill Clements, Beulah Eubanks, Carol Makant and George Harris, Denis Luber, Silvia Rangel, Harry and Millie Ratliff, and Gerald and Janice Sanders.

The Summer Social will feature a Taste of Italy on June 13, at KSU Center. For more information, visit ccpe.kennesaw.edu/olli.

***The recent launch of the third edition of The SBA Loan Book by Charles H. Green was held at the Georgian Terrace Hotel in Atlanta. More than 50 guests networked and enjoyed Green's remarks. Spotted was Cobb resident Patricia Harris, executive director of the Edge Connection at Kennesaw State University, and Marilyn Pearlman, president of Pearlman Associates.

***The fourth Annual First Friday Art Walk begins in March! Stroll the Marietta Square and visit art galleries, museums, cultural venues, restaurants and boutiques host artists within stores. Times and dates are from 5-9 on March 4, April 1, May 6, June 3, Aug. 5, Sept. 2 and Oct. 7. Identify participating venues by official Art Walk banner in window. You can also choose your own route. Parking information and Art Walk maps are available at participating merchants, the Marietta Welcome Center & Visitors Bureau, online at www.artwalkmarietta.com or by calling (770) 429-1115.

The Historic Marietta Trolley runs free shuttle service from 5-8 p.m. Trolley stops are marked by flags around the Square and can be found on the Art Walk Map. A Scary-etta trolley ghost tour is at 8 p.m. It leaves from the Trolley Headquarters at 131 Church St.. For more information about "Scary-etta," visit www.mariettatrolley.com or www.ghostsofmarietta.com.

***Fashion spotlight of the week: Ever pretty in the much beloved little black dress - Leanne DuBois of Kennesaw.

Sally Litchfield is a longtime Marietta resident. She formerly practiced law in Marietta and now stays home to raise her two children. Send Sally news at sallylit@ bellsouth.net. Call Sally at (770) 425-7122.