Current events
Redistricting meeting
A meeting to discuss a reapportionment mapping of the legislative districts and how they will affect the area will take place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10 at the Sheraton Hotel.
Guest speakers will be Georgia Sen. Eric Johnson, and Rep. Lynn Westmoreland. Also speaking will be Sen. Joey Brush and State Rep. Ben Harbin.
Another gathering to discuss the same topic will take place from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Amigos Mexican Restaurant in Thomson. There, hosts will be the McDuffie County Republican Party, Congressman Charlie Norwood, Brush and Rep. Bill Jackson. Johnson and Westmoreland also will be on hand. Cost will be $10 for the luncheon in Thomson and $25 for the reception at the Sheraton.
Puppet shows offered
Ben and Keeter's Puppets will be at local libraries during the Christmas holidays. The show, called "Christmas Magic," will be performed at the following locations and times: 7 p.m. Tuesday at Euchee Creek Library; 7 p.m. Thursday at Gibbs Library; 10:30 a.m. Dec. 19 at Wallace Brach Library; and 10:30 a.m. Dec. 21 at Friedman's Library.
Candlelighting event
The 2001 Worldwide Candle Lighting will take place in Columbia County at 7 p.m. Sunday at Patriots Park on Columbia Road. Participants will gather under the Ramada sign near the baseball fields and will light candles in memory of loved ones. Those attending are asked to bring a candle. A microphone and music box will be available for those who want to play a song or read a poem. For more information, call Floyd and Cecelia Fields at 855-7906 or Dave and Dee Gibbs at 556-6966.
Fire department meeting
The Leah Volunteer Fire Department will have its annual general meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday at station No. 2 on Burks Mountain Road. The public is invited to attend. Board members for the coming year will be elected.
School open house
The Polestar School will have an open house from 6-8 p.m. Dec. 11. The new school is located on Scott-Nixon Boulevard south of Bobby Jones Expressway and was established in 1999 for students coping with substance abuse.
Republican Party meeting
The Columbia County Republican Party Executive Board will have its monthly meeting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Evans Government Complex.
Bethlehem village presentation
Martinez United Methodist Church will offer a live Bethlehem village to the public from 6-8 p.m. Dec. 15 at the church, located on Washington Road. The village will include shops, village people dressed in costumes and a manger scene with live animals. For more information, call 863-6541.
Asbestos training
The Martinez Fire Department will have a training session regarding the Environmental Protection Agency's asbestos regulations from 9 a.m.-noon Jan. 15 at the Columbia County Emergency Management Agency office on Faircloth Drive in Evans. For reservations, call 799-8134 or 667-5155.