Get up and go
Newcomers meeting
The Augusta Newcomers Club of the CSRA meets on the third Thursday of each month. For more information, call Debbie Negua at 860-6752.
Children's storytime
A storytime for all ages is offered at 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays at Euchee Creek Library.
Free mulch offered
The City of Thomson is offering free mulch to all interested farmers, businesses and residents. The city grinds all of its yard trimmings and collects the mulch on a quarterly basis. Loading assistance will be provided at a mulch pickup site on request. For more information, call (706) 595-1781.
Senior programs offered
The CSRA Agency on Aging offers several programs for seniors throughout the Augusta area, including those detailing adult day care, home modifications, personal care aids, care in the home and others. For more information, call 210-2018 or toll free at (888) 922-4464.
Theatre presentation
The August Mini Theatre is now selling tickets for its revised play Pickin' at 430 8th St. The show, which details tolerance and violence in schools, will be presented at 8 p.m. Jan. 18; 3 and 8 p.m. Jan. 19; and 3 p.m. Jan. 20 at Augusta Technical College's Jack B. Patrick Technology Center. Cost is $8 or $7 per youth in a group of 10 or more. For more information, call 722-0598 or visit www.augustaminitheatre.org.
Food drive
The Columbia County Farm Bureau will be accepting donations of food for the needy throughout December as part of a statewide event called Food Check-Out Day. For every donation made, the donor's name will be written on a card and displayed during the donation period.
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.
Fire department meeting
The annual subscribers meeting of the Martinez Volunteer Fire Department will take place at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 8 at the department headquarters on Washington Road. The accounting firm Cleaveland and Anderson will submit the 2001 audit for approval of members. The operating budget for 2002 will then be discussed and two members to the board of trustees will be elected.
Shoe collection
The Georgia Podiatric Medical Association is running a shoe collection drive for the homeless in the Augusta area. The association will accept new and used shoes of any size, and donations can be brought to any local podiatrist's office through January. For more information, call Dr. Kent E. Kronowski at 724-0586.
Nature park tour
A tour through Phinizy Swamp Nature Park will be offered by the Southeastern Natural Sciences Academy at 9:30 a.m. Jan. 5. The walk will cover 2 1/2 miles through wetlands and swamps. Those attending are asked to wear weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Cameras and binoculars are welcome. The cost is free, but donations will be accepted. For more information, call 828-2109.
Vehicle donation
The National Kidney Foundation of Georgia's is seeking donations of old vehicles to be sold as a fund-raiser.
The program offers free vehicle pickup. Cars, trucks, boats or motor homes donated might be tax deductible. To receive an informational packet to fill out and return, call (800) 488-CARS.
Foster parents needed
The Columbia County Department of Family and Children Services is looking for potential foster parents. All those interested in becoming foster parents or with questions are asked to call Cindy Taylor at 541-1640.
Community volunteers needed
Augusta Child Advocates is recruiting community volunteers to work with and on behalf of abused children in Richmond County. Training begins Jan. 3. Those interested should call 737-3006.
High school reunion
The Harlem High School Class of 1976 is planning a reunion.
For more information, call Pam Tankersley at pamtankersley@georgiabankandtrust.com, 860-1037 or 650-0409; or Jim Price at jprice@thermalceramics.com.
Organizers are seeking names, addresses and e-mail addresses.
Help offered
The Columbia County Chapter of The Compassionate Friends offers grief support for families suffering the loss of a child. They meet every second Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at Philadelphia United Methodist Church, 780 Old Louisville Road, Harlem.
For more information, call (706) 556-6966 or (706) 855-7906.
Volunteers needed
The Court Appointed Special Advocate Program is looking for volunteers age 21 and older to help advocate for abused and neglected children in the juvenile court system.
Volunteers work alongside the Department of Family and Children Services and other agencies to protect children who have been placed in foster care. Volunteers need no experience and will be provided specialized training. For more information, call 737-4631.