Current events
Church gathering
Evangelist Fred McCoy of Warner Robbins will be the guest speaker from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Jan. 6 at Bethesda Baptist Church, which is located off Highway 78 between Grovetown and Harlem. For more information, call 556-6818.
Spanish classes offered
Beginner-level Spanish classes will be offered staring in January at Gibbs Library. The class will be taught from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and will continue through April. There is no cost, but advance registration is required. For more information, call 863-1946.
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.
Mistletoe Jam
The third annual Mistletoe Jam at Mistletoe State Park in Appling will take place Jan. 19 and 20. The event will be a gathering of mountain dulcimer players and also will include autoharp, fiddle, guitar and other instrument performers. The only charge is $2 for parking. For more information or camping reservations, call (800) 864-7275 or 855-7041.
Church luncheon
A monthly inspiration and lunch gathering called Time Out will be offered by First Baptist Church of Evans to those living or working in the community at 11:50 a.m. Jan. 17. Cost for lunch will be $5. Reservations should be made by noon on Jan. 16 by calling 863-1228 or by e-mail at fbcevans@mindspring.com.
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.
Church luncheon
A monthly inspiration and lunch gathering called Time Out will be offered by First Baptist Church of Evans to those living or working in the community at 11:50 a.m. Jan. 17. Cost for lunch will be $5. Reservations should be made by noon on Jan. 16 by calling 863-1228 or by e-mail at fbcevans@mindspring.com.
Book discussion group
The Gibbs Library book discussion group will be meeting at 7 p.m. Jan. 21 at the library. The group will read Cider House Rules by John Irving.
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.