Current events
Blood drive
The Shepeard Community Blood Center and Evans High School Health Occupations Students of America will have a blood drive from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at Evans High's gymnasium. The public is welcome, but visitors must stop by the main office to get a visitor's pass. For more information, call 860-7698.
Church luncheon
A monthly inspiration and lunch gathering called Time Out will be offered by First Baptist Church of Evans at 11:50 a.m. Thursday to those living or working in the community. Cost for lunch will be $5. Reservations should be made by noon today by calling 863-1228 or by e-mail at fbcevans@mindspring.com.
Mistletoe Jam
The third annual Mistletoe Jam at Mistletoe State Park in Appling will take place Saturday and Sunday. The event will be an informal jam featuring various mountain dulcimer players along with other musicians. The Cost to attend is free but $2 will be charged for parking. For camping reservations, call (800) 864-7275. For more information on the Mistletoe Jam, call 855-7041.
Spanish classes offered
Beginner-level Spanish classes will be offered starting in January at Gibbs Library. The class will be from 6:30 to 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.
Fire department meeting
The Leah Volunteer Fire Department will have a special meeting at 7 p.m. Feb. 4 at station No. 2 on Burks Mountain Road. The public is invited to attend.
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.
Theatre presentation
Columbia County's community theatre, Stage III, will open its 2002 season with Neil Simon's comedy "The Odd Couple" on Feb. 7. The play also will be performed at 7 p.m. on Feb. 8 and 9 as a dinner theatre catered by French Market Grille West. A Sunday matinee will be offered at 3 p.m. Feb. 10. For reservations, call 228-3636.
Fencing classes offered
The Augusta Fencers Club is now offering two new classes in beginning foil. The first - a youth class for those 11 to 14 - meets from 6-7 p.m. Fridays. The second - an adult class - meets 6-7 p.m. Thursdays. All competitive equipment is provided for both classes, and the cost is $40 each. For more information or to register, call 722-8878.
Club members sought
The Harlem Woman's Club is accepting new members. The club supports local communities and Columbia County's schools. It is a sponsor of the Star Student Award, the Citizen of the Year Award and the arts program. Meetings are at 4 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month at the Woman's Club in Harlem. For more information, call Brenda Starling at 556-6811.