Get up and go
Bellevue Baptist holding special services
Bellevue Baptist Church will hold two special services at the church off Wrightsboro Road in Grovetown. Homecoming services will be at 11 a.m. Sunday with dinner to follow.
Revival services will be at 6 p.m. Sunday and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday featuring guest pastor Rev. Michael Davenport, and choir director Michael Wall.
A nursery will be provided for children ages 3 and under.
Family reunion planned in Thomson
Descendants of Andrew Sturgis and Nancy Shields are invited to attend the 15th annual Sturgis/Shields Family Association reunion at 9:30 a.m. Oct. 5 at the Winfield Community Center at 150 Cobbham Rd., Thomson.
Any family member, friend or person interested in Columbia County history is invited to attend. Bring a covered dish. Lynell Widener, painter of Columbia County landmarks, will present a slide show.
Family and county history books will be available.
For more information, call Richard Sturgis at (706) 860-3828, Sam Cathcart, (770) 898-2883 or Lallie Dozier Benkoski at (229)432-2614.
Computer classes
Evans High School will hold Introduction to Computers classes on Monday and Wednesday evenings.
For more information, call the school at (706) 868-3663 extension 220.
Teen Line graduates volunteers and helps teens
The CSRA Ten Line recently graduated 20 Teenliners, volunteers who listen and encourage callers to help make the right decision themselves. Volunteers provide necessary information, emotional support or referral to the appropriate community agency.
Volunteer training consists of instruction in crisis intervention response, listening skills, depression, teen suicide, teen pregnancy and other social services from community professionals.
The Teen Line number is (877) Teen-211 (833-6211) and is a free, confidential hot line for teens in the CSRA.
For more information or details of becoming a Teenliner of adult supervisor, call the Help Line office at (803) 641-4143.
Writers meeting
CSRA Writers will meet Oct. 8, at 6:30 p.m. at Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 1336 Augusta West Parkway.
Writers needing a support group are invited to attend and bring six copies each of manuscripts to be critiqued. For more information, contact Lela Turnbull at 738-4114 or Elizabeth Estes at ecestes@nu-z.net
State park events
Two area state parks are playing host to a couple of special events in October.
Family Fall Fest on Oct. 19 from 5-10 p.m. at Mistletoe State Park will feature music, a pumpkin scavenger hunt, apple bobbing, hayrides, storytelling, marshmallow roasting and night hikes. The cost is $3, plus a $2 parking fee.
Old Timer's Day is scheduled for Oct. 19-20 at Elijah Clark State Park in Lincolnton. This festival includes concerts, old tractors, classic cars, hit and miss engines, a petting zoo, food vendors and living history demonstrations. There is a $2 parking fee.
Spooky to be Hungry
It's Spooky To Be Hungry, the all volunteer neighborhood-based food drive benefiting Golden Harvest Food Bank will take place on October 26. Spooky currently takes place in more than 80 local neighborhoods. Now is the best time to help your neighborhood get involved in this fun, meaningful, family-friendly event. Volunteers participating in It's Spooky To Be Hungry will also be part of the national Make A Difference Day effort. For information, please call 863-5863.
Kiwanis Club meeting
The Kiwanis Club of Columbia County meets at 11:45 a.m. every Wednesday at the Meeting Centre inside the Center for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 671 N. Belair Rd., Evans.
For more information, call Debbi Powell-Brown at (706) 863-7548.
Hollywood is coming to Evans Elementary
Hollywood 2002, Evans Elementary School's annual fundraising carnival, will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12 at the school at 628 Gibbs Rd.
It will include games, food, silent basket auction, a rock-climbing wall, a dunking booth, a moon bounce and more.
Westmont school council sets schedule
The school council of Westmont Elementary School has set meetings from 7:30 to 8 a.m. at the school at 4558 Oakley Pirkle Rd., on the third Friday of every month with some holiday adjustments: Oct. 25; Nov. 15; Dec. 13; Jan. 17; Feb. 21; Mar. 21; Apr. 18; May 9; and June 20.For more information, call the school at (706) 855-6675.
Greeks to come to downtown
The Greek Festival will be Oct. 4-6 at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity, 953 Telfair St., Augusta. It will be open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and noon to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
The festival will feature a bazaar featuring unique gifts and Greek examples of life and cuisine including traditional Greek foods, pastries ad beverages. Continuous entertainment will feature Nick Trivelas and the Aegeans, soloist Joanna Kartsonis and the Hellas Dancers, a professional dance group from the Southeast.
Admission is free. For more information, call the church at (706) 724-1087.
Cleanup Challenge Day
Columbia County Clean and Beautiful committee, along with Metro Augusta Clean and Beautiful, is sponsoring Cleanup Celebration Day on Oct. 12.
In the cleanup day, the committees from both counties ask the public to help keep the area clean by not littering, picking up litter they may see and identifying roads or areas that need attention. The committee is aware of several roads that have been identified as needing extra cleanup attention and are looking to identify more.
For more information about the cleanup, call John Graham at (706) 868-0296 or via e-mail at jopagr@mindspring.com, or the Metro Augusta Clean and Beautiful at (706) 261-4390 or via e-mail at lkblanos@comcast.net.
Chamber holds Not Just Coffee
The Columbia County Chamber of Commerce will hold its bimonthly Not Just Coffee early morning networking event from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. Oct. 7, at the Evans Government Center Auditorium on Ronald Reagan Drive. The topic will be electronic voting with county Board of Elections Director Deborah Marshall speaking.
Reservations are requested and can be made by calling (706) 651-0018.
Learn communication skills
Learn the art of speaking and communication at weekly meetings of Toastmasters International Club 5920.
The club meets at 6:30 p.m. every Tuesday at Doctors Hospital.
For more information, call Joey Brush at 860-3952.
Blue Ridge school council sets meeting schedule
The Blue Ridge Elementary School Council is scheduled to meet on the following dates at 7:30 a.m. in conference room of the school's media center. The school is at 550 Blue Ridge Dr., Evans. The meeting dates are: Oct. 15, Nov. 19, Dec. 17, Jan. 14, Feb. 18, March 18, Apr. 15, and May 20.
Therapy meeting announced
Rape Crisis and Sexual Assault Services is holding a therapy group for adult victims of sexual assault from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Mondays through Oct. 28 on the University Hospital campus.
The sessions are free and are led by Kathleen McKewon, Ed.M., a licensed professional counselor and marriage and family therapist.
A screening appointment is necessary. For more information or an appointment call (706) 774-2421. This is the counselor's private line and applicants can leave a confidential message.
Tree seedlings
The Georgia Forestry Commission is now accepting seedling applications at the Columbia County office at 5887 Wrightsboro Road, Harlem. For more information, call Chief Ranger Steve Abbott at (706) 556-3962.
Forestry advice
The Georgia Forestry Commission is advising residents whether their homes are at risk of woods or brush fires. The free service is particularly aimed at rural residents.
For more information, call Chief Ranger Steve Abbott at (706) 556-3962.
Business skills meeting scheduled
The Institute of Management Accountants, Augusta chapter, holds educational luncheons on the fourth Thursday of each month. The next meeting will be Sept. 26.
The chapter provides its members personal and professional development opportunities through education, association with business professionals and certification in management accounting and financial management skills.
For more information, call (706) 284-6887 or visit www.augustaima.org.
Foster and adoptive families needed
The Department of Family and Children Services is looking for dedicated and committed families to be foster or adoptive families for abused and neglected children.
The need is great and the work is challenging.
If you want to supply the tools, materials, time and devotion it takes to be a foster or adoptive parents or just want more information, contact your local
department.
Registration for two new classes
The Vineyard Preschool is holding registration for two additional 3- and 4-year-old classes for fall 2002. The church's Mothers Morning Out program has openings in additional 2-and-under age group classes.
The Vineyard Church of Augusta is between River Watch Parkway and Washington Road on Parish Road. For more information, call Linda Shervette at (706) 863-7414 or the church office at (706) 863-9766.
Belair Elementary announces meetings
Belair Elementary School will hold meetings beginning at 7:15 a.m. in the media center on the following dates: Oct. 1, Nov. 5, Dec. 3, Jan. 7, Feb. 4, March 4, Apr. 1, May 6, June 3 and July 31.
South Columbia Elementary announces meetings
South Columbia Elementary School will hold meetings beginning at 7:15 a.m. in the media center on the following dates: Oct. 15, Nov. 17, Dec. 17, Jan. 21, Feb. 18, March 18, Apr. 15, May 20, June 17 and July 15.
Laurel and Hardy Museum open
The Laurel and Hardy Museum, at 250 N. Louisville St., Harlem, is open from 1 to 4 p.m. Thursday-Monday and 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday. For more information, call the museum at (706) 556-0401.
House numbers
The Columbia County Planning and Development office is encouraging residents to ensure that their homes have their street address numbers plainly visible from the street so that emergency personnel can find the correct address.
House numbers should be at least 3 inches tall, mounted on a mailbox, be visible from both directions of the road and should not be hidden by weeds or flowers.
For more information, call the Columbia County Planning and Development office at 868-3400.
Miss Classic South
The Lincolnton-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce wants to acknowledge the area's young ladies that are tomorrow's leaders. The Miss Classic South Pageant is a scholarship pageant that was created to promote the surrounding counties and to encourage contestants to serve as ambassadors from their community. If you would like to receive more information about the pageant, please send your name and address immediately to the Miss Classic South Pageant, c/o Lincolnton-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 810, Lincolnton, GA 30817.
Day school
Martinez Baptist Hearts and Hands Christian Day School is now enrolling for the 2002-2003 school year for K-2 through eighth grade. They use the A Beka Curriculum in a home school type setting with small class sizes. They offer daily Bible classes and art, music, PE, computers and a library. We also participate in community mission projects. The classes are at Martinez Baptist Church, 3632 Lynnwood Drive. For more information contact at 364-2859 or 294-0977.
New church
Calvary Tabernacle meets every Sunday at Wingate Inn on Belair Road. The service starts at 3 p.m.
For more information, call Pastor Russell R. Fogler at 737-2166 or 294-9122.
Evans Elementary announces meeting dates
Evans Elementary School Council has announced the following dates for meetings for the 2002 - 2003 school year. All meetings will be in the media center of the school beginning Mondays at 3:30 p.m. The dates include: October 7, November 4, December 2, January 6, February 3, March 10, April 7, May 5, June 2 and July 28.
Compassionate Friends meeting site changed
The Columbia County Chapter of the Compassionate Friends meeting place has moved to Marvin United Methodist Church, 4400 Wheeler Road, Martinez.
Meetings are the third Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m.
Compassionate Friends is a support group for those who have suffered the death of a child, grandchild, sister or brother.
For more information, call Ruth Williams at (706) 556-0360 or Priscilla Bence at (706) 650-8355.
Mothers' Morning Out program begins registration
The Vineyard Preschool and Mothers Morning Out Program is now accepting registration for the fall 2002 school year program.
The program, which is sponsored by the Vineyard Church of Augusta, is available Monday through Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
The program is for children ages 1-5.
The program also is accepting applications for the summer camp program, Kids Zone. This program is open weekly Tuesday through Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
The Vineyard Church is on Parish Road between Washington Road and River Watch Parkway.
For more information, call Linda Shervvette at 863-7414 or the Vineyard Church at 863-9766.
Preschool registration
Trinity Baptist Preschool on Columbia Road is accepting registration for the 2002-03 school year. The program is open to children ages 2-4. For more information, please call Shannon Story at 541-2066 or 863-1222.
School opens registration
Columbia County Christian Academy's registration for MDO, pre-K, kindergarten and first through sixth grades is now open.
The school is at 4004 Prescott Drive, Martinez.
For more information, call 863-0535 or 650-8610
Parents'Day Out
The Harlem United Methodist Parents' Day Out Program has openings for the 2-year-old program. For more information, call Valarie Wingate or Andrea Rockefeller at 556-6885.
Grant applications
The CSRA Community Foundation is accepting applications for 2002 Unrestricted Funding for area 501(c)(3) organizations for Columbia, Burke, Richmond and McDuffie Counties in Georgia, and Aiken and Edgefield Counties in South Carolina. Information, grant guidelines and grant applications may be obtained by sending an e-mail to info@csracf.com or by calling the foundation at 724-1314.
Head Start
CSRA EOA Inc. Head Start has openings for children who will be age 4 by Dec. 31, 2002. Head Start is a comprehensive child development program that provides quality services for the whole family. All services are provided in an educational environment and are free to qualified applicants. Applications can be obtained at Columbia County Head Start, 120 East Trippe St., Harlem, on Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.
For more information call 556-0085
Neighborhood Action Team
The Neighborhood Action Team - a McDuffie County nonprofit organization - is seeking new members. For more information, call (706) 595-4914 and membership costs $10.
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.
Free tutoring
Tutors are now available to work one-on-one with adults who want to improve their minimal reading skills. There is no charge for tutorial services and workbook materials. Tutoring sessions are arranged at times convenient to both student and tutor. For more information, please call Nancy Lightsey, program coordinator, at Gibbs Library, 863-1946.
Volunteers sought
United Hospice of Augusta is looking for volunteers to help the area's terminally ill patients. Training will be conducted to fit volunteers' schedules. Office volunteers also are needed. For more information, call Kathy Gerstein at 481-9930.
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.
Vehicle donation
The National Kidney Foundation of Georgia 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.
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.
Historical donations needed
The Grovetown Museum Board of Directors is seeking donations of military memorabilia with ties to Fort (Camp) Gordon for a special display depicting the historical relationship between the fort and Grovetown.
Photographs, documents, uniforms, personal military equipment, medals and copies of news article are needed. Donated items will be displayed in two glass casesthat were purchased through a grant from the Fort Gordon Officers Wives Club. For more information or to donate, call Rosa Lee Owens at 863-1867 or Charles Lord at 863-3138.
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.
Gold prospectors' meeting
The Augusta Chapter of the Gold Prospector's Association of America will be having its monthly meetings at 7 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month at the studio of Tim Conway Photography on Kings Way. For more information, call 729-9900 or 284-6705.
Children's story time
A story time for all ages is offered at 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays at Euchee Creek Library.
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.