Get up and go

Christian quartet

Bible Fellowship Church present The Dixie Echoes Quartet in concert on Thursday at 7 p.m. The Pensacola, Fla.-quartet will perform at the Belair Conference Center, behind the Hampton Inn Suites on Belair Road. The Byrd Family Gospel Singers will play host to the program and Heartland Gospel Trio also will perform. This program is free. There will be a love offering received. For more information, call 651-1971.

Book fair

Evans Elementary School's Fall Scholastic Book Fair will be Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily. There also will be a Family Fun event Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m.

Money raised during the book fair will be used for special projects at the school.

Gardening at Lunch

The Columbia County Extension Service will hold a lunch seminar in the auditorium at the Evans Government Complex in Evans on Wednesday. The topic will be Care for Holiday Plants. The seminar will be presented by Charles Phillips, Columbia County extension agent. This seminar is free and open to the public. The seminar will be from 12:10 to 12:45 p.m.

Fire meeting

The Leah Volunteer Fire Department will elect new board members for the coming year when it meets Thursday, Dec. 19 at Fire Station No. 2 on Burks Mountain Road. Leah residents are invited.

CT scans available at Martinez church

Low-cost mobile CT scans for early warning signs of cancer and coronary disease will be available from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4, at Martinez Baptist Church at 3632 Lynnwood Drive.

Three types of scans, performed by CATScan 2000, will be offered - heart, chest and abdominal/pelvic scans. The fee is $199 per test. If all three scans are performed together, a $30 discount will apply to the third test for a total of $567. Age restrictions apply.

For more information, call the church at 863-7944.

Youth choir performing in Augusta and Grovetown

The internationally acclaimed and Grammy-nominated African Children's Choir, who recently performed at New York'sground zero and the Pentagon, will present their Hope and Healing concert three times in Augusta and Grovetown.

The group will perform at 11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 1, at Flemming Baptist Church, 3027 Peach Orchard Road, Augusta. At 6:30 p.m the same day, the group will be at New Hope Worship Center, 715 South Old Belair Road, Grovetown. At 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4, the group will perform at Forst Family Church of God, 400 Warren Road, Augusta.

For more information about the choir, visit www.africanchildrenschoir.com.

Cheaper by the Dozen auditions

The Young Artists Repertory Theatre Company will be holding auditions for Cheaper by the Dozen at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 2, and Tuesday, Dec. 3, in the Augusta Preparatory Day School's Lower School Cafetorium at 285 Flowing Wells Road, Martinez.

Parts are available for nine males and seven females ages 8 through college-age. The show will be presented on unannounced dates and locations. People auditioning should bring a biography and measurements to the audition.

For more information, call 210-8915.

Grovetown organizing Christmas parade

The Grovetown Department of Public Safety is accepting applications for the 2002 Ole Tyme Christmas parade scheduled to begin at noon on Saturday, Dec. 7, with William "Bill" Wood as grand marshal.

Applications can be obtained from the department at 306 East Robinson Ave., Grovetown, by e-mail at Grovetowndps@cji.net or by calling the department at 863-1212 during regular business hours.

Legal advice for seniors

The Georgia Legal Services Program staff will offer free legal advice to senior citizens from 8:30 to 10:45 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11, at the Bessie Thomas Senior Center, 5913 Euchee Creek Dr., Grovetown.

Columbia County seniors over 60 with a civil (noncriminal) legal issue may meet with a GLSP staff member during scheduled times. For more information, call GLSP at 721-2327 or 1-800-248-6697.

Stevens Creek performing Scrooge!

The Stevens Creek Community Church will perform Scrooge! at 7 p.m. Dec. 5, 6 and 8, and at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7. The church has presented the popular adaptation of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol for six of the past eight years.

Tickets cost $5 for general admission and $10 for reserved seating. Tickets can be purchased from Stevens Creek Community Church at 600 Stevens Creek Road, Family Christian Bookstores or on-line at www.stevenscreek.net. For more information, call the church at 863-7002 or visit the web-site.

Winter clothing drive

North Harlem Elementary will be collecting new mittens, gloves, scarves and hats for deserving individuals and families. If you would like to donate to the clothing drive, please drop your items off at North Harlem Elementary.

Grandparents Day

Augusta Preparatory Day School is gearing up for its annual Grandparents Day recognition Nov. 26.

Students have invited their grandparents and other "honorary grandparents" to join them for a slate of special activities planned in all three divisions of the school.

The 12 Middle School advisory groups have each adopted a "grandparent" from the Augusta Gardens Nursing Home who will be brought over to enjoy the festivities.

The Lower School grades have planned special classroom presentations with a theme of "Thanksgiving Traditions." After the presentations, grandparents will be invited for coffee in the Lower School Cafetorium.

Grandparents of Middle School and Upper School students will join the student body for an assembly in the Boardman Gymnasium. after a speech by senior ViJi Thomas, there will be a musical performance by the sixth grade chorus and the Upper School chorus.

For more information, contact the Augusta Prep Development Office at 863-1906.

Columbia County Birthday

In 1770, a grant was issued for land in the township of Wrightsborough for those "seeking a newer world." This was the first official settlement for what was to eventually be Columbia County, chartered Dec. 10, 1790.

In honor of Columbia County's birthday, a Christmas-at-the-Courthouse Birthday Celebration will be Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m. at the old courthouse.

The author and illustrator of the recently published history of Columbia County, To Seek a Newer World, will be there to discuss their work and to sign books.

Held by the Columbia County Historical Society, the birthday event also will feature the Historical Kiokee Church Choir, historical keepsakes on display and refreshments.

Santa breakfast

Santa Claus is coming to Stevens Creek Elementary School on Dec. 7. The public is invited to the school for a hot breakfast, a performance by the Stevens Creek Ensemble, holiday readings with celebrity readers and, of course, a visit from Santa. Breakfast will be served from 8 to 11 a.m. and reservations are required. The cost is $5 for adults and $4 for children. Pictures with Santa are extra. Reservations can be made by calling Chris Baum at 855-6083 or Jean Duncan at 868-8796. Reservations will be accepted through Dec. 5.

Class reunion

The Evans High School Class of 1983 is seeking classmates for their 20-year reunion Oct. 11, 2003. For more information, call Doug Hemingway at 793-7485 or Alice Wheatley Padgett at 860-6076. The public also can e-mail for more information at EHS1983reunion@comcast.net.

Shopping extravaganza

The Second Annual Holiday Shopping Extravaganza will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 5 at Stevens Creek Elementary School, at 3780 Evans to Lock Road.

Featured items include crafts, jewelry, dog treats, home decorations, massages, beauty products, raffles, refreshments and more.

Harlem Christmas parade

The Harlem Lions Club Christmas Parade will begin at 2 p.m Dec. 14. Applications for those wishing to participate are available at Harlem City Hall. For more information, call 556-3448.

Bethlehem Boulevard

Advent Lutheran Church, 3232 Washington Road., will hold Bethlehem Boulevard from 7 to 9 p.m. Dec. 7, and from 2 to 4 p.m. Dec. 8.

Patrons may walk among the common folk on a re-creation of the day Jesus was born. Meet angels, a Roman soldier, census taker, potter, the innkeeper, the three kings and shepherds. Attendees may also visit Mary and Joseph, a Jewish home and the village well. Refreshments will be available in the marketplace.

Brookwood Elementary Presents The Nutcracker

Brookwood Elementary School in Columbia County will be performing its 13th Annual production of The Nutcracker in December.

The cast features 125 costumed fourth graders and the choreography of April Storm, of the Martinez-Evans Dance Studio.

The Nutcracker is free of charge and performances are scheduled for 2:15 and 7 p.m. Dec. 3, and 9 and 9:40 a.m. Dec. 4. For more information, call 855-7596, ext. 217.

Arts board meeting scheduled

The Columbia County Arts board and member meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Dec. 16, at Brandon Wilde clubhouse on Owens Road.

The meeting will include a brief musical program by harpist Vonda Darr, review of the past year's activities, project projects for next year, election of board members and socializing and friendship.

Juvenile board volunteers needed

The Columbia County Juvenile Court is looking for volunteers for the Citizens Panel for Foster Care Review. Volunteers assist in reviewing compliance with court orders in cases of children removed from families because of abuse or neglect.

Panels meet monthly to review cases an make recommendations to the court for children to return home or be placed for adoption. Volunteers receive an initial two days' training and ongoing training throughout the year.

For more information, call Brian Stutts at 860-0661.

Boy scout troop meeting changed

Boy Scout Troop 16 now will meet at 7:30 p.m. instead of 7 p.m. on Mondays at the Church of Our Savior on Columbia Road.

Newcomers welcome newcomers

The Augusta Newcomers Club helps new residents acclimate and make friends by offering a variety of activities including lunch and dinner groups, social activities, bowling, golf, book clubs and more.

Monthly coffees for prospective new members are on the first Tuesday of each month. To attend or for further information on the club,, contact Bethany Greer at 210-8049 or Carol Holder at 651-0587.

Computer classes

Evans High School will hold Introduction to Computers classes on Monday and Wednesday evenings.

For more information, call the school at 868-3663, Ext. 220.

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 Road, Evans.

For more information, call Debbi Powell-Brown at 863-7548.

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.

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 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 556-3962.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

school meetings

Evans Elementary announces meeting dates

Evans Elementary School Councilwill hold meetings at 3:30 p.m. Mondays in the school's media centeron the following dates: Monday; Dec. 2; Jan. 6; Feb. 3; March 10; April 7; May 5; June 2; and July 28.

Brookwood Elementary council meeting dates

The Brookwood Elementary School council will meet at 4:15 p.m. in the school's media center on the following dates: Nov. 19, Dec. 10, Jan. 28, Feb. 25, March 25, April 22, May 27 and June 24.

Martinez Elementary School

The Martinez Elementary School Council will hold meetings at 4:30 p.m. at the school on the following dates: Oct. 31; Nov. 21; Dec. 12; Jan. 30; Feb. 27; March 27; April 24; May 24; and June 26 (9 a.m.).

Westmont school council sets schedule

The Westmont Elementary School Council will hold meetings at 7:30 a.m. at the school, 4558 Oakley Pirkle Road, on the following dates: Friday; Nov. 15; Dec. 13; Jan. 17; Feb. 21; March 21; April 18; May 9; and June 20.

Blue Ridge school council sets meeting schedule

The Blue Ridge Elementary School Council will hold meetings at 7:30 a.m. in the conference room of the school's media center, 550 Blue Ridge Drive, Evans, on the following dates: Nov. 19; Dec. 17; Jan. 14; Feb. 18; March 18; April 15; and May 20.

Belair Elementary announces meetings

Belair Elementary School will hold meetings at 7:15 a.m. in the media center on the following dates: Tuesday ; Dec. 3; Jan. 7; Feb. 4; March 4; April 1; May 6; June 3;and July 31.

add to school calendar - Greenbrier Council Meeting

The Greenbrier High School Council meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:45 a.m. at the school. The next scheduled meeting is Dec. 10.

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: Nov. 17; Dec. 17; Jan. 21; Feb. 18; March 18; April 15; May 20; June 17; and July 15.

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.

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 556-0360 or Priscilla Bence at 650-8355.