Get up and go
Democrats meet
The Columbia County Democratic Party will hold its monthly meeting at 7 p.m. Monday in Building A of the Columbia County Government Complex on Ronald Reagan Drive. For information, call Scott Nichols at 533-5015.
Writers meeting
The CSRA Writers will meet at 6:30 p.m. Monday at Barnes and Noble Booksellers, 1336 Augusta West Parkway in Augusta. Writers who need a support group are invited to attend and bring eight copies of a manuscript to be critiqued. For information, call Lela Turnball at 738-4114.
Health workshop
United Hospice of Augusta, 1226 Augusta West Parkway in Augusta, will present a free Critical Conditions Planning Guide workshop from 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Augusta Towers Hotel. For information, call 650-1552.
Legislative Breakfast
The Columbia County Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee will present its 2005 Post-Legislative Breakfast from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Savannah Rapids Pavilion Grand Rapids Room, 3300 Evans to Locks Road in Martinez. For information, write to TCarroll@columbiacounty chamber.com or call 651-0018.
Earth Day
Columbia County will celebrate Earth Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Reed Creek Wetland Interpretive Park on Park Lane in Martinez. The event will be held in collaboration with Southeastern National Sciences Academy's Earth Week festivities, and will include a program on water conservation from County Extension Service Agent Charles Phillips. Call Columbia County Community and Leisure Services at 868-3484.
Sierra Club
The Sierra Club will meet at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Unitarian Universalist Church on Walton Way Extension. Call Judy Gordon at 650-8314.
Book scholarship
The CSRA-Augusta Alumni chapter of Tuskegee University invites all local high school students who plan to attend Tuskegee University in the fall to apply for one of its book scholarships. Applications are available by writing to CSRATUAlumni@aol.com. The deadline is April 30. Call 771-2555.
Spring carnival
Evans Elementary, located at 628 Gibbs Road, will hold its 2005 Spring Carnival from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 30. The carnival will feature games, food, a rock climbing wall and silent auction. For information, call Robbie Hammond at 863-0699.
Lakeside raffle
Only 63 of 300 tickets remain for the Lakeside Panther Athletic Association raffle. Each ticket cost $10 and entitles the owner to attend the school's Vegas Night Steak Dinner April 30 at Lakeside High School where a drawing will be held for a prize of $10,000. For information, call Gil Eustice at 855-5251.
Lifeguard training
The Augusta Chapter of the American Red Cross is offering lifeguard classes. Students must be 15 years old and be able to pass the swimming pre-test. For dates and registration information, call 724-8481.
Information briefing
Military retirees and citizens in the Augusta area interested in Fort Gordon are invited to the monthly community information briefing 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Gordon Club on 19th Street. The meeting provides information on community events and projects. It will be open to questions and comments. The next briefing will be held May 18 at the same time and place. For information, call 791-3639.
Grief conference
The Hospice Foundation of America's 12th Annual "Living with Grief: Ethical Dilemmas at the End of Life" teleconference and panel discussion will be held the Medical College of Georgia's Greenblatt Library Wednesday. Registration will be held at 11:30 a.m. Cokie Roberts of ABC News will be the moderator. The cost is $10, which will include a companion book and lunch. Continuing education credits are available for the conference for $25. The deadline to make reservations is April 1. For information, call 721-1123 or 721-2929.
Free legal help
Georgia Legal Services Program staff will be in Columbia County to meet with senior citizens wanting free legal help, on a first-come, first-served basis. Staff members will meet with seniors from 8:15-10:45 a.m. Wednesday at the Bessie Thomas Senior Center, 5913 Euchee Creek Drive in Grovetown. For information, call 721-2327.
Grant session
The Community Foundation for the Central Savannah River Area will hold its annual Grantseeker Session from 10-11 a.m. Wednesday and Thursday at the offices of Serotta Maddocks Evans and Co., CPAs, 701 Greene Stree, Suite 200 in downtown Augusta. The session is free for 501(c) (3) organizations that wish to apply for awards granted during the Foundation's 2005 Unrestricted Grants Campaign. For information, write info@cfcsra.org or call 724-1314.
Author discussion
Local author Dr. Mary Ellen Cooper will discuss her recently published book, The Greeter, from 7-9 p.m. Thursday at Gibbs Library, 326 N. Belair Road.
School Council meeting
Riverside Middle School Council parent elections will be at 7 p.m. Thursday in the gym. Two parents or guardians of students enrolled in the school will be elected to serve a one- or two-year term. For information, call Principal Donald Putnam at 868-3712.
Drama performance
Augusta State University will present Brian Friel's award-winning drama "Dancing at Lughnasa." 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 3 p.m. April 24 in the Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre. Tickets are $10 for adults, $7 for seniors, $5 for students and admission is free with a valid ASU ID. For information call 737-1500
Meeting
Columbia County Advocates for Special Education PTO will hold a meeting from 6 to 7:45 p.m Thursday at Gibbs Memorial Library. Guest speaker, Betty Dyches will share information and take questions. For information, call 860-9222
Author discussion
Michael Ryan, editorial page editor at The Augusta Chronicle, will discuss his book , The Last Freedom, 7 p.m. Thursday in Room 170 University Hall at Augusta State University. For information, call Saundra Reinke at 737-1710.
Drama performance
The Young Artists Repertory Theatre Company, Inc. will present William Gibson's drama, The Miracle Worker, at 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday and at 3 and 8 p.m. Saturday at Augusta Prep, 285 Flowing Wells Road in Martinez. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for seniors and children. For information, call 210-8915.
Benefit concert
Augusta recording artist Brad Davis will be performing a benefit concert 10 p.m. Friday at Harlem Middle School, 375 West Forrest St. The concert will be held in conjunction to the Relay for Life event in Harlem. Admission is free. For information, call 836-1045.
Cancer benefit
The Stratford Stars Relay for Life Team and Jumpin' Party Zone-USA will hold a "Jump for a Cure" fund-raiser event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday at the Jumpin' Party Zone, 4495 Columbia Road Suite 3B in Martinez. Pizza and soda will be served. The cost per child is $5. Proceeds will go to the Relay for Life American Cancer Society. For information, visit wwwjumpinpartyzoneusa.com or call Kristen Small at 228-1819.
Garden festival
Sacred Heart Cultural Center will hold its 14th annual Sacred Heart Garden Festival Friday, Saturday and April 24 . The center is located at 1301 Greene St in Augusta. For information, call 826-4700.
Art in the barn
The Artists' Guild of Columbia County will present "Art in the Barn" at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Riverwood Plantation Barn, 5123 Riverwood Parkway in Evans. Tickets are $7 at the door. For information, visit www.artistguildcc.org or call Nancy Cannon at 854-8974.
Confederate service
The Sons of Confederate Veterans will hold a Confederate Memorial Day service at 12:45 p.m. Saturday at Magnolia Cemetery, Third Street at Walton Way, Augusta. For information, call 650-6991.
Book discussion
Dr. Russell K. Brown, author of a book on the Georgia Sharpshooters of the Civil War, will speak at 6 p.m. April 26 at the meeting of the Sons of Confederate Veterans. The meeting will be at Edmund's Barbecue, 3935 Washington Road, Evans. For information, call 868-6450.
Powerfest
WPRW-Power 107 will hold the fifth annual Powerfest from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday at the Augusta Exchange Club Fairgrounds, 308 Hale St. Tickets are $10 and will be available at the gate the day of the show. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Augusta Youth Center and the Southside Boys and Girls Club. For information on vending or to participate in the car show, visit Power107.net or call Dot Ealy at 396-6000.
Support group meeting
The Augusta Chapter of the National Parkinson Foundation, CSRA Parkinson Support Group will hold its monthly meeting 6 p.m. April 26 at St. John Towers Dining Room, 724 Greene Street in Augusta. For information, call 855-7690.
Business after hours
The Augusta Chamber Business After Hours will hold a meeting from 5:30 to 8 p.m. April 28 at Putt-Putt Golf and Games, 3763 in Martinez. The cost is $12 for Chamber members and $15 for non-members. For information, call Elizabeth Donsbach at 821-1306.
Grovetown festival
Applications are being accepted for vendor spaces for the Grovetown Heritage Festival on April 30. For information, call 863-1867.
Cookin' for kids
The Exchange Club of Richmond County and Child Enrichment will hold its 16th annual Cookin' For Kids at Daniel Field Airport April 30. All proceeds will benefit Child Enrichment, The Shelter, CASA and Child Advocacy Center for Abused Children. For information, visit www.CookinForKids.com or call 737-4631.
Parkinson disease seminar
The 2005 Parkinson Disease Symposium will be held from 9 a.m. to noon May 7 at the Augusta Towers Hotel, 2651 Perimeter Parkway in Augusta. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and there is no cost to attend. For information, call 721-2798.
Health fair
The Dia de la Mujer Latina health fair will take place from 2-5 p.m. May 7 at the Parks and Recreation Fleming Park Bernie Ward Community Center, 1925 Lumpkin Road in Augusta. Latinos will receive free cervical cancer education and screening, HIV tests, vision tests, diabetes screening and more. For information, write NJSchear@hotmail.com or call Nancy Kappus Schear at 860-1066.
Spring concert
A spring concert will be held at Columbia Middle School, located on Columbia Road in Grovetown, 7 p.m. May 10. The performance will be in support of the Happy Tails Animal Rescue. For information, write Barbara Strength at bstrength@ccboe.net
Camp events
The Augusta Museum, located at 560 Reynolds St. in Augusta, and the South Carolina Institute of Archeology and Anthropology will hold Archeology camp from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 13-17, for children ages 11 to 13. The cost is $65 for members and $75 for non-members. Reservations are required and must be made by June 6.
The Augusta Museum of History and the Living History Park in North Augusta will present History Camp 2005: Colonial Kids from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. June 20-24, for children ages 8 to 10. The cost to attend is $90 for members and $100 for non-members. Reservations are required and must be made by June 13. For information on both events, call 722-8454.
Crop assistance
Eligible farm producers may sign up for the federal Crop Disaster Program, which authorizes crop-loss assistance for producers who suffered in 2003 and 2004, and certain 2005 crop losses from damaging weather. For information, call the McDuffie County Farm Service Agency at (706) 595-1339 ext. 2
New Sunday service
Old Union Baptist Church, located at 6095 Old Union Road in Harlem, is now holding an additional Sunday service with worship at 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. The church also offers several Sunday school classes at 9:45 a.m. For information, call Keith Boggs at 556-9055.
Art display
The Morris Museum of Art, located at 1 Tenth St. in Augusta, is exhibiting Lord, Remember Me! photography by Stanley Lanzano, until June 5. For information, call 724-7501.
Obedience classes
Happy Tails dog and puppy obedience classes are now being scheduled for April. For details, call Superpetz at 855-9787.
Toastmasters meet
Georgia-Carolina Toastmasters meets at noon Wednesdays at Pallazo's Cafe, Furys Ferry Station at Riverwatch Parkway. For information, call 854-0090.
Markers sold
North Columbia Fire-Rescue is selling driveway markers to residents to make sure first responders can find a home when an emergency occurs. For information, call 541-0103.
Mother's day out
The Church of the Most Holy Trinity, located in downtown Augusta, is accepting registration for the fall 2005 Mother's Day Out Program. Positions are available for children who are walking through the age of four. Classes meet Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. For information, call Cheryl Weinand at 228-4887.
Applications available
Applications for Youth Leadership Columbia County are available for programs for rising 10th- and 11th-grade students who reside in Columbia County. For information, call Terra Carroll at the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce at 651-0018.
Service academy applications
U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., is accepting applications for nominations to the nation's service academies through Sept. 30. Applications can be obtained by visiting www.chambliss.senate.gov.
Beginner bridge
Augusta Jewish Community Center, located at 898 Weinberger Way in Evans, holds a beginner bridge game from 1-4 p.m. on the second and fourth Sunday every month. The cost is $5. For information, call 228-3636.
MCG gala
The third annual MCG Children's Medical Center gala will take place on May 6 at the Augusta Country Club. The black-tie event features dinner, dancing and music provided by the Dick Goodwin Band. Proceeds benefit programs and services at the MCG Children's Medical Center. Tickets cost $125 each. For information, call 721-4004.
Dimes walk
The March of Dimes WalkAmerica will be held at 9 a.m. May 7 at the GreenJackets Stadium in Augusta. Check-in will be at 8 a.m. For information, call (912) 354-5900.
Adoption orientation
The Lutheran Services of Georgia will hold an international adoption orientation 5 p.m. May 16 at Lutheran Services of Georgia Child Care Resource Center, 1054 Claussen Road in Augusta. For information, write candacehurstmsw@yahoo.com or call 736-2122. cq/QC
Ten-mile race
The Signal Corps Regimental Association at Fort Gordon will hold a 10-mile race at Fort Gordon May 21. For information, call Robbe Ostby at 793-3500.
Holiday closings
The Columbia County Baker Place Road Landfill will be closed May 28 in honor of Memorial Day. It will reopen 6 a.m. May 30 . For information, call 868-3366. .
Alumnae search
Girl Scouts Central Savannah River Council is connecting with former Girl Scouts throughout the CSRA to plan fun activities that will reunite Girl Scouts to their roots. For information, call 774-0045.
Class reunions
The Harlem High School class of 1979 is seeking members for a summer reunion cookout. For information, call Dorothy Shank at 541-9293.
The Harlem High School class of 1985 Reunion Committee is searching for former classmates. For information, write topjim31504@nu-z.net or call Jim Moore Jr. at 706-359-5209.
Butler High School class of 1980 is seeking classmates for their 25th reunion Sept. 30 and Oct. 1. For information, write BHS80REUNION@YAHOO.COM or call Jan Griesel Williams at 860-2725 or Ken Stanley at 860-8963.
Lakeside High School class of 1995 is seeking members for the 10-year reunion in August. For information, contact lakesideclassof95@yahoo.com or call 650-2994. The Glenn Hills High School Class of 1985 will be celebrating their 20th year reunion May 27-29. Contact Ellis Godbee for a reunion invitation packet at (706) 554-0580. cq/QC
The planning committee of Evans High School class of 1965 is looking for 1965 graduates of Evans who have not been contacted by mail concerning the 40th reunion. For information, call Gene Hair at 863-1413. Classmates from the Academy of Richmond County class of 1958 are being sought. For information, call 863-4816 or 860-9596.
The T.W. Josey Class of 1985 will hold their 20th year celebration beginning May 21-22 and May25 at Josey's 2005 Graduation. For information, write EAGLE85_INFO@YAHOO.com. The class will also hold "Sovereign of the Seas" crusie voyage to Nassau and Cococay and Bahamas July 15-18. The party bus will leave from Augusta to Port Canaveral, Fla., on July 14. To make reservations log on to www.easytravelagency.com or call toll free 1-866-419-9424. The deadline is April 10.
Disability services
A Developmental Disability Services Sunday School is available for children and adults at Grace Baptist Church, 4945 Hardy McManus Road in Evans, at 9 a.m. on Sunday mornings. For information, call the church office at 868-9729.
Rotary moves
The Rotary Club of Columbia County meets at 7 a.m. Wednesday at the Brandon Wilde Clubhouse. For information, call president Lee Clark, 863-2000.
Celebrate recovery
Mosaic United Methodist Church and Christ The King Lutheran Church, located at the corner of Evans to Locks Road and Columbia IndustrialBoulevard, will hold Celebrate Recovery events from 7-9 p.m. on Fridays. Child care is provided. For information, call 650-1053.
Donations for soldiers
Grovetown City Councilwoman Marjorie Adams is seeking donations of items for soldiers serving in the Mideast. Addresses for those who would like to send letters of encouragement to soldiers and to those who have been wounded also are available. Donations may be dropped off during office hours at Grovetown City Hall, 103 Robinson Ave., after hours at the Public Safety Department; For information, call 863-4576.
Tax assistance
The Fort Gordon Tax Center is now open and will help military retirees prepare their taxes. The center is in the same building as the office of the staff judge advocate, on B Street, building 29718, room 118. The is open from 8:30 a.m. to noon for those with appointments, and 1:30 to 6 p.m. for walks-ins. Individuals with complicated tax issue or returns are encouraged to schedule appointments. For information, call 791-7812.
Oscars on display
The Signal Corps Museum in Conrad Hall at Fort Gordon is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. The museum features two Oscar awards from the films: "Prelude to War" and "Seeds of Destiny" and more. For information, call 791-2818. .
Assisted living
The Gospel Water Branch Elderly Housing, Inc., located at 672 King Taylor Road in Evans, is seeking residents. Residents will be assisted with bathing, dressing and grooming, medication, laundry services and more. For information, call 868-6703.
Augusta striders
Augusta Striders is seeking members. Members enjoy group runs, newsletters, monthly meetings and more. For information, visit www.augustastriders.com.
Speakers available
LifeLink of Georgia, the agency that coordinates organ and tissue donations for the state, has speakers available. Presenters will dispel myths associated with donation, share information about who can be a potential donor and explain the donation process. For information, call 854-0333 or (800) 544-6667.
Augusta Pow-Wow
The Augusta Pow-Wow Association will be at the Augusta Jewish Community Center, 898 Weinberger Way in Evans, May 6-7. Festivities will include a weekend of music and dance, craft contest, raffles and an auction. Admission is free. For information, call Billy Medeiros at 394-1221.
Class reunion
Boys' Catholic High School will hold a 2005 reunion May 20-22 for students who attended the school from 1943 through 1958. For information, call Adrian Ramp at 860-4263.
Goizueta scholarship
Augusta Preparatory Day School is accepting applications for the Goizueta Scholarship, to be awarded to a Latino/Hispanic student entering the APDS Upper School as a new student for the 2005-2006 school year. For information, write admissions@augustaprep.org or call Rosie Herrmann, director of admissions at 863-6858 ext. 201.
England trip
Alumni and friends of Young Harris College are accepting reservations for people interested in traveling to England May 11-21. For information write Bert W.Huffman, director of Alumni and Church Relations at bhuffman@yhc.edu or call, 706-379-3111 ext. 5112.
Hope Soap
Hope Soap, a private, non-profit agency that collects toiletries and packages and distributes them to area shelters, has set up eight collection sites in the community. Donations, particularly of personal-sized items from hotels, may be brought to The Columbia County News-Times, in the Publix shopping center on Washington Road and Wild Birds Unlimited, West Town Shopping Center, Martinez. For information and other drop-off locations, call 863-5863.
Hospital alumni
Piedmont Hospital will celebrate 100 years and hold a nursing school graduate reunion June 10-12 at the Sheraton Midtown Atlanta Hotel at Colony Square. For information, call 605-3404.
Advocate training
The Court Appointed Special Advocate program of Child Enrichment Inc. is seeking volunteers at least 21 years old to advocate for abused and neglected children in the juvenile court system. Volunteers need no experience, and will be provided with specialized training. For more information, call 737-4631.
Cancer support group
The MCG Breast Cancer Support Group meets on the second Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. in the mammography area, MCG Breast Health Services, on the first floor, MCG Medical Center. For information, call 721-0246 or 721-1466.
Seedlings available
The Georgia Forestry Commission is accepting orders for tree seedlings. Applications and price listings may be obtained by calling 1-800-GA-TREES, or by visiting the Georgia Forestry Commission Web site at www.gatrees.org.
Peace officers course
The Columbia County Sheriff's Office will sponsor a basic peace officer's course through the East Georgia Regional Police Academy for anyone interested in becoming a certified law enforcement officer. The cost is $2,850, and the HOPE Grant may be available. Participants must be at least 18 years of age, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and have no criminal record. Classes will be held at the East Georgia Regional Police Academy in Blythe. For information, call 541-2856 or 592-1518.
Stitchers needed
Girl Stitches from the Heart needs volunteers to knit, crochet or quilt blankets, little sweaters and hats for babies in need. The items will be donated to hospitals all over the country. Patterns are available and donated yard is appreciated. For information, call toll free 866-472-6903.
Girls sought
Girl Scout troops are organizing for girls 5-11, and Studio 2B groups are organizing for girls 11-17. The council is also looking for leaders, 18 and over For information, call 774-0505.
Toastmasters club
The University Toastmasters Club 9083 will hold its monthly meetings 5:45 p.m. in classroom three, University Hospital, every first and third Thursday. Meetings are designed for anyone interested in developing their communication and leadership skills. For information, call 774-5843.
Ringers needed
Augusta Children's Ringers rehearse 3:45-4:30 p.m. each Wednesday at the Westside Baptist Church Educational Building, 261 Flowing Wells Road. The community bell and chime choir is seeking children in grades 4-7 to participate. For information, call 306-5247.
NAMI meeting
The Augusta Chapter of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill will meet 7 p.m. the first Thursday of each month at Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church on Walton Way. For information, call 432-0021.
Diabetic network
The JDFR Family Network is available to families of children with Type 1 diabetes. For information, call 733-2034.
Toastmasters
Georgia-Carolina Toastmasters meets at noon Wednesdays at The Clubhouse, 2527 Washington Road, Augusta. For information, call 854-0090.
SCORE advice
The Service Corps of Retired Executives, SCORE, provides counseling and mentoring to business people who are starting up or expanding a business. There is no charge for services. For information, call 9 a.m.-noon Monday-Friday, 793-9998.
Foster homes sought
Georgia SAFE Therapeutic Foster Care is seeking foster homes for at-risk children and teens. For information, call 210-3435.
Dance club
A social dance group meets each week at A World of Dance studio, 3497 Wheeler Road, Augusta, for dance lessons and practice. For information, call 650-2396.
Lighthouse club
The newly formed CSRA Harbour Lights lighthouse collectors club is seeking members. For information, call 863-1970.
Harvest help
Golden Harvest Food Bank is seeking volunteer groups of 10-20 people, ages 13-up, for Saturday help in sorting donated products. For information or to reserve a time, call Laurie Harmon at 736-1199, extension 208.
Rape counseling
Rape Crisis and Sexual Assault Services offers group counseling to victims of rape, sexual assault and childhood abuse. All services are free. For information, call 724-5200.
Six Flags tickets
Half-price Six Flags coupons are available from the Columbia County 4-H office in the Savannah Rapids Pavilion, 3300 B Evans to Locks Road, Martinez. For information, call 868-3413.
Hepatitis support
A peer support group for people with hepatitis C meets the second and fourth Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. in the Adult Education Building at Lakemont Presbyterian Church, 1000 Bluebird Road, in Augusta. For more information, call 863-3216 or write hcvsupport@comcast.net.
Parents sought
Foster and adoptive parents are being sought for Columbia and Richmond County children. For more information on the program, call Christina Ruetz in Columbia County at 541-1640, or Rosalyn Boyd in Richmond County, 721-7171.
Happy Tails adoption
Happy Tails Rescue holds pet adoptions each Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and 4-6 p.m., and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m., at Superpetz on Bobby Jones Expressway in Martinez. For more information, call 863-5310.