Current events
Absentee voting
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Absentee voting is under way at the Columbia County Board of Elections Office, 630 Ronald Reagan Drive, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. For information, call (706) 868-3355.
Arts awards
Columbia County Arts, Inc., will present the Columbia County Arts Recognition Awards at 7 p.m. Monday at the Brandon Wilde Clubhouse, in Evans. For information, call Angie Byrd at (706) 863-8694, or e-mail byrd nest2004@comcast.net.
C-CASE PTO
The Columbia County Advocates for Special Education PTO will hold a panel discussion from 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesday with parents of children attending county schools to share information about school system services. For information, call Rose Mary Bradley at (706) 860-9222.
Open house
The Columbia County Democratic Party will hold an open house at their headquarters, 4348 Washington Road, in Evans, at 3 p.m. today, with local candidates present. For information, call (706) 829-0390.
Teen Read Week
Young readers can read and vote on the top 10 books during Teen Read Week, Monday-Saturday. A list of nominees is available at the young adult area of the Columbia County Library in Evans. Teen Trivia will be from 2-4 p.m. Oct. 28. Registration is required. For information, call (706) 863-1946.
Church celebration
Mount Zion Baptist Church, at 805 Scott Nixon Drive, in Martinez, will celebrate its 110th anniversary at 2:30 p.m. today.
Red Cross classes
The American Red Cross of Augusta will hold the following training sessions during October:
Adult CPR, AED and first aid, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 28 at Patriots Park.
Adult CPR and AED, Oct. 23, 6-9 p.m. at the chapter office.
First aid, Oct. 24, 6-9 p.m. at the chapter office.
Infant and child CPR, Oct. 25, 6-9 p.m. at the chapter office.
Pet first aid, Oct. 28, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the chapter office.
Disaster training courses also will be offered from 6-9 p.m. Tuesday and Oct. 26 at the chapter office.
For information on all classes, call (706) 724-8481.
Teenage 101
Columbia County Chief Magistrate Judge Wade Padgett will present "Teenage Years 101," on the implications of being a teenager in modern society including laws on sex, substance abuse and driving, for adults at 7 p.m. Monday at Augusta Prep's Performing Arts Center. A session for teens age 13-19 will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Augusta Prep. For information, call (706) 868-3316.
Fall revival
Anthony Booker, pastor of New Hope Baptist Church, in Harlem, will be the speaker for the fall revival of Fairview Missionary Baptist Church, in Augusta, at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Tuesday also is the ticket deadline for the Ministry Leaders Banquet to be held at 7 p.m. Friday. Tickets cost $10 for ages 13-up, and $5 for 12-under. For information, call (706) 738-7245.
Bluegrass concert
Eryn Eubanks and the Family Fold will perform at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Warehouse at Lewis Memorial United Methodist Church, on Columbia Road at Lewiston Road. Admission is free. For information, call (706) 863-6795.
Free legal help
Staff from the Georgia Legal Services Program will offer free, non-criminal legal advice to senior citizens on a first-come, first-served basis from 8:30-10:45 a.m. Wednesday at the Bessie Thomas Community Center, 5913 Euchee Creek Drive, Grovetown. For information, call (706) 721-2327.
Car show
The Knights of Columbus Council 8495 third annual car show will be held Oct. 28 at Evans High School. Vehicle registration costs $20 before Oct. 20, or $25 the day of the show. Spectator tickets cost $2, and include one vote ballot for judging. The event includes concessions, crafts, raffles and other drawings. For information, call Don DeClue at (706) 860-0355, or e-mail declues@comcast.net, or call Tim Blair at (706) 863-3231, or e-mail tbair14@comcast.net.
Archeology meeting
The Augusta Archeology Society will meet at 8 p.m. Thursday at Lone Star Cafe, 2744 Washington Road, Augusta, with Dr. Al Goodyear as guest speaker. For information, call (706) 863-7964.
'Oedipus' presented
Augusta State University's ASU Theatre will present Oedipus the King at 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and at 3 p.m. Oct. 22 in the Maxwell Theater. Admission costs $10, $7 for seniors and $5 for students, with free admission to ASU faculty, staff and students with valid ASU ID. For tickets, call (706) 667-4100; for information, call (706) 729-2184.
Writing workshop
Novelist Karin Gillespie will conduct a writers' workshop, "Publishing Your Novel: What New York Editors Really Want," from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Columbia County Library. Participation is free. For information, call (706) 863-1946, or e-mail kgillespie@knology.net.
Vendors wanted
River Ridge Elementary School is seeking vendors for the second annual holiday bazaar, to be held from 4-8 p.m. Nov. 9. For information, call (706) 447-1016.
Christian theater
The Enopion Bible Theatre Company will hold a free concert and theatrical production at 6 p.m. Saturday, including The Brazells, The New Jerusalem Singers, Brett Short, Fresh Fire and Loretta LeWallen, with Lisa Ison of Atlanta performing with Enopion. Admission is free. For information, call (706) 771-7777, or go to www.enopion.com.
Vendors needed
Crafters and food vendors are being sought for the annual FireFest, to be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 28 at the Evans Town Center Park behind Kroger in Evans. For information, call Kathy Watkins at (706) 860-6166 Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
'Feast' event
Fellowship Churches United will hold its annual Feast of Tabernacles Wednesday through Oct. 22 at the church, 1714 North Leg Court, Augusta. For information, call (706) 364-5230.
Sax performance
Saxophonist Fred Williams will perform instrumental praise songs and release a new CD at 6 p.m. Oct. 22 at West Acres Baptist Church, on Gibbs Road, in Evans. Admission is free. For information, call (706) 855-6330.
Parkinson support
The CSRA Parkinson Support Group will meet at 6 p.m. Oct. 24 in the St. John Towers dining room, 724 Greene St., Augusta. Rick Elrod will present "Exercise and Parkinson Disease." For information, call (706) 855-7690.
Women's event
A women's community celebration, featuring Priscilla Shirer, will begin at 9 a.m. Oct. 27 at Trinity-on-the-Hill United Methodist Church, 1330 Monte Sano Ave., Augusta. Cost is $12 for the event only, or $20 with lunch. The registration deadline is Sept. 25. For information, call Jeri Whitworth at (706) 860-0625, or e-mail jeriG971@aol.com.
Haunted trails
The Lakeside High School JROTC Booster Club will hold a "haunted trail" from 7:30-11 p.m. Oct. 26 and 7:30 to midnight Oct. 27 at the school. Cost is $1 per person, with children under age 5 free. Hot chocolate and popcorn will be sold, and free hay rides will be available.
The fourth annual Harlem haunted trail will be held from 6-10 p.m. on Halloween night. Admission is free, and candy is provided for trick or treaters. The trail is located at 210 W. Forrest St., near Harlem Middle School. For information, call Steven Brzozowski at (706) 513-5613.
Music conference
The 10th District Music Conference of the General Missionary Baptist Convention of Georgia will be held from 7-9 p.m. Oct. 25-27 at Mount Calvary Baptist Church, 1260 Wrightsboro Road, Augusta. Registration costs $25 per person, or $200 for groups of 10. For information, call Teresa Manuel at (706) 589-4267.
Bond information
Columbia County commissioners will hold the final information session on the proposed $43.7 million bond issue at 6 p.m. Oct. 26 at Savannah Rapids Pavilion. A booklet with the proposed projects is available on the county's Web site, www.columbiacountyga.gov, or by calling (706) 868-3379.
Stamp show
The 30th annual Greater Augusta Stamp Show will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 28-29 at Americas Best Value Inn on Washington Road at I-20. Admission is free. For information, call (706) 868-6769.
Fair opening
The Columbia County Merchants Association Fall Fair will be held from Nov. 2-11, at the fairgrounds on Columbia Road. For information, call Steve Johnson at (803) 279-8326.
Fall festival
The West Acres Baptist Church Family Fall Festival will be held from 5-8 p.m. Oct. 29 at the church, at 555 Gibbs Road, in Evans. For information, call (706) 860-6573, or go to www.westacres.org.
Pumpkin patch
The Marvin United Methodist Church annual Pumpkin Patch is being held through Oct. 31 at the church, on Wheeler Road at Belair Road. The women of the church will hold a country store, bake sale and silent auction from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Oct. 21 in the gym. For information, call (706) 855-9786.
Dance auditions
The Magnolia Dance Theatre, a division of the Cutno Artist Group, will hold auditions for youth and adults to perform in a dramatic story ballet, Grandma Zebra's Wisdom, to be staged Feb. 2-3, 2007. Singers ages 16-adult and dancers ages 8-15 are being sought. Auditions will be held from 3-5 p.m. at the Cutno Dance Center, 739 Greene St., Augusta. For information, call (706) 828-3101, or go to www.cutnodance.com.
Art of Chocolate
Tickets are now on sale for the annual Art of Chocolate fund-raiser for Child Enrichment, Inc., to be held from 7-11 p.m. Nov. 3 at the Old Medical College on Telfair Street, in Augusta. Tickets cost $50 and are available at CSRA Federal Credit Union, Fat Man's and First Bank.
ACS fall festival
The Augusta Christian Schools fall festival and country kitchen will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 4 at the school, 313 Baston Road, Martinez. For information, call Bonny Baxley at (706) 863-2905, extension 100.
Holiday fashion show
The second annual Holiday Preview Fashion Show Extravaganza, sponsored by the Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society, will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 4 at West Lake Country Club. Tickets cost $30, with proceeds funding local nursing scholarships. For information, call Jennifer Edmunds at (706) 267-4443.
Horse show
The Old Frontier Open Horse Show will begin with registration at 8 a.m. Nov. 4 at the Old Frontier Camp on Old Milledgeville Road, in Thomson. For information, call Andrea Smoak at (706) 556-2135, or e-mail smoaks@jeffersonenergy.coop.
Ornaments available
The 14th annual Easter Seals Ornament of Hope is available, depicting the First Presbyterian Church of Augusta. For information, call (706) 667-9695.
Volunteers needed
The Augusta-area AARP Tax-Aide program is accepting applications from volunteers to help seniors and others prepare income taxes Feb. 1-April 15. For information, call District Coordinator Bill Kozel at (706) 210-3048.
Latino health fair
A health fair for Latinos, Dia de la Mujer Latina, will be held Nov. 11 in Grovetown. For information, call (706) 860-1066.
'Villages' festival
St. Teresa of Avila will hold a Ten Thousand Villages Gift Festival Nov. 4 and 5, with items for sale from artisans from Third World countries. For information, call Berry Brady at (706) 210-5460.
Christmas sale
Volunteers from the Friends of Columbia County Libraries will hold a Christmas sale at the gift shop in the Columbia County Library, in Evans, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 11, and from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 12. For information, call (706) 863-8760.
Sweet Temptations
The March of Dimes fund raiser, "Sweet Tempations," will be held Oct. 26 at Fort Discovery, with appetizers, desserts and music, and a live and silent auction. For information, call (912) 354-5900, or e-mail kstackhouse@marchofdimes.com.
Church anniversary
Mount Enon Baptist Church, at 4678 Washington Road, in Evans, will celebrate its 137th anniversary on Nov. 26, with dinner following the service. For information, go to www.mtenonbaptistchurch.org, or call (706) 860-8565.
Caregiver support
A caregiver support group for those caring for a spouse or parent is available at 6:30 p.m. every third Monday at the Friedman Branch Library, 1447 Jackson Road, Augusta. For information, call (706) 738-6115.
www.columbiacountyga.gov/taxcommissioner; or by phone at 1-866-381.4893. For information, call (706) 261-8299.
Phone book recycling
Recycling bins for telephone books are available at the Columbia County Government Complex, 630 Ronald Reagan Drive, and at the Water Works Department, 4325 Evans-to-Locks Road. A collection box for old cell phones also is available in the Community and Leisure Services office, in Building B at the Government Complex. For information, call (706) 312-7191.
Symphony series
The Augusta Symphony will inaugurate its Columbia County Music Series at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 4 at the Jabez Sanford Hardin Performing Arts Center, in Evans. The series includes four concerts, with tickets costing $70 for all four. For information, call (706) 826-4705.
Tea and sale
The Palette and Porcelain Artists Association will hold its annual Tea, Sale and Exhibit from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 18 at St. Mark's United Methodist Church, 2367 Washington Road, Augusta. For information, call (706) 855-1496.
Hope Soap
Hope Soap, a private, non-profit agency that collects toiletries and packages and distributes them to area shelters, has 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, Evans, and Wild Birds Unlimited, West Town Shopping Center, Martinez. For information and other drop-off locations, call (706) 863-5863.
Steak dinner
American Legion Post 192, on Legion Drive off Owens Road, in Evans, holds a steak dinner each Friday from 7-9 p.m. For information, call (706) 863-8728.
Singles fellowship
Area single adults are invited to a community-wide fellowship and Bible study, Tuesday Nights Together (TNT) at 7 p.m. each Tuesday in the administration building of First Baptist Church of North Augusta, 625 Georgia Avenue. For information, call Ty Lockridge at (803) 279-6370.
Six Flags tickets
Columbia County 4-H has discounted Six Flags tickets available. For information, call (706) 868-3413.
Volunteers needed
Volunteer opportunities are available at the Columbia County main library in Evans. For information, call Jessica Thompson at (706) 863-1946, or e-mail jthompson@columbiacountyga.gov.
Bricks for sale
The Evans Middle School PTSO is selling commemorative bricks to create a walkway and covered outdoor classroom and shelter for its new middle school site opening next year. To order, go to www.bricksrus.com/orders/ems, submit the order, and send the payment slip with payment to the school. For information, call Lisa Thompson at (706) 868-6330.
Scholarships available
The Columbia County Farm Bureau is accepting applications for scholarships for students who are a member, or child of a member, of the Farm Bureau, and intend to attend Berry College or a University System of Georgia College in an agriculture-related field. For information, call (706) 556-6258.
by Jones Expressway in Martinez. For more information, call (706) 863-5310.
Hospital classes
Doctors Hospital offers a variety of classes each month. For information on all classes, call (706) 651-2450, or go to www.doctors-hospital.net.
Grief support
Portsbridge Hospice holds a free grief support group at 6 p.m. every other Tuesday at the hospice, located at 1365 Interstate Parkway, in Augusta. For information, call Chaplain Paul Richardson, (706) 860-7374.
Foster review
Columbia County Juvenile Court is seeking volunteers for the Citizens Panel for Foster Care Review. After training, volunteers meet once a month and review compliance with court-ordered foster care. For information, call Brian Stutts at (706) 860-0661.
Divers sought
The Columbia County EMA Dive Rescue and Recovery Team has openings for certified divers. For an application, go to www.columbiacountyga.gov/docs/diveteamapp2.pdf and submit it to the EMA office in the Columbia County Government Complex, Evans, or fax it to (706) 868-3342.
Donations needed
Camp Daniel Marshall, which is run by the Augusta Association of Baptist Churches, is in need of sports equipment. For donations, call Kathie Seago at (706) 359-3752, or email jkseago@nu-z.net.
Legion breakfast
The Sons of the American Legion Post 192 serves breakfast each Saturday from 9:30-11 a.m. at the post off Owens Road in Evans.
Weight group
TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), a non-profit weight-loss support group, meets at 5:30 p.m. each Thursday at Grovetown United Methodist Church, 206 E. Robinson Ave. For information, call (706) 863-0726.
Katrina Cafe
A mentoring and family education program for displaced residents from hurricanes Katrina and Rita is held each Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Communities in Schools at 1132 Druid Park Ave., Augusta. For information, call (706) 774-6600.
Reading group
The Ikeda Reading Group meets at 7 p.m. the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at Borders bookstore on Robert C. Daniel Parkway, Augusta. For information, call (706) 495-0322.
New Lions Club
The Augusta Lions Club is forming a branch club in the Evans/Martinez area. For information, call Art Turner at (706) 860-6655, or Beth Miller at (706) 733-9557 or e-mail bmiller@wrh.org.
Free smoke detectors
Martinez-Columbia Fire Rescue now serves county territory previously covered by the Harlem Fire Department and North Columbia Fire and Rescue. Martinez-Columbia firefighters have free smoke detectors to distribute to any citizen in need of one, and will provide free home safety inspections. For information, call (706) 863-7745.
Crusade meeting
The Jesus is Coming Crusade meets at 5:30 p.m. each second and fourth Sunday at the Harlem Women's Club, 170 Milledgeville Road, Harlem. For information, call Joanne Jones at (706) 495-4357.
Drivers needed
The American Cancer Society's Augusta chapter is seeking volunteer drivers for its Road to Recovery program, which provides transportation to cancer patients. For information, call (706) 731-9900.
Christian singles
The Christian Social Association for Single Adults sponsors dances from 8-11 p.m. each Saturday at Westside High School on Patriots Way in Augusta. Admission is $5 for members, $7 for non-members and includes dance lessons from 7-8 p.m. For information, call Don Stephens at (706) 737-4944.
Fund-raising partnership
Cutie Pies Gourmet Cafe, in the Publix shopping center on Washington Road in Evans, donates 15 percent of all sales between 4-8 p.m. on the first Monday of each month to the Columbia County Foundation For Children.
Can collections
The Southeastern Firefighters Burn Foundation has an aluminum recycling collection bin in the Tracy-Luckey parking lot beside the Laurel and Hardy Museum in Harlem. For information, call (706) 556-0401.
Depression alliance
The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance of Greater Augusta meets at 6 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month in room 105 of the Walton Building at First Baptist Church of Augusta. For information, call (706) 722-0010.
Toastmasters
Georgia-Carolina Toastmasters meets at noon Wednesdays at BJ's Restaurant in the Ramada Plaza Hotel, 640 Broad St. across from the Chamber of Commerce building. For information, call (706) 854-0090.
Speakers available
LifeLink of Georgia, the agency that coordinates organ and tissue donations for the state, has speakers available for civic groups, churches and schools. For information, call Gloria Dossett at (706) 854-0333 or (800) 544-6667.
Fire information
The Georgia Forestry Commission, Columbia County Unit offers advice to all Columbia County residents on whether their home is in line of fire from brush or wild land fires. For information, call the (706) 556-3962.
Newcomers meet
The Augusta Area Newcomers meet for coffee on the first Tuesday of each month. For information, call Carol at (706) 863-0037.
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 (706) 724-5200.
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 (706) 228-3636.
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 (706) 868-9729.
Rotary meets
The Rotary Club of Columbia County meets at 7 a.m. Wednesdays at the Brandon Wilde Clubhouse. For information, call president Lee Clark, (706) 863-2000.
Augusta striders
Augusta Striders is seeking members. Members enjoy group runs, newsletters, monthly meetings and more. For information, visit www.augustastriders.com.
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 (706) 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 (706) 721-0246 or (706) 721-1466.
Stitchers needed
Girl Stitchers 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 material is appreciated. For information, call toll free (866) 472-6903.
NAMI meeting
The Augusta Chapter of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill meets at 7 p.m. the first Thursday of each month at Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church on Walton Way. For information, call (706) 432-0021.
Diabetic network
The JDFR Family Network is available to families of children with Type 1 diabetes. For information, call (706) 733-2034.
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, (706) 793-9998.
Foster homes sought
Georgia SAFE Therapeutic Foster Care is seeking foster homes for at-risk children and teens. For information, call (706) 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 (706) 650-2396.
Lighthouse club
The CSRA Harbour Lights lighthouse collectors club is seeking members. For information, call (706) 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 (706) 736-1199, extension 208.
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 (706) 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 (706) 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 (706) 863-5310.