Current events
Gardening series
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The University of Georgia's Cooperative Extension Service's monthly Gardening at Lunch will begin at 12:10 p.m. today at the Columbia County Library. Call (706) 868-3413.
Old flags sought
Boy Scout Troop 615 will be collecting worn flags for proper retirement from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Columbia County Library on North Belair Road. Flags also may be dropped off during business hours at The News-Times office in the Publix shopping center, on Washington Road in Evans; at Kings Crown, in Columbia Square, in Martinez; and at Wesley United Methodist Church, on North Belair Road, in Evans. Call Tripp Calloway, (706) 868-0917.
Volunteers needed
The Euchee Creek Library needs volunteers age 16 and older to help with the Radio Frequency Identification book-tagging project during December. For information, call Jessica Thompson at (706) 447-7664.
Movies needed
VFW Post 6445, in Harlem, is seeking donations of new or used DVDs to be sent to soldiers serving overseas. Donations may be brought to the post or to the office of The Columbia County News-Times by Friday. Donations of DVD players and cash also are welcome. For information, call (706) 556-9194, or (706) 597-3964.
'Lights' on
The annual Lights of the South Christmas lights display runs from 6-10 p.m. each day through Dec. 30 The display is located off Interstate 20's Appling-Harlem Highway exit, near Grovetown. For information, call (706) 825-6441.
Teaching ministry
Words of Life Teaching Ministries holds weekly Bible training classes from 7-9 p.m. Tuesday nights in Room A at the Columbia County Library. For information, call (706) 863-4271, or e-mail wordsoflifenow@aol.com.
Shoe drive
Augusta area podiatrists are collecting new and used shoes to be distributed to those in need. Donations of shoes of any size, condition or type may be brought to any local podiatrist's office through Jan. 5.
Volunteers sought
The Salvation Army of Augusta is seeking volunteers to help with the annual Christmas campaign. For information, call (706) 826-7933.
Drought meeting
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will hold a public meeting from 4-8 p.m. Thursday at the Belair Conference Center, 4083 Belair Road, to discuss water management issues at Clarks Hill Lake and other reservoirs.
Mac users meet
The CSRA Macintosh Uers Group will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Nancy Carson Library, in North Augusta. For information, call (803) 279-6456, or go to csraamug.info.
Gift drawings
Shepeard Community Blood Center will hold a drawing for a $250 gift card each week through Saturday for donors, and a drawing for a $400 gift card for donors the week before Christmas. For information, call (706) 737-4551.
Free legal help
Georgia Legal Services Program staff will offer free, non-criminal legal assistance to seniors from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, at the Grovetown Senior Center, 103 West Robinson St. For information, call (706) 721-2327.
Dance staged
The performing companies and staff of Pulse Dance Center will present "Joy," a multicultural celebration of the holiday season, at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Jabez Sanford Hardin Performing Arts Center, in Evans. A portion of proceeds will be donated to the Salvation Army's Angel Tree project. For information, call (706) 210-2552.
Health discussion
Information on polycystic ovarian syndrome will be presented at noon Saturday at the Columbia County Library's downstairs conference room, by physicians from Reproductive Medicine and Infertility Associates. For information, call (706) 722-4434.
Bethlehem walk
Martinez United Methodist Church, at 3614 Washington Road, will hold its annual Bethlehem Village from 6-8 p.m. Sunday and Monday. The event includes Biblical period re-enactors, animals and a live nativity, and cider around a fire. For information, call (706) 863-6541.
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.
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.
Tree sale
Christmas trees are available at the annual Young Life Christmas tree sale, at Furys Ferry Road and The Pass, in Martinez, from 4-8 p.m. weekdays, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays, and 1-8 p.m. Sundays. For information, call (706) 650-2543.
Foster meeting
Georgia Safe Therapeutic Foster Care will hold an orientation and general interest meeting from 10 a.m. to noon Jan. 20 at the office of Georgia Safe, 4424 Columbia Road, Ste. B. Reservations are due by Jan. 19 by calling Getina Byrd at (706) 210-3435.
Easter Seals event
The Easter Seals fund-raising event, Gifts from the Vine, featuring wines from the Supery Vineyard of Napa Valley, will be held at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 26. For information, call (706) 667-9695.
Members wanted
New members are being sought for the MCG Children's Medical Center Red Wagon Society, to plan fund-raisers, volunteer at special events and play with children who are patients at the center. Membership costs $50 per year. For information, call (706) 721-4004.
Reunion planned
The Harlem High School Class of 1977 is planning a 30-year reunion for spring 2007. Addresses of class members are being sought. For information, call Dean Beasley at (706) 860-9231, or send names and addresses to HHS1977@comcast.net.
Hosts needed
World Heritage is seeking families, couples or single parents to play host to high-school aged foreign exchange students for the 2007-08 school year. For information, call Kim Hines at (706) 228-4112.
Buddhist meetings
The Ikeda Reading Group will sponsor "Seven Pathways to Global Harmony: A Buddhist Perspective" at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday and Thursday of each month through January at Borders Books, on Robert C. Daniel Parkway, Augusta. For information, call (706) 738-6699.
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.
Alumni sought
Alumni from Fort Gordon's Augusta in Army Boots program are being sought. For information, call Sue Brewer at (706) 791-9308.
Preschool openings
Trinity Baptist Preschool, 4594 Columbia Road, in Martinez, has openings in the 3- and 4-year-old classes. For information, call Shannon Story at (706) 799-0637.
Clothes closet
The Marvin United Methodist Church Clothes Closet, at the church at Wheeler and Belair Roads, is open each Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Donations are accepted on the first day of every month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
MOPS group
West Acres Baptist Church, on Gibbs Road in Evans, is offering a Mothers of Preschoolers program. For information, call Abbie Character at (706) 868-5936, or e-mail wabcmops@gmail.com.
New church open
The Sanctuary, a new church pastored by Bryan Cockrell, holds services at 1:30 p.m. each Sunday at Riverside Baptist Church, 4798 Hardy-McManus Road, in Evans. A nursery and children's church are provided. For information, call (706) 650-2737.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.