Get up and go

Zoning meetings

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The Columbia County Board of Education will hold its second public meeting for parent input on the proposed rezoning for the new elementary school in Grovetown at 7 p.m. Jan. 4 at Lewiston Elementary School. For information, call (706) 541-0650, ext. 5204.

Volunteers wanted

Columbia County Adopt-a-Stream will hold a chemical training workshop at 9 a.m. Jan. 6 at the new Interpretive Building at Reed Creek Wetlands Park, off Furys Ferry Road behind Zaxby's. Adopt-a-Stream also is seeking new volunteers to monitor county streams. For information, call John Graham at jopagr@comcast.net, or call (706) 868-0296.

Chili challenge

The city of Harlem will hold its second annual Mayor's Chili Challenge chili cooking contest on Jan. 6, in conjunction with the city's First Saturday festivities. To compete, or for other information, call (706) 556-0401.

Old flags sought

Members of Boy Scout Troop 615 are collecting old, worn flags for proper retirement in a ceremony tentatively set for Tuesday. Flags 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. For information, call Tripp Calloway at (706) 868-0917.

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.

Ensemble performs

The King David String Ensemble will perform in a free concert at 8 p.m. Jan. 6 at the Adas Yeshurun Synagogue, 935 Johns Road, Augusta, with a dessert reception to follow. For information, call (706) 733-9491.

Board office closed

The Columbia County Board of Education office is closed Christmas week and will reopen Jan. 2.

Lunch series

The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service Gardening at Lunch series will be held at 12:10 p.m. Jan. 10 at the Columbia County Library in Evans. County Agent Charles Phillips will discuss hydrangeas. For information, call (706) 868-3413.

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, Suite B. Reservations are due by Jan. 19 by calling Getina Byrd at (706) 210-3435.