Get up and go
After hours
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The Columbia County Chamber of Commerce Success Columbia County Style networking event will be held from 5-7 p.m. Monday at Red Oak Manor, in Harlem, and include a vendor fair. The event is free for members, and costs $15 for non-members. For information, call Chris Baum at (706) 651-0018 or e-mail chris@columbiacountychamber.com.
Tax helpers
The Augusta-area AARP Tax-Aide program is seeking volunteers with computer experience to help low- to medium-income citizens with income taxes. A free 10-day training course for volunteers will begin Dec. 10. District Coordinator Bill Kozel will be at the Columbia County Library from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday to explain the program. For information, call (706) 210-3048.
Shrimp dinner
The Ladies Auxiliary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6445, in Harlem, will hold a shrimp dinner for $6 per plate, dine-in or carry-out, at 5 p.m. Nov. 16. For information, call Evelyn Ellis at (706) 597-0514.
New Nutcracker
Tickets are on sale for performances of the Columbia County Ballet's New Nutcracker, at 5 and 8 p.m. Nov. 17 and 3 p.m. Nov. 18 at the Jabez Sanford Hardin Performing Arts Center. Tickets cost $20 for adults, $15 for students and seniors, and are available by calling (706) 860-1852 or at www.columbiacountyballet.com.
IAAP meeting
Karen Chrjapin, executive director of the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce, will be the guest speaker at the November meeting of the Evans Town Center Chapter of the International Association of Administrative Professionals at 6 p.m. Thursday in the Evans Government Complex Auditorium, in Evans. The deadline for reservations is Monday. For information, call (706) 312-7265.
Candle lighting
In recognition of Alzheimer's Awareness Month, the Alzheimer's Association of Augusta will hold the Flame of Hope and Memory candle-lighting at 6 p.m. Thursday at Augusta Commons. For information, call (706) 731-9060.
Church yard sale
First Baptist Church of Evans will hold its community-wide yard and craft sale from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 17, with proceeds supporting youth missions and summer camp. To reserve a space, call (706) 833-3516 or e-mail mythreesonsrcl@yahoo.com.
Writers meet
CSRA Writers will meet at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 19 at Barnes and Noble Booksellers, 1336 Augusta West Parkway. Writers needed a support group are invited to attend and bring eight copies of a manuscript to be critiqued. For information, call Steve Fox at (706) 836-7315.
Sierra Club
David Scott will talk about his experiences during 25 years with the Savannah River Ecology Lab at the November meeting of the Sierra Club, at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 20 at the Unitarian Universalist Church on Walton Way Extension. For information, call (706) 650-83143.
Chamber breakfast
Glenn Richardson, speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives, will be the guest speaker at the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce annual pre-legislative breakfast at 7 a.m. Nov. 27 at Savannah Rapids Pavilion. The event is open only to Chamber members, and cost $10 in advance. For reservations, call Chris Baum at (706) 651-0018 or e-mail chris@columbiacountychamber.com.
Tri-faith service
Church of Our Savior, at 4227 Columbia Road, in Martinez, will hold a tri-faith Thanksgiving service with Christian, Muslim and Jewish leaders at 7 p.m. Nov. 18. A donation of non-perishable food will be collected for Golden Harvest Food Bank. For information, call (706) 863-1718.
Ride for 'Tots'
A Toys for Tots motorcycle ride will be held at 9 a.m. Nov. 17 at Augusta Harley Davidson. Cost is $10 per bike, or one new, unwrapped toy. For information, call Paul Brewer at (706) 306-6667.
One-woman show
The Augusta Jewish Federation and the Augusta Jewish Community Center will present Dr. Rachel Zohar Dulin, author of Alive, Unabashed and Passionate: Extraordinary Women of the Bible , in a one-woman show at 7 p.m. Dec. 1 at the Augusta Jewish Community Center, 898 Weinberger Way, in Evans. For information, call program director Alberta Goldberg at (706) 228-3636.
Parade planned
Entries are being sought for the annual Merchants Association of Columbia County Martinez-Evans Christmas Parade, to begin at 2 p.m. Dec. 2 on Ronald Reagan Drive, in Evans. Entry forms are available at the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce, at Master Pontiac GMC and at Kelley Appliance on Baston Road. For information, call parade chairman Reynold Borseth at (706) 262-7238.
Art sought
Entries are being sought for the Artists' Guild of Columbia County's second annual Art After Dark exhibition, to be held Nov. 30-Dec. 29 at the Columbia County Library, with an opening reception from 7-10 p.m. Nov. 30. All area artists from age 18-older are invited to submit entries. For information, go to www.artistguildCC.org., click on "Welcome" and "Prospectus."
World bazaar
Christ the King Lutheran Church will hold its world bazaar Dec. 1-2 at the church, 4232 Evans-to-Locks Road, in Evans, with items from Third World artisans. For information, call (706) 210-8865.
Charity ride
A bike ride to help support the family of a Greenbrier High School teacher whose husband is suffering from leukemia will be held at 1 p.m. Dec. 9, starting at Savannah Rapids Pavilion and onto the Greeneway in North Augusta. Registration costs $15 for adults, $7 for children ages 12-17, with children under 12 admitted free. For information, call Ethan St. Martin at (706) 860-7507, or e-mail ghsband2008@hotmail.com.
Donations needed
A fund has been set up to receive donations for Mary Jefferson, of Appling, who is awaiting a kidney transplant. Donations may be made to any Wachovia bank branch to the Mary Jefferson Kidney Transplant Fund, or mailed to Wachovia Bank, 4363 Washington Road, Evans, Ga., 30809.
WWII vets sought
The Augusta-Richmond County Historical Society is seeking veterans of World War II for videotape interviews as part of the veterans history project. Volunteers to conduct the interviews also are needed. For information, call (706) 738-8242.
Livestock program
Signup is now in progress at the Farm Service Agency in Thomson for the Livestock Compensation Program for farmers in Columbia, McDuffie, Warren and Richmond counties. The program compensates producers for feed losses occurring between Jan. 1, 2005 and Feb. 28, 2007 due to natural disasters such as drought. For information, call (706) 595-1339, extension 2.
SCV meets
The Maj. Gen. Ambrose Ransom Wright Camp of the Sons of Confederate Veterans meets at 6 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of each month in the private dining room of the Side Track Bar and Grill, at 4027 Washington Road. For information, call (706) 863-7172, or go to www.geocities.com/scv1914/home.
Office open
The 10th District office of U.S. Rep. Paul Broun at 4246 Washington Road, Ste. 6, in Evans, is now open Monday-Friday. For information, call (706) 447-3857.
Outreach changes
Harlem's Hands Up Outreach Ministries thrift shop, at 110 S. Hicks St., is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday-Friday each week, with free bread available. Donations of clothing, housewares, school supplies and other items also are welcome. For information, call (706) 556-2259.
Bible study
The Rosemount Association holds a Bible study each Wednesday at noon at the Rosemount Association Building, on Burks Mountain Road, in Appling. For information, call the Rev. Alice Dunn at (706) 863-0413.
Optimists meet
The Martinez-Evans Optimist Club meets at noon each Thursday at the Jones Creek Clubhouse. For information, call (706) 830-5730.
Volunteers needed
Golden Harvest Food Bank is seeking volunteers to help sort donations in the warehouse. For information, call (706) 736-1199.
Volunteers sought
Safe Kids East Central Georgia is seeking volunteers to help with events such as car seat and bicycle checks, and to lead ongoing programs that teach safety to children and teens. Training is provided. For information, call (706) 721-7606.
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.
Literacy sessions
The Columbia County Library holds tutoring sessions for adults interested in improving their reading skills. For information, call (706) 863-1946.
Weight group
TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), a non-profit weight-loss support group, meets at 6 p.m. each Thursday at Grovetown United Methodist Church, 206 E. Robinson Ave. For information, call (706) 863-0726.
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.
Safety project
The Grovetown Department of Public Safety has implemented Project Safe House to help provide safe havens for children and the elderly. For information on becoming a block parent, call the department at (706) 863-1212.
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, offers a Mothers of Preschoolers program. For information, call Abbie Character at (706) 868-5936, or e-mail wabcmops@gmail.com.
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.
New Hardy hours
Harlem's Laurel and Hardy Museum now has new hours of operation. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. The museum is closed Sundays and Mondays. For information, call (706) 556-0401.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.