Current Events
T-shirt contest
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The Golden Harvest Food Bank Empty Bowl fundraiser is holding a T-shirt design contest for middle- and high-school students. Deadline is Jan. 10. For information, call Debbie Katcoff at (706) 868-4030.
Cookie exchange
The Augusta Area Newcomers Club will hold a holiday cookie exchange from 9:45-11 a.m. Thursday. Cost is $3 and 30 cookies. Reservations are required by calling Jeannie Hipsher at (706) 210-7547, or at www.augustanewcomers.com.
Holiday concert
Children at Brookwood Elementary School will perform their annual Christmas concert at 2 p.m. Friday at the school. The event is free.
Pet events
CSRA Happy Tails Rescue provides gift wrapping from noon-5 p.m. Saturday and at The Crate on Bobby Jones Expressway, along with pet adoptions, photos with Santa and a baked goods sale from 10-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at SuperPetz. For information, call (706) 564-9605.
Christmas service
Bible Cathedral, at 1116 Furys Ferry Road, will hold a Christmas Eve candlelight communion service at 6 p.m. Dec. 24. For information, call (706) 863-7090.
Tree recycling
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will recycle Christmas trees at Riverside Middle School on Furys Ferry Road in Evans from Dec. 20 through Jan. 6. For information, call 1 (800) 533-3478.
Theater signup
Musical Theater Workshops will register for its upcoming season on the weekend of Jan. 5 for actors ages 5 years through high school. Call (706) 231-1759, or go to www.childrensensemble.com.
Mother's Day Out
Bible Cathedral, at 1116 Furys Ferry Road, will begin a mother's day out program starting Jan. 5. For information, call Cynthia Turner at (706) 863-7090.
Hospice workers
Trinity Hospice will hold orientation and training for volunteers starting Jan. 8, with all sessions held at Trinity's Daniel Village office. Reservations are required by calling Ronnie Merry at (706) 729-6328, or by e-mailing ronnie.merry@triadhospitals.com.
Turf training
The Columbia County Extension Service will hold a training opportunity for the green industry, with a session on diseases of turfgrass from 9-11:30 a.m. Jan. 12. Register by calling (706) 868-3413.
Health seminars
Dr. Jason McRae, of the Southern Health and Wellness Center, will hold free 7 p.m. seminars on mental health, Jan. 13, and digestive health, Jan. 27, in the community room at Earth Fare on Furys Ferry Road. For reservations, call (706) 869-7474.
Shoe drive
Augusta area podiatrists are conducting a collection of new and used shoes regardless of size and condition for distribution to the needy. Donations can be brought to any area podiatrist. For information, call Dr. Kent Kronowski at (706) 724-0586.
Grants available
Applications are being accepted through Dec. 30 for grants from the St. Joseph Foundation for non-profit organizations addressing health services education, medical uninsured or underinsured, hospice or homeless. For information, go to www.cfcsra or call (706) 724-1314.
Hannukah dinner
The Augusta Jewish Community Center, 898 Weinberger Way, off Furys Ferry Road in Evans, will hold its annual Jewish Community Hannukah Latke Dinner at 5:30 p.m. Sunday. For ticket information and reservations, call (706) 228-3636.
Christmas party
Woodmen of the World Lodge 1406 will hold a covered-dish Christmas party at 6:30 p.m. Monday, with members and families invited. For information, call Shirley Tankersley at (706) 556-6833.
Volunteers needed
AARP Tax-Aide volunteers are being sought to help prepare tax returns for low- and medium-income taxpayers. For information, call Bill Kozel at (706) 210-3048, or Susan Gazner at (706) 359-3052.
Auditions
Auditions are being scheduled for the April 2009 Enopion Theater performance of the musical, The Great Big Gopher Boat . For information, call (706) 771-7777, or go to www.enopion.com.
Alzheimer's group
An Alzheimer's support group meets on the third Tuesday each month at Brandon Wilde. For information, call (706) 854-3519.
Signing class
University Hospital's Speech and Hearing Center will hold an eight-week sign-language class from 7-8 p.m. Thursday evenings, with intermediate classes Jan. 9-Feb. 26, and advanced classes April 16-June 4. Cost is $80 and space is limited. For information, call (706) 774-8559.
Infertility group
An infertility support group meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at MCG Medical Associates, 618 Ponder Place Drive, Ste., 2, in Evans. For information, call (706) 210-0642.
Garden series
The Columbia County Extension Service Gardening at Lunch series continues at 12:10 p.m. Jan. 14 with a session on trees. Future sessions include roses, Feb. 4; training plants, March 4; gold-medal plants, April 1; lawns, May 6; and gardening for kids, June 3. For information, call Extension Agent Charles Phillips at (706) 868-3413.
Open house
Westminster Schools of Augusta, 3067 Wheeler Road, will hold its annual open house at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 15. For information, call (706) 731-5260, extension 2220, or e-mail alynch@wsa.net.
Freethought Society
The Augusta Freethought Society is seeking members for social gatherings and informal discussion. For information, e-mail augustafreethoughtsociety@gmail.com.
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.
Coupon sale
Augusta Christian Schools' annual coupon books are available for $10. Books are available from students or from the school at 313 Baston Road, Martinez.
MDO program
Church of the Most Holy Trinity, in Augusta, has openings in its Mother's Day Out program for children walking through age 4, with classes from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. For information, call Cheryl Weinand at (706) 228-4887.
Preschool open
Registration is available for Haydens International Gymnastics Academy's Gym 'n' Learn Preschool and Mother's Morning Out programs. for information, call Beth Mazurek at (706) 364-0641 or e-mail bmazurek@bellsouth.net.
Recycling
Drop-off containers for plastics recycling, newspapers, office paper and cardboard are now available at the Columbia County Government Complex.
TOPS meeting
Chapter 439 of Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) meets 5 p.m. each Tuesday at Pine View Baptist Church, 117 Pleasant Home Road, Martinez.
Rotary meets
The Columbia County West Rotary Club meets at 12:15 p.m. each Tuesday at Lewis Memorial United Methodist Church on Columbia Road at Lewiston Road. For information, call Richard Swann at (706) 868-3559.
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.
Help needed
Volunteers are needed to help staff the gift shop and book sales area at the Columbia County Library in Evans. For information, call Barbara Williams at (706) 863-8760.
Books wanted
Friends of Columbia County Libraries are seeking donations of used books. The books are sold in the library book store, with funds used to buy new books and fund library programs. Donations are accepted at the Evans and Euchee Creek libraries. For information, call Elige Hickman at (706) 863-2880.
Pilot Club
Pilot Club International is organizing a new club in the area. For information, call Elizabeth Copeland at (706) 955-7205.
Seat inspection
Safe Kids of East Central Georgia will provide a child safety seat inspection by appointment at the Columbia County Sheriff's Office Substation, Ronald Reagan Drive at Town Center Drive, Evans, on the second Wednesday of each month. For an appointment, call (706) 541-3970.
Leah High search
The Columbia County Historical Society is seeking photos, information and artifacts related to the former Leah High School for inclusion in a possible historical display. For information, call Gary or Nancy Blanchard at (706) 541-0043.
TOPS 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.
Nature clubs
Reed Creek Park's Young Naturalist after-school clubs for grades K-2 and 3-5 meet once each month. For information, call (706) 210-4027.
Marine group
A new Marine Corps Motorcycle Association is forming in the Augusta area and is seeking members. The organization will support Marine Corps efforts in the Aiken-Augusta area, including Toys for Tots, the Wounded Warrior program and the Fisher House. For information, call Paul Brewer at (706) 854-1036, or e-mail usmc1008@bellsouth.net.
Coast Guard Auxiliary meets
The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary meets the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at El Valle Mexican Restaurant in the West Town shopping center in Martinez. For information, call John VanOsdol at (864) 391-2170.
Outreach shop
Harlem's Hands Up Outreach Ministries thrift shop, at 110 S. Hicks St., is open from 10 a.m. until 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 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 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.
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. until 2 p.m. Donations are accepted on the first day of each month from 10 a.m. until 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 (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.
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 each month at 7 p.m. in the mammography area, MCG Breast Health Services, first floor, MCG Medical Center. For information, call (706) 721-0246 or (706) 721-1466.
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. to 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.
Harvest help
Golden Harvest Food Bank is seeking volunteer groups of 10-20 people, ages 13 and up, for Saturday help in sorting donated products. For information or to reserve a time, call Laurie Harmon at (706) 736-1199, ext. 208.
Parents sought
Foster and adoptive parents are being sought for children living in Columbia and Richmond counties. For more information on the program, call Christina Ruetz in Columbia County at (706) 541-1640 or Rosalyn Boyd in Richmond County at (706) 721-7171.
Happy Tails adoption
Happy Tails Rescue holds pet adoptions each Saturday from 10 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., and 4-6 p.m., and Sundays 1-4 p.m., at Superpetz on Bobby Jones Expressway in Martinez. For more information, call (706) 863-5310.
Writers meet
CSRA Writers meets at 6:30 p.m. the third Monday of each month at Barnes and Noble Booksellers, 1336 Augusta West Parkway. Writers needing 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.