Monday, December 22, 2008
Fickle's Thanksgiving comments hit home with widowed reader
When I read Pat Fickle's Thanksgiving story, my heart and eyes were filled up (column, Nov. 23, "Wishing happy Thanksgiving to all").
Evans couple shares spirit through home decorations
During the weeks before Christmas, Chloe and Walt Bullwinkel enjoy sharing their love of the holiday season with their neighbors in Brandon Wilde. "We like to decorate and have people in and share the joy," Chloe said. "It just adds some warmth."
Family improvises for Hanukkah
In celebration of one of the more sacred Jewish holidays, Cynthia Eiring likely will be lighting her menorah in the dining room of a cruise ship.
Garden club volunteers maintain library's plants
Visitors to the Columbia County Library likely have noticed the large rectangular planters that flank the entrance of the Footnotes Cafe. What library patrons might not know is that a local garden club is responsible for year-round maintenance of the planters.
Schools' sponsors thanked at breakfast
During tough economic times, partnerships between the Columbia County school system and area businesses increase in importance, school Superintendent Charles Nagle said Tuesday during a breakfast meeting at Brandon Wilde.
Newspaper editor publishes novel
Michael Ryan chose an atypical means to honor one of his literary heroes in his new book, The Last Freedom.
Harlem OKs sales of spirits
Harlem city officials approved an ordinance Monday allowing the sale of distilled spirits and Sunday alcohol sales, which Harlem voters approved in November.
Sheriff's office gets praise for services
The Columbia County Sheriff's Office received praise from residents attending a Monday meeting to discuss the agency's re-accreditation.
Longtime officials go out with a laugh
Columbia County officials maintained a light-hearted mood during the final meeting Tuesday for longtime commissioners Diane Ford and Tommy Mercer.
Churches will hold Christmas Eve events
Many people will spend Christmas Eve sitting around the table with family and friends, while others seek comfort in their local sanctuary as they celebrate the birth of Jesus.
Shrubs will fill yard with pleasant smells even during the winter months
One of the things I enjoy most about the Christmas season is the smells. There is the smell of pine from the Christmas tree, cookies and cakes baking, candles burning and turkey cooking.
Farmer is given reprieve on rule by commission
The Columbia County Commission overturned a zoning board ruling Tuesday evening that would have hindered the business plan for a "micro" farm in Evans.
Divorces
Joseph Gary McGary and Kenyetta Devora McGary, Dec. 11, 2008.
Adoption spotlight
CSRA Happy Tails Rescue, Inc. is a nonprofit licensed animal rescue group committed to the welfare of stray and unwanted dogs and cats in the CSRA. Adoptions are held each Saturday and Sunday at SuperPetz on Bobby Jones from 1-4 p.m.
Newsmakers
Foot Solutions held a Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Ceremony with the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce on Oct. 31. The specialty shoe store is in the Mullins Crossing Shopping Center.
Marriage Licenses
Darrell Scott Daniels and Cheryl Anne Copeland applied for a marriage license on Dec. 8, 2008, and were married Dec. 8, 2008, in Evans.
Current events
The Golden Harvest Food Bank Empty Bowl fundraiser is holding a T-shirt design contest for middle and high school students. Deadline for entries is Jan. 10. For information, call Debbie Katcoff at (706) 868-4030.
Harlem Middle School First Nine Weeks Honor Roll
Get Up & Go
Dr. Jason McRae, of the Southern Health and Wellness Center, will hold free 7 p.m. seminars on mental health Jan. 13, and on digestive health Jan. 27, in the community room at Earth Fare on Furys Ferry Road. For reservations, call (706) 869-7474.
North Columbia Elementary School First Nine Weeks Honor Roll
Community contributions
The Lowe's Home Improvement store in Evans donated 55 space heaters to be distributed to senior citizens on a first-come, first-served basis.
Police blotter
Police arrested three people Dec. 9 for an early December wreck in which the driver who caused the accident fled on foot.
Adults need to give help to Santa
It's that time of year again! Christmas is nearly here and my usual assignment is to go interview someone at the North Pole.
No more bad ideas from next door
When the roll is called for Columbia County folks who gripe about everything that has to do with Augusta, don't count us among them.
Editorial cartoon
Editorial cartoon for Sunday, December 21, 2008.
Retiring time for ex-teacher
My youngest daughter tells the story of meeting Glen Roberson in the hallway at Riverside Middle School. Roberson was an art teacher at Harlem High School way back when I was a student. He made a strong impression on me then, and again years later.
Coaches team together for camp during time of need
Area baseball giants are helping one of their own Tuesday at Riverside Park. Some of the state's winningest coaches are banding together to hold a baseball and softball clinic, with all proceeds benefiting the Sissy Barnes Foundation.
Gift-giving to sports figures who have everything requires a bit of creativity
Because I'm writing a feature on Evans native Forrest Griffin for Wednesday's (Christmas Eve edition) paper, I decided to go ahead and spread a little holiday cheer a few days early.
Grovetown staff get introduction to community
Grovetown High School principal Penny Jackson wanted to dispel a rumor at the school's informational meeting held Monday at Patriots Park. Columbia County's newest school, which will open in August 2009, will not have a swimming pool on the second floor.
Longtime coach excited by freedom retirement brings
Glen Roberson walked away from coaching and teaching on Tuesday after 29 years. His newfound freedom will give him the opportunity to work on his hobby -- art.