Current events
Inside Today
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As the weather warms up, more golf carts hit the streets -- often illegally.
Coming Wednesday
Columbia County prepares to hold a special pet adoption Friday and Saturday.
Editor's Note
The Columbia County News-Times has a new fax number: (706) 823-6062.
Current Events
Catholic series
Catholics Returning Home, a six-week series for nonpracticing Catholics, will begin at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church on Columbia Road. For information, call (706) 364-9289.
Memorial Day
The Brig. Gen. E. Porter Alexander Camp of the Sons of American Veterans will sponsor the Confederate Memorial Day Service and Southern Heritage March starting at 11 a.m. Saturday. For information, call (706) 650-6991.
At Reed Creek
April events at Reed Creek Park include preschool walks from 10-11 a.m. Wednesday and April 23, and an Earth Day celebration from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. For information, go to www.reedcreekpark.com.
Driver program
The AARP Driver Safety Program, an eight-hour refresher course for motorists 50 and older, will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday and Tuesday at Patriots Park Gym. Cost is $12 to AARP members, $14 to nonmembers. For information, call (706) 863-2865, or e-mail aarpdsptom@aol.com.
Alzheimer's lunch
Augusta Alzheimer's Association Program Director Kathy Tuckey will present a free lunch program on late-stage care from noon-1 p.m. Tuesday at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 402 Aumond Road, Augusta. Make reservations by noon Monday by calling (706) 731-9060.
Church program
Part 2 of Mosaic United Methodist Church's "Fruits of the Spirit" program for children ages 3 to fifth grade will be Wednesdays from 6-7:30 p.m. beginning Wednesday. For information, e-mail hugginlady04@yahoo.com.
Healthy bones
Orthopedic surgeon Paul Herzwurm, M.D., will present a free University Hospital community education lunch program on maintaining healthy bones and joints from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday at Brandon Wilde Clubhouse. Reservations are required at www.universityhealth.org/calendar, or (706) 828-2502.
Camp meeting
White Oak United Methodist Campground, on White Oak and Wrightsboro roads, will hold its spring camp meeting April 17-19, with Saturday and Sunday morning services at 11 a.m., and Friday and Saturday services at 7:30 p.m. Retired Bishop Alfred L. Norris will be the speaker. For information, call (706) 595-5122.
Alzheimer's event
The Augusta Alzheimer's Association's fifth annual Night to Remember fundraiser will be 6:30-10 p.m. Friday in the River Room at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 605 Reynolds St., Augusta. For tickets, call (706) 731-9060.
Musical theater
Musical Theater Workshops will perform Romeo and Harriett at 3 and 7 p.m. Saturday at the Greenbrier High School auditorium. Tickets cost $10 for adults and $5 for students. For information, call (706) 869-0089.
Women's conference
St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church, 2921 Columbia Road, will hold its third annual Women's Spring Conference from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Registration costs $40. For information, call (706) 863-4956.
Yard sales
First Baptist Church of Evans, Belair at Washington Road, will hold its community yard and craft sale from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, with proceeds benefiting youth missions. For information and space reservations, call (706) 863-1228, or e-mail Michelle Rogers at michelle.fbcevans@knology.net.
Wesley United Methodist Church, 825 N. Belair Road, will hold its annual spring yard sale from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, with all proceeds benefiting missions.
Birdhouse sale
The Knights of Columbus Terrence Cooke Council 8495 will hold their second annual spring birdhouse sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 19 at St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church, 2921 Columbia Road. A preview show, with a $5 admission fee, will be held 6:30-7:30 p.m. Saturday. All proceeds will benefit the Walk for Autism-Augusta. For information, call Steve Crawford at (706) 840-1739.
Piano concert
Marvin United Methodist Church Women will hold a piano concert featuring Susan Osborn and Friends in the church sanctuary at 4400 Wheeler Road at 4 p.m. April 19. The concert is free; an offering will be taken.
Dam bike ride
The sixth annual Bet Dam Bike Ride to benefit the Southeastern Firefighters Burn Foundation will be held April 19, starting at the Clarks Hill Lake welcome center at 8:30 a.m. To register, go to www.active.com or go by Chain Reaction Bicycles in Martinez. For information, call (706) 650-2876.
Writers meet
CSRA Writers will meet at 6:30 p.m. April 20 at Borders Books, Music, Movies, and Cafe, at 257 Robert C. Daniel, Jr. 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.
Sierra Club
The Sierra Club Savannah River Group will celebrate its 28th birthday with a program featuring Dr. Bran Cromer, zoologist from Augusta State University, at 6:30 p.m. April 21 at the Unitarian Universalist Church on Walton Way Extension. For information, e-mail Judy Gordon at jgordon77@comcast.net.
Youth board
The Watson-Brown Foundation is seeking applications from high school students for the 2009-2010 year of its Junior Board program. Applicants must be in 10th, 11th or 12th grade in the coming year, have transportation to Thomson, and be able to meet with the board at least once per month from October to May. Applications are available at www.hickory-hill.org.
Essay contest
Noon April 24 is the deadline for the Augusta Jewish Federation essay contest for middle- and high-school students on the topic, "What Israel Means to Me." The contest is open to children of all faiths, with first-place winners receiving a cash prize of $200. Winners will be announced May 3. E-mail entries to augustafed1@knology.net. For information, call (706) 228-3636.
Grovetown fest
Vendor spaces are available for the annual Grovetown Heritage Festival, to be held May 9. Spaces cost $20. For information, call Rosa Lee Owens at (706) 863-1867.
RV and boat show
The inaugural CSRA RV and Boat Show will be held noon to 5 p.m. May 2 at Wildwood Park in Appling, with boat and recreational vehicle displays and other outdoor recreation vendors, crafts and food. For information, including vendor spaces, call Jeb Bell at (706) 541-3761, or e-mail jbell@columbiacountyga.gov.
Clothing sale
All winter clothing at the Children's Resource Center, 6347 Columbia Road, in Appling, is on sale for $3 per bag. All proceeds from the center benefit the Columbia County Foundation for Children. The Resource Center is open from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the first Saturday of each month. For information, call (706) 541-2849.
Children's choir
The African Children's Choir will perform at 7 p.m. April 24 at Wesley United Methodist Church, 825 N. Belair Road, Evans. Admission is free, with an offering taken. For information, go to www.africanchildrenschoir.com.
Stamp show
The CSRA Spring Stamp Show will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 25 at America's Best Value Inn, 3023 Washington Road, Augusta. Admission is free. For information, call Peter Igel at (706) 868-6769, or e-mail igelsp@bellsouth.net.
Church market
Damascus Baptist Church, on Ridge Road in Leah, will hold a flea market, arts and crafts sale and bake sale, with carryout lunch plates available, starting at 8 a.m. May 2. To rent booth space, call (706) 541-1064, or e-mail rhesterdbc@hotmail.com.
Churches moving
Covenant United Methodist Church, which meets at 10 a.m. each Sunday at Greenbrier Elementary School, is moving its services to Eagle Point Plaza on Washington Road in Evans in May. For information, call (706) 399-6081.
The Church at Greenbrier has moved its services to the Evans 14 Cinemas, with Sunday services at 9 and 10:15 a.m. For information, call (706) 922-8224, or go to www.tcag.cc.
Parkinson group
Professor Cole Giller, M.D., the director of MCG's Functional Stereo-tactic Neurosurgery, will be the guest speaker at the April meeting of the CSRA Parkinson Support Group at 6 p.m. April 28 at the St. John Towers dining room, 724 Greene St., Augusta. For information, call (706) 364-1662.
Child seat check
Safe Kids East Central holds a child safety seat inspection on the second Wednesday of each month at the Columbia County Sheriff's Office substation on Ronald Reagan Drive. For information, call (706) 541-3970, or go to www.mcghealth.org.
Seniors sought
Senior citizens ages 60-older are being sought to work 20 hours per week to help children read. Positions receive an hourly stipend and mileage reimbursement. For information, call Jackie Kennedy at the Senior Citizens Council at (706) 868-0120.
Scholarships
Applications for the 2009-10 Columbia County Foundation for Children Scholarships are now available from high school counselors and from the Foundation Resource Center, 6347 Columbia Road, Appling, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, or submitted electronically. The applications area available by e-mail at ccfcscholarship@gmailcom.
Signing class
University Hospital's Speech and Hearing Center will hold an advanced eight-week sign-language class from 7-8 p.m. Thursday evenings April 16-June 4. Cost is $80 and space is limited. For information, call (706) 774-8559.
Wildflower walk
Mistletoe State Park, in Winfield, will hold a two-mile spring wildflower walk from 10 a.m. to noon April 18 for adults and children ages 8-older with parents. Visitors should bring water and a lunch. Cost is $3 for parking. For information, call (706) 541-0321.
Spring fling
Lewis Memorial United Methodist Church, Hereford Farm Road at Columbia Road, will hold a spring fling and barbecue chicken dinner from 5-9 p.m. April 25.
Safety fair
MCGHealth Children's Medical Center will present "Kohl's: Keep Our Health Little Ones Safe," from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 25 in the parking lot of Kohl's in Mullins Crossing, with health and safety exhibits. For information, call (706) 721-4598, or go to www.mcghealth.org/kids.
Alzheimer's group
An Alzheimer's support group meets at 7 p.m. on the third Tuesday each month at Brandon Wilde. For information, call (706) 854-3519.
Garden series
The Columbia County Extension Service Gardening at Lunch series continues at 12:10 p.m. May 6 at the Columbia County Library with a session on lawns, and a June 3 program on gardening for kids. For information, call Extension Agent Charles Phillips at (706) 868-3413.
Donations sought
Dropped Stitches, a group at Washington Commons that knits blankets for hospitals and soldiers, is seeking donations of yarn from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily at the retirement community on Washington Commons Drive off Washington Road across from Club Car. For information, call Holley Howard at (706) 860-0402.
Christian dances
The Christian Social Organization for Single Adults sponsors dances from 7-11 p.m. Saturdays at the Ballroom Dance Center, 525 Grand Slam Drive, Evans, off Evans-to-Locks Road. For information, call Theresa Thigpen at (706) 863-9262.
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.
TOPS group
TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), a non-profit weight-loss support group, meets at 6 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month at Grovetown United Methodist Church, 206 E. Robinson Ave. For information, call (706) 863-0726.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.