Current events
Youth volunteers
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The Columbia County Foundation for Children is sponsoring a summer volunteer/community service program for area high school students. Volunteers will assist staff at the Children's Resource Center, 6347 Columbia Road, Appling, through Aug. 6. For information, e-mail ccffc@comcast.net, or call Michel Young on Tuesdays at (706) 541-2849.
Lake ministry
St. John United Methodist Church's summer lake ministry will be held each Sunday at 8:45 a.m. starting today through Aug. 30 at the church's Clarks Hill Lake site near Modoc, S.C., with non-denominational services led by area ministers and lay leaders. Visitors may drive to the church's camp or come to the site by boat.
Reed Creek events
Reed Creek Park will hold events during June for ages 4-11. A second session of preschool programs for 4-older will be held 9-11 a.m. June 15-19, with cost of $60 per child. A free nature club for ages 9-11 will meet from 9:30-11 a.m. Tuesdays starting June 9. For information, call (706) 210-4027.
Wet Wednesdays
Mosaic United Methodist Church, on Columbia Industrial Boulevard, will hold Wet, Wild Wednesdays each Wednesday in June from 6-7:30 pm. for children ages 3 to fifth grade. Supper is provided; children should come prepared to get wet. To register, e-mail hugginlady04@yahoo.com.
GOP women
Georgia Secretary of State Karen Handel will be the speaker at 6 p.m. Thursday at the meeting of the Greater Columbia County Republican Women, at Jones Creek Clubhouse. Space is limited, and reservations are required. For information, e-mail Wanda Duffie at wandaduffie@yahoo.com.
Youth orchestra
The Columbia County Orchestra Association is seeking third-year music students through rising seniors for the Columbia County Youth Orchestra. For information, go to www.columbiacco.org, or call Rob Nordan at (706) 860-6573, extension 114.
Scholarship essay
The Fort Gordon Sergeants Major Association is holding its annual scholarship award essay competition through June 30. High school seniors can obtain an information packet by clicking on "essay competition" at www.sergeantsmajor.com. For information, call Sgt. Maj. Barbara Hunter at (706) 791-7913.
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. Admission is $6 for members, $8 for guests. For information, call Theresa Thigpen at (706) 863-9262.
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.
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 historical display. For information, call Gary or Nancy Blanchard at (706) 541-0043.
Christian singles
A newly established singles social club with a Christian atmosphere is open each Saturday from 8-11 p.m. at Social Inc., in Village West Shopping Center on Washington Road at Furys Ferry. For information, call Elizabeth Connor at (706) 863-1214.
Junior Rangers
The Junior Rangers program will be held June 16, 17 and 18 for ages 8-12 at Mistletoe State Park in Winfield. Cost is $50 per child, and space is limited to 10 children. For information, call (706) 541-0321.
Mother groups
University Hospital's Mommy and Me support group for new mothers and infants will meet 10-11:30 a.m. Tuesday at Babies R Us in Mullins Crossing. A breastfeeding class will be held 7-9 p.m. June 18 at Babies R Us. For information, call (706) 774-2825.
Choral performance
The Columbia County Choral Society will present "America -- Of Thee We Sing," a program of patriotic music at 7:30 p.m. Friday at First Baptist Church of Evans on North Belair Road at Washington Road. General admission costs $10; students, seniors and groups cost $7; military families are free with ID. For information, go to www.ccchoralsociety.org, or call (706) 650-2311.
Lily show
The Daylily Society will hold its annual show and plant sale 1-5 p.m. Saturday at the H2U building behind Doctors Hospital. Admission is free. For information, call Larry Welch at (706) 231-6985.
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. 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.
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.
Alzheimer's group
An Alzheimer's caregiver support group meets at 7 p.m. on the third Tuesday each month at Brandon Wilde. For information, call (706) 854-3519.
Wildwood closure
Wildwood Park, off Washington Road in Appling, will be closed June 15-17 while a new entrance to the park is constructed, and is scheduled to reopen June 18.
Lifeguard class
The American Red Cross of Augusta's lifeguard class will be held in June, starting with a pre-test at 10 a.m. June 19 at the Family Y on Wheeler Road. For information, call (706) 724-8481, or go to www.arcaug.org.
Vaccine clinic
Heartsong Spay Neuter Clinic, in conjunction with the second annual Dog Appreciation Day June 20 at 623 E. Robinson Ave., Grovetown, will offer $5 one-year rabies vaccines, with other vaccinations and preventions available. The event is 10 a.m. to 4 p. m.; vaccinations will be offered 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. For information, call (706) 650-5877.
Flag Day
A Flag Day celebration will be held at 7 p.m. June 20 at the Augusta Scottish Rite Center, 2533 Washington Road, with Fort Gordon Commanding Gen. Jeffrey Foley as guest speaker, and a performance by the U.S. Army Signal Corps Ensemble. For information, call Jim Huggins at (706) 829-0144.
Parkinson group
The CSRA Parkinson Support Group will hold a Bingo fun night at 6 p.m. June 23 at the St. John Towers dining room, 724 Greene St., Augusta. For information, call (706) 364-1662.
Mosaic show
Mosaic United Methodist Church, on Columbia Industrial Boulevard, will hold the Studio Go! Game Show July 19 and 21-24 for ages 3 to fifth grade. A kick-off family carnival will be held 5:30-8 p.m. July 19, with the game show July 21-23 and the awards show for families July 24. Supper will be served nightly. To register, e-mail hugginlady04@yahoo.com.
School festival
University Hospital's Back to School Festival will be held 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 1 at Evans Middle School on Hereford Farm Road.
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.
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.
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.
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.