Get up and go
Fruit sales
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- Lakeside High School's band is taking orders through Wednesday for boxes of oranges, grapefruit and tangelos for $15. For information, e-mail lhsbandfruit@yahoo.com, or call (706) 863-0027.
- Grovetown High School's band is holding fruit sales, with 20-pound boxes for $16 and 40-pound boxes for $26. Mixed boxes are available for $19 and $30. Orders must be received by Saturday, with delivery the week before Christmas. To order, call the school at (706) 447-2102, or Debby Turner at (706) 556-3342.
- Evans High School Band Boosters are holding their annual fruit sale, with 20-pound boxes available for $16. Deliveries will be made the week of Dec. 6. Orders may be made at www.FruitOrder.com, using organization ID 977960, or by calling (706) 564-4746.
CASA training
Child Enrichment will hold volunteer training for the Court Appointed Special Advocate program starting at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, continuing through Nov. 19. For information, call (706) 737-4631, or go to www.childenrichment.org.
Cancer talk
Pulmonologist Dr. Alfred Brannen will discuss lung cancer and other common lung diseases during a community education session at 6 p.m. Thursday at Savannah Rapids Pavilion. Dinner is free; reservations are required at www.universityhealth.org/calendar or by calling (706) 828-2502.
Wine festival
The annual Fort Gordon Wine Festival will be held 7-9 p.m. Thursday at the Gordon Club. Tickets cost $20 in advance or $25 at the door, and are available at MWR Marketing, the Gordon Club, Gordon Lanes or Aladdin Travel. For information, call (706) 791-6779.
Veterans program
Medal of Honor recipient retired Col. Jack Jacobs and retired Maj. Gen. Perry Smith will be the guest speakers at Harlem Middle School's Veterans Day assembly at 10:45 a.m. Friday. Signed books by Jacobs and Smith will be available at the event. For information, call Dolly Morris at (706) 556-5990, ext. 3425, or e-mail dolly.morris@ccboe.net.
Choral program
The Columbia County Choral Society will present "Music Cornucopia," a concert of music from the 1930s and '40s and Thanksgiving-themed selections at 7:30 p.m. Friday at First Baptist Church of Evans. Tickets cost $10, or $7 for seniors, students and groups. For information, go to www.ccchoralsociety.org or call (706) 650-2311.
Fall festival
Evans Christian Academy, 3130 Skinner Mill Road, Augusta, will hold a fall festival starting at 6:30 p.m. Friday. Admission costs $5, or $20 per family. For information, go to www.evanschristianacademy.org.
Yard sale
The Evans High School Band will hold a yard sale from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday at Martinez Elementary School on Flowing Wells Road.
Prayer event
Moms in Touch International will hold a prayer meeting for Christian women from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the former Augusta Christian School elementary site, 470 Furys Ferry Road, Martinez. For information, call (706) 863-2625.
Democrats dine
Retired U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Robert Gray, chairman of the Columbia County Democratic Party, will be the speaker at the party's breakfast at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at Earthfare, 368 Furys Ferry Road, Martinez. Breakfast costs $10, with tickets available at www.columbiacntydemocrats.com, or from Floyd Everett at (706) 825-8314.
Toys for Tots
The third annual Toys for Tots motorcycle ride will begin with registration at 9 a.m. Saturday at Augusta Harley-Davidson.
Green school
North Harlem Elementary is seeking donations of empty printer cartridges and used cell phones for a recycling project. Items may be dropped off at the school on Fairview Drive or at Etc., 212 N. Louisville St., Harlem. For information, call the school at (706) 556-5995.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available to family members of Georgia Farm Bureau members who intend to attend a school in the University System of Georgia or Berry College and study in agricultural or related fields. The deadline for applications is Feb. 26. For information, call the Columbia County office at (706) 556-6258, or go to www.gfb.org.
Dresses sought
Formally Yours, a high school student's program to collect prom gowns for students in need, is seeking donations of prom dresses. Donations may be taken to any location of Tudor's Cleaners or to Coach Dave's Barber Shop in Harlem. For information, e-mail formallyyours10@yahoo.com.
Craft classes
Craft and art classes, including quilting, crocheting and pottery, are being offered at Etc, 212 N. Louisville St., Harlem. Payment in advance is required to reserve space. For information, call (706) 556-8000, or e-mail etc212@att.net.
Aquinas event
Aquinas High School, 1920 Highland Ave., Augusta, will hold open house for middle-school students and parents from noon until 2 p.m. Nov. 15. For information, call Patti Williams at (706) 736-5516, or e-mail pwilliams@aquinashigh.org.
Hearing loss
The Hearing Loss Association of Augusta meets at 5:30 p.m. on the third Monday each month at Room 100 of the Adult Building of First Baptist Church of Augusta. For information, call Debbie Rish at (706) 650-2496, or e-mail hlaag.rish@yahoo.com.
Writers meet
CSRA Writers will meet at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 16 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
A National Sierra Club documentary on mountaintop coal mining at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 17 at the monthly meeting of the Augusta Chapter of the Sierra Club at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Augusta. For information, e-mail Judy Gordon at jgordon77@comcast.net.
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.
Newcomers
The Augusta Newcomers will hold a luncheon meeting at 10 a.m. Nov. 19 at West Lake Country Club, with a speaker from the Columbia County Sheriff's Office providing information about crime and safety during the holidays. For information, e-mail hospitality@augustanewcomers.com, or call Laura Dobbins at (706) 364-6824.
Youth jobs
The East Central Georgia Youth Employment Program is accepting applications through Nov. 20 for jobs for disadvantaged youths ages 16-20. For information, call 1 (800) 251-3882.
Pet adoptions
Columbia County Animal Services will hold a special pet adoption event from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 20, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 21, with all dogs and puppies available for $10, and cats and kittens for $5. All adopted animals will receive a free engraved pet ID tag. For information, call (706) 541-4077.
Art After Dark
The Artist Guild of Columbia County's annual art show and silent auction, Art After Dark, will be held 6-10 p.m. Nov. 21 at the Church of the Holy Comforter, 473 Furys Ferry Road, Martinez. Admission is free. For information, go to www.artistguildcc.org.
Parkinson group
The CSRA Parkinson Support Group will hold a holiday celebration pot-luck dinner at 6 p.m. Nov. 24 in the dining room at St. John Towers, 724 Greene St. Meat, drink and bread will be provided; guests should bring a side dish, salad, vegetable or dessert. For information, call (706) 364-1662.
Libraries closed
All three Columbia County libraries will be closed Nov. 26-29 for Thanksgiving holidays, and will reopen at 10 a.m. Nov. 30.
Women vets
The Women's Veterans Club is seeking new members. The group meets at 11 a.m. the first Saturday of each month at Ryan's Family Steakhouse, 208 Bobby Jones Expressway, Martinez. Dues cost $24 per year. For information, call Garnet Brickey at (706) 210-7331, or April Starks at (706) 868-5601.
Comedy night
Las Vegas-style comedians Jerry Farber and Saul Sloman will perform at 7 p.m. Dec. 6 at Adas Yeshuran Synagogue in Augusta, with desserts to follow. Tickets cost $20. For information, call (706) 733-9491.
Art and wine
The Augusta Jewish Community Center, 898 Weinberger Way, off Furys Ferry Road in Evans, will hold an art auction and wine tasting starting at 6 p.m. Dec. 12. Cost is a $25 donation. For information, call (706) 228-3636.
'Gift to Jesus'
St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church, 4921 Columbia Road, will present "Santa's Gift to Jesus," a story about the true meaning of Christmas, at 2 p.m. Dec. 13 in the sanctuary. Admission is free, and an offering will be taken for a needy family in the are. Free hot cocoa and cookies will be served after the production. For information, call Meledy Kise at (706) 294-7913.
Volunteers sought
The Grovetown Senior Center is seeking volunteer, licensed drivers with their own vehicles to deliver meals to shut-ins in the Grovetown area. For information, call (706) 210-8699.
Volunteers wanted
Regency Hospice is seeking volunteers. Training is provided. For information, call Nancy Browning at (706) 868-4422.
Dulcimer lessons
The Garden City Dulcimer Club is offering free dulcimer lessons. For information, call (706) 868-0120.
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.
Pet adoptions
Happy Tails Rescue holds pet adoptions from 1-4 p.m. each Saturday and Sunday at Tractor Supply, 596 Bobby Jones Expressway. For information, call (706) 955-0438.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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