Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Pre-K Programs
Columbia County Public Schools Pre-K -- (706) 863-1748, ext. 204

County's class size increases won't affect pre-K programs
Though class sizes in Columbia County might increase across most grade levels next school year, pre-kindergarten classes are exempt.

Caught up in the book
Appletree Academy III pre-kindergarten teacher Cathy Chiappetto reads a story to class.

Pupils learn social skills in preschool
The first day of pre-kindergarten launches a child's long academic career.

Pictures tell the story
Bobby Williams (from left), Alexis Tukes and Yusra Azeem draw the parts of a plant in their pre-K class at Appletree Academy III.

Revised pre-K drawing to be Monday
The new drawing for children registered in Columbia County's pre-kindergarten lottery will be held Monday.

Day Care Facilities
Children's Unique

Schools holding kindergarten registration
Columbia County elementary schools are registering children for kindergarten.

Nothing rocks like a good book
Maggie James finds a book she likes in Stephanie Brooks' pre-kindergarten class at South Columbia Elementary.

When filling out Georgia taxes, check off Line 29 for cancer research
Editor:If you or a loved one had cancer, would you want to leave your home state in order to get the best possible cancer care? The Georgia Cancer Coalition, an independent, not-for-profit organization, is working to reduce cancer-related deaths and make Georgia a premier state for cancer care.

Expo gives senior caregivers access to support services
Senior caregivers throughout the area are being invited to learn more about businesses and organizations that can help with their needs.

Church hunt is for community
Get your baskets ready. The Easter Bunny will be hopping into Columbia County this weekend.

Children's program in its second year
The Playhouse Project is a monthlong fundraiser for Easter Seals East Georgia Inc.

Evans High team going to nationals
Three Evans High School teens have won a chance to compete in the National Forensics League National Speech and Debate Tournament, and another Evans student will compete this weekend to qualify for the contest.

Pet Adoption Showcase
These pets are available for adoption from Columbia County Animal Services.

Time Capsule
As reported 33 years ago in the pages of The Columbia News and The Martinez-Evans Times, Wednesday, March 23, 1977:

Books Alive!
Ten balloons participated in a balloon glow as part of the Books Alive! Festival at Town Center Park.

On vacation
Bernard Bowles, Hampton Moss and Bucker Regan spent a day on the Atlantic Ocean off Singer Island, Fla., deep-sea fishing this month during the school break. They had a great day with catches of dolphin, king mackerel and a few large sharks that were cut free at the boat. Vacation photos Heading out of town or visiting a local park? Send us a family photo, and we'll publish it in The News-Times. Bring or mail a photo to our office at 4272 Washington Road, Suite 3B, Evans, GA 30809, or e-mail photos to cnt@newstimesonline. com. Be sure to write a few words to tell readers about your trip.

Police Blotter
Someone stole sporting equipment from two Evans residents' vehicles.

Newsmakers
Dr. George C. Bradley, the president of Paine College (right) was the guest speaker at Evans Middle School's Black History Month assembly. With Bradley are Principal Michael Johnson and guidance counselor Sharon Rich ,who organized the assembly.

School Councils
Evans Middle School: Tuesday.

Current events
Stress will be the topic for speaker Susan Smith, of Lawrenceville, Ga., at the "Spring Ahead" luncheon of the Augusta Christian Women's Connection, at 11 a.m. today at Augusta Jewish Community Center in Evans. Cost is $12, with nursery provided. Call (706) 925-5316.

Sharing a tent
Alayna Anderson (left) and Caitlyn Chavous play in a tent during camping day in Stephanie Brooks' pre-k class at South Columbia Elementary School.

EMS pageant winners
Evans Middle School's Nicole Collier won the People's Choice Award; Macy Neal took Best Interview and second runner-up; and Leigh Longley was given the Spirit of EMS award at the middle school's pageant on March 12.

The s'more the merrier
Brooke Hannett enjoys a s'more that she helped make in Stephanie Brooks' pre-kindergarten class at South Columbia Elementary.

School Information
Important dates

Editorial cartoon
Editorial cartoon for Wednesday, March 24, 2010.

Bureaucrats to die for state?
This is almost too creepy to believe.

No resolution to state's 'water wars'
With all the bad news coming out of the state capitol in recent weeks, it's tempting to think that Georgia's legislators have accomplished nothing for this session.

If pre-K lives, at least drawings improve
The Columbia County school system's director of elementary student learning, Michele Sherman, gets her opportunity Monday to put her new plan for pre-kindergarten drawings to the test.

Volunteers, competitors are winners at Olympics
Columbia County school board member Mildred Blackburn and her daughter, Betsy Thompson, ate lunch Friday on a wooden bench near the field at Greenbrier High School's stadium.

Sports calendar
Petersburg Racquet Club is offering free beginner tennis lessons. Adult lessons will be held Thursday and April 1 from 7-8:30 p.m. For information, call (706) 860-9288 or visit www.prctennis.com.

Panthers in driver's seat for region title
The sun was shining Friday, so Lakeside High School boys soccer coach Dave Morgan circled the practice field dropping plastic markers as his players prepared for practice.

Prep calendar
Listing of area prep sporting events.

Weekend lacrosse action
Lakeside High School's Abbie Harrover goes for a catch against a Greater Atlanta Christian defender during Saturday's 16-11 Lakeside girls lacrosse win at Panther Stadium.

Athlete Spotlight
Evans High School baseball coach Ricky Beale teaches weight-lifting. He oversees baseball workouts after school during the fall before heading to the football field.

Coach inspired countless young baseball players
When I first started playing sports through the Columbia County Recreation Department, I immediately knew of the Greene family.