Today’s Happenings

Americus

Outdoor Watering Ban: City of Americus residents living north of Lamar Street are allowed to water outisde Monday, Wednesday and Saturday while those living south of Lamar Street can water Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. Outdoor watering is allowed only between midnight and 10 a.m. Watering between 10 a.m. and midnight is prohibited.



Lions Club: The Americus Lions Club meets at 7 p.m. today at Ryan’s Family Steakhouse. Newly elected President Dr. Leonard LaRussa is in charge of the program.



Blood Drive: A community blood drive is from 2-7 p.m. today at Central Baptist Church, 190 Upper River Road, to help with the dwindling supplies.This blood drive will give donors, that were not available to donate pn June 20, an opportunity to do so. Donorscan call the church to make an appointment 924-4092. 



Library Board: The Sumter County Library Board of Trustees mets at 6 p.m. today at Lake Blackshear Regional Library, 320 Tripp St. The meeting is open to the public.



SGTC Board: The South Georgia Technical College board meets at 9:30 a.m. today in the John M. Pope Technology Center conference room. The meeting is open to the public.



This Week

Americus

Sunshine Club: Come join the fun at Sunshine Club from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday at the Sumter County Agricultural Center, 331 U.S. Highway 19 South. For information call Mary Suggs 824-5149, Trish Harvey 928-5616, B.J. Wright or Mary Comer 924-9352, ext. 5065. Bring a friend and covered dish. Everyone is welcome.



Office Closed: The Americus-Sumter County Chamber of Commerce office will be closed in observance of Independence Day on Friday.



Cordele

July 4th Weekend: Georgia Veterans Memorial State Park hosts its July 4th Weekend Celebration Friday and Saturday. Fireworks on the Flint start at 9:30 p.m. Friday. Old-fashioned games start at 10 a.m. Saturday at the activity shelter in the campground. The public is invited. Participation is $1 per person. For programs at the activity shelter in the campground, visitors need to stop by the visitor center for the gate combination. Call 229-276-2371 for information.



Looking Ahead

Americus

Ribbon Cutting: The Americus -Sumter County Chamber of Commerce hosts a ribbon cutting for Five Star Tobacco Discount at 11 a.m. July 7 at its location in the old Dominoes Store, East Forsyth Street.



Authority Meeting: The Americus-Sumter County Payroll Development Authority meets at 4 p.m. July 8 in the John Pope Center, South Georgia Technical College. The meeting is open to the public.



Called Meeting: The Sumter County Board of Commissioners has a special called meeting at 1 p.m. July 10 in the Superior Courtroom at the Sumter County Courthouse for the purpose of setting the millage rate and any other items “properly brought before the Board.” The agenda setting meeting immediately follow the special called meeting. Both are open to the public. 



After Hours: The Americus-Sumter County Chamber of Commerce hosts a Business After Hours from 5-7 p.m. July 11 at Brickyard Plantation Golf Club at the clubhouse.



Committee Meeting: The Education Committee of the Americus-Sumter County Chamber of Commerce meets at noon Aug. 4 at the Chamber.



Chamber Ambassadors: The Ambassadors of the Americus-Sumter County Chamber of Commerce meet at 8:15 a.m. Aug. 5 at the Chamber.



After Hours: The Americus-Sumter County Chamber of Commerce hosts a Business After Hours with Americus Injury and Wellness Center and Dr. Michael Dutton from 5-6:30 p.m. Aug. 12.



Young Ambassadors: The Young Ambassadors of the Americus-Sumter County Chamber of Commerce hosts an orientation kick-off at 8 a.m. Aug. 21 at the Chamber.



Youth Leadership: The Youth Leadership Sumter Class of 2008-2009 hosts its kick-off from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Aug. 26 at the Americus-Sumter County Chamber of Commerce.

 

Class of 1978: The Americus High School class of 1978 is making plans now for a 30th high school reunion. The event will be Saturday, Aug. 30, at the Georgia Southwestern Golf & Conference Center in Americus. For more information, contact Susan Royal Young at 924-6182 or susanyoung27@hotmail.com; Susan Gibbs Ferguson at 706-882-0603, or sferguson@bellsouth.net; or Margo Mitchell at 331-1317 or bubblebrmsugar@yahoo.com.



Office Closed: The Americus-Sumter County Chamber of Commerce office will be closed in observance of Labor Day, Sept. 1.

 

Leslie

Authority Meeting: The Southwest Georgia Railroad Excursion Authority meets at 4:30 p.m. Aug. 13. The meeting is open to the public.



Buena Vista

Class of 1983: Tri County High School’s Class of 1983 celebrates its 25th Class Reunion July 19. All class members are invited to attend a Weekly Planning Conference Call that is held at 8 p.m. each Friday. To participate, call 1-800-851-3876 and enter Pass Code 6020475. For more information, call Charlene (Reeves) Pennymon at 924-4011.



Class of 1989: The Tri-County High School Class of 1989 is attempting to local class members for a 20-year reunion. Please send information to tchsclassof89@yahoo.com. Several meetings are planned for the near future. For more information call Deana (Dews) Powell 229-314-9446, George Neal 706-325-9474 or Danielle (Cook) Murphy 229-942-6603.



Ongoing

Americus

Safety Signs: The Sumter County Extension Office, 331 U.S. Highway 19 South, offers a safety address sign to residents and property owners. The blue sign is made of 12” by 6” engineering grade sign material with 4” No. M reflective numbers and/or letters. It is attached to a 36” metal post. The sign is highly visible at night and easily spotted during the day time. Signs are $18 and a portion of the proceeds go to the local 4-H Club youth program. Come by the Extension Office and complete a safety sign order dorm today. For more information call 924-4476.

 

Commemorative Bricks: For a donation, you can get your own piece of history. Imprinted and engraved bricks from Sumter Regional Hospital that was hit by the March 1, 2007, tornado are to the general public. All proceeds go towardsd the rebuilding of the new, permanent hospital. A $25 donation, you get an imprinted brick; for $50 donation, an imprinted brick and printed SRH timeline, and for $100 donation, an engraved brick, printed SRH timeline and acrylic case. Make checks and money orders payable to Sumter Regional Hospital Foundation and mail to Marketing & Public Relations Department,100 Wheatley Drive, Americus. Call today to make your donation at 928-4000, and ask for the Marketing & PR Department; email srhmarketing@hotmail.com.



Six Flags Tickets: Sumter County 4-H Club has Six Flags tickets for $27. Stop by the Sumter County Agricultural Center, 331 U.S. Highway 19 South to purchase. Tickets are valid any regular operating day through Nov. 2. For information call 924-4476.



Storytimes: Lake Blackshear Regional Library hosts story time each week from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. beginning June 5 at the new location, 320 Tripp St., Americus. The program is geared towards preschoolers, but all are welcome to come. For information, call Beth Tanner at 924-8091.



Volunteers Needed: Several residents at Magnolia Manor Nursing Center enjoy getting out of the facility whenever possible. Volunteers are needed to assist residents with their weekly menus.Volunteers would be needed Thursday or Fridays to help residents mark and read the food itms they would have as their meals. If interested, call Missy Wiggins at 924-9352, ext. 3079 or email mwiggins@magnoliamanor.com.



After School Classes: The 4-E Learning and Prevention Center Inc. offers after school and tutoring services in math/reading/language arts/science/social studies/CRCT/EOCT test preparation, and a new program, Girls ROCK (Respecting Ourselves with Charisma and Klass), etiquette skills/music/dance/community projects and field trips. Call 928-5605.



Free Workshop: Getting the Best of Stress! is a free workshop offered at 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays at the Rosalynn Carter Institute. Learn to identify how stress may be affecting your life and master the tools and techniques to offset those effects. For more information call 931-2707. This program is provided in collaboration with Project C.A.R.E.



Grant Program: University of Georgia Cooperative Extension announces a new grant program. The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program’s outreach mission is to advance the well being of individuals and families over the life span and strengthen Georgia communities. The EFNEP program works with individuals and families, consumers, professionals, policy-makers, related agencies, businesses and industries. For more information on the EFNEP program, please contact Sandra Sparks, EFNEP educator, at 924-4476.

 

Online Services: Nancy C. Smith, clerk of Sumter Superior Court, has announced that people can now apply online to become a notary public or to renew current notary. Visit www.gsccca.org and proceed at the Georgia Notary online application button. Closely follow instructions as directed and present completed application at the Clerk of Court’s Office, Sumter County Courthouse. Call 928-4537 for more information.



First Steps: Babies don’t come with instructions, but in Sumter, Macon and Schley counties, they come with a First Steps volunteer. You can make a difference in a newborn’s life. First Steps provides all parents or newborns with support, education and referrals to community resources. To become a volunteer, call Angela Harris at 928-4308. First Steps is a program of PCA Georgia and is funded in part by the Children’s Trust Fund Commission.



End Hunger: Help end hunger in Southwest Georgia. Visit www.foodbank-swga.org)



Class of 1998: The Sumter County Comprehensive High School Class of 1998 is planning a 10-year reunion. All interested class members should call Robert Morgan Jr. (942-9118) or Talaycia Hawkins (942-8403). Visit www.myspace.com/ramsclassof1998 for news and photos.



Lions Club: The Americus Lions Club meets at 7 p.m. every first and third Tuesday at Ryan’s Family Steakhouse.



Narcotics Anonymous: “Just For Today,” Narcotics Anonymous meets at 7:30 p.m. every Monday and Thursday, 8 p.m. every Wednesday and 7:30 p.m. every Sunday at First Presbyterian Church, 125 S. Jackson St. (enter through double-glass doors in fellowship hall; park on street or in public parking lot). There’s a speaker every last Thursday of each month.



Al-Anon: The Al-Anon Family Group meets from 7-8 p.m. every Tuesday at Calvary Episcopal Church, 408 S. Lee St. For more information contact hope4todayafg@yahoo.com.



Family Caregivers: If you live in the Americus/Sumter area and are caring for a loved one who has a long-term illness such as stroke, heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s, or physical or mental disabilities due to injury, the Rosalynn Carter Institute wishes to talk with you. We are interested in your experiences as a family caregiver, the support and services you are using now and those you wish were available but have not been able to find. The discussion lasts no more than one hour. We will come to your home or any other location that is convenient for you. Each caregiver who participates will receive $20. Call Gayle Alston at 931-2707 for more information.



Water Restrictions: Water restrictions are effect in the City of Americus. There is no watering allowed between the hours of 10 a.m.-midnight on any day. Those addresses north of Lamar Street can water on odd calendar days from midnight-10 a.m. only. Those addresses south of Lamar Street can water on even calendar days from midnight-10 a.m. only. No watering is allowed on Fridays at any time.



Volunteers Needed: The Methodist Home for Children & Youth is looking for Big Sister/Visiting Families. Must be 21 years old, pass criminal background check, sex offender check, Child Protective Services History check, have three references and follow established guidelines. Contact Whitney Lamb at 924-4616 Tuesday-Saturday.



Ambassadors Needed: The Ambassadors of the Americus-Sumter County Chamber of Commerce are looking for new members. Chamber member businesses are invited to nominate someone to join this elite group of business minded individuals who perform volunteer work on behalf of the Chamber. Call 924-2646 for information.



Free Classes: Free GED classes are 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Mondays at Easter Morning Community Center, 551A Hosanna Circle. For information call 931-7323.



Cub Scouts: Cub Scout Pack 27 located at 1011 Harrold Ave., is looking for boys that want to have lots of fun. Pack 27 meets at 7 p.m. Tuesdays. For information call Scoutmaster Mark Crawford at 931-0515 or 591-8693 or Cubmaster Chris Chappell at 229-273-8427. Pack 27 is sponsored by the Americus Civitans.



Boy Scouts: Are you a young man ages 11-17? Are you looking for outdoor adventure? Join Boy Scout Troop 27 at 7 p.m. Mondays at the Scout Hut on Harrold Avenue, next to the Americus-Sumter County High School South Campus gym. For information contact Scoutmaster Mark Crawford at 931-0515 or e-mail bsatrooppack27@yahoo.com



Chapter Forming: Interested in losing weight? A new chapter of T.O.P.S. (take off pounds sensibly) is forming in Americus. Call Lynn Saigeon at 931-5340. Meets Mondays.



Share Group: The Grief Share Group meets at 7 p.m. the first and third Monday of every month at First Baptist Church, South Lee Street. Meetings are open to anyone grieving the death of a loved one. For information, call the church office at 924-9035 or Ann Creel Beaver at 924-7652.



Overeaters Anonymous: Overeaters Anonymous meets 6 p.m. every Tuesday at the Wheatley House, across from the Sumter Regional Hospital emergency room. Everyone is welcome. For information call Janice at 928-2339.



Caregiver Support: The Magnolia Manor/Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group meets at noon every second Tuesday of the month at the Magnolia Manor Clubhouse. A light lunch is served. For information call Cindy Holloway at 931-5943.



Pilot Club: The Americus Pilot Club meets (focuses on brain-related injuries and disorders) meets at 6 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of each month in the Magnolia Room, Magnolia Manor Retirement Center, South Lee Street.



Soup Kitchen: The Soup Kitchen, at 437 S. Hampton St., is open at 6 p.m. every Wednesday to all in need.



Volunteers Needed: The Georgia Southwestern Court-Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), formerly SOWEGA CASA, office serving a six-county area, needs volunteers to work with abused and neglected children who are involved in the court system. A CASA volunteer represents the child’s best interest before the court. Training classes are available soon. The CASA office can only handle half of the cases because of a volunteer shortage. Call Fran Ryan, program coordinator, at 931-2268 for information.



Safety Signs: The Sumter County Extension Office, P.O. Box 1027, offers a safety address sign to residents and property owners in the County. The blue sign is made of 12” by 6” engineering grade sign material with 4” 3M reflective numbers and/or letters. It is attached to a 36” metal post. The sign is highly visible at night and easily spotted during the day time. Signs are $18 and a portion of the proceeds go to the local 4-H youth program. Come by the Extension Office and complete a Safety Sign order form today. For information, call 924-4476.



First Steps: Become a volunteer with Sumter Regional Hospital’s First Steps program which provides all parents of newborns with support, education and referral to community resources. Call Angela Harris at 924-6011, ext. 1199.



Family Workshop: Who would make your final health care decisions if you couldn’t make them for yourself? The Critical Conditions Family Workshop can help you and your loved ones talk about these issues before decisions might have to be made. The CRITICAL Conditions Family Workshop is free! If you are aware of a group who would be interested in participating in a workshop presented by United Hospice of Cordele, call contact Jana Dew at 1-800-288-8466.



Members Needed: Register for Girl Scouts! Contact Velvet S. Riggins (velvetr@gsswga.org) or 229-432-9188 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.



Adult Reading Skills: Adult Literacy Action Inc. has several openings for adult individuals interested in improving their reading skills. The organization is affiliated with the Lake Blackshear Regional Library. Volunteer tutors are available to work with individuals on a one-on-one basis. Generally sessions are held one or two times a week for about an hour. Training materials are furnished at no charge. If interested, call 924-9010.



Caregiver Program: The Relative Caregiver Programs wants to support those who are caring for the children of a family member. The program offers support services including home visits by a case manager, resource and referral services, support group meetings and family training. For information call 931-2238.



Sisters, Families Needed: The girls of The Methodist Home for Children & Youth seek big sisters and visiting families. Requirements: 21 years of age, pass a criminal background check, three favorable references, agree to a statement of non-abuse, and follow established guidelines. Call Whitney Lamb, Campus Life coordinator at 924-4616 Tuesday-Saturday for information.



Recovery Program: Doing things the same never brings change. Got problems? Drugs, divorce, alcohol, porn; it doesn’t matter. Join us at 7 p.m. every Monday at 245 Southland Road for Celebrate Recovery. Contact us at 924-7409 or 937-2966 for more information or visit www.cornerstoneamericus.com and click on Celebrate Recovery.



Plains

Commemorative Bricks: Commemorative bricks, engraved with your family name, are available for $50 each and will be placed around the Billy Carter Service Station Museum. Call 824-5373 for information.



Lions Club: The Plains Lions Club meets at 7 p.m. on the second Monday of each month. Call President Wade Medlock at 824-7423 for information.



Free Classes: Free writing and math classes in preparation for GED are offered from 8:30 a.m.-noon Monday and Tuesday at the Boys & Girls Club. Work at your own pace. Call 931-7323 for information.



Ellaville

Recreation Authority: The Ellaville-Schley County Recreation Authority meets the first Thursday of the month. The meetings are open to the public.



Girl Scouts: Girl Scouts and Brownies meet 10:30 a.m.-noon Saturdays at the new Scout House.