Your Opinion: August 20, 2008

Today’s Happenings

Americus

Sunshine Club: The Sunshine Club meets from 11:30 a.m. -1 p.m. today at the Sumter County Agricultural Club on U.S. Highway 19 South. Attendees are asked to bring a covered dish. Please call Trish Harvey at 928-5616 for more information.



Outdoor Watering Ban: City of Americus residents living north of Lamar Street are allowed to water outside 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.



This Week

Americus 

Tourism Council: The Americus-Sumter Tourism Council meets today at the Americus-Sumter County Chamber of Commerce, Rees Park Economic Development Center. The finance committee meets at 3:30 p.m. followed by the board at 4 p.m. Both sessions are open to the public.



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



City Council: The Mayor and City Council meet at 5 p.m. Thursday in Council Chambers, Russell Thomas Jr. Public Safety Building. The meeting is open to the public.



Service Board: The Middle Flint Behavioral HealthCare Community Service Board meets at 4:30 p.m. Thursday at the Intake/Assessment Building, 100 Heads Ave. The agenda is available upon request and the meeting is open to the public.



Library Board: The Lake Blackshear Regional Libray board meets at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at 325 S. Lee St. The meeting is open to the public.



Blood Drive: Sumter Regional Hospital and the Sumter County community sponsor a blood drive from 8 a.m.- 6 p.m. Friday at First Baptist Church, 221 S. Lee St. There is an urgent need for type O blood donors. If you are eligible to donate, bring a photo ID.



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.



Business After Hours: The Americus-Sumter County Chamber of Commerce and the City of Americus host a Business After Hours from 5:30-7 p.m. Aug. 26 at the new Chamber offices, 409 Elm Ave. There will be a dedication of the new community room at this time.



Lunch ‘n’ Learn: “Eat This, Not That! Food swaps that can save you pounds,” a Sumter Regional Hospital Lunch 'n' Learn program at noon-1 p.m. Aug. 26 in the Devotions Room at Habitat for Humanity. Bring your lunch. For more information, call Karen Smith, 924-6935, ext. 2032.



Blood Drive: The Sumter Performance Learning Center (PLC) has a blood drive from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Aug. 26 at the PLC in the Bumphead Road parking lot, adjacent to the PLC.



Lunch ‘n’ Learn: Sumter Regional Hospital East presents” “Eat This Not That!” for Lunch ‘n’ Learn (L&L;) program at noon Aug. 26 in the Devotions Room of Habitat for Humanity’s headquarters, corner of Lamar and Hampton streets. The program is based on the book Eat This Not That! by David Zinczenko, editor-in-chief of Men’s Health magazine.  The discussion will focus on food choices that can improve your health, both at home and when dining out. Karen W. Smith, Sumter Regional Hospital ’s Community Educator, is presenter. Two copies of the book will be given away as door prizes, as well as other helpful materials for choosing wisely when dining out. The program begins at approximately 12:10 p.m. and ends around 12:50 p.m. Participants are encouraged to bring their lunch and eat during the presentation.  The public is invited, and there is no registration or fee for this program.

 

Raffle Tickets: Century 21 sponsors Wheels for Easter Seals in which a new golf cart will be given away Aug. 27. Tickets are $10 each and available at Century 21 Americus Realty, 701 E. Lamar St. at any Century 21 office in South Georgia. For information call 924-2903.

 

Class of 1978: 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. Tickets are $40 per person and $80 per couple. Checks need to be made out to AHS Class of 1978 and sent to Susan Ferguson at 780 Cameron Mill Road, LaGrange, GA 30240, or tickets can be purchased from Rick Whaley at Citizens Bank in Americus.



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



Name Contest: Help rename the Windsor Hotel’s Grand Dining Room. Accompany your name entry along with a historically or locally significant reason for your suggestions. Entries must be submitted to the hotel by Sept. 1 and the winner will be announced at the Chamber of Commerce’s Business After Hours Sept. 16. The winner receives a romantic over-night stay in one of the towers. 



Free Yard Sale: Koinonia Farm hosts a free yard sale from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 6. Everyone’s invited to donate clothing, household furniture and other items and to come “shop” at the yard sale, too. Although all items are free, donations are welcomed and encouraged. Proceeds from the sale and 50 percent of all sales generated in the Koinonia Welcome Center on that day will go to the Community Service Ministry in Sumter County to help meet the needs of local individuals and families. Koinonia Farm is located at 1324 Ga. Highway 49 South. Please drop off all items or donations at the Koinonia Farm Welcome Center by Sept. 5. Business hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. If you have large items you are unable to transport, call Koinonia for pick up. All donations are tax-deductible. For more information contact Jake Warren at marketing@koinoniapartners.org or 924-0391.



Free Classes: Lake Blackshear Regional Library offers Beginners’ Internet at 11 a.m. Sept. 6, Microsoft Word for Beginners at 11 a.m. Sept. 13, Got Email. Getting Your First Internet Email Account at 11 a.m. Sept. 20 and Personal Computer Basics at 11 a.m. Sept. 27. Each class lasts an hour. All classes are free and open to the public on a first come, first served basis. Stop by the library at the Manhattan Shirt Factory building, 320 Tripp St. or call 924-8091 or visit lbrls.org for more information.



Open Meeting: The Sumter Humane Society's open board meeting is at 7 p.m. Sept. 9 in the Political Science Conference Room 318. Perimeter Road, Georgia Southwestern State University. Anyone interested in joining the board or just interested in what the organization does are invited.



CD Release: Gospel recording artist, Minister Alesia Snipes Sanders, releases her newest CD on at 6 p.m. Sept. 13 with a concert at United Holiness Church Headquarters, 901 Aaron Snipes Sr. Drive.



Free Bomb Seminar: The Georgia Emergency Management Agenc,y in partnership with the GBI Bomb Squad, hosts a Managing School Bomb Threats seminar at from 8:30 a.m.- 3 p.m. Sept. 17 in the John M. Pope Industrial Technology Center, South Georgia Technical College. Topics include proper bomb threat management, planning and preparation to ensure a well executed plan, identifying a bomb threat and making credible assessment, bomb search techniques, and adjudication of a bomb threat suspect. The seminar concludes with an explosion demonstration. For more information, call 478-993-4612.



Steak & Stake: Hear University of Georgia Bulldog Head Basketball Coach Dennis Felton speak at this year’s Boys & Girls Clubs of Sumter County Annual Steak & Stake Banquet & Silent Auction at 7 p.m. Sept. 18 at the South Georgia Technical College gym. Silent auction starts at 6 p.m. Tickets at $75 per person are available at the Boys & Girls Clubs, 551-A Hosanna Circle; at the Americus Welcome Center, 123 W. Lamar St.; or by calling or emailing 924-0414; coachjimmygreen@yahoo.com.



Babysitter Class: Sumter Regional Hospital hosts a Babysitter Class from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 13 in Clarence Jordan Center Auditorium. Fee is $30. Call 924-6935, ext. 2032 or ext. 2033 for details. Scholarships available. Bring lunch and beverage and a toddler-size doll or stuffed animal if you have one.



Plains

Folk Play: The Plains folk play, “If These Sidewalks Could Talk,” is written and directed by Kim and Mandy Fuller with music written and conducted by Dan Ariail. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 26 & 27 at Plains High School. Tickets are $10/adults and $5/children. Call 824-5373 for more info or visit www.plainsgeorgia.com



Peanut Fest: Plains Peanut Festival features a 1-Mile Fun Run and 5K Road Race, Arts and Craft vendors, parade, children’s activities, continuous entertainment, President and Mrs. Carter’s book signing, SAM Shortline rides on Sept. 27. Free admission. Street Dance is 8:30-11:30 p.m. on Main Street featuring The Club Hounds from Albany. No coolers. Free admission. A softball game between U.S. Secret Service and Plains High School Alumni is 3 p.m. Sept. 28 at Plains High School. Free admission. Call 824-5373 for more info or visit www.plainsgeorgia.com



Montezuma

Beaver Creek Event: The Beaver Creek Festival and Duck Race are planned for 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 27 in the Charlie Jackson Unity Park, in historic downtown. The event features vendors, stage entertainment, box raffles, a cake walk, a dunking booth, the Duck Doodle contest, downtown merchant sidewalk sales, children’s activities and an art contest and show. For more information contact The Montezuma Downtown Development Authority at 478-472-4777 or dda@montezuma-ga.org. Vendor booths are $20 or $25 with electricity. The festival’s grand finale is The Great Beaver Creek Duck Race, sponsored by the Macon County Chamber of Commerce. Ducks are $5 and are for sale through area merchants and Chamber members. The top prize is $1,014, and the prize for the last duck to cross the finish line is $114. To enter the art contest, contact Jimmy Davis, president, Macon County Historical Museum at 478-472-2391 or jcdavisjr@alltel.net.



Buena Vista

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.



Albany

Cancer Benefit: The 2008 Cancer Ties Benefit is 6 p.m. Sept. 18 at the State Theatre. Music by Heartland; silent auction; tickets $20. Support this great cause while wearing the ugliest, wildest, wackiest tie you can find showing that everyone is tied to someone with cancer. Come early and sample food from several local restaurants or come later for an evening of dancing. Call Allison Salter 229-886-5881 for information.



Elsewhere

Family Reunion: The 20th annual Hancock Reunion is Sept. 26 & 27 at Bridgecreek Primitive Baptist Church. eight miles west of Moultrie on Ga. Highway 37. All family members, relatives and friends are invited. A barbecue and genealogical exchange is Sept. 26 and a covered dish dinner is Sept. 27. To confirm reservations or for more information call Carol Hancock 229-776-3059 or Gwen Lott 706-742-5015.



Ongoing

Americus

Al-Anon: Many people are affected by the drinking of someone else. We welcome you to our anonymous family group meeting from 7-8 p.m. Tuesdays at Calvary Episcopal Church, 408 S. Lee St. Contact hope4todayafg@yahoo.com for more information. Visit www.al-anon.alateen.org to learn more. Podcasts are available at at above

website to get a better idea of what Al-Anon meetings are like.



Girls Rock: 4-E learning & Prevention Center Inc., 802 Ashby St., sponsors Girls R.O.C.K. (Respecting Ourselves with Charisma & Klass) from 4-6 p.m. every Friday for girls ages 8-16. Learn etiquette skills, music and dance, participate in community projects and enjoy field trips. Membership is $40 per month. Email fourecenter@yahoo.com or call 928-8001 for information.



Support Group: Caring Together! meets at 2 p.m. every third Wednesday at the Lake House on GSW Campus. If you care for a family member or friend who needs assistance due to aging, a disability or a long-term illness, please join us. Each month we share our thoughts and solutions for a new caregiving topic. Light refreshments are served. For more information call Gayle Alston at 931-2707.



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 toward 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.



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 items 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.



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.



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.



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.



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: SOWEGA Court Appointed Special Advocates (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 advocates for the child’s best interest before the court. Training classes are available soon. For more information, call 931-4488.



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.

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