Today’s Happenings
Americus
Caution Urged: The City of Americus urges all drivers to use caution while traveling some City streets. Public works crews are working to uncover manholes in streets to allow contractors to perform smoke testing. Until the manholes can be raised to street grade, there will be dips in the pavement.
2010 Census: The City of Americus announces that 2010 Census has begun. Census takers have started going door-to-door getting census information. This Census is prepared every 10 years. The City encourages all citizens to cooperate and give accurate information as requested. The data received and the ultimate Census count could affect state and federal funding to the community. For information call Beverly Butcher at 924-4411.
Yard Waste: The City of Americus reminds everyone to bag yard waste, grass clippings, leaves, hedge clippings, etc. and place them BY the road not ON the road for pickup. Customers who do not follow these guidelines can be subject to a fine of up to $255 for each offense.
Limbs & Logs: The City of Americus says limbs and logs up to 12 in. in diameter can be picked up by City crews but cannot be over 6 ft. long. Limbs and logs 12 in. in diameter and over cannot be over 2 ft. long for pick up. Maximum weight is 50 lbs. Bags and limbs will be picked up once a week. Furniture and large household items should be placed next to the hobo for pick up on the same day. Customers who do not follow these guidelines can be subject to a fine of up to $255 for each offense.
Trash Hobos: The City of Americus reminds customers to remove the trash hobo from the street no later than 7 p.m. the day of pickup. Customers who do not follow these guidelines can be subject to a fine of up to $255 for each offense.
Tires, Etc.: The City of Americus does NOT pick up tires. Old tires should be taken to an authorized scrap dealer. The City of Americus does NOT pick up dirt, concrete blocks or bricks. Do not place these items at the curb for pick up. Customers who do not follow these guidelines can be subject to a fine of up to $255 for each offense.
Hydrant Testing: The Americus Fire & Emergency Services is testing hydrants until all City hydrants have been tested. Should you have any problems with your water being reddish in color, you should run your water for approximately 5-10 minutes to clear it up. If not call 924-3213.
Farmers’ Market: Lenny’s Market is now open for business from 7 a.m.-1 p.m. every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
This Week
Americus
Suhshine Club: The Sunshine Club meets from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. today at Perfect Care, 114 Sullican Drive. Bring a friend and covered dish; everyone is welcome. For information call Mary Suggs 824-5149, Trish Harvey 928-5616 or Sharon Brown 924-9352, ext. 5965.
Insurance Help: An investigator from the Office of State Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine is in Americus from10 a.m.-2 p.m. July 6 at the Courthouse. Call 928-4551 to confirm the investigator’s schedule. In addition to receiving assistance with insurance problems or questions, Oxendine’s Office offers complimentary homeowner, automobile and life insurance policy reviews. This service is designed to provide you with information you should know before purchasing insurance and how to avoid common mistakes. Investigators are available to assist by phone from 8 a.m.-7 p.m at 1-800-656-2298 or by visiting www.gainsurance.org
4-H Camp: Calling all Sumter County 5th and 6th graders to camp July 6-10! You won’t want to miss attending the fun summer workshops, canoeing in the lake, swimming and racing down the waterslide, singing at the campfires, hiking to the Mound, and more. Cost for your week is $220. (Payment plans available.) Sign up today at the Sumter County Extension Office at 331 U.S. Highway 19 South in Americus. Spaces are limited. For information call Keri Gandy, 4-H Agent at 924-4476.
PDA Meeting: The Americus-Sumter County Payroll Development Authority meets at 4 p.m. July 7 at the Rees Park Economic Development Center, 409 Elm Ave., Suite B, in the conference room on the second floor. The meeting is open to the public.
Servsafe® Training: Anyone interested in food safety can have the opportunity to improve food safety and sanitation skills. The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension offes Servsafe® Training for Food Service Managers July 7-8 at the Sumter County Agricultural Center, 331 U.S. Highway 19 South. Call 924-4476 or stop by the office for more information and to register.
League Board: The Junior Service League Board meets at 7 p.m. July 7 at 106 Cornelia Drive, hostessed by Jaime Smith.
Library Board: The Sumter County Library board mets at 6 p.m. July 7 at Lake Blackshear Regional Library, 307 E. Lamar St. The meeting is open to the public.
After Hours: The Sumter Historic Trust hosts a Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours from 5-7 p.m. July 14 at the Lee Council House.
Terminal Dedication: A dedication of the Brown C. Hodges Terminal will be held at 10 a.m. July 28 at Southerfield Airport. The public is welcome.
Ribbon Cutting: The Americus-Sumter County Chamber of Commerce hosts a ribbon cutting at 9 a.m. July 29 at Joyce Myers Park, Rees Street. The public is invited.
After Hours: A Business After Hours, hosted by the DGR Group, is from 5-7 p.m. Aug. 4 at the Chamber of Commerce, in the Rees Park Economic Development Center.
Hangar Dedication: A dedication of the Thomas K. Lloyd Hangar is at 10 a.m. Aug. 12 at Southerfield Airport. The public is welcome.
After Hours: A Business After Hours is from 5-6:30 p.m. Aug. 18 at the new Sumter County Humane Society on Southerfield Road.
Membership Luncheon: The third Quarterly Membership Luncheon, Americus-Sumter County Chamber of Commerce is at noon Sept. 10 in the Faculty Dining Room at Georgia Southwestern State University.
Plains
Jimmy Carter National Historic Site: Summer Interpretive Schedule for June, July and August at the Boyhood Farm is: 10-11:30 a.m. Tuesdays, Barn/Farm Animal talk; 10 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Crop Talk; 10 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Saturdays, Barn/Farm Animal talk; 1:30-3:30 p.m. Clark House, Broom Making; 1:30-3:30 p.m., Blacksmithing; 1:30-3:30 p.m. Sundays, Boiling Peanuts. Schedule may change due to weather or staffing issues.
Concerned Citizens: The Schley County Association of Concerned Citizens Inc. board meets at 4 p.m. Sunda at New Corinth Baptist Church, Spivey Street.The meeting is open to the public.
Lake Blackshear:
2009 Reunion: All graduates and former students of South Georgia Technical College during 1998-2002 are invited to the “2009 Da Tech Reunion” from 1-9 p.m. Aug. 15 at Lake Blackshear. Cost is $65 per person which includes a T-shirt.
Deadline for your payment is July 31. Hotel reservations can be made at Jameson Inn 924-2726 under “Da Tech Reunion” (DTR). Deadline for hotel reservations is July 24. For more information contact Latricia Kinchens at lkinchen@gmail.com or Cherry Stallworth 912-604-9930.
Buena Vista
Regional Council: The new Regional Council, formerly the Lower Chattahoochee Regional Development Center and Middle Flint Regional Development Center, hold a board meeting at 10 a.m. July 1 at the Josh Gibson Family Resource Center, 116 Rogers St. The meeting is open to the public.
Ongoing
Americus
Caregivers’ Support: Mattie Marshall/Alzheimer’s Association Caregivers’ Support Group meets noon the second Tuesday of each month with a light lunch served in the Garden Apartments Clubhouse at Magnolia Manor, 2001 S. Lee St. Call Cindy Holloway at 931-5943.
Six Flags Tickets: Stop by the Sumter County Extension Office to purchase 2009 Six Flags ticket for only $28. Tickets are valid any regular operating day through Nov. 1. For information call 924-4476.
Paid Research Study: Do you have a school age child with ADHD? If so, you may be eligible for a paid research study looking at sibling relationships in families with ADHD. Eligible families can earn $40 for answering some questions about their family. Participation takes about an hour and can be schedule at times and locations convenient for you. All information is kept completely confidential. For more information call Dr. Ellen Cotter at 931-2267.
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 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. E-mail fourecenter@yahoo.com or call 928-8001 for information.
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; e-mail srhmarketing@hotmail.com.
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 e-mail 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.
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)
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.
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.
Leslie
Free Tutoring: Free tutoring sessions are offered from 6:30-7:30 p.m. every Wednesday at the Leslie Civic Center. Volunteers are needed. Call Loretta Raines 938-1166 for more information.
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.. 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.
