AMERICUS — Today’s Events

Americus

Gwendolyn Butler Scholarship: The Boys & Girls Club of Americus/Sumter County Inc. presents the Gwendolyn Butler Scholarship. It will be awarded to two high school seniors (in the amount of $500 each) with a 3.0 or Higher GPA and 50 documented community service hours. Seniors can get appication from their school’s counselor or from Susan Ruckman, Russ Childers’ office, 629 E. Forsyth St. or the Boys & Girls Club administrative office, 103 Hosanna Circle.



Registration: Sumter County Head Start/Early Head Start accepts applications for the  2011-2012 school year from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday, through Feb. 18. For information call Krystal Austin at 924-7666.



Heart Awareness: February is Heart Month Awareness. In observance, Innovative Senior Solutions is completing blood pressure screenings from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. today at 124 D W. Lamar St. Large groups such as civic organizations, churches, etc. will need to schedule an appointment for someone to come to them. Otherwise, individuals can walk in on site at any time during those hours.



Preston

Parent Involvement:  Webster County Schools offers two program for parent involvement. Getting Ready for the CRCT is at 6:30 p.m. today and Emergency Preparedness is at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 24, both in the school’s cafeteria with refreshments and door prizes. For more information contact Dorothy Young Crimes, Graduation Coach/Parent Involvement coordinator at 229-828-3365 or  dcrimes@webster.k12.ga.us.



Byromville

Library Board: The Lake Blackshear Regional Library board of trustees meets at 6:30 p.m. today at the Maggie L. Page Memorial Club House. The meeting is open to the public.



This Week

Americus

Blood Drive: An American Red Cross blood drive, in memory of Josh Willis, is from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday at First Baptist Church, 221 S. Lee St. Call 914-2026 to make appointment.



Boy Scout Barbecue: Boy Scout Troop 26 and Pack 26 are selling barbecued boston butts and ribs. Orders can be picked up from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at First Baptist Church. Tickets are $25 and must be purchased in advance from any scout or scout leader. Call Scott Ivey at 924-3200 for more information or to purchase a ticket.



Free Classes: Lake Blackshear Regional Library offers Internet for Beginners at 11 a.m. Saturday and Personal Computer Basics at 11a.m. Feb. 26. Each class lasts an hour. Free and open to the public on a first come, first served basis. Stop by the library at 307 E. Lamar St. call 924-8091 or visit our website at lbrls.org for more information.



Looking Ahead

Americus

Called Meeting: The Americus-Sumter County Payroll Development Authority meets at noon Monday at the Rees Park Economic Development Center, 409 Elm Ave. in the conference room on the second floor. The meeting is open to the public.



Citizens Meeting: Sumter County Citizens for Fair Treatment meet at 7 p.m. Feb. 21 at the American Legion, 923 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. An experienced insurance agent will present a discussion of ISO ratings. Other topics also to be discussed.



Continuing Education: Georgia Southwestern State University Continuing Education offder Utilizing Facebook for Business from 9-11:30 a.m. Feb. 23 in the GSW Student Success Center Room 2413. Search Engine Optimization is offered from 9-11:30 a.m.March 9 in the same location. Each course is $69 or $99 for both. To register call 931-2151.



Black History Program: South Georgia Technical College hosts an African-American History program at 10 a.m. Feb. 24 in the John M. Pope Industrial Technology Center, featuring the Rev. Sherryl Sneed as speake.The public is invited.



Parent Workshop: 21st Learning Centers, South Georgia Technical Collehge and the Sumter County Schools’ After-school programs host a parent workshop from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Feb. 24 in the media center, Americus-Sumter County High School South Campus. Topic is job readiness and Don Smith of SGTC is facilitator. There will be refreshments from Subway and door prizes from local businesses. Child care will be available. For information call Rhonda Reddick, 942-4992.

 

Casino Night: The fifth annual Casino Night fundraiser, hosted by the Sumter Humane Society, is Feb. 26 at the Southland Ridge Clubhouse. Tickets are $50 each and include heavy hors’ d’oeurves, play money for the games, silent action and cup and beverage coupon. Call Michelle Andrews 928-0944 or Deb Oster 938-7302 for information on how to be a sponsor or make a donation for the auction. Tickets are available at area veterinarians’ office, at the animal shelter at 108 Industrial Blvd., or at the door the night of the event.



Yard Sale: The Americus High Singers' Yard Sale starts at 7:30 a.m. March 5 in the South Campus Gym on Harrold Avenue. It is expected to be even bigger and better than last year, so don't miss it! Donations are being accepted for the sale and they can be dropped off at the chorus room behind the gym or large items can be picked up. Call 229-400-3777 to schedule pick up.



GOP Convention: The Sumter County Republican Party convenes at 9 a.m. March 12 at Granny’s Kitchen Restaurant, U.S. HIghways 280 and 19. The mass meeting is to elect delegates to the County Convention at 10 a.m. at the same location. The County Convention is to elect delegates and alternates to the 2nd Congressional District and the State Convention. The Convention also adopts rules of the Sumter County Republican Party and elects officers for the 2011-2013 term. All Sumter County residents who are legally registered to vote and believe in the principles of the Republican Party are welcome to participate. For more information call Gerald E. Smith 924-6252.



Jog and Jam: The Shamrock Jog & Jam, to benefit the Scott Law Foundation is March 19. The entry fee for the 5K road race  is $20/pre-register and $25/the day of the race. The 1-mile walk/run is $15/pre-register and $20/the day of the race. For the after race band party, the runners/walkers get in free and all others pay a $5 cover.

 

Servsafe® Training: Anyone interested in food safety can have the opportunity to improve food safety and sanitation skills. The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension offers Servsafe® Training for Food Service Employees March 24. Pre-registration is required. Cost is $15. Call 924-4476 for more information or stop by the Sumter County Extension Office, Sumter County Agricultural Center, 127 William Bowen Pointe.

 

Plains

Presidents’ Day: What better way to celebrate Presidents’ Day than a visit from a former President of the United States? The Jimmy Carter National Historic Site hosts a Presidents’ Day Celebration at 11:30 a.m. Feb. 21 at the Plains High School Museum. Jason Berggren, Ph.D., Department of History and Political Science at Georgia Southwestern State University, speaks on the significance of Presidents’ Day and our most influential presidents. Following his presentation, former President Jimmy Carter will speak on the Carter Presidency’s greatest moments followed by a short question and answer session. Immediately following his lecture, President Carter will be available to autograph books he has authored with a limit of up to three books per person. Due to time constraints, he will not be able to personalize the books or autograph any other items such as photographs. Guests will be able to purchase books at the Eastern National bookstore located inside the Plains High School Museum. The Plains Depot will also be open on Presidents’ Day. The Plains Depot served as the 1976 Presidential Campaign Headquarters and highlights President Carter’s political campaigns. Likewise, the Jimmy Carter Boyhood Farm will be open to the public. Visitors may experience a bit of nostalgia and learn about life in 1930s by visiting President Carter’s childhood home and farm. There is no charge for this event or to visit the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site.



Meet Mr. Lincoln: At 10:30 a.m. Feb. 25 at the Plains High School Auditorium, the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site presents “Meet Mr. Lincoln,” a program bringing Abraham Lincoln’s story to life. Dennis Boggs has been portraying President Lincoln for schools, college and universities, civic groups, churches, and many other special events across the nation for over a decade. All are welcome to enjoy this unique opportunity to visit with the 16th President of the United States. School groups need to book in advance of the program by calling 824-4104. Boggs will also be moderating the annual Academic Quiz Bowl from 9 a.m.-noon Feb. 24 at the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site.



Montezuma

Young Heroes: The Americus Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. invites the public to participate in the 2nd annual Young Hero Award Program at 6 p.m. March 5 at the Preston Williams Center. Any individual, school, organization or church can nominate candidates between the ages of 14 to 19 at the time of the nomination and who live in the Sumter, Dooly, Terrell, Webster, North Lee County-Smithville, South Macon County- Montezuma, Oglethorpe, Ideal areas and meet  the criteria listed in the information package.  There is no charge to the candidates. The packages were placed in the school of the listed service areas. For more information call Brenda Jackson at 478-244-9547 or Janet Shelley at 478-957-9585.



Buena Vista

Youth Field Day: The Pine Mountain Soil and Water Conservation District hosts its 26th Annual Youth Forestry Field Day March 15 at Marion County High School. If your school is interested in participating, contact Lance Wyant 229-995-6001 immediately.



Columbus

Theater Trip: Georgia Southwestern State University’s Continuing Education is organizing a trip to see "Grease" April 14 at  RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. Depart GSW Education Center at 3:30 p.m. for 7:30 p.m. performance. Fee of $69 (includes show ticket and motorcoach transportation). Dinner before the show at Houlihan’s will be at your own expense, and you can order from the menu. Course number 411GRE206A. To reserve a space, call GSW Continuing Education 931-2151 or register online at www.contedu.org.



Fort Valley

Miss Georgia Peach: Applications are being accepted for the statewide Miss Georgia Peach Scholarship pageants to be held March 12 at Fort Valley State University. Any Georgia girl ages 4- 23 is eligible. Categories include Tiny Miss ages 4-6, Little Miss ages 7-10, Junior Miss ages 11-13, Teen ages 14-16, and Miss ages 17-23. Talent will not be required but instead offered as an optional competition in all groups except Tiny Miss. Queens serve as the official ambassadors of the Georgia Peach Festival and are recognized by the Georgia legislature and Governor. All winners receive saving bonds with the Miss receiving a $1,000 bond. Deadline to enter is March 7. For more information visit missgeorgiapeach.org or e-mail missgapeachpageant@email.com or call 478-923-3846 or 478-987-1960.



Ongoing

Americus

Free Job Training: Free certification/training offered in Americus to help participants increase skill set. Certificate to be given upon completion. Call Alisa, 380-9885, for more information. Classes are ongoing at 905-D Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.



Free Assistance: Insurance & Safety Fire Commissioner, John W. Oxendine, offers assistance to Georgia residents with insurance problems or questions by servicing 51 regional locations throughout the state of Georgia. To make an appointment to meet with an investigator in your area or receive information regarding regional assistance, please call 1-800-656-2298 and speak with Steve Stewman, assistant director. Investigators are also available to assist you by phone from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Friday at toll free number 1-800-656-2298. You can also use e-mail www.gainsurance.org.



AA Meeting: Alcoholics Anonymous meets at 8 p.m. Wednesdays at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 332 S. Lee St. Friends of Bill W. Club meets at 8 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Friday at 702 Adderton St. (Ga. Highway 30 West). For more meetings, visit www.aageorgia.org



Al-Anon: Al-Anon meets from 7-8 p.m. every Tuesday at Calvary Episcopal Church, South Lee Street. All meetings are confidential and open to interested persons.



Substance Abuse: Love and Mercy Outreach programs presents Alpha and Omega Substance Abuse and Awareness Program from 6-7 p.m. every Saturday at 511-D W. Forsyth St. All people with alcohol and drug addiction issues and their friends and family are welcome. For more information or for a ride, call James Ross 229-331-4746 or William Wallace 229-322-9621.



American Legion: American Legion Post 2 meets at 7 p.m. the fourth Monday of each month.



Lodge Meeting: M.B. Council Lodge No. 13, F&AM meets at 7 p.m. first and third Tuesday of very month at the Masonic Temple, 1209 Crawford St.



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 second 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.



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.



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.



Georgia REACH: Are you taking care of a loved one with memory loss, dementia or Alzheimer’s? Do you wonder if there is anyone one out there who understands what you and your loved one are going through? The Georgia REACH team is here to help. Georgia REACH provides information on Alzheimer’s and related dementias, teaches how to manage troubling behaviors and provides tools to manage stress. This free program is offered in eight counties including Macon, Marion, Schley, Sumter and Webster. For more information call the Middle Flint Council on Aging at 928-2126 or Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving at 928-1234.



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 Web site 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.



Make A Difference: Become a volunteer at Magnolia Manor Nursing Center where there are several opportunities for you to make a difference in someone’s life. Contact Activity Director Missy Wiggins, 924-9352, ext. 3079 or mwiggins@magnliamanor.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.



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.



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 in Sumter, Schley, Marion, Macon, Webster and Crisp counties. 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 6 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



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.



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

Lions Club: The Plains Lions Club meets at 7 p.m. on the second Monday of each month. Call President Doug McKinney  at 924-1433 or 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.