AMERICUS — Today

Americus

PDA Meeting: The Americus Sumter Payroll Development Authority will meet for its regular monthly meeting at 4 p.m. today in the second-floor conference room, Rees Park Economic Development Center. The IDA meets prior to the PDA meeting. Both are open to the public.



Board Meeting: The Sumter County Board of Assessors meets at 9 a.m. today at the Sumter County Courthouse in the Board of Assessors office. The meeting is open to the public.

 

Play Auditions: Open auditions for roles in the Sumter Players/GSW Dramatic Arts production of the hit musical, Hairspray, are at 7 p.m. today and Wednesday  in the Fine Arts Building at Georgia Southwestern State University. Featured roles are available for five men and 10 women, plus large singing and dancing ensembles.  The production will be directed by Will Dozier and Christi Barr and performed at the Rylander Theatre in downtown Americus next March. Prospective auditioners should know that there will be two sections to the audition: a monologue/song portion, and a dance call to follow. Interested persons shouldcome at 7 p.m. and be prepared to stay until approximately 9 p.m. During the first section, in groups of about 10, individuals will be asked to present a prepared monologue and song selection. Monologues should be no longer than 60-90 seconds and, preferably, be chosen and memorized beforehand. For those unable to prepare beforehand for any reason, there will be materials available at the audition for use; these materials will not have to be memorized, and be may be held in hand for the presentation. Song selections should be no longer than 60-90 seconds, accompanied by a backing track (CD or mp3 brought by auditioner) or, in the alternative, by piano accompaniment. Singers may bring sheet music for the accompanist and music from the show will be available. Songs must be sung with accompaniment. An accompanist will be provided. The second section will be the dance call.Dancers will be asked to learn a short combination (taught by the show choreographer, Christi Barr) after which everyone will have a short amount of time to go over the steps on his/her own. Finally, groups of about 10 will be asked perform the steps for the directors. Auditioners should bring appropriate clothes to change into for the dance call. Work out clothes, sweats or jazz pieces are acceptable. Jazz shoes should be worn, if possible, but sneakers are acceptable. Changing rooms are available.



This Week

DeSoto

Christmas Parade: The third annual DeSoto Christmas Parade is at 7 p.m. Saturday. The theme is “An Ideal Christmas.” Line up begins at 6:30 p.m. To participate call Cynthia Wright at 815-9226.



Montezuma

Anniversary Exhibit: On Dec. 14, 1837, Macon County was created from Houston and Marion counties, becoming Georgia’s 91st county  It was named for Gen.Nathanial Macon of North Carolina who served in the U.S. Congress for 37 years. To learn more, visit the Macon County Historical Museum and see the special exhibit created by Historical Society board member Mary Haigler. The museum is open from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday and Dec. 15 or by advance appointment. Call Yvonne Sutherland at 478-472-6518, the Downtown Development at 478-472-4777 or the Chamber of Commerce at 478-472-2391.



Albany

Veterans Benefits: The Georgia Department of Veterans Service and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, in cooperation with 35 to 40 other local, state and federal agencies host "Supermarket of Veterans Benefits" from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday at the Albany Civic Center, 100 W. Oglethorpe St. For more information contact Assistant Commissioner Mike Roby at mroby@vs.state.ga.us or Ava Ingram at aingram@vs.state.ga.us or call 404-656-2305.



Looking Ahead

Americus

Public Hearing: A public hearing will be held to receive citizen comment on the City of Americus Urban Redevelopment Plan at 4:45 p.m. Dec. 10 in the third-floor meeting room of City Hall at 101 W. Lamar St.



Band Concert: The Americus-Sumter County High School Band has  its annual Holiday Fall Concert at 7 p.m. Dec. 10  in the GSW Fine Arts Theatre. Admission is free. The Symphonic Band, Percussion Ensemble and Jazz Band will perform favorite holiday music.



Advent Concert: Calvary Episcopal Church presents an Advent Concert at 6 p.m. Dec. 12 featuring the organ. The concert is free, with donations accepted for the Organ and Music Fund. Performers include the Calvary Church Choir; Julie Megginson, soprano; Alex Anishchenko, organ; and special guest, Josh Duncan, organ. A wine and cheese reception will follow the concert in the Parish Hall.



Tree Spraying: The Americus Fire & Emergency Services begins spraying live Christmas trees with fire-retardant on Thanksgiving Day, at Station 1 on South Lee Street. This is a free service, offered to help the community have a safe holiday season.



Christmas Wonderland: Willet Way Wonderland opens around 6 p.m. Thanksgiving Day and will be open every evening through Dec. 24, weather permitting. Santa will be on hand during that time, from 6-8:30 p.m., weather and schedule permitting. Kids of all ages are welcomed to sit on Santa's lap and tell him what they want. Be sure and bring your cameras, too.



Manhattan Reunion: An reunion of former Manhattan Shirt Co. employees is being planned. For information call Jim Goodman 924-5797, Leroy Harris 478-472-6467, Johnnie Vaughn 924-5384 or Jurlene Morgan 924-6400.



Chamber Concert Series: Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) has announced its 2012-2013 Chamber Concert Series —  Jan. 29 – Manhattan Piano Trio; Feb. 12 – Graffe String Quartet with Michiko Otaki, piano and April 8 – Sima Trio. All performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. in GSW’s Jackson Performance Hall, unless otherwise noted. Tickets available and can be purchased at the door. For information or tickets, call 931-2204.



Ongoing

Americus

4-H Learning & Prevention Center: After School program for k-8th grade students is 2:30-5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. Registration fee is $25 or $60 for pickup from school. You might be eligible for free or reduced child care. Contact DFCS. To register, call 928-5605 or email fourecenter@yahoo.com or apply online at www.compass.ga.gov



Flu Vaccine: The Sumter County Health Department, 1601 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., is offering the flu vaccine from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, and 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesdays. The regular Fluzone and intranasal flu mist if $23, and the Fluzone high dose, formulated for ages 65 and over is $40. Medicaid, Medicare, cash and debit cards accepted.



City of Americus Water and Gas Customers: This is a reminder that damaging gas and water meters, whether intentional or not, is considering tampering. Citizens will be required to replace the meter and/or components at their own cost and may be subject to fines. The current cost of a standard residential meter and its components is approximately $250 plus $50 installation. Care should be taken with lawn mowers and other equipment used around meters. Additionally, it is unlawful to turn your meters on once the City has disconnected services. This is considered theft of services and there are established fines up to $1,200.  If you have any questions, call Customer Service Department 924-4411.



Smoke Detector Blitz: Americus Fire & Emergency Services will  conduct door-to-door smoke detector blitzes on the second Saturday of each month. You can also call 924-3213 to set up an appointment for firefighters to come install smoke detectors and give you information on fire safety.



Youth Mentoring: Love & Mercy Outreach Programs Inc. presents the S.O.L.A.C.E. Youth Mentoring Program from 7-8 p.m. every Saturday at 1243 Faith St. Annex Building; LMOP Inc. Activities Center. All teens ages 12-18 are welcome. For more information or for a ride, contact Tanya Reese 229-591-2565 or Qaijuan Willis 229-942-7220. Also email us at solaceyouthprogram@gmail.com



Americus Volunteers Needed: The Flint River Chapter of the American Red Cross needs local volunteers. If you are interested in working as a volunteer in our office or helping with local disasters such as single-family fires, call 924-2026 and speak with Wanda, volunteer coordinator.



Anonymous Crime Tipline: The Americus Police Department has an anonymous crime tip line 924-4102. Citizens can leave information for police about crime in their neighborhood or other areas. The calls are completely anonymous.



Revised Hours: The Americus Police Department has revised its hours of operation for the front lobby in an effort to accommodate  late afternoon commuters and workers. Hours of operation are now 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday. This will allow citizens who work during the day an opportunity to take care of any pending business they have at the police department such as obtaining incident reports or picking up and dropping off criminal histories.



Faith Clinic: Sumter Faith Clinic is a non-profit organization directed at meeting the spiritual and health care needs of residents of Sumter County who do not have health insurance or an affordable means to health care. Services include basic, non-emergent medical care of acute conditions as well as treatment of some chronic conditions. Services are delivered by volunteers. The clinic is located at 127 S. Jackson St. next to First Presbyterian Church. Hours of operation are 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesdays, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays and 9 a.m. to noon on Thursdays.



CPR Classes: Americus Fire and Emergency Services will offer American Heart Association CPR certification classes. Call Harriett Williams at 924-3213 for more information.



Water Restrictions: The City of Americus has implemented the following water restrictions, established by the state Environmental Protection Division as Level II drought restrictions. Outdoor watering is allowed on the following days: North of Lamar Street on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday; and South of Lamar Street on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. No watering is allowed on Fridays. Outdoor water use is allowed only between midnight and 10 a.m. on scheduled days. Restrictions affect all residential, commercial, government and institutional outdoor irrigation and other nonessential water uses. These include watering lawns and landscapes, gardens, washing cars at residential sites and hosing streets and sidewalks. These restrictions will be strictly enforced. For information call Charlotte Cotton, Chief Administrative Officer at 924-4411.



No Burning: The City of Americus has an ordinance that forbids outside burning within the City limits. The Fire Marshal and police will be issuing tickets, which result in fines, to anyone who violates this ordinance. There will be no warnings issued.



Drug Problems: Narcotics Anonymous meets  7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Mondays for a members only. A meeting open to the public is held on Thursday 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. All meetings are held at Williams Road Church of Christ. Call George C. 942-3752 or Charlie S. 938-0218 for more information.



Volunteers Needed: Phoebe Sumter Hospice is looking for volunteers to help with the needs of the terminally ill and their loved ones. This includes house-sitting, doing light chores or just providing spiritual or emotional support during this difficult time. Call Wendy Peacock 928-4000 if interested in becoming a volunteer.



Needs Volunteers: The Mattie Marshall Center is looking for volunteers to help do activities. Do you play an instrument, sing, dance or have a club or group that would like to come visit? We need volunteers of all ages and types for parties, Bingo, exercise, church services, snacks, etc. For information call Nikki Jones 924-9352, ext. 3089.

 

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.



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.



Support Group: The Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support Group meets from noon-1:30 p.m. the first Tuesday of every month in the Magnolia Room at Magnolia Manor Retirement Center. A light lunch will be served.



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



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 229-331-8160.



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.



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.



Al-Anon: You do not have to be an alcoholic to suffer from the affects of alcoholism. We offer a safe place to recover from the effects of another person's drinking. Meetings are 7-8 p.m. Tuesdays at the Carswell House, Calvary Episcopal Church, 133 Brannen Ave.. All meetings are confidential and open to interested persons.



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 Sherry Beck, 924-9352, ext. 3079.



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.



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: GED prep classes are offered from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays at the Boys & Girls Club. Classes and books are free. Participants can study independently. Practice GED tests are given. Call 824-5388 or South Georgia Technical College Adult Literacy for more information.