Today’s Happenings
Americus
Club Registration: The Boys and Girls Club of Sumter County is holding registration for its after-school program from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Price is $75 for the fall and $75 for the spring. To obtain a bus pass, you must register first or your child cannot ride the Boys & Girls Club bus.
Taking Applications: Sumter County Head Start/Early Head Start Center is taking applications for enrollment. For information call Krystal Austin, 924-7666.
4-E Center Registration: 4-E Center Inc. is holdings after-school registration for grades K-8th grades from 3-6 p.m. Monday-Friday. The Students for Change program for expelled or suspended students, is from 9 a.m.-noon for $40 per student. Partial scholarships are available. Space is limited. Call 928-5605 for information.
Halloween Event: The Haunted Hotel is from 7:30-10 p.m. today-Saturday at the Windsor Hotel. Admission $5.
This Week
Americus
Halloween Events: The Americus Kiwanis Club Pet Parade begins at 4 p.m. Thursday, downtown. Immediately following the parade, children ages toddler to 10 dressed in costumes can trick or treat at participating merchants downtown.
Circle of Friends: Chauncy Walker-Whiting, R.N., MS, Emergency Preparedness nurse coordinator, District 7, speaks to the Circle of Friends Outreach Ministry at Koinonia Partners at 10 a.m. Thursday. The presentation will cover basic emergency preparedness and an update on the H1N1/Swine Flu virus. Everyone is invited. The Circle of Friends meets every Thursday in the Koinonia Community Outreach Center located, North Village Drive. For information call Kathleen Monts 924-0391.
Parent Workshop: The 21st Century Community Learning Center, in conjunction with the Sumter County School System’s after-school programs, hosts a parent workshop from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Americus-Sumter County High School South Campus cafeteria. Child care will be available and refreshments from Subway. The topi is “Parents Teachrs Too.” Facilitator is Oneida Ingram, Ed. D. All parents are welcome. For information, call Rhonda Reddick, 942-4992 or Natacha Merritt 942-0992.
Road Construction: CSX has informed the City of Americus Public Works Department of road construction on rail crossings beginning Thursday and continuing until Nov. 6. Hours of closure are from 7 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. Road closures will be announced daily. The crossings include North Mayo Street, North Lee Street, West Church Street, McGarrah Street and Spring Street.
Costume Party: The Sumber Historic Trust will be having their 2nd Annual Halloween Costume party at 8:30 p.m. Friday at the Lee Council House on Church Street. It will include costume contests, heavy appetizers, a deejay, and a great setting in a historic house for Halloween. Tickets are $25, and can be purchased at any merchant in town with one of the Halloween posters. You can also contact John Stovall at stovall@gsw.edu or Rachel Arnold at 942-2965 for tickets or more information.
Free Classes: Lake Blackshear Regional Library offers Introduction to Microsoft Publisher at 2 p.m Saturday. 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 lbrls.org for more information.
Andersonville
Fall Cruise In: Ranchero USA invites all car clubs, antique, vintage, classic automobile and motorcycle owners to participate in the 4th annual Ranchero Roundup from 1 p.m. until dark Saturday in Andersonville. For more information, call Ann and Dennis Crenshaw at 924-7449 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.
Memorial Service: The 34th annual Capt. Henry Wirz Memorial Service is at 2 p.m. Sunday. Sponsored by the Alexander H. Stephens Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV) Camp in Americus, the service is to honor the memory of Capt. Henry Wirz, Commandant of Andersonville Prison Camp during 1864-65. Guest speaker is Frank Heathman, Tennessee Society Lt. Commander, Military Order of the Stars and Bars (MOSB), from Gallatin, Tenn. Music will be provided by Mrs. Milton Foster and Millie Foster of Dawson. Tommy Lawrence, local SCV Camp Commander, will be the master of ceremonies, and the local Confederate reenactment group, the Muckalee Guards, will serve as the Honor Guard. Marvin Baugh, mayor of Andersonville, will welcome the group. The public is invited, and in case of inclement weather, the event will be held in the Andersonville United Methodist Church. For information contact James Gaston at 924-7460 or gaston7460@bellsouth.net
Ellaville
Downtown Trick or Treat: The Ellaville-Schley County Chamber of Commerce hosts Downtown Trick or Treat from 4-6 p.m. Thursday. Prizes will be awarded for winners of bets costume up to age 12. Judging on the square; be there by 5:30 p.m. to enter.
Concerned Citizens: The Schley County Association of Concerned Citizens Inc. board meets at 4 p.m. Sunday at New Corinth Baptist Church, Spivey Street.The meeting is open to the public.
Looking Ahead
Americus
Free Insurance Help: An investigator from the State Insurance Commissioner’s Office is scheduled to be in Americus from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 2 at the Courthouse. Call 928-4551 to confirm the investigator’s schedule. Investigators are available to assist you by phone from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. weekdays or call toll free 1-800-656-2298 or visit www.gainsurance.org
Free Seminar: “Georgia Workers’ Compensation Legal & Medical Perspectives,” a free seminar for human resources professionals, is from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 12 in the conference room, Americus-Sumter County Chamber of Commerce. Limited seating; reservations required. Complimentary lunch included. RSVP by Bov. 2 to Christie Wood 866-995-8663. Co-sponsored by Corporate Health and Ros s& Levy Law Offices.
Authority Meeting: The Americus-Sumter Payroll Development Authority meets at 4 p.m. Nov. 3 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.
Fall Craft Fair: Magnolia Manor hosts a Fall CRaft Fair from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 6 in the Magnolia Room, Magnolia Manor Retirement Center, featuring crafts/handiwork (crotched and knitted items), art and ceramics, and home-baked food Items.
Movie at the Market: Enjoy a great family outdoor event at the Nov. 7 Movie at the Market located at Lenny’s Market on Hampton Street. Admission is free. Concessions available for purchase. Bring is your friends, family and a chair. Movie starts at 8 p.m.
Fall Bazaar: City Federation of Colored Women’s Clubs hosts a Fall Bazaar from 6:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 7 at the Community Building (old Colored Hospital), 133 J.R. Campbell St. (formerly Wild Street). Includes clothing and shoes for all ages, jewelry, hats. handbags, household items, etc. Chipped barbecue sandwiches, hotdogs, hamburgers and soft drinks also for sale. Get your car or truck washend at a reasonable price while you shop.
Golf Tournament: The 4th annual Americus-Sumter County Chamber of Commerce PlatinumTrustee golf tournament is Nov. 20 at Brickyard Plantation. Format is four-man scramble and tee off is 9 a.m. Call in teams by Nov. 13 at 924-2646.
Fall Bazaar: M.B. Council Lodge 13 Masons Fall Bazaar starts at 7 a.m. Nov.14 at Masonic Lodge Hall, 1209 Crawford St. If you have any items you would like to donate for our sale, call Bobby Harris at 924-3654 or Billy King at 924-3354 for pick-up or drop off.
Walking Trail Anniversary: The public is invited to celebrate the 37th anniversary of Georgia Southwestern State University’s Walking Trail with a few laps from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 14. Sponsored by the Sumter County Unit National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.
Class of 1994: The Sumter County Comprehensive High School Class of 1994 is planning a Christmas Party. Call Tawanna Wright 942-2893 or Farrell Wilson 942-6725 for tickets. If no answer, leave a message with contact number. Deadline or purchase is Nov. 16.
Holiday Open House: Kick off the holiday season at the Holiday Open House from 6-8 p.m. Nov. 19 in downtown. Enjoy holiday refreshments, visit with Santa or take a carriage ride through downtown.
Informational Session: Join Tina Wright from ElderCare Pharmacy to learn about the Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan and upcoming changes at 10 a.m. Nov. 19 in the Magnolia Room at the Magnolia Manor Retirement Center, 2001 S. Lee St. For more information or if you wish to attend this program, call Holly Whitehead at 931-5923.
Christmas Parade: Ring in the holiday season with a charming down home parade and welcome Santa to Americus Dec. 3.
Movie at the Market: Enjoy a great family outdoor event at the Dec. 5 Movie at the Market located at Lenny’s Market on Hampton Street. Admission is free. Concessions available for purchase. Bring is your friends, family and a chair. Movie starts at 8 p.m.
Ellaville
Gubernatorial Candidate: Ray McBerry, Republican gubernatorial candidate, speaks at 7 p.m. Nov. 9 at the Old Gym. The public is invited.
Ongoing
Americus
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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
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.
