Staff Writer
The Americus Times-Recorder
AMERICUS —
Today’s Events
Americus
Sumter County Citizens for Fair Treatment: Sumter County Citizens for Fair Treatment is scheduled to have its first meeting at 8:30 a.m. today at Grannie’s Kitchen. Call 229-924-2387 or 229-938-6162.
Sumter County Board of Education Finance Committee: The Sumter County Board of Education’s finance committee is scheduled to meet at 5:30 p.m. today in the boardroom of the Sumter County Schools’ Administration Building at 100 Learning Lane, Americus. The public is welcome to attend.
Sumter County Board of Education: The Sumter County Board of Education will not hold a work session for September. The regular meeting will be held at 7 p.m. today in the boardroom of the Sumter County Schools’ Administration Building at 100 Learning Lane, Americus. The public is welcome to attend.
Registration Open: Registration is open for Walk Georgia, an eight-week physical fitness program that encourages participants to track their physical activity from now until Oct. 30. Participants can register individually or in a team of four to record their exercise with others across the county and state. Each activity recorded in Walk Georgia’s online log is translated into “walked miles” based on average rigor and time of the activity. As miles are accumulated, participants can travel throughout the state to view fun facts about each county and learn new ways to improve their health. Participants can also choose to receive a weekly email newsletter. Sponsored by the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. Visit www.walkgeorgia.org to register or call the Sumter County Cooperative Extension Office at 924-4476 for more information. Registration ends Wednesday.
Ellaville
Public Hearings: All concerned citizens are invited to the public hearings on this tax increase to be held at the Schley County Annex, 49 N. Pecan St., at 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. today and at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 14. Final adoption of the millage rate will be at the regular Schley County Commissioners monthly meetingat 7 p.m. Sept. 14.
Upcoming Events
Americus
Leadership Sumter: If you think you know everything there is to know about Americus and Sumter County, then you haven’t taken the Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Sumter Class! Applications for the 2010-2011 Leadership Sumter Class are now available. Tuition is $200 for the class which meets once a month for nine months. Employers are welcome to submit their nominations, but hurry, space is limited! Call 924-2646 to have an application sent to you!
Historic Preservation Commission: The Historic Preservation Commission will met at 4:30 p.m. Thursday in the second floor meeting room of the Municipal Building.
Book Signing: Georgia native and cookbook author, Jan Thomas, signs her debut book "Let the Tradition Continue" from 2-4 p.m. Saturday at The Maze, 131 W. Forsyth St. The recently released collection contains hundreds of delicious southern recipes which have been passed down through generations. Call 928-9688.
City Council: The Americus Mayor and City Council will hold an Administrative Briefing at 4:30 p.m. Sept. 13 in the third floor meeting room of the Municipal Building.
Downtown Development Authority: The Americus Downtown Development Authority meets at 4 p.m. Sept. 14.
Theater Authority: The Americus Theater and Cultural Authority meets at 5 p.m. Sept. 14 in the Pace Conference Room in the Rylander Theater.
Volunteers kick-off Operation Christmas Child: Americus children, families and volunteers are scheduled to host a celebration to kick off the expected 4,200 shoe box gifts to be collected from Americus residents for hurting children worldwide at 7 p.m. Sept. 14 at First Baptist Church at 221 S. Lee St., Americus. For thousands of shoe boxes — filled with toys, school supplies and necessity items — this will be the first stop on their journey. The shoe boxes are then hand-delivered to hurting children around the world using whatever means necessary — sea containers, trucks, trains, airplanes, helicopters, boats, elephants or even snow dogs.
Job Fair: The Georgia Department of Labor’s Americus Career Center, South Georgia Technical College Career Services and the Americus Area Employer Committee will sponsor a job fair for employers and job seekers in the area. It is scheduled from 1-4 p.m. Sept. 15 at the Pope Center on the South Georgia Technical College (SGTC) campus at 900 South Georgia Tech Parkway, Americus. The event will feature about 35 employers, educational institutions and resource agencies that provide assistance to job seekers. Some employers will be hiring, while others will be discussing possible future employment opportunities with the job seekers and other organizations will be providing educational and other resources. Applicants should bring copies of resumes and be prepared to fill out company applications and interview for available job openings. Call the Americus Career Center at 229-931-2520.
Committee Meetings: The Community Development, Economic Development and Public Works Committee will meet at 4:30 p.m. Sept. 16. The Public Safety, Administration and Finance Committees will meet at 5:30 p.m Sept. 16.
Free Classes: Lake Blackshear Regional Library offers Personal Computer Basics at Excel 2007 for Beginners at 11 a.m. Sept. 18 and Introduction to Windows 7 at 11 a.m. Sept. 25. 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 307 E. Lamar St., call 924-8091 or visit lbrls.org.
Volunteers Needed: Phoebe Sumter Medical Center is planning stages its upcoming Men’s Health Conference, for 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Sept. 18 at the Student Success Center on the campus of Georgia Southwestern State University, and is currently looking for volunteers to help plan and coordinate this event. The volunteers will help with all areas of this conference, which will offer a variety of screenings for men in the community, including blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol, as well as prostate screenings. Call 924-6011, ext. 12110 or via e-mail at mjohnson@phoebesumter.org
City Council: The Americus Mayor, City Council and Staff will hold its Agenda Setting session at 4:30 p.m. Sept. 20 in the third floor meeting room of the Municipal Building.
Public Hearing: The Americus Mayor and City Council will on a public hearing concerning the millage rate at 5 p.m. on Sept. 20 in the third floor meeting room of the Municipal Building.
Planning and Zoning Commission: The Americus Planning and Zoning Commission meets at 4 p.m. Sept. 21 in the second floor meeting room of the Municipal building.
City Council: The Americus Mayor and City Council will hold their regular meeting at 6 p.m. Sept. 23.
Class of 1960: The Americus High School Class of 1960 is planning its 50-year reunion for Sept. 24-25. At 7 p.m. Sept. 24, at the Windsor Hotel, friends of this class will come together for the first time in many years. The next day , there will be a picnic at the home of Sue Statham. That evening, there will be a special dinner party. Call Cary Christian 938-2530 or Jimmy or Wadean Thaxton 924-2255.
FFA Food: The Americus Sumter FFA will be participating in Taste of Sumter on Sept. 30 and selling tacos in a bag, boiled peanuts and beef sticks.
Boston Butt Sale: The Americus Sumter High School annual Fall FFA Boston Butt Sale is from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Oct. 2. You can pick up your Boston Butt in the baseball stadium parking lot at the Americus-Sumter County High School South Campus. See any FFA member for tickets or call 874-5207 or 352-280-0151. Boston butts are $20 each.
Food Service Training: Servsafe® Training for Food Service Managers is offered Oct. 13-14 at the Sumter County Extension Office, Sumter County Agricultural Center, 331 U.S. Highway 19 South. Pre-registration is required. Cost is $140. Call 924-4476 or stop by the office.
Sweet Potato Sales: Sumter County 4-H is selling sweet potatoes for $10 per 10 lb. bag. Pre-order your bag today to support our local youth by calling 924-4476 or stopping by the Sumter County Extension Office – 331 U.S. Highway 19 South. Potatoes will be available for pickup Nov.18 just in time for Thanksgiving!
Annual Masquerade Ball and Gala: Love and Mercy Outreach in Americus is scheduled to old their Annual Masquerade Ball and Gala fundraiser event from 7-11 p.m. Oct. 29 at the Carnegie building at 111 S. Jackson St., Americus. It’s semi-formal to formal, and costume masks are required. Tickets are $20. Love and Mercy Outreach is a non-profit agency that hosts an adult substance abuse support group, a juvenile early intervention group for at-risk children and several other community-enhancement programs. Contact Benjamin for tickets at 478-230-0605.
Turkey Shoot: The “volunteer” Friendship Fire Department will sponsor a pancake breakfast from 6-10 a.m. and a turkey shoot from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Oct. 30 at the main fire station at #50 N. 430th St.
Andersonville
Vietnam Traveling Wall: Andersonville National Historic Site will host the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall Sept. 17-25. Opening ceremonies for the Wall will be held at 10 a.m. Sept. 17, National POW/MIA Recognition Day. Weekend ceremonies include a Missing in Action (MIA) remembrance at 2 p.m. Sept. 17, an 8 p.m. Candlelight Ceremony the same day, and a Prisoner of War (POW) Recognition ceremony at 10 a.m. Sept. 18. Closing ceremonies will be held at 5 p.m. Sept. 25. Andersonville National Historic Site will be open until 8:30 p.m. for the Candlelight Ceremony. Park grounds will be open from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. during the remainder of the event, Sept. 18-25. POW/MIA programs are sponsored by the National Park Service, Friends of Andersonville, Rolling Thunder, and Georgia Southwestern State University.
Volunteers Needed: Andersonville National Historic Site is seeking volunteers to assist visitors at the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall, Sept. 17-25. Volunteers will look up names on computers and help visitors locate those names on the Wall. The historic site also needs volunteers to direct traffic and assist with parking Sept. 16-20. Shifts are available from 8 a.m. to park closing. Individuals and organizations are encouraged to participate in this community event that honors our nation’s veterans. Call Park Ranger Cashea Arrington at 924-0343 to volunteer or for additional information.
Plains
RLF Committee Meeting: An RLF committee meeting is scheduled to be held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Council chambers at Plains City Hall. The public is invited.
Walking Path: At 1:45 p.m. Sept. 24, Jimmy Carter National Historic Site will celebrate the completion of a new walking path at the Jimmy Carter Boyhood Farm. Come and witness President Jimmy Carter leaving his permanent hand prints and signature in the sidewalk The SAM Shortline will be offering a special excursion to Plains that day.
Montezuma
Community Awareness Day: Flint River Farm School Preservation Society Community Awareness Day is from 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 18 at Flint River Farm School Road and Ga. Highway 26. Event includes free picnic and games for children. Vendors and exhibitors welcome. Visit www.flintriverfarms.org or call 478-951-7243 for information.
Ongoing
Americus
Alcoholics Anonymous: AA 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 229-322-9621.
Six Flags Tickets: Tickets to Six Flags are being sold at the Sumter County Cooperative Extension Office /Sumter County Agricultural Center, 331 U.S. Highway 19 South. Purchase your ticket for $28 each. Six Flags gate price is $47.69 Tickets are valid any regular operating day through Oct. 31. Stop by the Sumter County Extension Office to purchase your tickets. Call 924-4476 if you have any questions.
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 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.
Cordele
Crisp Area Arts Alliance: A Musical featuring 50’s and 60’s music and dance production by the Bushman will take place at 8 p.m. Saturday Sept. 25 at the Crisp County Middle School Auditorium. Tickets are on sale for $15 for adults and $10 for children and students. Reserved seat tickets are $25. Tickets are available at the Crisp Area Chamber of Commerce, Ameris Bank, Gold and Gallery, Crisp Area Arts Alliance Office. Call 229-273-6242 for tickets. Members of the Arts Alliance will be selling tickets at large. Dust off those poodle skirts and enjoy a fun filled evening while supporting your Community Arts Alliance.
