AMERICUS — Today

Americus

Chamber Concert Series: Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) has announced its 2012-2013 Chamber Concert Series —  today – 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.



Neighborhood Watch Meeting: District 4 Neighborhood Watch meeting is at 6 p.m. today at Magnolia Manor in the Magnolia Room. Nigel Poole of the Flint River Chapter American Red Cross, and Clayton Freeman, director of the Middle Flint Regional E-911 Center, are on the program.



This Week

Americus

Bell Convocation: Lauren Groff, author of “Arcadia,” is set to give the annual Griffin Bell Distinguished Lecture. The event is scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday in the Jackson Performance Hall at Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW). The lecture is free and open to the public. A book signing with Groff will be held at 1:30 p.m. in Java City within the Marshall Student Center. Copies of “Arcadia” are available now at the GSW Bookstore.



Authority Meeting: The Schley-Sumter-Macon Joint Development Authority meets at 4 p.m. Thursday at the Rees Park Economic Development Center, 409 Elm Ave. in the second-floor conference room. The meeting is open to the public.



Valentine Gala: Innovative Senior Solutions and the Caring 4 Seniors Foundation hosts the First Annual Valentine Gala from 7-11 p.m. Saturday at Rees Park Economic Development Center, 409 Elm Ave.  For ticket information, call 928-3673. All proceeds benefit the seniors in our community.



Looking Ahead

Americus

Caregiver Support: Innovative Senior Solutions holds a Caregiver Support Group meeting at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 21 at the Americus Day Health Center, 721-A Felder St. Guest speaker will be Luneda Brown from the Sumter County Health Department, presenting on services provided by the health department.



PTO Fundraiser: Tanner Photography will be in Americus on Feb. 23 to take family portraits as a fundraiser for Sumter County Elementary PTO's "Extreme Playground Makeover.” The cost of the sitting is $15 and you will receive an 11x14 color portrait with your sitting; no other purchases are necessary. To schedule a family appointment between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., contact Susan Ruckman at 229-924-3864 or susanruckman@att.net Photographs will be taken at Sumter Elementary, 438 Bumphead Road.



Miss Jabberwock: Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Americus Alumnae Chapter presents Miss Jabberwock Scholarships and Chapter Projects Fundraising Program — A Century of Elegance and Excellence at 6 p.m. March 2 at the Sumter County Primary School Auditorium. For tickets and more information call Dorothy Patterson at  938-3955 or any member of the chapter.



Manhattan Reunion: The former employees of Manhattan Shirts Co. celebrate a reunion March 9 at Rees Park Economic Development Center on Elm Avenue. Fee is $25 per person. Deadline for reservations is Feb. 15. Contact Leroy Harris 478-472-6467, Linda Marshall 229-591-8715 or Jurlean Morgan 229-924-6400.



Golf Tournament: The Americus Fire and Emergency Services hosts its 18th Annual Benefit Golf Tournament on March 22 at Griffin Bell Golf Links. All proceeds will be used for local community safety and prevention programs. Call Harriett Williams at 924-3213 for more information.



Pre-K Vacancies: The Georgia Southwestern State University lottery funded Pre-K program has current openings for the 2012-2013 school year. To be eligible for this free program, a child must have turned four years old by Sept. 1, 2012 and be a resident of Georgia. For more information, email yevette.mcwhorter@gsw.edu or call  931-2742 or 931-2142.



Plains

Presidents Day: The Jimmy Carter National Historic Site hosts a Presidents’ Day Celebration full of history, artifacts and a visit from the great Rough Rider President, Theodore Roosevelt. On Feb.18, the Presidents’ Day Celebration begins at 11 a.m. with a discussion of presidential memorabilia by Dr. Laurence Cook of Cook and Cook Antiques and Home Furnishings Inc. and Cook and Cook Estate Liquidators of Plains, Pa. He has been invited to lecture several groups on the various aspects of presidential history.



Oglethorpe

Forestry Pageant: The Macon County Forestry Pageant is taking applications. The pageant will be held at 4 p.m. March 2 at the Old Junior High Gym in Oglethorpe. The divisions are Baby (0-23 months), Teeny (2-4 years), Tiny (4-6 years), Little (7-9 years), Junior (10-12 years), Teen (13-16 years), and Miss (17-24 years). The winner will represent Macon County at the State Pageant in June. Winners will receive a full round crown and sash. Scholarships will be awarded to each queen at the end of their reign. For applications, call Amy R. Johnson at 478-244-1562 or e-mail at amymaconcoforestrypageant@yahoo.com. Application deadline is Feb. 16.



Ongoing

Americus

Program Moves: Easter Seals iannounces the new home of Americus Day Solutions Program is 102 International Blvd., Building E. It provides services for adults with developmental disabilities from9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday through Friday.  Staff at Easter Seals ensure that adults with developmental disabilities experience valued roles in the community by providing services and training that supports individual choices and opportunities.



New GED Testing Hours: New hours, starting in January for GED testing at the Stein Center are 8 a.m.-noon and 1-5 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, and the first Saturday of each month.

 

Recycling Project: 4-E Learning & Prevention Center Inc. is sponsoring a recycling project. Call 928-5605 to make arrangements for delivery or pick-up of large items. Bring other items to the 4-E Center, 1405 First Montgomery St. All types of metals are needed such as old vehicles, bikes, electronics, microwave ovens, file cabinets, appliances, etc; aluminum items; paper items such as old books, magazines, etc.; plastics such as water and drink bottles and other items; and ink cartridges of all sizes, brands and kinds.

 

4-E 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 e-mail 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.



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 e-mail 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.



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.



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.



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.