July 24, 2008 11:47 pm
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Today’s Happenings
Americus
Call for Nominees: The Rosalynn Carter Institute seeks nominations for the 2008 Georgia Caregiver of the Year awards. Awards are given in the categories of family caregiver, para-professional caregiver and volunteer caregiver. The winners in each category will be recognized at the Annual Awards Banquet in October and receive a check for $1,000. To get a nomination form and for additional information, call Gayle Alston at 931-2707.
Outdoor Watering Ban: City of Americus residents living north of Lamar Street are allowed to water outisde Monday, Wednesday and Saturday while those living south of Lamar Street can water Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. Outdoor watering is allowed only between midnight and 10 a.m. Watering between 10 a.m. and midnight is prohibited.
Registration: Registration for the Easter Morning unit of Sumter County Boys & Girls Clubs after-school program is from 10 a.m. -2 p.m. today. Call 924-0414 for more information.
Hospital Authority: The Americus and Sumter County Hospital Authority and the Strategic Partnership Ad Hoc Committee meet at noon today in the Pope Center, South Georgia Technical College. The meeting is closed to the public.
This Weekend
Americus
Alumni Cookout: Fort Valley State University Alumni sponsor a cookout at 6 p.m. Saturday at Christian Outreach Church, Bumphead Road for all students who are attending or plan to attend FVSU. For information call Marvin Harris 942-8197.
Trash/Treasure Sale: The Americus Civitan Club hosts a Trash & Treasure Sale from 7-10 a.m. Saturday at the Sumter County Fairgrounds, Ga. Highway 30 West.
Ellaville
Fundraiser: Concerned Citizens for Justice is selling raffle tickets for a 10 x 12 ft. storage building, located on Ga. Highway 26 West. The drawing is Saturday. Tickets are $20 each. The building was built by Charles Ellison in honor of his friend Ellaville City Councilmember Nathaniel “Chick” Thornton. Tickets are available at Ellaville Cleaners on U.S. Highway 19, Schley County Sheriff Shane Tondee at the sheriff’s office or from Ellaville Police Chief Mitchell Ellis, and from Ellison from 4-8 p.m. daily and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday at the storage building. Purchasers of 10 or more tickets will delivered free withint 30 miles to churches.
Smithville
Youth Day: The City of Smithville Youth Day Activity Committee hosts a community-wide Youth Day Saturday featuring food, fun, games, health awareness information, school supplies and more. For imformation call Willie Mae Davis 846-6471.
Looking Ahead
Americus
ServSafe® Training: Training sponsored by University of Georgia Cooperative Extension is being held at the Sumter County Agricultural Center at 331 U.S. Highway 19 South. Anyone interested in food safety can have the opportunity to improve food safety and sanitation skills. Successful completion of the exam provides certification. ServSafe Manager, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 27 & 28. Must register by July 31.
Committee Meeting: The Education Committee of the Americus-Sumter County Chamber of Commerce meets at noon Aug. 4 at the Chamber.
Insurance Help: Georgia residents with insurance problems or questions can receive assistance directly from the Commissioner’s Office by contacting his Insurance Investigator working in your area. An investigator from the Office is scheduled to be in Americus from 10-11:30 a.m. Aug. 4 at the Courthouse. Call 928-4551 to confirm the investigator’s schedule. In addition to receiving assistance with insurance problems or questions, Commissioner Oxendine’s Office offers complimentary homeowner, automobile and life insurance policy reviews. This service is designed to provide you with information you should know before purchasing insurance and how to avoid common mistakes. If you cannot meet with the Investigator during these hours there are other ways that you can receive assistance. Investigators are available to assist you by phone from 8-7 p.m. at 1-800-656-2298 or email www.gainsurance.org. Or, you can write a letter explaining the details of your problem and mail it to the following address: John Oxendine, Commissioner of Insurance, State of Georgia, 2 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Atlanta GA 30334, Attention: Consumer Services Division. There is no fee for this service.
Authority Meeting: The Americus-Sumter County Payroll Development Authority meets at 4 p.m. Aug. 4 at the Rees Park Economic Development Center, 409 Elm Ave., in the upstairs conference room. The meeting is open to the public.
Chamber Ambassadors: The Ambassadors of the Americus-Sumter County Chamber of Commerce meet at 8:15 a.m. Aug. 5 at the Chamber.
Lions Barbecue: The Americus Lions Club is selling tickets for its upcoming chicken/pork barbecue Aug. 9 at Wal-Mart Supercenter. Tickets are $7 each. All proceeds go to the club’s sight conservation program.
Girl Scouts: Girl Scout registration is from 1-3 p.m. Aug. 9 at the American Legion, Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Registration cost is $10 per girl, ages 5-17. Leaders, at least age 18, are also needed, and co-leaders. Registration for adults is $10. For information call Peggylynn Toms 928-2081.
Re-Grand Opening: The Americus-Sumter County Chamber of Commerce hosts a re-grandopening and ribbon cutting for the Salvation Army at 10 a.m. Aug. 14 at the new location, 204 N. Prince St. The public is invited.
Young Ambassadors: The Young Ambassadors of the Americus-Sumter County Chamber of Commerce hosts an orientation kick-off at 8 a.m. Aug. 21 at the Chamber.
Youth Leadership: The Youth Leadership Sumter Class of 2008-2009 hosts its kick-off from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Aug. 26 at the Americus-Sumter County Chamber of Commerce.
Business After Hours: The Americus-Sumter County Chamber of Commerce and the City of Americus host a Business After Hours from 5:30-7 p.m. Aug. 26 at the new Chamber offices, 409 Elm Ave. There will be a dedication of the new community room at this time.
Raffle Tickets: Century 21 sponsors Wheels for Easter Seals in which a new golf cart will be given away Aug. 27. Tickets are $10 each and available at Century 21 Americus Realty, 701 E. Lamar St. ot any Century 21 office in South Georgia. For information call 924-2903.
Class of 1978: The Americus High School class of 1978 is making plans now for a 30th high school reunion. The event will be Saturday, Aug. 30, at the Georgia Southwestern Golf & Conference Center in Americus. For more information, contact Susan Royal Young at 924-6182 or susanyoung27@hotmail.com; Susan Gibbs Ferguson at 706-882-0603, or sferguson@bellsouth.net; or Margo Mitchell at 331-1317 or bubblebrmsugar@yahoo.com.
Office Closed: The Americus-Sumter County Chamber of Commerce office will be closed in observance of Labor Day, Sept. 1.
Steak & Stake: Hear University of Georgia Bulldog Head Basketball Coach Dennis Felton speak at this year’s Boys & Girls Clubs of Sumter County Annual Steak & Stake Banquet & Silent Auction at 7 p.m. Sept. 18 at the South Georgia Technical College gym. Silent auction starts at 6 p.m. Tickets at $75 per person are available at the Boys & Girls Clubs, 551-A Hosanna Circle; at the Americus Welcome Center, 123 W. Lamar St.; or by calling or emailing 924-0414; coachjimmygreen@yahoo.com
Leslie
Benefit: Boston butts will be available for $25 Aug. 9. Pick-up is from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. downtown Leslie or at approximately noon at Wayne's World, Americus. For more information, orders or donations, call Lorie Usry 942-2017, Laura Cheek 942-4766, Phyllis Tucker 874-6945 or Cindy Pryor 942-7654. Bake sale items also available at the Leslie pick-up site, all to benefit Paula Adams. Checks should be made payable to Leslie United Methodist Church.
Authority Meeting: The Southwest Georgia Railroad Excursion Authority meets at 4:30 p.m. Aug. 13. The meeting is open to the public.
Buena Vista
Class of 1989: The Tri-County High School Class of 1989 is attempting to local class members for a 20-year reunion. 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.
Ongoing
Americus
Support Group: Caring Together! meets at 2 p.m. every third Wednesday at the Lake House on GSW Campus. If you care for a family member or friend who needs assistance due to aging, a disability or a long-term illness, please join us. Each month we share our thoughts and solutions for a new caregiving topic. Light refreshments are served. For more information call Gayle Alston at 931-2707.
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.
Commemorative Bricks: For a donation, you can get your own piece of history. Imprinted and engraved bricks from Sumter Regional Hospital that was hit by the March 1, 2007, tornado are to the general public. All proceeds go towardsd the rebuilding of the new, permanent hospital. A $25 donation, you get an imprinted brick; for $50 donation, an imprinted brick and printed SRH timeline, and for $100 donation, an engraved brick, printed SRH timeline and acrylic case. Make checks and money orders payable to Sumter Regional Hospital Foundation and mail to Marketing & Public Relations Department,100 Wheatley Drive, Americus. Call today to make your donation at 928-4000, and ask for the Marketing & PR Department; email srhmarketing@hotmail.com.
Six Flags Tickets: Sumter County 4-H Club has Six Flags tickets for $27. Stop by the Sumter County Agricultural Center, 331 U.S. Highway 19 South to purchase. Tickets are valid any regular operating day through Nov. 2. For information call 924-4476.
Storytimes: Lake Blackshear Regional Library hosts story time each week from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. beginning June 5 at the new location, 320 Tripp St., Americus. The program is geared towards preschoolers, but all are welcome to come. For information, call Beth Tanner at 924-8091.
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 itms they would have as their meals. If interested, call Missy Wiggins at 924-9352, ext. 3079 or email 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.
Grant Program: University of Georgia Cooperative Extension announces a new grant program. The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program’s outreach mission is to advance the well being of individuals and families over the life span and strengthen Georgia communities. The EFNEP program works with individuals and families, consumers, professionals, policy-makers, related agencies, businesses and industries. For more information on the EFNEP program, please contact Sandra Sparks, EFNEP educator, at 924-4476.
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.
End Hunger: Help end hunger in Southwest Georgia. Visit www.foodbank-swga.org)
Class of 1998: The Sumter County Comprehensive High School Class of 1998 is planning a 10-year reunion. All interested class members should call Robert Morgan Jr. (942-9118) or Talaycia Hawkins (942-8403). Visit www.myspace.com/ramsclassof1998 for news and photos.
Lions Club: The Americus Lions Club meets at 7 p.m. every first and third Tuesday at Ryan’s Family Steakhouse.
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.
Al-Anon: The Al-Anon Family Group meets from 7-8 p.m. every Tuesday at Calvary Episcopal Church, 408 S. Lee St. For more information contact hope4todayafg@yahoo.com.
Family Caregivers: If you live in the Americus/Sumter area and are caring for a loved one who has a long-term illness such as stroke, heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s, or physical or mental disabilities due to injury, the Rosalynn Carter Institute wishes to talk with you. We are interested in your experiences as a family caregiver, the support and services you are using now and those you wish were available but have not been able to find. The discussion lasts no more than one hour. We will come to your home or any other location that is convenient for you. Each caregiver who participates will receive $20. Call Gayle Alston at 931-2707 for more information.
Water Restrictions: Water restrictions are effect in the City of Americus. There is no watering allowed between the hours of 10 a.m.-midnight on any day. Those addresses north of Lamar Street can water on odd calendar days from midnight-10 a.m. only. Those addresses south of Lamar Street can water on even calendar days from midnight-10 a.m. only. No watering is allowed on Fridays at any time.
Volunteers Needed: The Methodist Home for Children & Youth is looking for Big Sister/Visiting Families. Must be 21 years old, pass criminal background check, sex offender check, Child Protective Services History check, have three references and follow established guidelines. Contact Whitney Lamb at 924-4616 Tuesday-Saturday.
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: The Georgia Southwestern Court-Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), formerly SOWEGA 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 represents the child’s best interest before the court. Training classes are available soon. The CASA office can only handle half of the cases because of a volunteer shortage. Call Fran Ryan, program coordinator, at 931-2268 for information.
Safety Signs: The Sumter County Extension Office, P.O. Box 1027, offers a safety address sign to residents and property owners in the County. The blue sign is made of 12” by 6” engineering grade sign material with 4” 3M 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 youth program. Come by the Extension Office and complete a Safety Sign order form today. For information, call 924-4476.
First Steps: Become a volunteer with Sumter Regional Hospital’s First Steps program which provides all parents of newborns with support, education and referral to community resources. Call Angela Harris at 924-6011, ext. 1199.
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.
Caregiver Program: The Relative Caregiver Programs wants to support those who are caring for the children of a family member. The program offers support services including home visits by a case manager, resource and referral services, support group meetings and family training. For information call 931-2238.
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.
Plains
Commemorative Bricks: Commemorative bricks, engraved with your family name, are available for $50 each and will be placed around the Billy Carter Service Station Museum. Call 824-5373 for information.
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.
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