Americus

Sumter 4-H: Sumter County 4-H Club County-wide Cloverleaf meeting for 5tth- and 6th-graders is at 4 p.m. Jan. 13 at the 4-H office (127 William Bowen Pointe). Call 229-924-4476 or email crperry@uga.edu for information.

Board Meeting: Furlow Charter School board meets at 6 p.m. Jan. 13 in the media center of the Cherokee School, 300 Cherokee St. The meeting is open to the public. Applications will be accepted for new students until Feb. 14.

Public Hearing: A public hearing will be held at 4 p.m. Jan. 20 during the regular meeting of the Americus Planning and Zoning Commission in the second-floor auditorium of the Municipal Building, 101 W. Lamar St., for the purpose of receiving citizens input and comments to discuss the following request: An Annexation request from JADE Consulting for three pieces of property at the corner us Millard Fuller Boulevard and U.S. Highway 19.

Ag Production Meeting: Weed Control Meeting for Sumter County farmers is at noon Jan. 30 at the Sumter County Agricultural Center , 127 William Bowen Pointe. There will be a sponsored meal so please call 924-4476 if you plan to attend. UGA Specialists Eric Prostko and Stanley Culpepper present the program. Earn one hour credit toward private and or commercial pesticide license. Information provided by your local County Agent, Bill Starr.

Theater Event: The Sumter County Friends of the Public Library host its 26th annual theater event Jan. 31 and Feb. 1. Call the library at 229-924-8091 for more information.

Caregiver Workshop: The Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving is offering a workshop for Caregivers, Caring for You, Caring for Me. The workshop will be held from 5:30 -7:45 p.m. on five consecutive Mondays beginning on Feb. 2, 2015 and ending on March 2. Caregivers attending will learn stress management, caring for yourself and available resources to help them on the caregiving journey. The workshop will be held at the Rosalynn Carter Institute on the campus of Georgia SouthWestern State University Light refreshments will be provided. The charge for the workshops is $10, paid in advance. You will need to register as space is limited. Call or email: 229-931-2786 or Elaine.Larkin@gsw.edu

Ellaville

Schley School Council: The Schley County School Council invites all interested persons to attend meetings: 7:30 a.m. Feb. 3 and 5 p.m. May 5 in the Schley County High School Media Center.

Albany

NARFE Meetings: National and Retired Federal Employees,Chapter 643 meets at 11:30 a.m. Jan. 21 at Knights of Columbus, 2009 Gillionville Road. Dr. Davis Kinney is speaker; buffet lunch available.

Ongoing

Americus

Breast Cancer Awareness: The Americus Fire & Emergency Services is selling its 2014 Breast Cancer Awareness T-shirts. All proceeds from this annual fund raiser are donated to Relay For Life.This year’s shirt is pink, with the “Fight Like A Firefighter For A Cure” artwork on the back. Sizes Youth S, M & L and Adult S, M, L & XL are $10. XXL & XXXL are $12. They also have some 2012 & 2013 shirts on sale for $5 each. To purchase, come by the Americus Public Safety Building (119 S. Lee St., Americus), call 229-924-3213, or contact any Americus firefighter.

Volunteers Needed: The Flint River Chapter of the American Red Cross seeks volunteers willing to invest time in Disaster Preparedness Education for our chapter and the surrounding areas. We are looking for dedicated individuals that are willing to speak and train others on what to do before, during and after a disaster. Any volunteer with time on his/her hands is an excellent candidate for this program. This is of vital importance to our area as we never know when a disaster will happen. Call Marvin Grace, Community Disaster Educator at 229-733-9738 or the chapter at 229-436-4845 for more information.

Urgent Need: Harvest of Hope Food Pantry is in need of plastic bags (regular Walmart or grocery store size). The pantry always need plastic bags but during the spring they need extra. They can sometimes use 3,000 bags in one day! They are at the pantry on McGarrah Street from 8:30-10:30 a.m. Mondays and 7:30-11:30 a.m. Tuesdays.

Weight Watchers: Weight Watchers meets Thursdays at First Presbyterian Church, 125 S. Jackson St. Weigh-in is at 5 p.m., followed by meeting at 5:30 p.m. Visit weightwatchers.com

Become a Mentor: LEAP “Learning for Everyone … Avenue to Progress” continues to provide mentorship to elementary, middle and ninth-grade academy students and free adult education classes to the citizens of Sumter County. LEAP is currently accepting applications for the 2013-2014 school year. Applicants need to be 18 or older and commit 30 minutes per week for one academic school year. For more information or to make a donation, contact Brittany Dawson at leapcis@gmail.com or call at 229-924-9443.

Mustard Seed House: Calvary Episcopal Church’s Mustard Seed House is open from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. every Saturday on Brannan Avenue. Stop by for some great deals.

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 AA Clubhouse, Ga. Highway 30. All meetings are confidential and open to interested persons.

A.A. Meetings: Alcoholics Anonymous meets from 3-4 p.m. Wednesdays at New Beginnings and the Addiction Recovery Center of Middle Flint Behavioral Healthcare, 952 Anthony St. (across from GSW baseball field). Call 928-2201 for more information.

Help Available: The ROAD Program (Reaching Out to Assess Dementia) is a free and confidential memory screening. Our goal at the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving is to screen for memory loss and refer for further follow-up, as indicated. Stay active in your care and decision making. Call today for your free screening 229-928-1234. We are here for you. You are not alone.

GED Testing Hours: 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

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 6-9 p.m. Mondays and 1- 5 p.m. 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.

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.

Ellaville

AA Meetings: Alcoholics Anonymous meets at 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the John Gill House, 2237 S. Broad St. between Ameris Bank and Ellaville United Methodist Church. Call for 815-3001 for more information.

Montezuma

Al-Anon: The Macon County Al-Anon Family Group has changed its meeting time from Wednesday nights to 1:30 p.m. Sundays. St. Mary’s is located at 608 Rawls Street. Parking is in front of the church.