Americus
Farmers’ Meeting: A Weed Control Meeting (all crops) is at 6 p.m. Feb. 16 in the Sumter County Agricultural Center Auditorium, 127 William Bowen Pointe. Stanley Culpepper, UGA Extension Weed scientist and Eric Prostko, UGA Extension agronomist present the program. Earn one hour credit toward private and commercial (Category 21) Pesticide License. There will be a sponsored meal so PLEASE call 924-4476 to register.

Backyard Peach Production Meeting: Growing peaches and other fruit trees in Georgia and the southeastern U.S. is challenging. Peaches are not native to North America; however, many cultivars have been developed for our area, and Georgia has a long history of successful peach production. One must choose the site and the proper cultivar and provide care throughout the year to be successful. At noon, Feb. 24 at the Sumter County Agricultural Center Auditorium, Jeff Cook, Georgia Peach agent and County Extension agent for Taylor and Peach counties discusses peaches. Topics will peaches onsite selection and preparation, planting, fertilizing, insects, diseases, and harvesting. Call 924-4476 by Feb. 23 to let them know that you will attend.

Servsafe Training: Servsafe Training for Food Service Managers is April 11 and 12. Pre-registration is required by March 24. Cost is $140. Call 924-4476 for  information or stop by the Sumter County Extension Office, 127 William Bowen Pointe.

Andersonville
Veterans Help: A movement is underway in Andersonville to help out veterans. Free booths/spaces for veterans or their spouses are available to come and sell their crafts, trade or antiques for extra income. Many veterans are disabled or cannot find work so Andersonville is trying to give them the opportunity to come to a veteran friendly town. A lot of military and other visitors visit downtown Andersonville after visiting the POW Museum and National Cemetery and this would be the ideal time for veterans to make some extra income. And this is all free! If you are a veteran or know of veterans that could take advantage of this great opportunity, call 229-591-8023 for more information.

Macon County
Forestry Pageant: The 57th Annual Macon County Forestry Pageant is Feb. 27. This is a scholarship pageant. Prizes include: official round crown with emerald and crystal stones, crowning pin, sash, and their entry fee to the 77th Annual Miss Georgia Forestry Pageant. The age divisions are 0 months to 24 years old. Baby through Junior Miss is $85. Teen and Miss is $100. Deadline to enter is Feb. 12. Contact Amy R. Parker at 478-244-1562 or amymaconcoforestrypageant@yahoo.com

Vienna
Board Meeting: The Lake Blackshear Regional Library board of trustees holds its quarterly meeting at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 18 at Vienna First Baptist Church, 127 Church St. The meeting is open to the public.

Albany
Federal Retirees: National Active and Retired Federal Employees meets at 11:30 a.m. Feb.17 at Knights of Columbus, Gillionville Road. Buffet lunch available. Speaker is Susan Nelson, health coach.

Elsewhere
Scholarship Pageant: The 2016 Miss Georgia Peach Scholarship Pageant is March 19 at Fort Valley State University and is open to any Georgia girl, ages 4 -24. Queens serve as the official ambassadors of the Georgia Peach Festival and the peach industry and are honored for service by the Georgia Senate, House, and Governor. The deadline to enter is March 12. Only 15 entries accepted per age group and may close out before the deadline if 15 is reached. Optionals, including talent, are available. Admission to the pageant event is free. For more information call 478 923-3846, Email: missgapeachpageant@email.com, visit www.missgeorgiapeach.org, or visit our Facebook page.

Camellia Show: The Middle Georgia Camellia Society, in cooperation with the American Camellia Society, presents the Flint Energies Camellia show  Feb, 27 and 28 at Massee Lane Gardens. Show opens for public viewing from 1-4:30 p.m. Saturday and 1-4 p.m. Sunday at the Fetterman Building, 100 Massee Lane, Fort Valley. No admission required to see the show.

Ongoing
Americus
GriefShare:  First Baptist Church offers a non-denominational video series and biblical concepts for healing after the death of a loved one. Led by caring people, participants are provided workbooks for personal study and receive encouragement through small-group discussion. Meetings are from 7-8:30 p.m. the first and third Mondays of each month. There is no cost and the meetings are open to anyone grieving the death of a loved one. For information call the church 229-924-9035 or Ann Beaver 229-894-9825.

Narcotics Anonymous: First Step Group meetings have moved to a new location at 126 Forest Street and are 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays.

Volunteers Needed: Learning for Everyone Inc. (LEAP) is seeking volunteers for its Mentor Partnership with the Sumter County School System. Volunteers will mentor children in the grades 3-9. Interested applicants may check out our website at www.learningforeveryone.org or contact Brittany Dawson, Mentor coordinator at 229-924-9443 or bdawson@learningforeveryone.org. They may also attend our mentor trainings. Mentor trainings are held at 5:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month at 200 Cotton Ave.

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.

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 effects of alcoholism. Al-Anon offers 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. The  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 free screening 229-928-1234.

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.

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

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. Outdoor water use for the purpose of planting, growing, managing, or maintaining ground cover, trees, shrubs, or other plants is allowed daily, but limited to between the hours of 4 p.m. and 10 a.m. Outdoor water use for any purposes other than watering of plants, such as power washing or residential car washing, is limited to an odd/even address watering schedule. Odd numbered addresses can water on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Even numbered addresses are allowed to water on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. For more information please call 924-4411 ext. 232.

Drug Problems: Narcotics Anonymous meets 7:30-8:30 p.m. Mondays for members only. A meeting open to the public is held 7:30-8:30 p.m. Thursdays. 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, a local nonprofit, is looking for volunteers to serve as a member of the hospice team by sharing skills and interests in a manner that provides comfort and enriches the quality of life for those served. As a volunteer you serve with patients or help in the office with staff. If you are interested please call Belinda Bond at 229-931-7421/ the office 229-928-4000 or email nfranklin@phoebesummter.org

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 Brannan 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 at St. Mary’s, 608 Rawls St. Parking is in front of the church.

Cordele
State Park Programs: Georgia Veterans State Park is gearing up for the upcoming school year. It offers excellent field trips that cover a wide range of classroom material. There are four miles of nature trails that can be explored and is an excellent teaching tool. This trail offer examples of invasive species to Georgia, natural habitats for wildlife and is great exercise. There are also tours of indoor museums and outdoor exhibits. The indoor museum features artifacts dating from the Civil War to the recent Gulf War. Outdoor exhibits include a B-29 Super Fortress, a Sherman tank, a Patton tank and a “Huey” helicopter. All nature trails and museum tours are guided by Amanda Norris, activities coordinator and the cost is $1 per student. There are picnic tables available for lunch. The park is open seven days a week and scheduling a tour would not be an issue for multiple class field trips. For more, call Amanda at Georgia Veterans State Park 229-276-2371.