PROJECT M-PACT
FOR MORE INFO: McDuffie Partners Advocating Community Togetherness (M-PACT) has obtained grant funding for gang- and drug-prevention initiatives throughout McDuffie County. If you would like additional information and/or want to play a part in this endeavor, please contact Leon Fields or Carrie Edwards at East Central Georgia Consortium -- ONE STOP at (706) 595-8941. Be on the lookout for more information to follow.
SONS OF CONFEDERATE VETERANS
FOR MORE INFO: The Sons of Confederate Veterans, a heritage, history and honor society and the nation's largest Southern heritage organization, is seeking to organize a chapter in Thomson/McDuffie County. Those interested in such an endeavor should contact Georgia Division 5th Brigade Commander Michael Mull at fifth brigade2004@yahoo.com or at (912) 618-3613.
BASEBALL, T-BALL, SOFTBALL REGISTRATION
WHERE: Thomson-McDuffie Recreation Department
WHEN: Ongoing
FOR MORE INFO: Participants can also register online at www.thomsonmcduffierecreation.com. They are also accepting applications for umpires and volunteer coaches for baseball and softball.
INFORMATION SESSION
WHERE: Augusta Technical College, Thomson-McDuffie Campus
WHEN: 6 p.m. Feb. 17
FOR MORE INFO: This is for those interested in the Nuclear Engineering Technology Program. The next class will begin in August. Please contact (706) 595-0166 for more information.
LET US "SOUPrise" YOU
WHERE: Masonic Lodge #205, M.L. King
WHEN: Feb. 19, noon
FOR MORE INFO: This group will be sponsoring a lunch for the less fortunate. It is free and everyone is welcome. Contact Yetonia Hutchinson at (706) 901-0054 or thutchinson@thomson-mcduffie.net.
NOMINATIONS FOR SENIOR
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
WHERE: Senior Center, 304 Greenway St., Thomson
WHEN: Applications accepted through Feb. 21
FOR MORE INFO: The public is asked to help choose the Thomson-McDuffie Senior Citizen of the Year for 2011. Candidates must be a resident of McDuffie County who is 70 years of age, who has performed (or is performing) worthwhile deeds and has made (or is making) a positive difference in McDuffie County. Forms may be picked up from the Senior Center. Call (706) 595-7502.
GHSWT TO BE ADMINISTERED
WHERE: Thomson High School
WHEN: 9 a.m. Feb. 23
FOR MORE INFO: This is a retest opportunity to administer the Georgia High School Writing Test for candidates for May 2011 and May 2012 graduation. It is the final administration before May 2011 commencement. Passing the GHSWT and all parts of the Georgia High School Graduation Tests is required to earn a diploma in Georgia and to participate in graduation exercises in McDuffie. Per state testing rules, no cell phones, PDAs or other electronic devices are permitted in testing rooms.Call (706) 986-4222.
CHILI/SOUP/STEW COOKOFF
WHERE: Dearing Elementary School lunchroom
WHEN: Feb. 26
FOR MORE INFO: Cost is $5. Entries must be a four quart minimum and delivered to the school between 4- 4:30 p.m. Tickets will be sold to the public at 5 p.m. for the tasting, dessert and drinks included. There will be a cake auction as well, so bring your homemade goodies and put them on the auction block.
BLOODMOBILE
WHERE: McDuffie Regional Medical Center
WHEN: Feb. 28, 2-6:30 p.m.
FOR MORE INFO: Sponsored by Shepard Community Blood Center.
J.A. MAXWELL USED BOOK DRIVE
WHERE: School Library
WHEN: March 2-4, 8:30 a.m. -- 3 p.m.
FOR MORE INFO: J.A. Maxwell will be hosting their second used book fair. They are currently collecting books and magazines for all ages to sell. Please bring any donations to the front office during school hours. The book fair is open to anyone interested.
ANNUAL BARBECUE CHICKEN DINNER
WHERE: Queen of Angels Catholic Church
WHEN: Friday, March 4; 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
FOR MORE INFO: The barbecue chicken dinner will be $7 and will be take out service. They will deliver if necessary. Call Bonnie Martin at (706) 595-5176. This is a Thomson Camellia City Lions Club fundraiser.
ANNUAL CHICKEN DINNER
WHERE: Thomson High School
WHEN: March 19
FOR MORE INFO: The Thomson High School Bulldog Diamond Club memberships are now available along with season passes. For memberships and tickets please call Bubba Grimaud (706) 595-1720 or Judy Wood (706) 595-0179. See you at the ballgame!
SECOND ANNUAL SPRING BREAK FOOTBALL, BASKETBALL, BASEBALL, SOCCER, CHEER CAMP
WHERE: 1962 Rowland York Dr., Lincolnton (recreation complex)
WHEN: April 4-8; 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
FOR MORE INFO: Open to ages 5-14. Discount of $50 if you sign up before March 11. Cost $65, discount for the second child half price in the same household. Group rates for 10 or more kids. Lunch provided. Special guest on Friday. Contact Kathy @ (706) 359-2236 or camp hotline @ (706) 220-3020 or go to www.leaguelineup.com/yesnoles.
DROP AND SHOP
WHERE: Thomson Family Y
WHEN: Monday through Friday, 8:30-11:30 a.m.
FOR MORE INFO: Take the morning to go shopping, hang out with friends or just relax alone. Open to ages 6 months -- 12 years. Cost is $15 per child. Discount for additional siblings. To register, visit any Family Y location or online at www.thefamilyy.org. Financial assistance is available for all Family Y programs.
ONE STOP MAY BE ABLE TO HELP YOU
WHERE: East Central Georgia Consortium One Stop
WHEN: now
FOR MORE INFO: Did you know that more than 25,000 jobs will be opening for the heavy construction industry throughout the state? Did you know an experienced construction laborer can earn $20 per hour? Did you know that you may qualify to be trained for this great career? If you are unemployed, willing to travel and Georgia Work Ready Certified then contact the local One Stop for more information at (706) 595-8941. The One Stop has placed over 45 people in jobs related to this industry after training. Come get your training today.
AFTERSCHOOL TUTORING FOR THS STUDENTS
WHERE: Thomson High
WHEN: Tuesdays and Thursday, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
FOR MORE INFO: For math, students may see Mrs. Costello in Room 209; for English, Mrs. Flanders in Room 111; for social studies, Mrs. Hubert in Room 405; and for science, Mrs. Pereda in Room 304. There is no charge to the student for this supplemental educational service. Call THS guidance department at (706) 986-4222.
McDUFFIE COUNTY EVENING SCHOOL CREDIT RECOVERY
WHERE: Thomson High
WHEN: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3:30-6:30 p.m.
FOR MORE INFO: This option is for Thomson High School students who have previously failed a required course for graduation. All courses are computer-based, self-paced, and aligned with the Georgia Performance Standards. The cost for each course is $50 per half-unit attempted, and students may register in the guidance office. A student is not permitted to leave early unless a parent or guardian comes to sign him/her out. Contact the guidance department at (706) 986-4222.
GET A BURN PERMIT
WHERE: By Calling 1-877-652-2876
WHEN: Always get a burn permit, it's the law
FOR MORE INFO: Breezy, warm, spring days are perfect for enjoying the outdoors, but they're perfect, too, for wildfires. To prevent the spread of wildfires, the Georgia Forestry Commission is urging residents to take extra precautions when burning yard debris, using an outdoor grill or enjoying campfires. If you're not sure when to get a permit just call 1-877-OK2-burn or log ontoGaTrees.org.