THE SOUND OF MUSIC
WHERE: Briarwood Academy
WHEN: March 24-25
MORE INFO: Briarwood Academy musical. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. To buy tickets or get more information call (706) 595-5641.
Railroad Days
WHEN: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 2
WHERE: Camak Town Square
COST: Free
MORE INFO: Festivities this year will consist of railroad memorabilia, arts and crafts, live music, rides for the kids (amusement rides and train ride), classic cars, antique tractors, food concessions, Martin Marietta shuttle tour, Georgia Carolina Model Trains Railroad Association and much more. Phone (706) 465-1904.
RELAY FOR LIFE YARD SALE
WHERE: Double D Pawn
WHEN: Starts 7 a.m.,, no set ending time, March 19
MORE INFO: There will also be a bake sale and concession. All proceeds to benefit Relay for Life.
THS BULLDOG DIAMOND CLUB MEMBERSHIPS
WHERE: Thomson High School
WHEN: now
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.
EMERGENCY RESPONDER TRAINING
WHERE: McDuffie County Fire/Rescue Service, 1061 Salem Road, Thomson
WHEN: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 26
MORE INFO: This is to train responders on working with media outlets during emergency situations. The Rural Domestic Preparedness Consortium and the Institute for Preventive Strategies offer a free Department of Homeland Security-certified course on media awareness. Register online at www.ruraltraining.org.
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TRASH AMNESTY DAY
WHERE: McDuffie County Solid Waste
WHEN: 7:30 a.m. to 12 noon March 26
MORE INFO: They will accept everything but tires, hazardous wastes, no mobile homes or automobiles. Management reserves the right to reject any loads. Call (706) 595-2374. Commercial loads will be charged the regular Saturday rate. All loads must be covered and secured. No scavenging aloud; what is dropped off stays. Violators will be cited.
BASEBALL, T-BALL, SOFTBALL REGISTRATION
WHERE: Thomson-McDuffie Recreation Department
WHEN: ongoing
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.
POWDER PUFF GAMES
WHERE: The Brickyard
WHEN: 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 12
MORE INFO: Playoff game - $1 admission. 12th vs 9th and 11th vs 10th. The winning two teams will play for the championship on Friday, April 15, 7 p.m. -- admission $3. Girls will be the players and guys will be the cheerleaders. Tickets can be purchased early for both games for only $3. Tickets will be available after Spring Break at Thomson High.
TRAIL RIDE
WHERE: Doodle Hill Hunting Club
WHEN: April 15-17
MORE INFO: Approximate 5 hour ride through wooded areas. Friday night: bring your own steak and cook on our grill. Enjoy music and fellowship around the large fire pit. Evening meal and dance Saturday night with DJ Dewayne Holliman. Hamburger and hot dog lunch will be available for Saturday. Free primitive camping available -- no electric or water hookups. Water is available for horses. Cost: $30 includes ride, lunch, evening meal and dance; $20 ride and lunch; $10 evening meal and dance; $5 dance only; kids (6-12) $5 off all prices -- under 6 free. Call Jerry Brinkley -- (706) 595-7345 or (706) 825-8465. Doodle Hill is located at 2924 Sterling Gibson Rd. SW, Thomson.
COMMUNITY WIDE SPRING FLING
WHERE: Thomson Elementary, 409 Guill St., Thomson
WHEN: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 16
MORE INFO: All vendors welcome; arts and crafts, yard sales, food and fun, businesses, etc. Contact Judy Giles (706) 986-9212 or the school (706) 986-4700.
"Fostering Employee Retention: The "FISH" Philosophy
WHAT: A Seminar designed for employers, business owners, and resource staff that will focus on how to operate a business effectively, increase production, and minimize downtime and turnover in the workplace. Sponsored by:
The Thomson-McDuffie Chamber of Commerce, Georgia Department of Labor/Thomson Career Center, and ECGC/WIA.
10 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 12
The Depot, 111 Railroad St., Thomson
MORE INFO: Contact the Thomson-McDuffie Chamber of Commerce for reservations at 706-597-1000.
Team Sweet Blessings:
A cake and candy auction will be held each Wednesday through Saturday through May 13 to benefit Relay for Life, This week's auction, March 16 through noon March 19, is for two items - a Mississippi Mud Cake and a medium box of Homemade Pecan Divinity. Go to www.sweetblessingsconfections.com to enter your bids. There is a $10 minimum bid for each item; and every cent above that goes straight to Relay for Life. Winners are contacted by e-mail and phone and the product is delivered on Saturday.
CLASSIC CAR SHOW
WHERE: Downtown Thomson
WHEN: April 30
MORE INFO: Looking for participants, vendors and crafters. Call Teleen at the Chamber office (706) 597-1000.
MUSIC IN THE PARK
WHERE: Mitchell Depot
WHEN: Every first Saturday April through October
MORE INFO: Bluegrass, country and gospel music, hamburgers, hotdogs and soft drinks. Donations accepted. Bring your lawn chairs n blankets. There is a playground for the kids. Free parking available.
DEARING MAYFEST FESTIVAL
WHERE: Dearing CSRA RESA office, Augusta Highway
WHEN: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 7
MORE INFO: There will be a parade, crafts, prize give aways, a burger battle and rides for the kids. Go to dearingmayfest.org for more information.
DROP AND SHOP
WHERE: Thomson Family Y
WHEN: 8:30-11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday
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
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: 3:30-4:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays
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: 3:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays
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
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.
SONS OF CONFEDERATE VETERANS
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 fifthbrigade2004@yahoo.com or at (912) 618-3613.
SECOND ANNUAL SPRING BREAK FOOTBALL, BASKETBALL, BASEBALL, SOCCER, CHEER CAMP
WHERE: 1962 Rowland York Drive, Lincolnton (recreation complex)
WHEN: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 4-8
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.