SCHOOL SUPPLY DONATIONS
WHERE: McDuffie County Partners for Success, across from the high school
WHEN: Anytime
DETAILS: Call (706) 595-3112
THS YEARBOOKS ON SALE
WHERE: Thomson High School
DETAILS: The first price of the year is always the lowest; the sale starts at $50. In September, the price will increase and goes up each month after that.
Contact Miranda Murphey for more details or go to www.jostens yearbooks.com. Last year, the supply of yearbooks was used up, so be sure to reserve your copy today.
briarwood scholarship info
WHERE: Clinton H. Grant Gymnasium, Briarwood Academy
WHEN: 7 p.m. Tuesday
DETAILS: The Briarwood Academy Scholarship Committee plans an informational meeting. This is the first year of a scholarship program at Briarwood. Parents are encouraged to come and learn who is eligible for scholarships, and how to contribute part of Georgia taxes to help fund Briarwood scholarships. Representatives from Georgia Goal Scholarship Program Inc. and the Briarwood Scholarship Committee will be on hand to answer questions.
30th ANNUAL THOMSON CO. RETIREMENT/REUNION DINNER
WHERE: Thomson Depot
WHEN: 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26
DETAILS: All former Thomson Co. employees are invited. Please bring a covered dish.
CAMELLIA CITY LIONS CLUB MEETINGS
WHERE: Queen of Angels Catholic Church
WHEN: 7 p.m. second Mondays
DETAILS: Call Lion Bonnie Martin at (706) 595-5176 or Lion Pat Wylie at (706) 595-0560. Board meetings are held the last Thursday of each month at 7 p.m.
See more: 2, 3, 5A
TANNER REESE BENEFIT GOLF TOURNAMENT AND CHICKEN DINNER
WHERE: Thomson Country Club
WHEN: 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 27
DETAILS: Four-player teams entry fee: $220 ($55 per golfer to include chicken dinner). Chicken dinner from 12:30 to 3 p.m. - $8 per plate. Contact Al Reeves, (706) 466-1998, or Ralph Starling or Stewart Young, (706) 597-8500.
BLOOD DRIVE
WHERE: McDuffie Regional Medical Center
WHEN: 2-6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 29
DETAILS: Sponsored by Shepeard Community Blood Center
ANNUAL TITLE I PARENT MEETING
WHERE: Norris Elementary School auditorium
WHEN: 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 30
WHERE: Parents can review Annual Yearly Progress data, give input into the 2011-12 Parent Involvement Policy and learn about other components of the Title I Schoolwide Plan and the School Improvement Plan. After the parent meeting, Supplemental Education Service providers will be available to speak with parents in the cafeteria. SES providers can provide additional tutoring beyond the school day for eligible students. Contact (706) 986-4400.
emu fest on hold
DETAILS: Emu Fest, the annual back-to-school event at The Old Frontier Inc., has been postponed until Saturday, Sept. 10.
TCB "SPIRIT" BIKE RUN
WHERE: Sweetwater Recreation Gym Parking Lot
WHEN: Registration 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 10
DETAILS: A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Tourette Syndrome Association Inc. and will be restricted to supporting the new Tourette Syndrome Association of Georgia, which is in formation. The ride will be led by Chris Knox and Rogues Motorcycle Brotherhood. Kickstands up at 10 a.m. First bike out by Harold Burch. Last bike at noon. Concessions will be available. The ride starts at Sweetwater Gym parking lot and will go through Wrens, Harlem, Appling, Lincolnton and back to Thomson. The winner will be announced when the last bike is back at Sweetwater. The winner will receive $250, second place $100 and third place $50. Tickets are $20 per person; $5 for rider; $2 for extra hand (request at registration.)
SEE MORE 3, 5A
MICHAEL DINGUS FUND
WHERE: Queensborough National Bank
DETAILS: The family needs help to pay funeral expenses. Drop donations off at the bank or mail them to 314 Grier Circle, Thomson, GA 30824.
INFANT MORTALITY AWARENESS EVENT
WHERE: Rotary Park, Washington Road next to fire station
WHEN: 9 a.m. to noon Sept. 17
DETAILS: Sponsored by Enterprise Community Health Start, come enjoy games with Amerigroup, Lady Bug the clown and more. Enter raffle for a crib. Call Debra Griffin, (706) 840-5986.
GEORGIA ON THE EVE OF SECESSION
WHERE: Talk of the Town Café, Fitzpatrick Hotel on The Square in Washington WHEN: 6 p.m. Monday DETAILS: Gordon Jones, the senior military historian and curator of the Atlanta History Center, will present the program at the Washington Civil War Round Table meeting. The cost of $10 per person includes dinner. Make reservations as soon as possible by e-mail at claibourne@darden-atlanta.net or by calling (404) 210-5811 and leaving a message.
PENCIL DRIVE
WHERE: Maxwell Elementary
WHEN: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. today
DETAILS: Donate pencils to help start school this year.
SPORTS sign-up
WHERE: Thomson-McDuffie Recreation Department and Web site
WHEN: In progress
DETAILS: Register for soccer, football, cheerleading online, or in the office from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call (706) 595-2152.
RESERVE-SEAT TICKETS ON SALE
WHERE: Thomson High office
DETAILS: Reserve football tickets at $62.50 are available to current seat holders. Any seat not sold after Friday will be open to the general public.
AN EVENING WITH LEON REDBONE
WHERE: Hardin Performing Arts Center, Evans WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 2. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
DETAILS: Tickets are $32.50 and $27.50. Call (706) 726-0366. Visit www.augusta amusements.com.
SEE MORE 5A
AARP DRIVER SAFETY CLASSes
DETAILS: Tom Venderhoof presents AARP driver safety classes geared toward drivers age 50 or older. The course is not limited to seniors or to AARP members. Successful completion can qualify a driver for a 10 percent discount on their auto insurance premium. Drivers should confirm the discount with their insurance agents. Call Venderhoof at (706) 863-2865 for class dates or to schedule a class through your organization. Anyone interested in scheduling a class may contact Vanderhoof.
An Evening with Livingston Taylor
WHERE: Hardin Performing Arts Center, Evans WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Sept. 29. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. DETAILS: Tickets are $32.50 and $27.50. Call (706) 726-0366. Visit www.augusta amusements.com.
CERTIFY IN CPR AND FIRST AID
WHERE: McDuffie County Fire and Rescue Headquarters, 1061 Salem Road, Thomson
WHEN: 9 a.m. until class completion; first and third Saturdays
DETAILS: Classes specialize in health care provider ($20), heart saver first aid ($20), fire extinguisher training (free) and child care professional fire safety training ($10). Fees due at registration. Class must consist of five or more participants. Contact Lt. Ed Lewis, fire and Life safety instructor Terence Favors or Capt. Ron May, (706) 595-2044 or (706) 595-2045.
KENNY HILL FUND
WHERE: Farmers State Bank
DETAILS: Kenny Hill has been diagnosed with brain and lung cancer. Keep up with his progress at www.caring bridge.org/visit/kennyhill. If you would like to donate, please mail a check made out to Benefit for Kenny Hill to Farmers State Bank, P.O. Box 99, Lincolnton, GA 30817.
MUSIC IN THE PARK
WHERE: Mitchell Depot
WHEN: First Saturdays through October
DETAILS: Bluegrass, country and gospel music, hamburgers, hot dogs and soft drinks. Donations accepted. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. There is a playground for kids. Free parking available.
FAMILY Y Classes
WHERE: Thomson Family Y
WHEN: Twice a week per month
KARATE: Ages 6 and up.
ART: Pre-K through eighth grade.
DANCE: Ages 2 years through 12th grade.
FEE: $40 per month for members; $60 per month for nonmembers. Discount for additional siblings. Register at any Family Y location or at www.thefamilyy.org. Financial assistance is available.
ART CLASSES AT FAMILY Y
WHERE: Thomson Family Y
WHEN: Twice a week per month
DETAILS: $40 per month for members; $60 per month for nonmembers. Discount for siblings. Register at any Family Y location or online at www.thefamilyy.org. Financial assistance is available.
BALLROOM DANCING
WHERE: Thomson Family Y
WHEN: 6:30-7:30 p.m. every Thursday
DETAILS: Each month features a different dance. Free for members; $10 per class nonmembers. Register at any Family Y location or at www.thefamilyy.org.
DROP AND SHOP
WHERE: Thomson Family Y
WHEN: 8:30-11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday
DETAILS: 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. Visit any Family Y location or register online at www.thefamilyy.org. Financial assistance is available for all programs.
one stop may be able to help you
WHERE: East Central Georgia Consortium One Stop
WHEN: now
DETAILS: 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.
get a burn permit
WHERE: Call (877) 652-2876
WHEN: Always get a burn permit; it's the law
DETAILS: 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 (877) OK2-burn or log ontoGaTrees.org.