VOLUNTEER ADVOCATE TRAINING
WHERE: University Hospital, Augusta
WHEN: Sept. 15-19
DETAILS: Rape Crisis and Sexual Assault Services is seeking volunteer advocates for victims of sexual assault. Advocates are needed to respond to hospitals in McDuffie, Burke and Jefferson counties. Advocates need to be at least 18, pass a criminal background check, have reliable transportation and phone, and be able to respond to the hospital in their area within 30 minutes. The training will be held in the evenings and weekend on these dates.
TRI-COUNTY RETIRED EDUCATORS
WHERE: White Columns Inn Georgia Room
WHEN: 10:30 a.m. Sept. 1
WHEN: State REA president Kate Finch will present the program. A good attendance is urged.
LABOR DAY CLOSINGS
WHERE: City of Thomson government offices
WHEN: Monday, Sept. 5
DETAILS: Garbage service for Monday will be on Tuesday, Sept. 6, to include recycle services. Residents are reminded not to place their garbage or recycle containers at curbside on Monday. If an emergency arises on Monday, residents should call (706) 595-6133 or (706) 595-2145 to arrange repairs of utility (water, sewer, natural gas) services. Police and fire departments will be on the job as usual.
SCHOOL SUPPLY DONATIONS
WHERE: McDuffie County Partners for Success, across from the high school
WHEN: Anytime
DETAILS: Call (706) 595-3112
THS YEARBOOKS 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 the price goes up each month after that. Contact Miranda Murphey for more details or go to www.jostensyearbooks.com. Last year, the supply of yearbooks was used up, so be sure to reserve your copy today.
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30th ANNUAL THOMSON COMPANY RETIREMENT/REUNION DINNER
WHERE: Thomson Depot
WHEN: 5 p.m. Friday
DETAILS: All former Thomson Co. employees are invited. Please bring a covered dish.
BLOOD DRIVE
WHERE: McDuffie Regional Medical Center
WHEN: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. Monday
DETAILS: Sponsored by Shepeard Community Blood Center
ANNUAL TITLE I PARENT MEETING
WHERE: Norris Elementary School auditorium
WHEN: 6 p.m. Tuesday
WHERE: Parents can review Annual Yearly Progress data, give input into the 2011-2012 Parent Involvement Policy, and learn about other components of the Title I Schoolwide Plan and the School Improvement Plan. Following the parent meeting, Supplemental Education Service providers will be available to speak with parents in the school's cafeteria. SES providers can provide additional tutoring beyond the school day for eligible students. Contact (706) 986-4400.
MICHAEL DINGUS FUND
WHERE: Queensborough National Bank
DETAILS: The family needs help to pay for funeral expenses. Please 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 out and enjoy games with Amerigroup, Lady Bug the clown, face painting and more. Enter a raffle for a free crib. Call Debra Griffin, (706) 840-5986.
SPORTS sign-up
WHERE: Thomson-McDuffie Recreation Department and Web site
WHEN: In progress
DETAILS: Register for football, soccer and cheerleading online or in the office. Sign up at the recreation department between 8 a.m. and 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 the general public.
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.
AARP DRIVER SAFETY CLASSes
DETAILS: Instructor 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 for the course 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 also may contact Venderhoof.
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.
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.
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 time of 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 was recently diagnosed with brain and lung cancer. Keep up with his progress at www.caringbridge.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 your lawn chairs and blankets. There is a playground for the 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 online at www.thefamilyy.org. Financial assistance is available for all Family Y programs.
BALLROOM DANCING
WHERE: Thomson Family Y
WHEN: 6:30-7:30 p.m. every Thursday
DETAILS: Each month features a different dance. Free for Family Y members; $10 per class for nonmembers. Register at any Family Y location or online 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.