Hope Haven to host horse trail ride fundraiser

Horse lovers will hit the trail to help raise funds for Hope Haven of Northeast Georgia during the agency’s first Trail Blazing for Hope Horse Ride on June 1 at Frady Branch Trail Head in Toccoa.

Athens couple named as chairpersons for Light the Night Walk

Light The Night chairpersons

Adult Lap Swim

The Athens-Clarke County Department of Leisure Services will offer Adult Lap Swim for ages 18 years and older at the Bishop Park Pool located at 705 Sunset Drive.

Athens pools offer swim lessons

Swim lessons for children

Congrats for Clarke County graduates

Congratulations to our nearly 600 graduates who walked across the stage Thursday and Saturday to receive their diplomas.

Ongoing volunteer opportunities

• Athens Area Humane Society

Volunteer this week

Monday May 20• GED/Adult Education Tutors: 9:30-11:30 a.m. Volunteers to motivate and encourage adult students who are attempting to obtain a high school equivalency certificate. Volunteers are asked to provide help in any or all GED areas: Reading, Math, Social Studies, Science. No prior teaching or tutoring experience is required. A minimum of a three-month commitment is required for each tutor. Tutor must attend one class a week, either Monday or Thursday, to assist students. For more information, call (706) 353-6647, ext. 5670.

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Bethlehem Christian Academy adding new facilities

Bethlehem Christian Academy students, administration, staff, and parents assembled for a ground-breaking ceremony on March 21 for the school’s new gymnasium and high school facility. Once completed, the project will include a gymnasium, weight room, and 15 classrooms, as well as a life sciences laboratory and a chemistry laboratory. The facility also will house a fine arts suite, including a video production room, a dark room, a pottery studio complete with a kiln, a graphic design Macintosh lab, and a traditional art studio. The music suite will include a chorus room, a band room, and a piano keyboard/computer laboratory. As well, the facility will include a functioning performance stage and a cafeteria adequate for anticipated growth. Pictured: Blue and gold shovels stand ready to break ground on the school’s first facility while students and staff wait for the ceremony to begin.

Kids from Boys & Girls Club go scuba diving

Middle school-aged children from the Boys & Girls Club of Athens were introduced to the sport of scuba diving in April at the YWCO pool by the Dolphin Dive Club (DDC), a group of local certified scuba divers dedicated to continued education and community service, and certified instructors from Dolphin Dive Center. Participants Keivaziay Ball, Trevon Browner, Tyrique Dunn, Diamond Jennings, Shevin Peterson and Destiny Pope were selected by Boys & Girls Club Teen Center Supervisor Dedra Evans in recognition of their good grades and outstanding behavior. Following an introduction, each student was teamed with an instructor and a dive club member and began breathing on the surface of the water with the regulator in their mouth. They then moved on to ducking their faces in the water and breathing through the regulator. Students eventually worked their way up to swimming back and forth across the width of the shallow end of the pool without surfacing. Both DDC and the Boys & Girls club share the same expectations and goals for young people, including positive self-image, education, employment, community involvement, health and well-being, and strong moral compass. Pictured: Boys & Girls Club members Keivaziay Ball, Trevon Browner, Tyrique Dunn, Diamond Jennings, Shevin Peterson and Destiny Pope and Dolphin Dive Club members and Instructors from Dolphin Dive Center.

Golf tournament benefits ESP

Because of one fun-filled day of golf, barbecue and bluegrass music, the children of Extra Special People (ESP) received $8,000 in donations to go to summer camp and $2,000 to go toward a matching grant for the capital campaign.

Students qualify for Duke Talent Identification Program

The Athens Christian School students at left qualified for the 4th-6th Grade Duke Talent Identification Program this year. Students are required to have a percentile ranking of 95 or above to be recommended for the Program. These students have completed the Program and will be recognized at a presentation ceremony later this month. Pictured are fourth-grade student Matthew Kierulf, fifth-grade students Jason Crowthers, Robert Loveall, Colton Smith, Hailey Sternberger; and sixth-grade student Ethan Cummings.

Ongoing volunteer opportunities

• Food Bank of Northeast Georgia

Volunteer this week

Monday May 13

New summer art camp in Oconee

Oconee art camp

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TODAY

Winder-Barrow FFA members attend Greenhand Jamboree

Members of the Winder-Barrow FFA chapter attended the Georgia FFA Association’s Greenhand Jamboree in March at the Georgia FFA/FCCLA Center. FFA members were challenged to expand their comfort zones, set goals, and get involved in agricultural education and the FFA. FFA members also developed leadership skills such as teamwork and communication, took part in an FFA quiz competition, and met with more than 100 ninth-grade FFA members from across the state of Georgia. Those Winder-Barrow FFA members attending the conference included (front row) Dylan Marble and Jacob Patterson and (back row) Kristen Stinchcomb and Carla Curry.

Eldridge named to Governor's Honors Program

Monsignor Donovan Catholic High School sophomore Sophie Eldridge has been chosen to participate in the Governor’s Honors Program this summer in the area of Visual Arts. She was nominated by Monsignor Donovan Catholic High School art teacher Lindsey Conner. The Governor’s Honors Program is a residential summer program for gifted and talented high school juniors and seniors that takes place on the campus of Valdosta State University (VSU).

Clarke students perform with statewide honor orchestra

Clarke County School District Orchestra students performed with the Statewide Honor Orchestra on Apr. 13 at Centennial High School in Roswell. The highest level of recognition is All-State Orchestra, followed by Statewide Honor Orchestra. Students are directed by Dr. Eunice Kang. Left to right bottom row: Tomislav Zabcic-Matic — Clarke Central High School (Statewide Honor Orchestra), Aneesa Conine-Nakano — Clarke Middle School (Statewide Honor Orchestra), Angelina Choi — Cedar Shoals High School (All-State Orchestra) and Nathan Wenger — Clarke Middle School (Statewide Honor Orchestra. Top row: Grace Yuh — Cedar Shoals High School (Statewide Honor Orchestra) and Melody Wauke — Clarke Central High School (She has been a member of All-State Orchestra for the last 6 years)

Darden presented Distinguished Alumni Award

Dolphin Dive Club brings the SCUBA experience to the Boys & Girls Club of Athens

Students take to scuba diving

Volunteer this week

Monday May 6

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TODAY

Ongoing volunteer opportunities

• Athens Area Humane Society

Tidwell named 2013 School of Social Work BSW Field Instructor of the Year

The Athens Community Council on Aging (ACCA) would like to congratulate Paige Tidwell on her recent recognition from the University of Georgia as the 2013 School of Social Work BSW Field Instructor of the Year. Maurice C. Daniels, dean and professor at the college, stated the award was given to Tidwell for her “commitment to the School of Social Work and the University of Georgia is greatly appreciated and we would like to publicly recognize you for your achievements and support.”

12U Oconee Tigers crownded champions at Atlanta Super NIT

The 12U Oconee Tigers were crowned champions of their division of the Atlanta Super NIT in March, one of the largest annual youth baseball tournaments held in the Southeast. Teams from 12 states traveled to Atlanta to compete in the three-day tournament, which is played at various sites throughout the Atlanta metro area. The Tigers made their way to first place out of 44 teams in the 12AAA bracket by winning all seven of their games and defeated the Home Plate Roberts from Peachtree City 9-2 to win the championship. Pictured: Team members (front row): Luke Dickens, Shelby Davis, William Haugabook, Hollan Johnson and Lane Watkins. Back row: Zack Smith, Brooks Blizard, Clay Pender, Will Pearson, Jacob Epps and Jackson Manders.

Athens Academy STAR teacher and student

Athens Academy senior Elyse Paneral recently was recognized as the STAR student for Oconee County. Paneral selected Dr. Bill Leonard as her STAR Teacher. Leonard taught Elyse in his Spanish I and Spanish IV Honors classes. The Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) program honors Georgia’s outstanding high school seniors and the teachers who have been most instrumental in their academic development. Paneral is a member of the National Honor Society and is a National Merit Finalist and an AP Scholar. She has been a member of the Athens Academy Mock Trial and Quiz Bowl teams for the past four years and currently is president of the school’s math team. Paneral has led service projects with Project Safe and was awarded a leadership medal in 11th grade. Leonard is the chairman of the Athens Academy foreign language department and has 15 years’ experience teaching French and Spanish at the secondary level. Pictured: Athens Academy senior Elyse Paneral and Dr. Bill Leonard.

Benefit for FCA National Cheerleading Ministry

The 2013 FCA Spring Extravaganza was held April 13 at the Oconee County Civic Center to benefit the Fellowship of Christian Athletes National Cheerleading Ministry. Barbara Dooley welcomed the crowd of over 150 women and a fashion show was presented by Leann Florence of Private Gallery, McCall Stiles sang the Mike’s Chair song “Someone Worth Dying For” and a luncheon was served by Brett’s Restaurant. The National Director of FCA Cheer, Marilou Braswell, shared a video of the ministry and several board members spoke about the impact the FCA Cheer ministry makes in the lives of young girl across the country each year. Pictured: Fashion show models Karen Sanders, Stephanie Dooer, Holly Heston, Lauren Kirby, Loree Florence Smith, Barbara Dooley, Brooke Daniel, Tishara Adams, Brittany Thoms, Peggy Florence and Kap Martenson.  

Athens Academy students compete in language contest

Athens Academy Upper School students competed in the Foreign Language Association of Georgia (FLAG) Spoken Language Contest on March 23 at Shiloh High School in Snellville. Senior Brent Gelfand, sophomore Morgan Grace, and junior Connor Guess each received a Superior rating in the Spanish spoken language contest and freshman Noah Edge and junior Ji-Whan Sung rated excellent in Spanish. Freshman Mel Fabregas received a Notable rating. In the French contest, sophomores Saad Bashir and Micah Collins-Thomas and juniors Lotta Milde and Halie Zastre each received a Superior rating. Junior Anamaria Otalora-Garcia and freshman Riya Shah were each rated Excellent in French, and freshman Eowyn Fain received a Notable rating. In the Latin spoken language contest, Superior ratings were awarded to sophomores Saad Bashir and Helen Chen. Pictured: The Athens Academy Foreign Language Association of Georgia team at the March 23 competition at Shiloh High School in Snellville.

AthFest Educates makes largest ever single donation

AthFest Educates, a nonprofit dedicated to music and arts education in Athens, donated $10,490 to the Clarke County School District to purchase instruments for use in five district elementary schools’ after school band programs. The donation is one of many AthFest Educates makes to local music and arts projects in and around Athens, but is the largest single donation in the organization’s history, and included five flutes, four clarinets, three alto saxophones, four trumpets, three trombones, and four drum/bell kits. The instruments will go to Whit Davis, Timothy Road, JJ Harris, Cleveland Road and Chase Street Elementary Schools for use in their after school band programs.

Clarke County high school students to attend Governor's Honors Program this summer

Seven Clarke County School District students were named finalists to attend the Governor’s Honors Program (GHP), a residential summer program for gifted and talented high school juniors and seniors. The program will take place on the campus of Valdosta State University.

UGA Masters of Social Work student Ashley P. Stroud receives national fellowship

First-year Masters of Social Work student Ashley P. Stroud recently was named a National Council on Aging Fellow for Summer 2013. The NCOA Fellows Program provides real-world experience in improving the lives of vulnerable older adults, particularly in the areas of economic security and healthy aging. All Student Fellows receive a stipend.

AFB&T's Douglas presented with Blanchard Leadership Award

Synovus presents Chairman’s Awards

Zoo Camp registration open at Memorial Park

Bear Hollow Zoo at Memorial Park currently is accepting registration for Zoo Camp from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the Memorial Park recreation hall at 293 Gran Ellen Drive. Zoo Camp dates are June 3-28 for children ages 6-9 and July 1-26 for ages 10-12. No camp on July 4.

Madison County Habitat seeks volunteers

Madison County Habitat for Humanity (MCHFH) is seeking volunteers to serve as board members. Board members collectively work to determine the chapter’s direction concerning partner family selection, the construction of partner family homes, and provide assistance to partner families as required.

Ongoing volunteer opportunities

• Project Safe

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TODAY

Volunteer this week

Monday April 29

Children First thanks administrative professionals

To help area businesses show appreciation to administrative staff and offer a way for businesses to give back to the community, Children First will play host to its second annual luncheon in honor of Administrative Professionals Day from noon until 1:30 p.m. Thursday in the Trumps ballroom located at 2026 S. Milledge Ave.

Jimenez: Top students featured on web page

Cedar Shoals High School senior Erin Hollander is headed to the University of Georgia this fall and plans on double majoring in biochemistry and genetics, ultimately working in the field of science policy and leadership.

Ongoing volunteer opportunities

• Extra Special People Inc.

Volunteer this week

Monday April 22

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TODAY

Food Bank of Northeast Georgia hosts Will Rock for Food April 20

The Food Bank on Northeast Georgia will host its fifth annual Will Rock for Food concert and fundraiser from 4:30-7:30 p.m. April 20 at Terrapin Brewery, 265 Newton Bridge Road, to raise funds for the Food2Kids program to help feed children in Athens-Clarke County. The event will feature live music by Randall Bramlett and Betsy Franck, sample of food from over 20 local restaurants and Terrapin brewery tours and tastings. Children also will have an opportunity to participate in the regions larges Rock, Paper, Scissors contest and play in the children’s corner. Tickets are $25 for ages 21 and older and $10 for ages 12-20. Children ages 11 and younger enter free. For more information, visit www.willrock4food.org.

Science Fair Winners at South Jackson Elementary

Winners of this year’s Science Fair at South Jackson Elementary School include third-grader Elijah Warren, fourth-grader Ashley Trusty, and fifth-graders Noah Buley, Manny Meneses, Noel Plunkett and Victoria Stephens.

Lodge members serve as ushers at Thurmond Event

Members of Athens Lincoln Lodge No. 62 volunteered as ushers at the historic Morton Theatre for a lecture given by interim DeKalb County Schools Superintendent and fellow Athenian and lodge member Michael Thurmond on March 9.  Thurmond spoke on several topics related to black history, state and local politics, as well as education.  He also gave prizes to children in the audience who answered quiz questions correctly. Some of the prizes included books that he authored. Members serving as ushers for the event included Darrell Appling-Worshipful Master, Johnnie Hunter-Senior Warden, Parker Hardy-Junior Warden, Richard O. Cornelius Sr.,-Pastmaster, Marvin J. Nunnally-Secretary, Corrin Breeding, Kelby J. Lamar, Jimmy Troy, William Johnson Jr., Maurice Richardson, and Willie Hill. Lodge member Ricardo Neely served as the event’s caterer. Pictured left to right: Row 1: Johnnie Hunter, Darrell Appling, Michael Thurmond and Parker Hardy, Row 2: William Johnson Jr., Marvin J. Nunnally and Richard Cornelius. Back Row: Jimmy Troy, Corrin Breeding, Kelby Lamar and Willie Hill.

FFA members attend Greenland Jamboree

Members of the Winder-Barrow FFA chapter attended the Georgia FFA Association’s Greenhand Jamboree on March 8-9 at the Georgia FFA/FCCLA Center in Covington. The theme of the two-day conference for was “Tune In.” FFA members were challenged to expand their comfort zones, set goals, and get involved in agricultural education and the FFA. Members of the Georgia state FFA officer team presented the conference and said they worked to show young agricultural education students the many benefits of becoming a member of the FFA. At the Jamboree, FFA members developed leadership skills such as teamwork and communication, took part in an FFA quiz competition, and met with more than 100 ninth-grade FFA members from across the state of Georgia. Those Winder-Barrow FFA members attending the conference included: (Front row, l to r) Dylan Marble, Jacob Patterson. (back row, l to r) Kristen Stinchcomb, Carla Curry.

Students perform at Honors Recital

On March 3, Matt Kierulf (fourth grade) and Keren Palma (third grade) performed at the Athens Music Teachers Association Honors Recital at Athens First Presbyterian Church. This event recognizes students who earned a “Superior” rating at AMTA Festival February 16. Matt performed Kuhlau’s Sonatina in C Major (Op. 20, No. 1, Allegro Movement) and Keren played Rameau’s Minuet. Keren and Matt are pictured with their piano instructor Sharon Reid.

Paneral named Star Student

Athens Academy senior Elyse Paneral was recently recognized as the STAR student for Oconee County, tying with a student from North Oconee High School for the county’s highest academic honor. Elyse has selected Dr. Bill Leonard as her STAR Teacher. Leonard taught Elyse in his Spanish I and Spanish IV Honors classes. Elyse is a member of the National Honor Society and is a National Merit Finalist and an AP Scholar. She has been a member of the Athens Academy Mock Trial and Quiz Bowl teams for the past four years and is currently the president of the school’s math team. Elyse has led service projects with Project Safe and was awarded a leadership medal in 11th grade. Leonard is the chairman of the Athens Academy foreign language department and has 15 years’ experience teaching French and Spanish at the secondary level. Before coming to Athens Academy in 2010, he taught at Chatham Hall in Virginia as well as Miami Country Day School. The Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) program honors Georgia’s outstanding high school seniors and the teachers who have been most instrumental in their academic development.  During the past 51 years, the STAR Program has honored more than 21,500 high school seniors who have in turn chosen their STAR Teachers to share in this recognition.

Future soldiers receive training in Athens

Drill sergeants from Alpha Company 3/323d Regiment, an Army Reserve unit based in Athens, demonstrate how to clear a room for on-looking future soldiers from Athens, Lawrenceville, Gainesville and Duluth on March 9. The training was a partnership event for both the Reserve unit and the Athens Recruiting Company for the mutual benefit of both the drill sergeants and the future soldiers.

Oratorical contest winners

Joanna Varghese of Hull, (left), Athens Christian School; and Lucas Keeton of Watkinsville, Malcom Bridge Middle School; are the winners of the Georgia District Optimist International Oratorical Contest (Zone 5), conducted March 2 on the Athens Tech campus. They are both sponsored by the University Optimist Club. Congratulating them is Sandy MacKay, lieutenant governor of Zone 5 and president of the University Optimist Club.

It's the Journey donates to Athens Regional Foundation

Athens Regional Foundation was awarded a grant in the amount of $ 34,998 by It’s The Journey, Inc., producer of the Atlanta 2-Day Walk for Breast Cancer. The grant will fund low-cost mammograms, genetic risk-assessment and breast cancer education and support for citizens in Athens Regional’s 17-county area. This grant is one of 19 It’s The Journey awarded this year to breast cancer programs across Georgia. The 11th annual Atlanta 2-Day Walk for Breast Cancer takes place Oct. 5 and 6. All of the money raised in Georgia stays in Georgia. To register for the 2-Day Walk, visit www.2daywalk.org.

Athens-Clarke 4-H students compete at Rock Eagle

Athens-Clarke County 4-H had 26 students from local middle and high schools compete at District Project Achievement at Rock Eagle March 1-3. High School students winning first place and continuing to the state competition are Rebecca Butler in photography, Ansley Jordan in general recreation, Kira Pollack in conservation of natural resources, and Mackenzie Wurst in arts and crafts. Winning second place and continuing to state as a sweepstakes winner is Veronika Rzucidlo in dance. Other High School winners were second place Jamia Johnson in family resource management and Briah Thompson-Carter in fruits, vegetable and nuts. Middle School winners include first place Zakiya Durant in muffins and Adrienne Lumpkin in arts. Second place winners are Summer Crawford in health and Kaya Pollack in food safety & preservation. Winning third place was Johanna Hall in marine resources.

Salon hosts fundraiser to help Athens resident

Divine Salon holding fundraiser

Ongoing volunteer opportunities

• Strong, Beautiful, & Godly Girls Inc.

Volunteer this week

Monday April 15

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TODAY

Music education top notch in Clarke County schools

The Clarke County School District was recently named as one of the 2013 Best Communities in Music Education as part of the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation Best Communities for Music Education Program. The school district, in partnership with AthFest Educates, received this designation due to the school district’s commitment to arts education.

Queen of Neal's Grove Baptist's Valentine's Ball

Valeria Mathis after being crowned Queen during Neal’s Grove Baptist Church’s third annual Valentine’s Ball in February.

Watkinsville Garden Club installs new officers

The Watkinsville Garden Club installed its new officers for 2013-14 year in February. New officers are: Shirley McCorkle, correspondence secretary; Peggy Boggan, recording secretary; Patsy Webb, assistant treasurer; Ellen Purvis, treasurer; Sandi Schmidt, first vice president; Violet Dawe, president; Emily Reynolds, parliamentarian; and Emily Gunnells, parliamentarian. Not pictured: Lois Kraeling, second vice president and historian.

New board members installed at YWCO

The YWCO Board of Directors recently installed new board members Ron Ellington, Clover Weller, Mack Lowrey, Kim Landrum, Harold Williams and new board President Laura Johnson.

Zach Henderson Scholarship Fund donates to Extra Special People

Lauren Thompson poses with Extra Special People Inc. (ESP) staff and children on April 2 during a check presentation from the Zach Henderson Scholarship Fund. Thompson created the fund in memory of Zach Henderson, right, who died suddenly in 2012. Henderson was a summer camp counselor with ESP who loved the children at the agency. “Zach’s death was such a sudden and tragic thing. It hit me and many others very hard,” Thompson said. “Rather than waking up every morning sad I wanted to look at his death in a positive light and that is why I started this scholarship. This scholarship is keeping Zach alive. There was nothing more than he loved than working with the campers of Extra Special People and I know without a doubt this is what he would want.” The $2,400 that was donated to ESP will be used to support the agency’s programs to help enhance the lives of children with developmental disabilities and their families by focusing on children’s abilities — not their disabilities. For more information about the Zach Henderson Scholarship Fund, visit www.facebook.com/TheZachHendersonScholarship or www.zachhendersonscholarship.org.

Project Linus chapter distributes blankets to kids in need

The Middle Georgia Area Chapter of Project Linus held its quarterly Blanket Day in February at First Baptist Church of Greensboro in conjunction with national “Make a Blanket Day.” The Middle Georgia Chapter, consisting of groups from four counties, distributed over 1,000 blankets last year to children in emergency rooms, camps for children with special needs, the Division of Family and Children Services, and other traumatic situations. Project Linus is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping children in need. Pictured: Project Linus volunteers Frances Lang and Dot Strother.

UGA Army ROTC hosts golf tournament for wounded, lost soldiers

The UGA Army ROTC (AROTC) will host its second annual Golf Tournament on April 19 at the University of Georgia Golf Course to help raise funds for the AROTC Alumni Memorial Scholarship Fund and the Wounded Warrior Program.

Food Bank of Northeast Georgia seeks votes to win grant money

The Food Bank of Northeast Georgia is asking that the Athens community vote for it in the “Fighting Hunger Together” initiative sponsored by Walmart — a national campaign that awards grant money to agencies with innovative and effective programs that work to alleviate child hunger.

American Cancer Society seeks volunteer cosmetologists

The American Cancer Society currently is seeking licensed cosmetologists for its “Look Good ... Feel Better” program to assist female cancer patients with the appearance-related side effects of cancer.

Clarke school effectively using SPLOST funds

Because of the generosity and support of our community, children learn in state-of-the-art facilities.

Ongoing volunteer opportunities

• Family Counseling Service of Athens

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TODAY

Volunteer this week

Monday April 8

Golf tourney brings in $10,000 for Extra Special People

A charity golf tournament held March 16 raised $10,000 in donations for the children of Extra Special People (ESP).

Seniors council starts weekly farmers market

Those with limited means and access to food now can buy cheap, fresh seasonal produce such as beets, kale, collards and more through a new farmers market at the Athens Community Council on Aging.

Ongoing volunteer opportunities

• Learning Ally, Formerly RFB&D

Career Academy offers students chance to earn college credit

Students enrolled in the Clarke County School District have an opportunity to earn college credit for free.

Volunteer this week

Monday April 1

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TODAY

Athens Little Library offers free books, supports literacy

Athens residents now have more access to free books thanks to the efforts of a group of concerned citizens.

Eagle Scout award celebrated

Jonathan Williams, son of Drs. Orlando and Susan Williams, along with Scoutmaster Jonathan Fite celebrated Jonathan’s Eagle Scout award in December. Jonathan is a member of Troop 1, sponsored by First United Methodist Church in downtown Athens. The ceremony took place at Ebenezer Baptist Church West, where the Williams family are members.

UGA Habitat for Humanity donates $10k to Athens affiliate

The University of Georgia chapter of Habitat for Humanity has raised $10,000 and donated it to the Athens affiliate to be put toward building a home. Through events like the Turkey Trot 5K and Gift Wrapping over the holidays, UGA Habitat is able to make a sizeable contribution to its local affiliate. Since 1994, UGA Habitat has raised funds to sponsor 10 houses in the Athens area. Thave also provided and organized hundreds of volunteers for the Athens Area Habitat for Humanity, who are currently completing construction on their 76th house in the community. The money raised by UGA Habitat will fund a renovation on a house that Athens Area Habitat is going to transform into an affordable home for low income individuals.

Hospice helps out victims of hurricane

Compassionate Care Hospice in Athens recently donated the proceeds it won through a Christmas tree decorating contest to help those affected by Hurricane Sandy. The contest was held over the holidays and Compassionate Care Hospice won first place out of 15 competitors. Melissa Fox and Paula Rosenbaum headed the project.

South Jackson students particpate in boosterthon

Students at South Jackson Elementary School participated in the 2013 Boosterthon in February, a fundraiser in which students ask people to pledge them a certain dollar amount for every lap they run. This year’s money raised will go toward a walking track and more technology in the classrooms. The Boosterthon program emphasizes leadership, character, fitness, and attitude.

Athens-Clarke 4-H students compete at Rock Eagle

Athens-Clarke County 4-H had 60 fifth- and sixth-grade students compete at District Project Achievement at Rock Eagle on Feb. 16. There were 496 competitors from 14 Northeast Georgia counties at the 4-H event. Clarke County students presented demonstrations in various project categories and learned valuable public speaking skills. These students won at the county competition in January so they could represent Clarke County 4-H at this district competition. They were very successful with 18 first-place winners, 12 second-place winners and 10 third-place winners.

Plum Creek gives grant to Madison-Morgan Cultural Center

The Madison-Morgan Cultural Center, a nonprofit multidisciplinary performing and visual arts facility in Madison, received a $2,500 grant from the Plum Creek Foundation in support of its Madison Storytelling Festival scheduled for April 13.

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TODAY

Volunteer this week

Monday March 25

Ongoing volunteer opportunities

• Homestead Hospice

Athens Little League to start Challenger league

Standing outside in the sun, hearing the crowd cheer from the stands and feeling like part of a team are all part of baseball.

Ongoing volunteer opportunities

• Strong, Beautiful, & Godly Girls Inc.

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ON TUESDAY

Volunteer this week

Monday March 18

Athens Christian students win DAR awards

The National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution recently gave awards to two students from Athens Christian School. Karis Brown, a seventh-grader, received the American History Essay award. Senior Morgan Holloman received the DAR Good Citizen award.

UGA's first black graduate speaks at Bethel Baptist Church

Mary Frances Early was the keynote speaker for Bethel Baptist Church’s Black History program Feb. 24. The audience was treated to a firsthand account of the integration of the University of Georgia by its first black graduate. Pastor Kevin Daniel and the Bethel family welcomed this living legend. This accomplished educator and musician shared her struggles which opened the doors for many to follow.

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TODAY

Ongoing volunteer opportunities

• Boys & Girls Clubs Of Athens

Volunteer this week

Monday March 11

Clarke school superintendent recognized as tech innovator

Clarke County School District Superintendent Philip D. Lanoue has been named one of the Top 50 technological innovators in education, which is a national honor from the Center for Digital Education and Converge.

W.R. Coile Middle School receives UnitedHealthcare HEROES grant

Coile Middle awarded $1,000 for fitness program

Clarke County School District calendar for March 4 to 9

MONDAY, MARCH 4

Daniesville native wins Howard Sanders Optimist Scholarship

The first Howard Sanders Optimist Scholarship has been awarded by Piedmont College to Taylor L. Sexton, a sophomore music major from Danielsville. The scholarship was established by the Athens Evening Optimist Club to honor the memory of Howard A. Sanders, respected Athens businessman and loyal Optimist, by aiding deserving students in their effort to obtain a college degree.

Oasis Counseling Center to host support group for sufferers of cronic illness

Oasis Counseling Center currently is accepting participants for the second session of its support group for sufferers of chronic illness. The group will meet from 1:30 to 3 p.m. on Wednesdays at the Oasis Counseling Center office at 585 Research Dr., Suite B in Athens. The group is for anyone suffering from Fibromyalgia, Arthritis, Lupus, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, severe injuries, migraines, cancer and other medical conditions and will address depression, anxiety, loss of sleep, feelings of isolation, loss of control and more.

Athens Tech has run/walk to support Soles4Souls

Student groups at Athens Technical College will host a one-mile fun run and walk at 9 a.m. on March 9 on the college’s campus to benefit the charity Soles4Souls, a nonprofit that collects gently used or new shoes and money to provide shoes to those in need.

Athens Area Humane Society seeks volunteers to foster adoptable dogs

The Athens Area Humane Society currently is in need of foster homes for its adoptable dogs until they are placed in permanent homes.

Volunteer this week

Monday March 4

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TODAY

Jimenez: The value of AP courses

In David Ragsdale’s AP English class, students took on film projects about “Hamlet,” including creating their own original scripts. There are also in-depth studies of poetry, and students are expected to be well-versed in current events at local, state, national and world levels.

Athens Community Council on Aging hosts 5K to raise awareness about senior hunger

The Athens Community Council on Aging (ACCA) will participate in the national 2013 March For Meals campaign with its third annual March For Meals 5k at 9 a.m. March 9 at ACCA, 135 Hoyt St.

Parents complete program at YMCA

A group of parents recently completed the program “Padres Comprometidos” at the YMCA that gave them tips on how to assist their children with their education. The program is part of the YMCA’s Latino grant from the Y-USA (“Welcoming Hispanic Families”). Paula Lagos, the YMCA’s Hispanic/Latino Program Coordinator, taught the class.

Indian dances presented at retirement center

The Indian Association of Greater Athens (IAGA) recently presented Indian dances at Magnolia Homes Retirement Center to give back to the community and entertain the residents with colorful and soul pleasing performances. Dances were presented by Indian Classical Dancer Debolina Chatterjee and her students. Also pictured are participating children and parents and program coordinator Sunita Singh.

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ON WEDNESDAY

Felt to travel to Washington DC as student delegate

Madison County High School student Caitlin Felt of Elberton was chosen to be part of the 104 student delegates nationwide to participate in the 51st annual United States Senate Youth Program March 9 through 16 in Washington, D.C. Felt also will receive a $5,000 college scholarship.

CASA hosts orientation training for volunteers

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) will have an orientation meeting from 6-7:30 p.m. Feb. 28 at the Children First office located at 693 N. Pope St. for anyone interesting in volunteering to become a court appointed advocate to a child going through the court system.

Prevent Child Abuse Athens hosts Starry, Starry Night fundraiser

Prevent Child Abuse Athens will host its 22nd annual “Starry, Starry Night” Celebration at 6:30 p.m. on March 2 at the Athens Country Club to help raise funds to support its programs to prevent abuse and neglect of children through parent support, home visiting and community education programs in Clarke, Madison, Oconee and Oglethorpe counties.

Georgia Piedmont Arts Center seeks art entries for festival

The Georgia Piedmont Arts Center (GPAC) in downtown Auburn is seeking entries of original fine art and fine crafts for its annual spring tent festival “Spring Phling” being held on April 13.

Volunteer this week

Monday Feb 25

Athens Kids Expo seeks vendors

United Way of Northeast Georgia is seeking vendors for its 2013 Athens Kids Expo on March 2 at The Classic Center. The expo is a day of family fun with inflatables, a petting zoo, miniature golf, shows and more. The show will give businesses an opportunity to get face-to-face with potential customers while supporting the United Way’s Wee Read Program. To register to be a vendor, call (706) 296-0290 or email vbanks@morningstarmarketing.net.

Danielsville Elementary's Christmas play

The cast of Danielsville Elementary School’s 2012 Christmas play, “The Animals’ Christmas Lesson,” sing “Silent Night.”

Blueprint: Ongoing volunteer opportunities

• DAV Chapter 92 (Disabled American Veterans)

Blueprint: Volunteer now

Monday Feb 18

Top placings for FFA students

FFA students of Athens Christian took home top placings Jan. 15 and will advance to state competition. Coached by their agriculture teachers, Sara Hughes and Michael Atkinson, Abby Gretsch placed first in Extemporaneous Speaking and Courtney Trust placed second in the Creed Speaking career development event. These events give FFA members the opportunity to develop their ability to communicate in a powerful, organized and professional manner. The event, hosted by the Oglethorpe County High School FFA Lexington is one of many educational activities in which FFA members practice the lessons taught in agricultural education classes.

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Clarke administrator named principal of the year

Athens and the Clarke County School District are home to the Georgia Principal of the Year.

Benefit for the blind at Blind Pig Tavern helps raise funds, spread awareness

To help the sightless, a local nonprofit hopes to appeal to Athens’ ears.

Ribbon-cutting for St. Mary's new wound care center

St. Mary’s and the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce recently cut the ribbon to celebrate the opening of St. Mary’s Center for Wound Healing, a new hospital-based outpatient facility at 4017 Atlanta Highway, that offers hyperbaric oxygen therapy and other state-of-the-art treatments for patients with chronic wounds. The center is staffed by specially trained nurses and technologists and features debridement, infection control, specialized dressings, negative pressure wound therapy, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Health care is directed by local physicians who have completed specialized training in wound care and hyperbaric medicine. The center also offers free parking, front-door access and on-site registration.

South Jackson students win spelling bee certificates

South Jackson Elementary School students pose with certificates they won following the school’s 2013 spelling bee. Fourth-grade students are Sylvia Espino Marin, Victoria Hancock, Della McClung, James Thorton, Evan Bone and Brad Stringer. Fifth-grade students are Ethan Irwin, Ashley Wilson, Mary Morgan Collier, Reed Fulcher, Manny Meneses and Nicholas Thomas.

Montessori School recognized for conservation work

Athens Montessori School received national recognition in January for its environmental conservation work from “Kids 4 the Planet.” “Kids 4 the Planet” hopes to significantly reduce the amount of paper towels people use by distributing cotton hand towels. The students also learned about the use and reuse of paper around the world. Pictured: The Comets class at Athens Montessori School poses with the colorful organic cotton hand towels it received from “Kids 4 the Planet.”

AARP to provide free tax preparation

The AARP Tax-Aide Program, administered through the AARP Foundation in cooperation with the Internal Revenue Service, will provide free Federal and State tax preparation and free E-filing for taxpayers of middle and low income households and people ages 60 and older through April.

Mobile Food Pantry on Feb. 14 at Colham Elementary

The Connecting Point Church in Bogart will hold its February mobile pantry in partnership with the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia from 4-6 p.m. Feb. 14 at Colham Ferry Elementary School, Colham Ferry Road in Watkinsville.

The Arby's Foundation makes donation to end hunger in Georgia

The Arby’s Foundation, the charitable arm of Arby’s Restaurant Group Inc. (ARG), recently announced the Foundation’s investment in ending childhood hunger in Georgia with a donation of $3 million to broaden the Georgia Food Bank Association’s (GFBA) “Feeding for a Promising Future — No Kid Hungry” campaign.

Lankford earns title Pokemon Winter Regional Champion

Athens resident Tristan Lankford, 10, participated in a head-to-head Pokémon battle Jan. 19-20 and took first place in the video game Juniors Division and earned the title of Winter Regional Champion. Tristan also earned a travel award to represent the Southeast at the 2013 Pokémon U.S. National Championship in Indianapolis, Ind., next August.

ACC Recycling Division asks residents to recycle shoes

The Athens-Clarke County Recycling Division recently partnered with ShoeBox Recycling to help educate residents about the power of reuse, to reduce landfill usage, to recycle as many usable pairs of shoes as possible, and to connect people through the process of shoe recycling.

OCAF seeking art entries for juried art exhibition

The Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation (OCAF) is seeking artists to participate in its Southworks 2013 Juried Art Exhibition being held April 12 through May 17 in Watkinsville. The deadline for applications is Feb. 16.

Jimenez: Clarke County students recognized for achievements

My inbox was overflowing last Monday morning, and it was full of good news. Several of our teams had won 1st place honors at regional competitions. As the season for such is in full gear, I anticipate good news at upcoming state competitions. Why am I so confident? Consider this: last year, 89 students and teams won 1st place at state competitions, and 11 did so at a national level.

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Nonprofit hosts bowling fundraiser to raise funds for the disabled

Multiple Choices Center for Independent Living currently is seeking team players to participate in its fifth annual Differently Able Bowl-A-Thon to be held Saturday and Feb. 23 at the Showtime Bowling Center.

Journalism professor honored in Romania

Dr. Lee Becker, director of the James M. Cox Jr. Center for International Mass Communication Training and Research and a journalism professor at Grady College, was awarded a Doctor Honoris Causa by the Senate of the National School of Political Studies and Public Administration (NSPSPA) in Bucharest, Romania.

ARMC Auxiliary celebrates accomplishments

The Athens Regional Medical Center Auxiliary is proud to announce its many accomplishments of 2012.

Dillion, Gordon named to the Leadership Georgia Class of 2013

Two named to Leadership Georgia Class of 2013

Ongoing volunteer opportunities

• Clarke County Mentor Program

Volunteer this week

Monday, Feb 4

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IB making a world of difference

You may have heard that all of our middle schools, as well as Cedar Shoals and Clarke Central high schools, are candidate schools for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years programme. Middle years in high school? Well, according to IB, “middle years” spans from grades 6-10. What you may not know is that IB is not a new curriculum; it’s a new way of approaching our rigorous curriculum with an emphasis on problem-solving and collaboration.

Ongoing volunteer opportunities

• Boys & Girls Club partner, Free Fab’rik

Volunteers sought for UGA's special collections library docent program

Special Collections Libraries seek docents

Barrow County Emergency Services personnel awarded at luncheon

Barrow emergency personnel honored

Athens helps raise money for Make a Wish Foundation

Macy’s matches letters to Santa with donations

NE GA science and engineering fair on Feb. 8

Science, engineering fair at Athens Tech

Girl Scouts to honor Adams as Woman of Distinction

Girl Scouts honor Mary Adams

Volunteer this week

Monday Jan 28

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Jimenez: Success in digital learning environments

If I didn’t live and breathe education daily, the words “21st century digital learning environments” would sound like education jargon. And yes, those are the buzzwords of the day for anyone in K-12 education. Even so, I’m going to say it a different way.

Buxton honored

Members of the Georgia Association on Young Children recognized Amber Buxton as its GAYC 2012 Student of the Year during the GAYC 46th Annual Awards Banquet last fall at the Gwinnett Civic Center. Buxton graduated from Athens Technical College last spring with an associate degree in Early Childhood Care and Education. She is one of the founding members and current president of the Early Childhood Educators Student Association at Athens Technical College and for the past two years has been a puppeteer volunteer for “Hands Are Not For Hitting,” an anti-violence, anti-bullying puppet show conducted in the Clarke County Elementary Schools for the Pre-K, kindergarten, and first grade students. GAYC is a nonprofit membership organization that promotes quality early care and education for young children. GAYC is the state affiliate of the Southern Early Childhood Association and the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

MLK garden project scheduled for children

MLK garden project at Rocksprings Park

Athens Regional honors employees with Value Awards

Athens Regional Health System recently honored several employees with Values Awards to recognize employees that exemplify the organization’s core values: Excellence, Honesty and Integrity, Continuous Improvement, Efficiency and Effectiveness and Teamwork.

Senior trip to Dahlonega planned for Jan. 31

Leisure Services planning trip for seniors

Senior Leadership Academy begins Jan. 31

Registration for Senior Leadership Academy

Thank you from HandsOn NEGA

Thank You Athens MLK Day Sponsors. Funding for these projects comes partially from Service for Peace, an organization that asks all volunteers who register with HandsOn NEGA for the day of service to sign their “40 Days of Peace” Pledge, which states that beginning on MLK Day, the members of the community will “promote a greater cooperation and a sustainable reduction in violence” for the following six weeks. The Athens Banner-Herald, a longtime partner of HandsOn NEGA, has committed resources to the Athens MLK Day efforts and should be recognized for their sponsorship. We thank all of our sponors!

Tops Club hosting open house

TOPS Club plans open house in Watkinsville

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Ongoing volunteer opportunities

• Extra Special People Inc.

Volunteer this week

Monday Jan. 21

Jimenez: Focus on Student Achievement

Our students are actively engaged in learning activities.

Firefighters donate to ARMC Cancer Support Center

Members of the Firefighters Union IAFF Local 2795, the Professional Firefighters of Athens-Clarke County recently donated $4,000 to Athens Regional Medical Center’s Loran Smith Center for Cancer Support. The money was raised through T-shirt sales throughout October. IAFF Local 2795 is part of the Nationwide Firefighters Union, which is separate from the Athens-Clarke County government. The group is comprised of about 80 members. The donation will allow the Loran Smith Cancer Center to offer 15 to 20 breast cancer survivors the opportunity to attend weekly, adaptive yoga classes for nine months or allow 10 clients to be able to have four illness-related counseling sessions each. 

Call for volunteer stories

Inspiring volunteer stories sought

Registration open for senior citizen trip to winery

Senior trip to winery planned

Art entries sought for gallery exhibition

Arts center in Auburn hosting exhibition

Peacemaker training begins Jan. 22

Program will offer ‘Peacemaker Training’

Suitcases to be collected for area foster children

Totes 2 Tots suitcase drive on Jan. 18

Homestead Hospice in need of volunteers

Homestead Hospice seeking volunteers

Coat drive to be held at area Kroger stores

Kroger stores hosting coat drive

UGA College of Veterinary Medicine hosts shelter medicine seminar

For the fifth consecutive year, the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine is hosting a seminar aimed at people who work in animal rescue and with animal shelters.

St. Mary's donates turkeys to help families in need

Skies may have been gloomy on the morning of Nov. 19, but the atmosphere at St. Mary’s was cheerful as the healthcare system’s employees and volunteers donated 200 turkeys to the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia to help families in need this holiday season.

South Jackson Elementary's 'Question Superstars'

South Jackson Elementary School “Question Superstars” display their Dairy Queen certificates as part of a new program called “Exceeding in All Things,” initiated by Thomas Wilcox, Gifted Teacher (pictured).

Georgia Paraprofessional Caregiver of the Year award

Wilani Martin, a certified nursing assistant and Med-Tech with Bentley Assisted Living at Northminster in Jefferson, received the Georgia Paraprofessional Caregiver of the Year award from the Rosalynn Carter Institute during its gala on Oct. 25.

Athens Academy students recognized for test performance

Thirteen members of Athens Academy’s Class of 2013 were recognized for their performance on the October 2011 PSAT/NMSQT, including semi-finalists Ward Archibald, Elyse Paneral and Jimmy Robinson. The semi-finalists will continue in competition in the spring for Merit Scholarship awards.

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Ongoing volunteer opportunities

• Athens Community Council On Aging

Volunteer this week

Monday Jan 7

Prudential Blanton donates school uniforms

Heather McElroy from Prudential Blanton Properties and Howard B. Stroud Elementary School Principal Ingrid Gilbert and Vice Principal Antwayne Sanders pose with students and their uniforms donated by Prudential Blanton Properties.

Mercer professor speaks to Clarke Middle students

Clarke Middle School students recently attended a seminar presented by Mercer University’s Dr. Lucy Bush on consumerism in young-adult literature.

UGA celebrates Olympic, Paralympic athletes

Current and former UGA athletes who competed in the London Olympic Games and Paralympics pose for a photo with UGA President Michael Adams and his wife, Mary, at a reception celebrating their accomplishments in October.

Westminster students recognized for academic achievements

Westminster Christian Academy sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade students were recognized recently at the Middle School Honor Roll Breakfast for their academic achievements during the first quarter of this school year.

Ongoing volunteer opportunities

• Nuci’s Space

Paul Martin helped shape modern Athens

“The Wizard of Oz” was right: There are three signs to a great man.

Clarke County School District awards its first Counselor of the Year awards

Counselors of the Year named

Acting workshop for ages 12 to 18 begins Jan. 10

Theatre to hold acting workshop

St. Mary's honored as 2012 Gold-Level Fit-Friendly Worksite

St. Mary’s Health Care System has been honored as a 2012 Gold-Level Fit-Friendly Worksite by the American Heart Association, demonstrating that St. Mary’s provides numerous opportunities for employees to improve and maintain their health and fitness on and off the job.

Volunteer this week

Monday Dec 31

High school students participate in glee competition, raise funds to help children

High school students will do their part to help children throughout the state of Georgia have a safe, stable and nurturing living environment while going through a family crisis when they participate in Children First’s second annual Glee Off fundraiser, a singing and performance competition inspired by the television show “Glee.”

Library awarded money during sweepstakes

The Athens-Clarke County Library in Athens was awarded $1,529 in September for having the greatest number of sweepstakes entries during the Path2College 529 Plan, which was part of the 2012 Summer Reading Program Sweepstakes Think BIG! Save for College! More than 3,600 Georgia children were entered in the Think BIG! Save for College! sweepstakes. This is the third year Georgia’s Path2College 529 Plan has partnered with Georgia Public Library Service to offer the Summer Reading Program sweepstakes. The Path2College 529 Plan has awarded more than $16,500 to Georgia children for their college savings and nearly $14,000 to Georgia libraries through the sweepstakes.

Feep enthusiasts help out Toys for Tots

Stockers to Lockers, an off-road Jeep enthusiasts’ group, formed a Jeep Train on Dec. 15 when it traveled to a Toys for Tots event at the Athens Dodge Chrysler Jeep dealership in Bogart to collect toys for this year’s Toys for Tot’s campaign. Classic City Off Road sponsored the 94 jeeps that participated during the one and one-fourth mile long Jeep Train. Thirteen more Jeep owners met the group at the dealership.While at the event, Jeep enthusiasts help collect 293 toys and 44 stocking stuffers.

Carpet donated to Habitat for Humanity

INVISTA’s Athens site recently donated $2,000 of STAINMASTER® carpet to the Athens Area Habitat for Humanity to help finish the local home several of its employees volunteered to help build.

UGA frat brothers help clean up beach

The brothers of Phi Kappa Psi at the University of Georgia participated during the 2012 St. Simons Island Beach Clean Up on Oct. 27 after a group traveled to the area for the Georgia vs. Florida football game. Phi Kappa Psi brother Ryan Casey lived on St. Simons until he was 6 years old and frequently visits and had seen pictures of students on the beach the Friday before the game and of the mess that is left behind every year.

National Guard honor Barrow County resident

Lt. Travis Vanzo of Barrow County Emergency Services recently was nominated for the Ultimate Wingman Award through the Georgia National Guard presented by The Wingman Foundation, a nonprofit organization that raises funds and awareness for soldiers, veterans and their families in need, and other military-related organizations. The Ultimate Wingman award recognizes outstanding service members who serve their country with distinction: above and beyond the call of duty.

OCAF donates to Toys for Toys

OCAF volunteer John Kirschner presented Marine Corps League CWO4 Ray Fairman a check for $663 and over 80 toys for Toys for Tots.

Grads of Athens Tech program land jobs at Caterpillar dealer

Four recent graduates of Athens Technical College’s Diesel Equipment Technology program now are working at Caterpillar equipment dealer Yancey Brothers Co.’s Dacula facility thanks to a promising new partnership between Yancey Brothers and the college. Yancey Brothers, based in Austell, is the nation’s oldest Caterpillar dealer and serves as Georgia’s sole authorized dealer for new Caterpillar equipment.

UGA majorettes celebrate championship

University of Georgia President Michael Adams and his wife, Mary, celebrate with the national champion UGA majorettes at a reception in October.

Oglethorpe Avenue Elementary receives $4,000 grant

Oglethorpe Avenue Elementary School received a $4,000 grant from the Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries in September. The grant will help to provide approximately 250 books to be used in the school’s Spectrum program. This is the second time that Oglethorpe Avenue Elementary has received the grant.

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Volunteer this week

• Senior Home Assistance And Repair: An experienced volunteer is needed to install a heating system for a 92-year-old senior citizen homeowner as soon as possible. S.H.A.A.R.E has secured the purchase of the heating system but does not have the funds to pay a contractor to install the unit. Same opportunity available Sunday. For more information, call Carla Moore at (706) 549-6829.

Ongoing volunteer opportunities

• Mercy Health Center

How to get over the holiday blues

The lights decorating downtown streets and the Christmas music playing in stores put many in the holiday spirit. For some, though, such joviality can plummet them into a depression.

South Jackson Elementary enjoys "Taste of the South"

Chef Josh Aaron of The Savory Spoon in Jefferson explains a recipe to parents and students during South Jackson Elementary School’s first annual “Taste of South” event.

Read for the Record Day celebrated at Alps Road Eementary

The Alps Road Elementary School library joined millions around the world in celebrating Jumpstart’s Read for the Record Day Oct. 4.

Fowler Drive teacher awarded a $1,000 grant

Fowler Drive Elementary School science teacher Halley Page recently received a $1,000 grant to create a school garden/outdoor classroom featuring native coastal Georgia plants.

'Math Fun Day' at South Jackson Elementary School

Sonja Christopher, second-grade teacher, assists a group of second- and third-graders on “Math Fun Day” at South Jackson Elementary School.

Russell Middle's September Students of the Month

Russell Middle School offers a Student of the Month award to students who demonstrate all the qualities necessary to exude Dog Pack PRIDE.

Athens Christian Homecoming princesses announced

Athens Christian School celebrated its 36th Homecoming Sept. 28. It was a lovely evening as five seniors and one representative from each underclass graced the football field at Eagle Stadium.

Congressman presents medals to area veterans

The family of Harold Powers joined him as Congressman Paul Broun presented the Athens resident with The Bronze Star, POW Medal, Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with Two Bronze Service Stars, World War II Victory Medal, Combat Infantry Badge 1st Award, World War II Honorable Service Lapel Button, Marksman Badge with Machine Gun Bar and Parachutist Badge, Basic.

Advocate for the deaf honored

In honor of Deaf Awareness Week (Sept. 24-28), Hamilton Relay, the contracted telecommunications relay service provider for the state of Georgia, announced that Christopher Patterson of Athens is the state’s recipient of the 2012 Deaf Community Leader Award.

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Jackson EMC offers student scholarships

Jackson EMC will award scholarships

Ongoing volunteer opportunities

• Mercy Health Center

Volunteer this week

Monday Dec 17

Athenian releases children's book

Nancy Sharp of Athens released her book this year titled “Puddles, Ponds and Piddles,” a children’s book that takes the names and personalities of real people and introduces them to children as frogs and toads with a story line to help children gain knowledge about nature and teach them about life values.

District's Stubbs judges interiors

Clarke County School District Director of Facilities Planning & Construction David Stubbs recently served on the 2012 Educational Interiors Showcase jury. As one of three tapped nationwide, Stubbs participated in judging this year’s best in education interiors to be featured in American School and University magazine.

Scout achieves religious emblem

Thomas Pressey was named a four-star recipient of the God and Country series in Scouting, the highest religious emblem achievement, on Nov. 4. He is a member of Troup 326, senior patrol leader of his troop and a life Scout working toward his Eagle badge.

ACS student performs at piano celebration

Matt Kierulf, a fourth-grade student at Athens Christian School, performed at North Georgia College and State University’s American Piano Celebration on Nov. 10 in Dahlonega. He played “Birthday Bouquet”, John Schaum’s arrangement of Mildred Hill’s birthday song.

Business celebrates customer service week

Athens’ American Pest Control celebrated National Customer Service Week from Oct. 1-5. The week was filled with fun daily dress-up themes such as Pajama Day, Sports Day, Mission Impossible Day, Crazy Hat Day and Bling Day.

AT&T Pioneers team with school to paint ceramic bulldog

The Athens AT&T Pioneers, active and retired company employees, recently partnered with students at Hilsman Middle School, under the leadership of art teacher Starr Campbell, to paint a new ceramic bulldog.

Belk donates to the United Way

Belk recently made a $5,000 contribution to the United Way of Northeast Georgia. The check was presented to Rubielen Norris, president of United Way, by Dawn Blankenship, store manager of Belk at Georgia Square Mall.

Ongoing volunteer opportunities

• Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful

American Pest Control celebrate with dress up days

Volunteer this week

Monday Dec 10

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4-H Forestry Field Day competition

The 4-H Forestry Field Day competition was held Sept.13 in Dahlonega with 128 students attending from Northeast Georgia.

Watson-Brown Board donates to Athens Heritage Walks

The Watson-Brown Foundation Junior Board, Athens Chapter, recently awarded $2,000 to the Athens Heritage Walks sponsored by the Athens-Clarke Heritage Foundation to continue the filming project of these historical tours.

Athens Christian Students participate in shoebox project

The students at Athens Christian School recently participated in the Operation Christmas Child Shoebox project sponsored by Franklin Graham’s Samaritan’s Purse. Over 500 boxes were collected, crated, and sent to the local distribution center.

ARMC Auxiliary celebrates milestones

The Athens Regional Medical Center Auxiliary reached a few milestones recently, one of them being that it raised over $2.8 million for hospital and community projects since 1977, including the purchase of three giraffe beds for the hospital’s new Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

Sponsors needed for Project Safe families

Project Safe needs sponsors or groups of sponsors willing to purchase needed items for the victims of domestic violence it serves. Families have provided Project Safe with a list of gifts they would like for each family member. Gifts must be donated by Dec. 14. If interested, email projectsafeholidaycommittee@gmail.com.

Dry dog and cat food donations needed

The Athens Area Humane Society will host a Holiday Pet Food Drive for its Food Bowl program through Dec. 15 to collect food for residents that are unable to feed their pets over the holidays. Large unopened bags of Cat Chow and Dog Chow (or Purina brands) that weigh at least 8 pounds will be accepted or a $30 monetary donation.

Athens Nurses' Clinic is 2013 Pioneer Awards honoree

Athens Nurses’ Clinic honored

Georgia Gives Day

Georgia Gives Day will be held on Dec. 6 to inspire individuals to donate to nonprofits with the goal of raising as much money as possible in a 24-hour period. To find a list of organizations in your area, visit www.Gagivesday.org and search by zip code or Athens-Clarke County.

Clarke County School District AP Scholars announced

The College Board recently announced that 97 students at Clarke Central and Cedar Shoals High School have earned Advanced Placement (AP) Scholar Awards in recognition of their exceptional achievement on AP Exams.

now volunteer

Monday Dec 3

YWCO fashion show to raise funds

The gym at the YWCO will be transformed into a Winter Wonderland and guests will sit amid twinkling lights and snowflakes during the YWCO’s 4th annual fashion show from 6 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 6 featuring 12 local women known for their community involvement and leadership.

Ongoing volunteer opportunities

• Athens Community Council On Aging

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South Jackson students learn about government

Second-grade students at South Jackson Elementary School listen to Doug Haney, mayor of Arcade, who talked recently about leaders in the government, what they do, and where they work.

Spine Care Staff help with habitat house

Staff members from Spine Care & Pain Management helped build a Habitat for Humanity house on Sept. 8. David Bockrath, an employee of Spine Care & Pain Management (SCPM), suggested the volunteer opportunity to his co-workers as a service project after volunteering with his wife, Katie, in August.

JROTC commissioning ceremony

C/CPT Alex Bryant, C/MAJ Jakwon Person, C/MAJ Joshua Knight, C/LTC Christian Nelson, C/1LT Devonte Bush, C/1LT Joshua Jones, C/CPT Rogeria Shelton, and C/CPT Anastasha Bryant pose for a photo during the Clarke Central JROTC Commissioning Ceremony in September.

W.R. Coile Interact Club shows appreciation for police

The W.R. Coile Interact Club presented the Athens-Clarke County Police Department with fruit cups, cupcakes and a plaque to show appreciation for their service to the community. The department welcomed the students with inspiring words by officer Courtney Gale and Chief Lumpkin.

Madison-Morgan Cultural Center receives grant

The Madison-Morgan Cultural Center received a grant this summer from the Milledgeville Chapter of the Watson-Brown Foundation Junior Board of Trustees for $6,500. The grant will be used to fund the Center’s Video History Project, “Ring Out: A Celebration of the 1895 School Building.”

Masons hold annual awards banquet for community service

John A. Gilliam, District Deputy Grandmaster of Athens Masonic District No. 6, hosted the annual awards banquet for outstanding community service. Accepting awards were Prince Hall Chapters Athens No. 9, Shiloh Academy No. 50, Zenith No. 92, Mt. Zion No. 207 and Prince Hall Lodges Lincoln Lodge No. 62, Shiloh No. 63, Buckhead Star No. 213, Greensboro No. 223 and Star of Mt. Zion No. 370. Pictured: Lincoln Lodge No. 62 Treasurer Johnnie Hunter, S.W. Paul L. Walton, W.M. Richard Cornelius, P.M. the Rev R.E. Cooper, S.D. Parker Hardy and Sec. Marvin Nunnally.

Lowe's donates to J.J. Harris Elementary Charter School

Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation awarded $40,000 to J.J. Harris Elementary Charter School for a school greenhouse, efficiency kitchen and mobile construction lab.

Grainger donates tool sets to Athens Tech students

Industrial supply distributor Grainger donated customized tool sets to Athens Technical College students Johnny Canazon and Nathan Major in August. The tools were the capstones to scholarships the two men earned this past year from Grainger.

Bike donations needed for children

Girls group seeks help with retreat

Homestead Hospice holds volunteer training

Homestead Hospice needs volunteers for patient companionship and/or administrative duties. Volunteer recruitment and training will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Nov. 29 at Homestead Hospice, 1731 Meriweather Dr., Ste 107, in Bogart.

Organization needs donation for self esteem retreat.

Strong, Beautiful, & Godly Girls, Inc. is looking for donations for its Upgrade My Self Esteem retreat being held in December. In addition to monetary donations for materials, hotel and event expeditures, the organization also needs gift cards, angel figurines, picture frames, make-up, fingernail polish, candy, juices, drinks, water, snacks, hair products and motivational/spiritual books or educational materials.

Goodwill opens on Eastside

The Goodwill of Northeast Georgia will open a second Goodwill store in Athens on the Eastside at 9 a.m. on Nov. 29 at 4060 Lexington Highway with a ribbon-cutting and a drawing for gifts cards every hour.

Ongoing volunteer opportunities

• Athens Community Council On Aging

Volunteer this week

Monday Nov 26

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Program makes sure area seniors are not forgotten during the holidays

Even though Thanksgiving is the next major holiday, many people already have started, or at least are considering, Christmas shopping.

'Action Heros' promote benefit for our daily bread

Miranda Brookshire, program administrator for Our Daily Bread, and Clara Norfleet, a volunteer from Zeta Tau Alpha, dressed up as “Action Heros” and handed out flyers promoting a dine out percentage night for Our Daily Bread on Nov. 8 at the corner of Broad Street and College Avenue. Our Daily Bread serves meals seven days a week to the homeless population in the Athens area and to the working poor.

In Their Shoes walk raises money to help fight breast cancer

During this year’s In Their Shoes walk on Oct. 13, 75 walkers and 250 volunteers helped to raise $114,000 to help fight breast cancer. In Their Shoes is a 13.1 mile, one-day walk to recognize those who have lived with breast cancer and to elevate awareness about breast cancer, educate people on the importance of early detection and to raise funds for the Athens Regional Foundation and the Loran Smith Center for Cancer Support.

Parent Night at Danielsville Elementary

Danielsville Elementary School kicked off its school year with a parent night featuring an old-fashioned chili supper and smores prepared by the school nutrition department in September.

Clarke Central High School holds gift drive for teenagers

School gift drive

Athens Academy faculty recognized by GISA

Four members of the Athens Academy faculty have been recognized by the Georgia Independent School Association (GISA) for their outstanding work in independent schools. Cindy Boerma, Ley Brown, Randy Reid, and Beth Shaw will each receive the Distinguished Service Award for having dedicated at least 25 years of service to independent schools at the GISA Annual Conference in November.

Volunteer this week

Monday Nov 19

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Ongoing volunteer opportunities

• Bear Hollow Zoo

Students learn about careers in journalism

Burney-Harris-Lyons students Isis Bryant, Tainayai Porte and China Raines share the results of their interviews with Joe Dennis, Adopt-a-Class partner from the Grady College of Journalism at the University of Georgia.

Danielsville Elementary students learn about narrative writing

First graders at Danielsville Elementary School have been learning about narrative writing. After reading “The Important Book” by Margaret Wise Brown, students wrote their own narrative story called “The Important Thing About Me.”

Coile Middle School students back Obama

Coile Middle School students voted to give President Obama a second term, with a 94 percent win. In addition to voting in the presidential election, students also elected their student council officers after hearing the candidates’ campaign speeches.

The Cottage says Thank You

A THANK YOU: The Cottage, Sexual Assault Center and Children’s Advocacy Center, Inc. would like to extend a special word of “thanks” to all those professionals who gave of their time and talents to the first annual Child Safety Program that was held during the month of October.

Angels with Faith Ministries seeks donations for children

In December, children will wake up on Christmas morning and smile as they open presents left for them by Santa. Well, most children will.

Give help, get help, grow help

GET HELP: ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE FOR THOSE IN NEED

Plum Creek donates to Athens YMCA

Athens YMCA, one of Georgia’s leading nonprofit organizations dedicated to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, recently was awarded a $2,872 grant from the Plum Creek Foundation.

Russell Middle students attend leadership conference

Russell Middle School seventh-grade students Kimberly Hernandez, Angel Sanchez-Weiss and Yessica Saucedo and their advisor Traci Bryant attended the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America’s (FCCLA) 2012 National Leadership Conference July 8-12 in Orlando, Fla. The theme this year was “#realitycheck.” Throughout the five-day convention, participants examined and discussed critical issues, including family, school and community violence prevention, physical and financial fitness, future career exploration and countless community service projects.

Russell Middle Students of the Month for August

Russell Middle School Students of the Month for August were: Norman Cruce, DeBrasha lyle, Paulina Vang, MacKenzie Shade, Jay Xiong, Vanessa Bevers, Cody Moravec, and Christian Cruce.

September "Leader of the Pack" at Russell Middle announced

Russell Middle School honored Clint Deardorff as its September “Leader of the Pack.” An RMS “Leader of the Pack” is chosen for demonstrating Dog Pack PRIDE: Preparation, Respect, Integrity, Dependability, and Excellence in all facets of the workplace. Deardorff was nominated by his peers as a result of his dedication to his students as their teacher and as their coach.

August 'Leader of the Pack' at Russell Middle

Ashleigh Clarke was selected as Russell Middle School’s “Leader of the Pack” for the month of August.

Four complete child-safety workshop

Linda Stephens, Gwen Littleton, Jennie Mattox and Sonya Freeman received a certificate of completion on Oct. 30 after spending five weeks in The Cottage’s Ambassador of Child Safety program. The workshop series works to increase awareness and education methods used in prevention, recognition and the reporting of child sexual abuse. During the five-week program participants learned about healthy sexual development in children and teens, child health, local resources for parents, self care for survivors of sexual abuse, steps to prevent sexual abuse and to recognize and report sexual abuse and more.

'No Text on Board Pledge Day' proclamation

Athens-Clarke County Mayor Nancy Denson signed a proclamation to make Sept. 19 “No Text On Board Pledge Day.”

Hairy Dawg greets Danielsville Elementary students

Hairy Dawg greeted Danielsville Elementary students on Sept. 14 as they arrived at school. Students were excited to see the UGA mascot and get a high five and “Go Dawgs” before starting the school day! Pictured left to right: Ally Conger, Dawson Nelson, Caitlin Daniel, Sarah Conger, Taylor Nelson and Skyler Nelson.

Classic Center Cultural Foundation announces 2012-13 scholarship program

Scholarship applications

Volunteer this week

Monday Nov 5

Blueprint calendar

TODAY

Wells Fargo donates to area organizations

Twelve Athens-area nonprofit organizations received $1,000 donations from Wells Fargo during its fourth annual Days of Giving breakfast on Oct. 30 at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia.

Winder-Barrow FFA member completes tractor course

Winder-Barrow FFA member Caleb Lee recently competed in the Area II FFA Agricultural Tractor and Machinery Operations and Maintenance Career Development event held Sept. 11 at Banks County High School in Homer. The event allows students to demonstrate the skills necessary to safely and efficiently operate a tractor. Participants in the event take a written exam and answer problem-solving questions related to tractor servicing, safe operation, care and maintenance. Participants also drive a tractor and are tested on tractor operations. Lee is the son of Rusty and Rayna Lee of Winder. Tonia Harbin is the Winder-Barrow FFA advisor.

Deputies complete training classes

Deputies Philip Hunt and Richard Lowery graduated from the Regional Police Academy – Athens, 255th and 256th Basic Law Enforcement Mandate Training Classes on Sept. 14. Pictured: Sheriff Edwards, Hunt, Lowery, Chief Mitchell, Chief York.

Pilot club members sold tickets for fundraising dinner

Members of The Pilot Club of Oconee County Joan Mann, Doug Bower, June McKenzie, Donna MacPherson, Cathy Moorehead and Judy Murrow pose with tickets they sold for its Italian dinner fundraiser held on Sept. 18 at the Watkinsville Community Center.

AT&T pioneers support a variety of causes

Athens AT&T Pioneers meet once a month and is made up of Southern Bell, BellSouth, and AT&T employees and retirees. So far this year the Pioneers have helped with Christmas Tree Recycling, Taste of Athens, Empty Bowl, Belk Charity Day, the First AME Church Health Fair, the United Way Day of Caring, Relay for Life and will put Red Ribbons around Sanford Stadium for Red Ribbon Week. The Pioneers also will support the Memory Walk.

Game helps kick off ministry's campaign for new school

The Falcons cheerleaders get the crowd pumped up during the 10th annual homecoming football game on Oct. 13 at Bishop Park. The game was held in conjunction with the ministry’s campaign kick off for its new private school, Downtown Academy. Downtown Academy is scheduled to open in August 2013 and will start off with kindergarten and first-grade classes. The school will be a private school for inner city youth in Athens

Free hunter safety course

Winder-Barrow High School will host a Hunter Safety Course from 6-10 p.m.. Nov. 5-6 in the cafeteria. Hunter safety certification cards will be issued and hunting items will be sold. Participants must be present both nights. Free food wll be provided both nights. Sponsored by the Winder-Barrow FFA. Participants can show up early to register on-site.

Circuit training class begins Nov. 2

St. Mary’s Wellness Center fitness specialist Claire Lamkin will host an indoor circuit training class, Claire-Fit, throughout November beginning Nov. 2 at St. Mary’s Wellness Center, 2470 Daniells Bridge Road, just off Ga. 316 near Loop 10. Classes will meet from 5:30-6:30 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Council on Aging honoring veterans

Athens Community Council on Aging (ACCA) will honor Northeast Georgia veterans in November and recognize veteran’s stories and service through pictures, uniforms, and other military items.

Coldwell Banker Upchurch Realty begins coat drive

Coldwell Banker Upchurch Realty has kicked off its annual “Coats for Kids” coat drive to provide coats and warm winter garments to needy children in the Athens area.

Ongoing volunteer opportunities

• Athens Community Council On Aging

Volunteer this week

Monday Oct. 29

Blueprint calendar

TODAY

Program provides workplace experience for Clarke student

Akevion Heard, a rising Clarke Central High School senior, spent five weeks during the summer discovering the responsibilities and benefits that come with being employed.

Athens-Clarke mayor helps celebrate 20 years of Pre-K

The Clarke County School District (CCSD) celebrated 20 years of pre-K in the Athens-Clarke County area on Oct. 2. Mayor Nancy Denson visited the Early Learning Center (ELC) at Whitehead Elementary and read two books to the children.

Winder-Barrow honorary FFA members

The Winder-Barrow FFA inducted Rusty Lee, Stephanie Cash, Albert Smith and Travis Royster as honorary FFA members for their dedication and service to the Winder-Barrow FFA during its annual awards banquet on May 15.

Volunteers needed

Success by 6 needs volunteers

Information session for Medicare plans

Seminars planned on Medicare

Volunteer this week

Monday Oct 22

Blueprint Calendar

TODAY

ongoing volunteer opportunities

• East Athens Community Park

Athens Christian School names homecoming queens

Athens Christian School celebrated its 36th homecoming on Sept. 28 where five seniors and one representative from each under class graced the football field at Eagle Stadium.

Lodge takes stand against littering

Mayor Nancy Denson presented a proclamation to Lincoln Lodge No. 62 on July 3 in honor of its recognition of the need and desirability of litter free highways.

Girl Scout troup donates to Athens Regional Medical Center

Girl Scout Troop 12188 put its “Agent of Change Journey” into practice in real life by donating one-third of its hard-earned troop funds to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Athens Regional Medical Center.

Outstanding teachers and administrators recognized

The Foundation of Excellence in Public Education held its annual awards banquet on Oct. 8 at the Classic Center to recognize outstanding teachers and administrators in the Athens-Clarke County School District.

Volunteers needed to help the homeless

Project Homeless Connect is a local initiative to organize services and resources for the homeless population with a goal of providing a one-stop shop of health and human services for those experiencing homelessness. There will be service providers in health, housing, social services, medical, substance abuse, cosmetology, dental, veteran services, legal, and more.

106th annual Bong/Phillips reunion on Oct. 20

Bond/Phillips

Ongoing volunteer opportunities

• DAV Chapter 92 (Disabled American Veterans)

Athens YMCA recognizes donors

The Athens YMCA hosted a luncheon celebration on Oct. 10 in honor of its donors to the YMCA’s Partner With Youth Campaign.

Volunteer this week

Monday Oct 15

Blueprint calendar

TODAY

Menchie's helps fight Muscular Dystrophy

Menchie’s helps in fight against muscular dystrophy

Currahee Club's Artist of the Month

The Currahee Club named Autumn Strickland as its featured artist for the month of September.Pictured: Anne Shurley, Currahee Community Manager, and Strickland with her bear painting titled “Mother’s Love.”

Pilot Club donates new chairlift to YWCO

The Classic City Pilot Club of Athens donated a chairlift to the YWCO over 18 years ago that enabled people with disabilities the opportunity to enter the YWCO pool for classes, lessons and therapy. During the recent renovations to the YWCO Aquatics Center, the Pilot Club donated a new chairlift for use by YWCO members. 

Russell Middle School cross country team celebrates victory

The Russell Middle School cross country team celebrated its victory in the Best of Barrow Cross Country meet on Sept. 25. The Russell Middle School girls cross country team finished in first place at the annual meet held on the Winder Barrow High School course at Bramlett Elementary School.

Danielsville Elementary honors "Colts of the Month"

Danielsville Elementary School recently honored its “Colts of the Month” for September with a Colt of the Month dog tag and certificate. Students were selected by their homeroom teachers based on their courtesy, cooperation, responsibility, respect, and consideration.

Athens native named in New York's Forty under Forty

Robinson one of ‘Rising Stars’

Luncheon to honor Lawrence and Schwartz

Justice Project

Callaway family reunion Oct. 11-14

Callaway family events planned

Commerce library needs volunteers

Library needs help

Info session for open enrollment in Medicare plans

Council on Aging

Blueprint calendar

TODAY

Ongoing volunteer opportunities

• Peace Place Inc.

Volunteer this week

Monday Oct. 8

Big winner in new Georgia Lottery instant game

Alberto Ramos of Athens won a $40,000 top prize playing the new Georgia Lottery instant game Count The Money.

Winder-Barrow FFA inducts honorary members

The Winder-Barrow FFA inducted four new honorary members at the Annual Awards Banquet held on May 15.

Person gives oath to Gladiator Battalion

C/MAJ Jakwon Person gives his oath to the Gladiator Battalion during the Clarke Central High School JROTC commissioning ceremony in August.

Fisk receives 'Gold Bars' during commissioning ceremonies

Adam Fisk, son of Chris Fisk of Bogart, received his first set of “gold bars” during commissioning ceremonies at North Georgia College and State University in Dahlonega.

A-C mayor proclaims Constitution Week

Athens-Clarke Mayor Nancy Denson presents an official proclamation designating the week of Sept. 17-23 Constitution Week to Beth Collins, regent of the Elijah Clarke Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, and Sherry Caven, Constitution Week co-chair.

Bryan County student wins over $5k for college savings

When 16-year-old Richmond Hill High School student Savannah Beecher saw the opportunity to enter a chance to win a contribution to her college savings at her local library, she jumped at the opportunity. Beecher was awarded a $5,529 contribution to her Path2College 529 Plan as the winner of the 2012 Summer Reading Program Sweepstakes Think BIG! Save for College!

Blueprint calendar

TODAY

Volunteer opportunities

• Athens Canine Rescue

Volunteer this week

Monday Oct. 1

Clarke County School District Calendar

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24

Students participate in farm to school program

Third-graders Aspen Bruce and Eli Reyna plant kale recently as part of South Jackson Elementary School’s Farm to School program.

Georgia River Network director honored

Chattahoochee Riverkeeper (CRK) honored April Ingle, above, executive director of the Athens-based Georgia River Network, with the River Advocate Award during the 18th Annual Patron Dinner held Sept. 13 at The Foundry in Atlanta.

Awards given at Rankin Fund Annual Dinner

The Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund hosted the Jeannette Rankin Fund Annual Dinner “Igniting Opportunities” on Aug. 30 at the Tate Grand Hall at the University of Georgia.

Montessori Consultants travel to Mexico

Montessori Consultants with the Montessori Teacher Institute, Melody Mosby and Maggie Hunter, traveled to Mexico City this summer to facilitate a 10-day Montessori Refresher Course for the teaching staff at the Montessori School of Mexico City. 

Winder-Barrow FFA students compete at rally

Agriculture education students from Winder-Barrow High School FFA competed in the Opening Ceremony Leadership Competition at the Northeast Georgia FFA Rally in Covington recently.

Elbert County family reading program begins Sept. 25

The Elbert County Library will begin a special six-week Family Reading Program for families with elementary-age children.

Volunteer this week

• BikeAthens Bike Recycling: 6-8:30 p.m. Volunteers are needed fix byicycles to be donated to individuals in the Athens community who are underserved by private and public transportation. Volunteers need not have any knowledge of bicycle maintenance but must be willing to get their hands dirty repairing, tuning up, cleaning, and outfitting the bikes. Feel free to bring your own repair stands and tools although it is not necessary. Same opportunity available Wednesday and Sunday. For more information, call Mike Ely at (404) 202-4978.

Ongoing volunteer opportunities

• Lindsay’s Legacy Mentoring Program

Grant money enhances residents' lives at Athena Gardens

Athena Gardens recently was awarded a grant for $1,200 from United Church Homes to purchase a screen room that will be placed in its organic community garden. The screen room will allow residents to spend time in the garden in comfort during the summer months.

What's happening this week

TODAY

EACC makes trail, encourages movement

In an effort to encourage neighbors and children to be more active, the East Athens Community Center created a track on a nearby field where the community can walk and run for free.

Athens-Carke delegates to youth summit at Rock Eagle

Athens-Clarke County 4-H sent five delegates and one adult to the Georgia Youth Summit at Rock Eagle in Eatonton on Sept. 8-9.

Volunteers celebrate one year of service with Red Cross

Multiple Athens-area volunteers celebrated one year of volunteer service with American Red Cross Blood Services at July’s Volunteer Recognition dinner at Athens First Presbyterian Church. Pictured: Jan Christian of Winder, Gina Taylor of Bogart, Phyllis McCannon of Bogart, MJ Skinner of Winder, Emily Johnson of Monroe, Rich Cary of Athens, Volunteer Coordinator Kathy Dalton and District Manager Paul Daniel.

UGA student recognized as Top Student Volunteer

University of Georgia student Keri Seamon was recognized as the American Red Cross Blood Service’s East Georgia College Student Volunteer of the Year for 2012. Seamon began volunteering for the Red Cross in 2011 and has volunteered at numerous UGA blood drives and the Athens Donor Center.Pictured: Seamon and Volunteer Coordinator Kathy Dalton.

'Social at South' night at South Jackson Elementary

First-grade teacher Brooke Sosebee visits with student Mason Berrong and his family at “Social at South” night, where parents learn more about the curriculum at South Jackson Elementary School and visit with their student’s teacher.

Red Cross thanks volunteer

The American Red Cross would like to say thank you to Marion Williams of Athens, who turned 90 in July, for being a Red Cross Blood Services volunteer for more than 20 years.

Civil War presentation at Hull Sanford Elementary

Ronnie Faulkner and his son, Alex, of the 5th Georgia Cavalry Regiment, came to Hull Sanford Elementary School recently to speak with the fifth-grade students about the Civil War.

Mellow Mushroom to raise funds

Mellow Mushroom has joined thousands of restaurants nationwide to support the Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign to raise funds through the Share Our Strength’s Dine Out For No Kid Hungry program throughout September.

Hands on Athens applications now available

Hands On Athens is searching for older homes in need of exterior painting, repairs and maintenance.

Leisure Services needs trail guides

The Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department currently is recruiting trail guides to assist with elementary school field studies at Sandy Creek Nature Center. Volunteers will assist by leading small groups of students along the Nature Center’s trails. Field study programs are designed to introduce nature and the environment to elementary school students from pre-kindergarten through grade five. No experience is necessary, but all new trail guides must attend a training session.

Volunteers sought to monitor streams

The Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department will host a free Adopt-A-Stream volunteer training from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sept. 22 and 29 at Sandy Creek Nature Center.

Connecting Point plans mobile pantry

The Connecting Point church will hold its next mobile food pantry from 4-6 p.m. Sept. 20 at High Shoals Elementary School, 401 Hopping Road in Bishop. For more information, call (770) 725-2750.

Blue Ridge scenic railway trip planned

The Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department will conduct a senior adult trip along the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway on Thursday, Oct. 11.

Volunteer this week

Monday September 17

Blueprint calnedar

TODAY

Blueprint: How you can help

• Clarke Middle School

Blueprint calendar

TODAY

Blueprint: Volunteer this week

Monday September 10

Blueprint: Ongoing volunteer opportunities

• Athens-Clarke County Animal Control

Local students awarded Harris Scholarship

Eight local students who are incoming freshmen at the University of Georgia recently were awarded the Harris Scholarship for the 2012-13 academic year.

ACCA wins award for new logo

The Athens Community Council on Aging’s Center for Active Living logo recently received a Merit Award in the Logo/Letterhead Design category during the 21st annual National Mature Media Awards program presented by the Mature Market Resource Center.

Daughters of the American Revolution honor Clements

Dr. Claire Clements was awarded the Women in the Arts Recognition Award from the Elijah Clarke Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution this summer.

Farm to School program at South Jackson Elementary School

John Lee plants kale with Farmer Clancey as third-graders Aspen Bruce, Brooklyn Parker and Sarah Grace Terry look on recently during South Jackson Elementary School’s Farm to School program.

Clarke Central JROTC Color Guard on hand at PTA convention

Members of the Clarke Central High School JROTC Color Guard were on hand to post and retire the American flag during the State PTA Convention held at the Classic Center in August.

Fair offers information on volunteering

HandsOn Northeast Georgia will once again partner with the University of Georgia Center for Leadership and Service to put on the Athens Volunteer Fair from noon to 6 p.m. on Sept. 13 in the Grand Hall of the University of Georgia Tate Student Center.

Action Ministries honors Athens-Clarke mayor

Action Ministries recently named Mayor Nancy Denson as an honorary Action Hero in recognition of her commitment to public service and the people of Athens.

Winder-Barrow JROTC particpates in cadet leadership camp

The Winder-Barrow High School JROTC program participated in Camp Solid Rock Junior Cadet Leadership Camp at Elbert County High School June 4-8.

First responder wins Person of Courage Award

Kevin Ledford, Captain at the Poca Volunteer Fire Department and Madison County Fire and Rescue recently won the Person of Courage award for his strength, bravery and sacrifice as a first responder on July 29 during The Cottage, Sexual Assault Center & Children’s Advocacy Center’s Person of Courage event.

Clarke Sheriff's office meets accreditation standards

The Clarke County Sheriff’s Office met the requirements of the body of Law Enforcement Accreditation standards and was awarded by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies Inc. during the C.A.L.E.A. Summer national conference on July 21 in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Athens-Clarke 4-H'ers compete at state 4-H Congress

The State 4-H Congress competition was held July 24-27 in Atlanta to decide the best in the state in 4-H project work.

Walkers still needed for Heart Walk

Plans for the 2012 Clarke/Oconee Heart Walk are under way and coordinators need more teams to sign up and participate on Sept. 20 at Bishop Park.

Callaway family to meet Oct. 11-14

The 37th annual meeting of the Callaway Family Association will be held Oct. 11-14 at the Foundry Park Inn & Spa in Athens. All descendants and allied family members are invited to attend the four-day event which will include a welcome dinner, genealogy workshops, historical presentations and the annual business meeting as well as a tour of Wilkes county and a visit to the 32nd annual Mule Day and Southern Heritage Festival at Callaway Plantation.

Percentage night for Light the Night Walk

Zaxby’s will host a percentage night at the following locations from 5 to 8 p.m. today to help raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Light the Night Walk: 2100 Barnett Shoals Road, 2255 W. Broad St., 1800 Epps Brisge Pkwy., 3704 Atlanta Hwy., and 820 Hull Road. Ten percent of the night’s sales will go to support the Light the Night Walk.

Mentor training on Sept. 11

The Clarke County Mentor Program matches caring adults with students in the Clarke County School District who would benefit from having a volunteer mentor to help them become successful adults. A mentor acts as a listener, role model and friend.

Large pet adoption event at Sam's Club Sept. 8

Humane Society adoption event

Volunteer this week

Monday September 3

What's happening this week

TODAY

Farm raises money for theraputic riding program

A horse is a horse, of course, of course — but sometimes that horse can make a huge difference in the life of a child.

Sheriff's top sworn and civilian employees honored

Jail Sergeant Wayland Rucker and Jail Programs Clerk Majorie Cummings were given the 2012 Sworn and Civilian Employee of the Year Award at this year’s Employee Awards Reception and Pick-nick on July 16.

Clarke deputies promoted to senior deputy

The following deputies received promotions to senior deputy within the Clarke County Sheriff’s Office, effective July 8: Corporal Gary Davenport, Corporal Jacque Lecoe, Corporal John Parker and Corporal Robert Perrin.

Extra Special People receives donation

Director of Extra Special People (ESP) Laura Whitaker was presented a check for $1,300 on May 16 from Katie Jennings,

Hilsman Middle teacher wins Excellence in Teaching Award

FFE member Kim Winston (right) presents Hilsman Middle School teacher Dorothy Wylie-Jones with the Ken Sherman Double Century Excellence in Teaching Award in August.

Chase Elementary teacher wins history grant

FFE member Rachel Watkins (left) is joined by Chase Street Elementary School teacher Rebecca Hall-Barrett (center) and Chase Principal Adam Kurtz (right).

Donation to area churches together serving

Board member for Area Churches Together Serving (ACTS) Pam Crawford was presented with a check for $1,300 on May 15 from Katie Jennings,

Sheriff's office D.A.R.E. car wins first-place trophy

The Clarke County Sheriff’s Office D.A.R.E. Car received the first-place trophy in the Class II Active Police Vehicle four-door category at the 2012 National D.A.R.E. Conference in Atlanta recently.

4-H'ers attend camp on Tybee Island

Athens-Clarke County Junior 4-H’ers attended a week-long camp at Burton 4-H center on Tybee Island this summer.

Bulldogs player joins Danielsville Elementary readers

Danielsville Elementary School fourth- and fifth-graders celebrated last school year’s year-long chapter book reading club on May 14 with red-and-black cupcakes and a visit by the Georgia Bulldog player Corey Campbell and members of the Red Raider football team.

GA ranks 37th in child well-being

The Annie E. Casey Foundation recently released its 23rd annual national KIDS COUNT Data Book — a national and state-by-state report that tracks the well-being of children in the United States. This year’s report ranks Georgia 37th in the nation in child well-being.

Hare awarded 2012 Buckle Up America Award

Deputy Robert Hare with the Clarke County Sheriff’s Office was presented a 2012 Buckle Up, America! Award at a ceremony held this summer at the Georgia Secretary of State’s office in Macon.

OCAF looking for volunteers

The Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation will present its 10th annual Perspectives: Georgia Pottery Invitational Aug. 31 through Sept. 19 and is in need of volunteers. To volunteer for Perspectives 2012 visit www.ocaf.com and set up an account with VolunteerSpot. This account will allow you to sign up for the numerous volunteer opportunities during Perspectives. Perspectives 2012 showcases the works of 50 Georgia potters from all corners of the state at the OCAF Art Center in Watkinsville.

UGA's new website wins award

The University of Georgia Performing Arts Center recently received the Interactive Media Award for outstanding achievement in website design. The winners of the IMA are chosen by the Interactive Media Council, an international organization of leading web designers, developers and programmers, whose mission is to elevate the standards of excellence on the Internet.

Dinner raises funds to help give scholarships to women

To continue its work to help women achieve a college education, the Jeannette Rankin Foundation’s (JRF) Women’s Scholarship Fund will host its annual fundraising dinner at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 30 in the Grand Hall of the University of Georgia’s Tate Student Center.

Volunteer opportunities this week

Monday August 27

Blueprint calendar

TODAY

Blueprint: How you can help

• Athens Area Homeless Shelter: Trash bags in sizes of 13- and 30-gallons, air conditioner intake filters size 20-inches by 20-inches by 1-inch, paper towels, pens, new or gently-used sturdy strollers, baby wipes, new or gently-used car seats for toddlers ages three and older and twin-size sheets.

Blueprint: Volunteer now

To sign up, visit HandsOnNortheastGeorgia.org or call (706) 353-1313.

Blueprint: Scholarship award

Chick-fil-A's national Leadership Scholarship program recently awarded Andrew Johnson, a restaurant team member from Chick-fil-A's Barnett Shoals location in Athens, with a $1,000 scholarship from Chick-fil-A franchised Operator Matt Kirby. Johnson is the sixth team member from that location to receive the honor. He is currently attending the Medical College of Georgia to study medicine.

Blueprint: Veterans Clinic providing flu shots

The Athens Veterans Clinic will hold a flu-shot clinic from 9-11 a.m. Wednesday at the Athens VA Clinic, 9249 Highway 29 North in Athens. All military veterans who receive care at the clinic are welcome to obtain their flu shot at this time. For more information, call (706) 733-0188.

Blueprint: Emmanuel College to host 5K, fun run

The third annual Springs' Sprint 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday at Emmanuel College in Franklin Springs. The course will be run through campus and adjacent neighborhoods and will be all on paved streets.

Blueprint: Volunteer party at Humane Society

The Athens Area Humane Society will host a "Rally to Save" volunteer party from 6-8 p.m. Thursday at The Foundry Park Inn Ballroom. Current volunteers can get pumped up about the new changes at the Humane Society's volunteer program and potential volunteers can meet staff and other volunteers. There will be refreshments and door prizes including a new pet carrier, an elephant-paper stationery package and Ashford Manor concert tickets. Guests can watch a brief presentation about the Humane Society's updated volunteer opportunities and participate in a game to kick off the meet and greet. To RSVP, visit www.athenshumanesociety.org/blog_fullpost.php?ID=337&Category_ID=3. For more information, visit, www.athenshumanesociety.org.

Blueprint: Spaghetti dinner to benefit 4-H

The Oglethorpe County 4-H Club will host a 4-H Spaghetti Dinner from 5:30-6:30 p.m. today at the Oglethorpe County Agriculture Center, 55 Oglethorpe Drive in Crawford. Plates are $7 each and include spaghetti, garlic bread, salad and dessert. Ticket must be presented for pickup. Proceeds will benefit the Oglethorpe County 4-H Club.

Blueprint: Vigil, exhibition for Peace Place

Peace Place of Winder, a short-term emergency shelter for battered women and children, will have its 11th annual candlelight vigil at 6 p.m. Tuesday on the steps of the old Barrow County Courthouse in Winder in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. An art exhibition opening reception will follow at 7 p.m. to benefit Peace Place. The art exhibit is a tribute to victims of domestic violence and will feature the works of artists June Frazier Johnson and Barbara Odil. Free admission. Open to the public. For more information, go to www.peaceplaceinc.org

Blueprint: Open enrollment for Medicare

Open enrollment for Medicare Part D and Advantage Plans for 2012 has been moved to Oct. 15 thru Dec. 7. The Athens Community Council on Aging and the local GeorgiaCares program will host free seminars and question and answer sessions from 1-2:30 p.m. today at the Athens Community Council on Aging, 135 Hoyt St., and from 10 a.m.-noon Wednesday at the Winterville Senior Center in downtown Winterville.

Blueprint: 'Glee Off' benefit for Children First

Children First of Athens is giving local youth a voice with the presentation of "Glee Off 2011," where local glee clubs will get the chance to shine in Children First's major charity event for 2011.

Blueprint: Tournament will support IHN

Interfaith Hospitality Network of Athens will have its 8th annual Golf Tournament on Oct. 10 at the Jennings Mill Country Club. An individual entry fee is $100 and covers 18 holes of golf, green fees, cart, lunch and prizes. Mulligans will be available for $5 each (limit of two). Your mulligan ticket will be your entry into a drawing for prizes to be held at the post-tournament awards ceremony.

Blueprint: Pancake fundraiser for Lions Club

The Royston-Franklin Springs Lions Club will host an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast from 7-10 a.m. Saturday at Royston First United Methodist Church, 137 Franklin Springs St. in Royston. Plates are $6 for adults and include pancakes, sausage, eggs and a beverage. Children ages 4 and younger eat free. Proceeds will go to benefit the club's sight and hearing programs and leader dogs for the blind. For more information, call (706) 245-0591.

Blueprint: Motorcyclists ride for charity

More than 150 motorcyclists put the rubber to the road on Sept. 10 for Walton Electric Membership Corporation's (EMC) ninth annual charity ride, which raised $4,010 to fight breast cancer.

Blueprint: Colbert Elementary students say thanks

Colbert Elementary students are shown presenting a banner to Deputy Patton that was created to honor the Madison County Sheriff’s Department. Students at Colbert spent Sept. 9 remembering the victims of the 9/11 tragedy and honoring service workers in the Athens community who serve every day.  Pictured: Kalie Schuyler, Traveon Latimore, Havyn Cox, Emma Huff, Ana Osario and Hadrian Vickers.

Blueprint: Athena Gardens awarded grant

Athena Gardens of Athens was recently awarded a grant for $900 to purchase patio furniture for residents to enjoy in its garden by United Church Homes, a nonprofit retirement services corporation. Pictured: Deborah Colella, manager at Athena Gardens; the Rev. Kenneth V. Daniel, president/CEO of United Church Homes; and Robert C. Kutschback, Chair of the Board of Directors.

Blueprint: World Habitat Day celebrated

Athens Area Habitat for Humanity will celebrate World Habitat Day today with Habitat locations across the globe in an effort to raise awareness about the need for affordable housing.

Blueprint: Russell Middle School students attend training

Five FCCLA members from Russell Middle School attended BASIC Training (Building and Achieving Success In Chapters) on Sept. 2-3 at the Georgia FFA-FCCLA Center in Covington. The students were able to plan a program of work and a schedule of activities for the chapter. Students also participated in many activities including team initiatives, a leadership course, and an obstacle course while at the camp. Pictured: Christian Davis, Angel Sanchez-Weiss, Lauren Hawkins, Destiny Sanchez and Maggie Sears.

Blueprint: Events this week

ON WEDNESDAY

Blueprint: Garden event benefits Boys & Girls Clubs

More than 160 supporters of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Athens attended “An Evening in the Garden” wine-tasting and auction at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia on Aug. 25, a benefit to raise funds for the new Boys & Girls Club at H.T. Edwards.

Blueprint: State winner

Clarke County School District student Katy Mayfield represented Barrow Elementary School as the fifth-grade Georgia state winner at the International Future Problem Solving Bowl in Wisconsin this summer. Mayfield participated with the Georgia team, which won second place, and she won third place in the on-site scenario writing competition and served as Georgia’s flag bearer. Pictured: Katy Mayfield wearing a headpiece created to represent the state of Georgia.

Blueprint: How you can help

The Athens Nurses Clinic Inc.: As part of its overall health management, the clinic is asking for donations of farmers market gift certificates to help encourage clients to eat healthy.

Blueprint: Local lessons for civics classes

Some Clarke Central High School students got up-close and personal with the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government last week.

Blueprint: Jackson EMC awards $42.5K in grants

Five agencies serving area residents have been awarded grants totaling $42,500 by the Jackson EMC Foundation, a charity funded by the electric cooperative’s members through their donations to the Operation Round Up program. Peace Place, a domestic violence shelter in Winder, was granted $15,000 to help proactively provide access to services by reaching out to Barrow County domestic violence victims and survivors through a community liaison in the county Magistrates Court. The Salvation Army – Athens was granted $10,000 to assist with the increasing costs of providing meals served to both shelter residents and those who are served each night at the community meal. Habitat for Humanity of Madison County was granted $10,000 for the construction of its seventh house, a 1,050-square-foot model being built for a young family with a 2-year-old child, in memory of Forrest Vereen, a young former Habitat volunteer who died in a 2009 motorcycle accident. Tiny Stitches, Inc. in Suwanee, was granted $5,000 to continue to use its network of volunteers to make handmade tote bags filled with a 35-item layette that are donated to mothers in nine North Georgia counties who have little or nothing for their newborns. Disabled American Veterans – Chapter 92 was granted $2,500 for its Veterans Relief Fund that provides assistance for emergency needs such as rent, medical bills, groceries, or a bus ticket home to veterans and their families. Pictured: Jackson EMC Foundation board member Johnny Fowler presents a $10,000 Foundation grant check to Salvation Army of Athens Captain Jonathan Raymer.

Blueprint: Teams sought for sorority cook-off

University of Georgia sorority Gamma Phi Beta is seeking teams to compete in its 18th annual chili cook-off fundraiser on Oct. 9 on the front lawn of the Gamma Phi Beta house, 397 S. Milledge Ave. Proceeds from the event will benefit three charities: the UGA support of Children's Miracle Network, the UGA American Cancer Society Relay for Life and the Clute Barrow Nelson Life Foundation. Team registration is $30 per group. To register, contact Lauren Lindsday, Gamma Phi Beta philanthropy chairwoman, at lindsleyla@gmail.com or (770) 778-9806.

Blueprint: Clinic will offer free mammograms

The Athens Nurses Clinic, in collaboration with Athens Regional Medical Breast Health Center, will provide free mammograms for uninsured, low- and no-income women of Northeast Georgia on Tuesday. To qualify for services, women should be 40 years old or older, have no medical history of breast cancer, have no medical insurance and should not have had a mammogram within the past year. For more information, call (706) 613-6976.

Blueprint: Theatre production raises money

Cast members Delores Russell, Elinor Hasty, Ruth Miller, Kathy Blevins, Billie Nye-Muller, Leslie Kimbell and Carrie Nye performed in the Winder-Barrow Community Theatre’s production “Delval Divas” in September. Proceeds from the shows were donated to the John Hasty Memorial Band Scholarship at Russell Middle School and to the WBCT to help fund its children’s events such as drama Camp and children’s performances. Local businesses Kathy Talbert (Statham Mary Kay Consultant), Chanin Watkins (Winder Mary Kay Consultant), Principal’s Palette, Head Hunters Hair Salon, Dooley’s Southern Stone Pizza Kitchen, Golden Corral, Touch Therapy of Georgia and Mulberry Hill Interiors also donated prizes to be given away to the audience.

Blueprint: Visit to council on aging

Leia Brown of Madison County Girl Scout Troop 13070 recently visited the Athens Community Council on Aging to donate crayons for crafting projects. The crayons were contributed by Loco’s restaurants. Pictured: Brown makes a new friend at the Council on Aging. “Showing you care only takes a few minutes, but the memories are long-lasting to the benefit of everyone that is present,” Brown said.

Blueprint: Volunteer now

To sign up, visit HandsOnNortheastGeorgia.org or call (706) 353-1313.

Blueprint: Russell Middle School hosts partners-in-education dinner

Russell Middle School hosted a dinner for its Partners-in-Education (PIE) on Sept. 15. This year the school had a total of 31 PIEs. RMS Partners-in-Education for 2011-12 are: Akin’s Ford, Arby’s, Avalon Exterminating, Inc., Barberitos, Belk, Blue Bell Ice Cream, Bob’s Tire, Bojangles, Cartridge World, Chick-fil-A, Community Bank & Trust, Fatz Café, Georgia Retirement Council, Georgia Spiritwear, Maxwell’s Clothing, Quality Foods, Ruby Tuesdays, Sam’s Club, Shane’s Rib Shack, Sonic Drive-In, State Farm-Pam Veader, Stevi B’s Pizza, Strickland, Chesnutt, & Lindsey, The Chimney’s Golf Course, The Corner Bookstore, Trim Co. Exteriors, Inc., Waffle House, Wal-Mart, Winder Cultural Arts Center, Winder Fire Department and Zaxby’s. Dinner was catered by The Master’s Table and Russell Middle School signed its 4-Star Partnership Agreements.

Blueprint: Events this week

TODAY

Blueprint: Heisman wins volunteer award

Wells Fargo Advisors announced on Sept. 1 that Debbie Heisman, a Financial Advisor in its Athens office, was selected as one of the 2011 Volunteer Service Award Winners. A check for $1,000 was sent to Heisman's favorite charity, Nancy Travis Hope for Babies, Care for Kids, Inc.

Blueprint: Large donation from Liquidators

Classic City Liquidators, an Athens company that buys and sells used furniture and fixtures from businesses such as hotels and apartment complexes, recently made one of the largest donations of furniture ever to a Habitat for Humanity chapter.

Blueprint: Story time at the Madison County library

Peter and Sandy Loose visit the Madison County Library during Bongo storytime to read from their books, “Bongo is a Happy Dog” and “Bongo Has Many Friends.” Peter brought the original art from “Bongo is a Happy Dog” and let the children feel the texture of the paintings and also drew Bongo in crayon for children who wanted a picture to take home with them.

Blueprint: Harvest Festival returns

After a two-year hiatus, the Athens Community Council on Aging's Retired and Senior Volunteer Program and ACC Leisure Services' Lyndon House Arts Center will host its 37th annual Harvest Festival from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Oct. 13 at both of its locations on Hoyt Street.

Blueprint: How you can help

• Dee's Haven Parrot Rescue: Donations of building materials and labor are needed to build a screened-in room for the parrots to get fresh air and sunshine.

Blueprint: Parents ditch the 'drama' to start their own family-friendly youth sports league

Jeffery Mack had grown sick of the "drama," he said.

Blueprint: Hospice seeking volunteers

Southern Care Hospice is seeking volunteers to read to patients, assist patients with shopping and errands, to sit and visit with patients or simply make a phone call. Some administrative duties also are available. For more information call Tiffany Jackson at (706) 549-5558.

Blueprint: Job expo will be held in Elberton

The Georgia Department of Labor's Elberton Career Center, along with several other local organizations, will sponsor a job expo for employers and job seekers from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday at the National Guard Armory, 1031 Calhoun Falls Highway in Elberton.

Blueprint: Local teachers visit East Africa

Clarke County School District teachers Lori Alridge, Stella Guerrero, Janelle Spurgeon and Lakeisha Tate participated on The Fulbright-Hays Group Project Abroad (GPA) in East Africa. The GPA in East Africa is part of the Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad Program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education and coordinated by the African Studies Institute at the University of Georgia. The group visited and taught at schools in Tanzania and visited various areas of the country and wrote a lesson incorporating their travels that they will implement locally. Pictured: Alridge, Guerrero, Spurgeon and Tate pose with the rest of the group visiting East Africa through the GPA.

Blueprint: Rutland Academy honors students

Rutland Academy held the first of its monthly celebrations for its students of the month on Sept. 2. Students recognized were Armani Huff, Logan Williams, Ava Givens, Matthew Rucker, Travis Kelley, Brittany Meyers, Matthew Ruffino, Samuel Wright, Trelisia Lumpkin, Vicky Ellison, Khadijah Smith, Jasmine Harvey, and Jacob Aquino.

Blueprint: Events this week

TODAY

Blueprint: Nellie B community receives national merit award

The Athens Housing Authority Nellie B community recently received a National Award of Merit from the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO). Dr. Philip Lanoue attended the awards reception held at the Nellie B Community Center and received thanks from the community leaders for the support provided by the Clarke County School District, which donated laptop computers to the residents. The computers enabled residents to receive training on how to use the computers in communicating with teachers and other school officials. Recognition was also given to Free IT Athens staff, Valdon Daniel, Dr. Tony Price, Greg Davis, Hilsman Middle school and staff, and the school district Family Engagement Program.

Blueprint: AARP Tax-Aide needs volunteers

AARP Tax-Aide, the nation's largest free, volunteer-run tax preparation and assistance service, is seeking volunteers in the Athens area to help taxpayers who are seeking assistance preparing and filing their 2012 tax returns. Volunteers do not need to be an AARP member or a retiree to participate. AARP Tax-Aide volunteers should have some computer experience, such as e-mail and internet browsing. Also needed are volunteers who have management experience. The deadline for applications is Dec. 15. For more information on how to join the AARP Tax-Aide team, visit www.aarp.org/tavolunteer8 or call (888) 687-2277.

Blueprint: Hands On Athens seeks volunteers

Hands On Athens is seeking volunteers to help repair and maintain historic homes during its first Fall Work Weekend scheduled for Oct. 8-9. All skill levels are needed. Volunteers may work one or more four-hour shifts on Oct. 8 or 9 or both days. Potential HOA volunteers are asked to pre-register for the work weekend.

Blueprint: Volunteer now

To sign up, visit HandsOnNortheastGeorgia.org or call (706) 353-1313.

Blueprint: College station supports troops

WRAF, a radio ministry of Toccoa Falls College, has partnered with Faith Comes By Hearing (FCBH) to support American troops with God's Word in audio through Military BibleSticks. The small, portable, digital audio players were designed by FCBH in 2008 to meet military specifications for use on deployment.

Blueprint: Monsignor Donovan freshmen hold class retreat

Monsignor Donovan Catholic High School freshmen held their class retreat on Aug. 30 where students participated in various activities, held small group discussions and quiet reflection time. Theology teachers Nathan Edwards and Claire McGehee also led small group discussions. The freshmen retreat was organized by Justin Estes, Director of Christian Service and Retreats.

Blueprint: Cedar choir plans spaghetti supper

The Cedar Shoals High School concert choir will have a spaghetti supper fundraiser Wednesday at New Covenant Worship Center, 1425 Newton Bridge Road. Plates are $7 for ages 7 and older and $3 for ages 6 and younger. Proceeds will help the choir to return to Carnegie Hall in April. For donation or booking information, call Linda Moon at (706) 546-5375 ext. 21324 or email moonli@clarke.k12.ga.us.

Blueprint: College fair set for Classic Center

The Georgia Education Articulation Committee's (GEAC) Fall 2011 PROBE College Fair will be held from 6-8:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Classic Center. The fair is free and open to high school students and their families.

Blueprint: Volunteers needed for ARMC exercise

Athens Regional Medical Center will conduct a Code Triage exercise Sept. 27 in cooperation with its community partners. For the exercise to be successful, ARMC needs volunteers to simulate being victims.

Blueprint: Realtors group hosting Fun Day

The Athens Area Association of REALTORS (AAAR) PR Committee will host a Family Fun Day from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at the AAAR offices, 1720 Meriweather Drive in Bogart to help support its golf tournament to benefit the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation (GFBF).

Blueprint: Toast of the Town fundraiser

More than 160 supporters showed up at the Hardeman-Sams House on Sept. 8 to help the Athens Area Cancer Auxiliary raise nearly $10,000 during the organization’s annual Toast of the Town fundraiser to assist cancer-related charities supported by the Cancer Auxiliary. The evening included live music, a silent auction, food and refreshments and a drawing for a pair of earrings.

Blueprint: Photographer replaces photos for RMS student

John Parrish, with LifeTouch Photography, hands school photos to Hunter Johnson, a student at Russell Middle School, who recently lost all of his school pictures in a house fire. Rob Johnson, RMS principal, looks on.

Blueprint: How you can help

Dee's Haven Parrot Rescue: Donations of building materials and labor are needed to build a screened-in room for the parrots to get fresh air and sunshine.

Blueprint: Monsignor Donovan students unite in service project

Monsignor Donovan Catholic High School students participated in a Christian service project on Aug. 27 and embraced their school’s theme to “stand united as one community through our Catholic identity.” Students came out with shovels, wheelbarrows and gloves to help spread mulch around the MDCHS campus. Student volunteers were organized by board member and former parent, Bill Cray, and Director of Christian Service and Retreats Justin Estes.

Blueprint: Pep band visits Athens Christian School

Members of the University of Georgia Derbies Pep Band visited Athens Christian School on Aug. 19. During the visit, the Derbies Pep Band performed many time-honored favorites heard in Sanford Stadium on gamedays. The UGA students also provided a brief clinic, introducing each of the musical instruments used in the pep band to some 800-plus Athens Christian School students.

Blueprint: Volunteer now

To sign up, visit HandsOnNortheastGeorgia.org or call (706) 353-1313.

Blueprint: Latino center steps in after schools lose grant

Athens Latino Center for Education and Services (ALCES) recently partnered with the Clarke County School District to help provide ESL classes to the parents of students in Clarke County schools.

Blueprint: Volunteer fair on Sept. 19

HandsOn Northeast Georgia and the UGA Center for Leadership and Service will host its annual Athens Volunteer Fair from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and from 5-7 p.m. on Sept. 19 in the Grand Hall of the Tate Center at the University of Georgia. Guests will be able to meet over 50 organizations that will share information about their programs and volunteer needs. The fair will serve as a central hub where potential volunteers can interact with representatives from all agencies and ask questions.

Blueprint: Events this week

TODAY

Blueprint: Triathlon fundraiser tops last year's effort

Participants and sponsors of the second annual Tri to Beat Cancer Triathlon held Aug. 28 at Sandy Creek Park helped the fundraiser far surpass organizers’ expectations for the event. The race drew 730 competitors and 120 volunteers and raised $102,000 for the Cancer Foundation of Northeast Georgia, said Kimberly Liebowitz, executive director for the foundation. Organizers were expecting to raise $85,000 this year. The Tri to Beat Cancer Triathlon was started last year as a major fundraiser to boost the foundation, which began distributing money in 2009 and has given out $120,000 to 500 families, Liebowitz said. The inaugural event last year drew 200 volunteers, 650 competitors and raised $75,000. The course includes swimming, biking and running, and the running section of the course has been changed from last year, Liebowitz said. Pictured: Participants start the first leg of the triathlon — swimming — at Lake Chapman in Sandy Creek Park.

Blueprint: Winder Theatre Group donates to Boys & Girls club

Derek Hutchins, director of the Winder Boys & Girls Club, recently accepted a donation from Winder-Barrow Community Theatre President Tery Overbey as part of the theatre’s ongoing program to recognize local nonprofit groups during each play they present. The donation came from a portion of the proceeds from Winder-Barrow Community Theatre’s presentation of “Father of the Bride,” which closed in August. 

Blueprint: OLLI offers 'Back to Class Bash'

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the University of Georgia will start a new semester of classes and events during its kickoff "Back to Class Bash" from 9:30-11:30 a.m. on Thursday at Central Presbyterian Church, 380 Alps Road. Information about courses and events being offered as well as information about the organization will be provided. Membership forms and information on class registration and the OLLI organization also will be provided. Refreshments will be served. Members and anyone interested in OLLI are invited. Free. For more information call, (706) 542-7715 or email OLLI@UGA.edu.

Blueprint: Tour of homes in Madison planned

Tour an Antebellum Home, Rogers House, and the Little Cottage with the Athens Community Council on Aging during the Madison Historic Tour of Homes on Sept. 23. Participants also will go on a guided bus tour of the historic home section. The group will depart at 8 a.m. from the Athens Community Council on Aging. The cost is $20 per person. Participants must purchase their own lunch. Pre-registration is required by Friday. Limited to 24 participants. For more information or to register, call (706) 549-4850, ext. 2028.

Blueprint: Women's group to host talent show

Women to the World will host an Athens' Got Talent pre-show from 7-9 p.m. Friday at Buffaloes Southwestern Cafe, Beechwood Shopping Center, 196 Alps Road. During the pre-show contestants and their friends may perform songs and other entertainments for an audience. This talent show is not open mic, an audition, karaoke or a contest, but a family show. Admission is $5 per person or $10 for couples and families. For more information, call (706) 548-0000.

Blueprint: Land Trust holding Harvest Moon Dinner

Athens Land Trust's fourth annual Harvest Moon Dinner will be held Friday at The Hill, Lee Epting's historic home off Jefferson Road. Epting Events will serve as host again this year and Peter Dale of The National will be the featured chef. Wine will be provided by Northeast Sales. The Harvest Moon Dinner is ALT's signature fundraising event, and serves to raise awareness of its activities and accomplishments. ALT currently protects 437 acres of greenspace and 766 acres of working farmland in the Athens area. In addition, ALT has developed permanently affordable single-family and multi-family housing for more than 300 low-income residents and is establishing a network of community gardens in Athens to provide opportunities for low-income families to grow their own healthy, nutritious food.

Blueprint: Council on Aging offering Tennessee trip

Join the Athens Community Council on Aging on a four-day, three-night trip to Chattanooga, Tenn. The package includes three nights lodging, three breakfasts, two dinners, a Southern Belle dinner cruise, two train rides, admission to Ruby Falls, Rock City Gardens and the Tennessee Aquarium, a souvenir gift, luggage handling, taxes and meal gratuities and motor coach transportation. Pre-registration is required. For more information, prices and to register, call (706) 549-4850.

Blueprint: Senior care center seeking recipes

Home Instead Senior Care of Athens is participating in the Homemade Memories Recipe Contest and wants Athens' caregivers to hunt for their mom or dad's favorite family recipe to enter by Thursday. Once a recipe is selected, family caregivers are asked to tell a short story about what makes the recipe they chose so special. Visit www.MealsAndCompanionship.com to learn more about the contest. The contest runs through Thursday and voting will take place Friday through Oct. 7. Selected recipes and stories will be online as well as in the Homemade Memories Cookbook that will be available for purchase prior to the 2011 holiday season. Proceeds will go to the nonprofit Home Instead Senior Care Foundation to benefit North American seniors.

Blueprint: Clarke agency will hand out commodities

The Clarke County Community Services Office of ACTION Inc. will distribute USDA commodities to eligible households beginning at 8 a.m. Thursday at the VFW Club 2872, 835 Sunset Drive in Athens. Eligibility is based on self-declaration of the total household income and proof of Clarke County residency (e.g. ID with correct address, utility bill with residential address). Households must apply in the county they reside in and are eligible for one bag of commodities per household. For more information, call the local ACTION Community Services Office at (706) 549-9827.

Blueprint: Gymnastics groups seek a world record

USA Gymnastics and Oconee Gymnastics Center will join forces to break the world record for most handstands done at one time at 1 p.m. Saturday at Oconee Gymnastics Center, Jamestown Blvd. Gymnasts, families, friends and gymnastics enthusiasts are invited and it's important that all handstand participants have their "feet up" at the same time across the country. The actual handstands must be done at 1 p.m. National Gymnastics Day is held each year to show support for the sport of gymnastics and to raise funds for Children's Miracle Network. The money raised is distributed to each gym club's local Children's Miracle Network hospital, which helps children around the country who are fighting illness. For more information, call (706) 769-1010.

Blueprint: Athens-Clarke library hosting passport event

The Athens-Clarke County Library will host a passport event from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday to provide passport information to U.S. citizens and to accept passport applications. Information on the cost and how to apply for a U.S. passport is available at www.travel.state.gov. U.S. citizens may also obtain passport information by phone, in English and Spanish, by calling the National Passport Information Center toll-free at (877) 487-2778.

Blueprint: Planning begins for Day of Service

Planning has begun for the 2012 Athens MLK Jr. Day of Service to help celebrate nationwide citizens bonding together to improve their communities and the lives of others.

Blueprint: Christmas Child efforts starting

Operation Christmas Child volunteer efforts are starting now in the Athens area. This year-round project is a part of the international Christian relief and evangelism organization Samaritan's Purse. Residents can fill shoe boxes with school supplies, toys, necessity items and letters of encouragement that will be delivered to kids overseas. For many of these children, the shoe box will be the first gift they have ever received. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has hand-delivered shoe box gifts to more than 86 million children in some 130 countries.

Blueprint: Panel discusses soft job skills

Nearly half of all workers who are fired during their first few months in a new position don't have the basic skills needed to fill a job, said Governor's Office of Workforce Development Director Melvin Everson, who was in Athens on Tuesday to conduct a town hall meeting on soft skills.

Blueprint: School rallies to help family

Linley Needham started first grade at Westminster Christian Academy in Watkinsville on Aug. 5; less than two weeks later, doctors discovered more leukemia in her 2-year-old sister's body.

Blueprint: How you can help

The Athens Nurses Clinic Inc.: Donations of bottled water, bus passes, copy paper in white, lavender, buff and pink, 8x11 envelopes, blue and black pens, and "personal care kits" to be given out to clients each month. Kits contain wash cloth, toothpaste, tooth brush, soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, shaving creme, razors and, if possible, sunblock and sunblock lip balm.

Blueprint: Volunteer now

To sign up, visit HandsOnNortheastGeorgia.org or call (706) 353-1313.

Blueprint: Jones raises money for Relay for Life

First A.M.E. Church held its ninth annual camp this summer to assist parents in the community as they continue to work and to provide an instructional atmosphere and recreational environment for children during the summer months.

Blueprint: Events this week

TODAY

Blueprint: Music helps kick off world geography class

The Athens Montessori Aces class, made up of fourth-, fifth- and sixth-grade students, started school with a “Boom” when Ben Blanchard, who recently returned from Malawi, shared his experiences teaching music with “Boomwhackers” and ukuleles. Blanchard was responsible for organizing a liturgical musical festival for 4,000 people during the 150th anniversary of the Episcopalian church of Malawi. Vicky Tavernier, the school’s music instructor, assisted Blanchard with the program and helped kick off the students study of world geography.

Blueprint: Shooting event helps Breast Cancer Walk

Seventy-nine shooters came together at the inaugural Walton Electric Membership Corporation (EMC) Charity Sporting Clays Shoot in August and raised more than $7,000 for the Atlanta 2-Day Breast Cancer Walk. Shooters from across Georgia took aim at 100 targets over a 12-station course of varying difficulty.

Blueprint: Leadership project focuses on students

HandsOn Northeast Georgia will provide opportunities for middle and high school students to serve and lead in their communities throughout the school year through the YOUthServe Leadership Project and Monthly Days of Service.

Blueprint: Athens High Class of '66 reunion a success

The Athens High Class of 1966 held its reunion Aug. 12-14 in Athens and was attended by over 120 members and their spouses.

Blueprint: Sandy Creek event all about water

The Athens Water Festival will be held from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at Sandy Creek Park. The goal is to provide families with a fun environment in which participants increase their knowledge about water and water related issues.

Blueprint: Athens Tech foundation receives donation

The Athens Tech Foundation Inc. recently received a $50,000 contribution from Power Partners to fund a scholarship program in memory of the late Dr. Sherrie Ford. Power Partners is a leading manufacturer of overhead distribution transformers founded in 2003 by Dr. Ford and Steve Hollis. Hollis, now the sole owner, along with Dr. Ford’s daughter, Juniper Burrows, presented the check to the Foundation. Dr. Ford found her calling working with manufacturing companies and their employees while working at Athens Technical Institute, now Athens Technical College. In 1991, she started the Center for Continuous Improvement, whose mission was to help companies in Northeast Georgia develop organizational leadership and vision and adopt lean manufacturing principles. Pictured: Elizabeth Dalton, Athens Tech Foundation Director; Steve Hollis, CEO of Power Partners; Juniper Burrows, Power Partners Associate; Ed Graham, Athens Tech Foundation Board of Trustees President; and Dr. Larry Siefferman, VP for Off-Campus Operations.

Blueprint: Council meeting at Colbert Elementary

Colbert Elementary School will have a school council meeting at 8 a.m. Thursday at Colbert Elementary School, 255 Colbert School Road in Colbert. For more information, call (706) 788-2341.

Blueprint: Remember 9/11 at Night of Lights

In recognition of the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, the Senior Corps of Northeast Georgia at the Athens Community Council on Aging invites the community to join them for Night of Lights. Luminaries will be sold for a $1 donation prior to Sept. 11. Recipients will be asked to light their luminaries at 9 p.m. on Sept. 11 in honor of the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives in the tragedy. All proceeds will go to the National September 11 Memorial and Museum Foundation.

Blueprint: New science class at Colbert Elementary

Colbert Elementary School has a new Science Lab class this year that focuses on hands-on activities to support the science teaching that occurs in the regular classroom. Pictured: First graders Haley Edwards and Leslie Gurley practice putting on their safety goggles. 

Blueprint: Leisure Services hosting park stroll

The Athens-Clarke County Department of Leisure Services will present Golden Sneakers at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday through Oct. 25 at Lay Park, 297 Hoyt St. This fitness program invites senior adults to walk and talk with other seniors during a stroll around Lay Park and other designated routes. Participants set the speed and intensity based on their ability and need. Fee is $3 per visit for ACC residents and $5 for non-residents. Registration is required. (706) 613-3596 or visit www.athensclarkecounty.com/lay.

Blueprint: Majorettes offering instruction program

The Classic City Majorettes will offer instruction in dance-twirling, strutting, marching technique and more beginning Sept. 13. Students will have the opportunity to demonstrate their skills in community performances such as the Athens Annual Downtown Parade of Lights, the Watkinsville Christmas Parade, and UGA men and women's basketball games.

Blueprint: Westminster tops state in donations

Westminster Christian Academy was informed June 14 by the American Red Cross that it had the highest number of donations in the entire state of Georgia based on a percentage of the total student population for the 2010-11 school year. During the blood drives held throughout the past school year, Westminster had 226 percent participation, while the next highest school in Georgia had 156 percent.

Blueprint: Donation will help restore Oconee Hill Cemetery bridge

The Watson-Brown Foundation Junior Board of Trustees, Athens Chapter, presented a check for $9,500 to Tom Wilfong, president of the Friends of Oconee Hill Cemetery, for the restoration of the historic bridge across the Oconee River linking the old and “new” sections of the cemetery. Pictured: Wilfong, T.R.R. Cobb House program coordinator and chapter advisor Shanon Hays, Ben Glauser, Glenn Reece, Torie Owers and Kipruto Thomson.

Blueprint: Family losses drive 3 nurses to raise funds

Three Athens-area nurses who have lost loved ones to lung cancer are committed to helping eradicate the disease that kills more people than any other kind of cancer by raising research dollars and awareness of the disease.

Blueprint: Bicycle ride to raise money for Interfaith Hospitality Network

Road-tested cyclist and veteran fundraiser Ken Sherman, who has logged thousands of miles biking to support community causes, is helping spearhead the inaugural Teardrop Metric Century Bike Ride to benefit the homeless support agency Interfaith Hospitality Network of Athens.

Blueprint: How you can help

The Athens Nurses Clinic Inc.: Donations of $10-$15 Athens Farmers Market gift certificates. Farmers Market gift certificates will help clients to obtain organic and healthy food.

Blueprint: Madison County sheriff's office makes car seat safety a priority

DANIELSVILLE -- Madison County deputies want to make sure that children's car safety seats are properly installed.

Blueprint: UGA students rally for day of service

More than 400 University of Georgia student volunteers will fan out across Athens on Saturday to work on 10 community service projects for the university's inaugural "Dawg Day of Service."

Blueprint: How you can help

• Winterville Elementary School: Winterville Elementary School is joining several other Clarke County Schools with the uniform policy. So that each student has the opportunity to have the proper clothing, the school is asking for donations of new or gently-worn khakis, blue or black pants (no jeans please), and royal blue, white or gold Polo-style T-shirts for students ages 4 through 12 years old. Sizes needed are 4T to 20 Husky. Belts also are needed.

Blueprint: 2 receive Walton EMC scholarships

Butler and Perry receive scholarships

Blueprint: Congressman to host grants fair

U.S. Rep. Paul Broun, R-Athens, will host a Grants Fair from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday at The University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education, 1197 S. Lumpkin St. in Athens.

Blueprint: Jackson EMC awards grants

The Jackson EMC Foundation, a charity funded by the electric cooperative's members through their contributions to Operation Round Up, awarded five agencies that provide services to area residents a total of $49,850 in grants.

Blueprint: OLLI names officers, board members

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UGA elected new officers and board members for the year beginning July 1. Selected as President: Mac Rawson of Athens; serving as President-Elect: Bill Alworth of Athens; Vice-President for Programs: Nancy Canolty of Athens; Treasurer: John Songster of Athens; and Secretary: Carolyn Abney of Athens.

Blueprint: Academy senior wins BBB scholarship

Andy Kim of Athens Academy recently was one of six high school seniors honored by the Better Business Bureau with a Student of Integrity Scholarship. The scholarships are funded through the Better Business Bureau of Metro Atlanta's Educational Foundation.

Blueprint: Orthodontist to expand program

Dr. Hector Bush, owner of Orthodontic Care of Georgia, has pledged to expand his existing pro-bono program, Andrew J. Young Sr. Share a Smile, into several areas of the state far into the future. Bush is making the commitment to serve 50 deserving children around his 11 office locations each year for the next 20 years. By the year 2031, this will resonate into treatment for more than 1,000 deserving children throughout metro Atlanta, Athens, Carrollton, LaGrange, Macon and Columbus.

Blueprint: Cultural center receives $60K grant

The Madison-Morgan Cultural Center was the recipient of a $60,000 grant from the Metropolitan Atlanta Arts Fund in May. Funding will go toward the cultural center's general operations. The Metropolitan Atlanta Arts Fund is part of the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta.

Blueprint: Bigger Vision sets fundraising event

Bigger Vision of Athens will host a fundraising event for the Athens Homeless Shelter from 6-9 p.m. Thursday at Athens First United Methodist Church, 327 N. Lumpkin St. in downtown Athens.

Blueprint: Volunteer now

To sign up, visit HandsOnNortheastGeorgia.org or call (706) 353-1313.

Blueprint: Kickoff planned for Light the Night

The kickoff for the 10th Annual Light The Night Walk will be held from 5:30-7 p.m. Tuesday at Cine. The purpose of the event is to bring together the Team Captains -- and anyone interested in forming a team -- who are committed to raising money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's mission of finding a cure for blood cancers and improving the quality of life for patients and their families. Information will be shared on putting together a team, as well as an opportunity for teams to pick up supplies.

Blueprint: Hope Haven gets 3-year accreditation

CARF International announced that Hope Haven of Northeast Georgia Inc. has been accredited for a period of three years for its community housing, community integration, respite, supported living and community employment services. The latest accreditation is the fifth consecutive Three-Year Accreditation that the international accrediting body has awarded to Hope Haven of Northeast Georgia Inc.

Blueprint: Banquet to raise funds for ACTION

The ACTION, Inc. Oglethorpe County Child Development Center will conclude activities celebrating 45 years of service with a "45 for $45" fundraising banquet Saturday at the Bryan Park Club House in Crawford. The banquet will raise money to provide scholarships to two children who qualify for low income services. Michael Thurmond will be the keynote speaker. In addition to Thurmond, other guests will include former child development center managers and students who will provide the evening's entertainment.

Blueprint: Alternatives sought as funds for fatherhood programs cut

After 15 years of working to mend the father-child relationship and help families get back on their feet, Athens Technical College's Fatherhood Program has been discontinued due to lack of funding.

Blueprint: Mock trial team state runner-up

Clarke Central High School's Mock Trial Team was recently named state runner-up at the competition held at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center in Lawrenceville. The former national championship team made its 13th visit to the Georgia High School Mock Trial Competition.

Blueprint: Grainger Foundation donates to Athens Tech

The Grainger Foundation recently donated $5,000 to the Athens Technical College Foundation in support of its Legacy Campaign. The grant will be used to support instructional programs within the Technical and Industrial Division of Athens Technical College, such as enabling the college to acquire much needed tools and equipment for the technical and industrial programs. Pictured: Larry Siefferman, VP for Off-Campus Operations (Athens Technical College); Elizabeth Dalton, director of the Athens Tech Foundation; Walter Wellborn, branch manager, Grainger; and Ed Graham, chairman of the Foundation Board.

Blueprint: Wells Fargo donates to Habitat

Wells Fargo Home Mortgage’s branch manager Mike Grace presented a $30,000 check donation to Athens Area Habitat for Humanity director Spencer Frye at the AAAR Board Office on Aug. 3. The Athens Area Association of Realtors (AAAR) and Wells Fargo partnered to benefit an upcoming build with the Athens Area Habitat for Humanity on Saturday. The donation was provided due to close work between the Public Relations Committee at the Athens Area Association of Realtors and Wells Fargo, an affiliate member of the association. Inspired by the PR Committee, several affiliate brokerages have signed up to provide lunches Saturday at the build site. Pictured: Mike Paulk, Spencer Frye, Mike Grace and Lois Monette.

Blueprint: Jackson EMC awards scholarship

Jackson EMC recently awarded Kayla Hendrix, a Winder-Barrow High School senior, a 2011 A.T. Sharpton Scholarship. Hendrix was one of six recipients selected from nearly 300 applications. Hendrix participated in BETA Club, Track, Softball, Cheerleading, Bulldogg Pride and Student Council. She will attend Gainesville State College in the fall as a pre-law major and plans to transfer to the University of Georgia to become an environmental attorney. Hendrix is the daughter of Jeff and Lisa Hendrix of Statham.

Blueprint: Women's group holding auditions

Women to the World will hold auditions for Athens' Got Talent from 6-10 p.m. Friday and from 6-8 p.m. Saturday and Sept. 9 at Green Acres Baptist Church, 2085 Barnett Shoals Road. Athens' Got Talent is an annual fundraiser for Women to the World.

Blueprint: HandsOn seeks VISTA member

HandsOn Northeast Georgia is looking for one AmericaCorps VISTA member to serve the Athens community. The chosen VISTA member will work with the Whatever It Takes initiative to develop a "K-12 Liaison Advocate" program for Neighborhood Leaders.

Blueprint: Events this week

TODAY

Blueprint: Friends renovating cemetery bridge

The Friends of Oconee Hill Cemetery are working to renovate the historic bridge that links the old cemetery with the newer section of the North Oconee River.

Blueprint: 9 educators recognized

Supporters of Clarke County's public school system recently recognized nine outstanding educators for their work in teaching, leadership and community service.

Blueprint: How you can help

• Rocking W Farm & Horse Rescue: Is in need of volunteers to help groom, walk, feed and nurture rescued horses. Donations needed include horse supplies, tack and donations.

Blueprint: ACCA recognized

The Athens Community Council on Aging (ACCA) was awarded a Merit Award from the 2011 National Mature Media Awards. Winners were announced on July 19. ACCA won in the Community Organization category for their quarterly newsletter, Connections.

Blueprint: Sleep health topic of town hall meeting

Members of the community are invited to Sleep Health 2011 Town Hall Meeting from 2-5 p.m. Saturday at Hotel Indigo.

Blueprint: Leadership conference

Taylor Davis, a sixth-grade student at Russell Middle School in Winder, was among the 6,300 nationwide members, advisers, alumni, and guests of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), who gathered in Anaheim, Ca., July 10-14 for the 2011 National Leadership Conference. Throughout the five-day convention, participants examined and discussed several critical issues, including family, school and community violence prevention, physical and financial fitness, future career exploration, community service projects and more. Davis, who serves as the Middle Level Representative for Georgia FCCLA, will continue to work with other FCCLA members and advisers in Georgia to encourage others to discover their strengths, motivate members to target career goals, and initiate a plan to ignite youth leadership in the community.  Pictured: Taylor Davis and FCCLA adviser Traci Bryant.

Blueprint: A-C hosting trip to casino in N.C.

The Athens-Clarke County Department of Leisure Services will host a senior adult trip to Harrah's Casino in Cherokee, N.C., on Sept. 21.

Blueprint: Valuable experience

Rising Clarke Central High School Senior Nick Chavis spent four weeks this summer discovering the responsibilities and benefits that come with being employed through the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) In-School Youth Program. Chavis was given the opportunity to work at the Athens Housing Authority with Dr. Geraldine Clarke and spent his days assisting with the summer lunch program, studying the operations of this government program, and learning workplace responsibility. Dr. Clarke was so impressed with Chavis he was hired for a couple of hours a day for the rest of the summer. Throughout WIA’s 12 county area, 239 youth worked at local government and nonprofit agencies and were paid minimum wage through the WIA. The program continues throughout the school year where the students work with case managers who ensure they are on track in school with grades, attendance and behavior. Youth also attend workshops that teach money management, leadership, work skills, and career pathways.

Blueprint: Fundraiser set for the Christian family

Country Rock will host a charity ride and fundraiser and a car, truck, tractor and motorcycle show Sunday at Country Rock, 1700 Commerce Road, to raise money for the family of SPO Buddy Christian.

Blueprint: Cancer triathlon set for Sunday

Athletes from all over the Southeast will converge in Athens on Sunday at Sandy Creek Park for the Cancer Foundation of Northeast Georgia's 2nd Annual "TRI to Beat Cancer Triathlon." The inaugural "TRI to Beat Cancer Triathlon" drew over 650 participants and 200 volunteers in 2010 and raised over $75,000, which was used to assist local cancer patients struggling to meet their financial obligations like medications, utility bills and housing costs while receiving treatment.

Blueprint: Women of Excellence presents Little Black Dress Affair

The Women of Excellence, in partnership with WXAG-1470 AM the Light and In Touch Management Group, presented the second annual Little Black Dress Affair on July 9 at the Classic Center. The event is designed to bring a celebration that encourages and promotes the advancement of today's woman. Proceeds from this event went to benefit the Women of Excellence Scholarship Fund and the Daughters of Excellence, a Christian-based youth group for girls ages 7 through 18 that offers training to increase self-confidence and self-esteem while integrating life skills to empower them to live Christ-centered, purposed filled lives. Dr. K. Paige Carmichael, associate dean of the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, was the keynote speaker. The 2011 Trailblazer Award recipients were: Dr. Gina Albert, medical; Shirley Daniel, education; Betty Williamson, entrepreneur; Ovita Thornton, political; Pastor Sharon Miller, ministry; Hattie Lawson, civic; and Late Lillie Pearl Watkins, community. The 2011 Junior Trailblazer Award was presented to Dr. Tawana Mattox and the Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Evelyn C. Neely. Trailblazer Awards are presented to women in the community whose dedication and sacrifice have made a difference in the lives of others and who have inspired others to do the same.

Blueprint: Daughters of Promise holds Tiara Ball

Daughters of Promise, a nonprofit organization available to girls ages 5-18 years old, held its fourth annual Tiara Ball on July 23 at The Country Inn Suites. The ball followed a six week program that included modeling classes, money management, self esteem and citizenship classes. Stephens Limousine of Athens provided a limousine ride to the ball. They have sponsored girls in the program for the last four years.

Blueprint: Women's group to hold percentage night

Women to the World will have a percentage night Tuesday at Hilltop Grille, 2310 W. Broad St. Women to the World Inc. is an international nonprofit Christian service organization committed to improving the lives of poor women and children in developing countries. For more information visit, www.womentotheworld.org or call (706) 548-0000.

Blueprint: Grant will help the YMCA expand Hispanic programs

Athens YMCA soon will receive a portion of a $5.8 million grant awarded by The Goizueta Foundation to the YMCA of the USA (Y-USA), the national resource office for the nation's 2,700 YMCAs. The funds will be used to help expand YMCA early learning and after-school programs for Hispanic families, with a focus on those from under-served communities.

Blueprint: Ongoing opportunities

► Athens Area Humane Society

Blueprint: Events this week

TODAY

Blueprint: Menchie's will donate to Food Bank

Menchie's Frozen Yogurt will have its grand opening Aug. 19-21 in the Beechwood shopping center on Alps Road. Each day a percentage of the proceeds will be donated to the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia. The grand opening will begin with a ribbon cutting Friday with the Athens Chamber of Commerce and will continue Saturday with games, raffles and magnetic photo frames. The festivities will conclude Sunday with gift bags for kids, face painting, more raffles, a performance by the UGA marching band, balloons with "Mr. Clown" and photo opportunities with Menchie and Hairy Dawg. Visit www.menchiesathens.com/grandopening.pdf and print out the flyer to bring in and have a portion of the proceeds from your purchase go to the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia.

Blueprint: Bank of America grants

The Bank of America awarded grants in the amount of $3,500 to Athens YMCA and YWCO of Athens on June 28 at Gaines School Banking Center. Athens YMCA and YWCO of Athens are nonprofit organizations that work to provide resources, education and developmental opportunities for Athens youth.

Blueprint: Spa yard sale will benefit Project Safe

Arbor Salon and Spa will host a yard sale from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday and Saturday at its location at 1155 Mitchell Bridge Road. Donations will continue to be taken until Friday. Small and large items are welcome. Furniture, knick knacks, clothes, jewelry and other items will be available for purchase. One hundred percent of the proceeds will go to Project Safe. Leftover items will be donated to Project Safe's Thrift Store. For more information, call (706) 543-2418.

Blueprint: Volunteer now

To sign up, visit HandsOnNortheastGeorgia.org or call (706) 353-1313.

Blueprint: A-C recruiting dance instructors

The Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department is currently recruiting dance instructors for the East Athens Educational Dance Center to teach classes beginning Aug. 22. Instructors are needed to teach a variety of techniques including ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, praise, line dance and modern from beginning to advanced levels. For a complete list of course descriptions, please visit www.athensclarkecounty.com/dance. For more information, call (706) 613-3624.

Blueprint: Athens-Clarke delegation attends state 4-H council

Athens-Clarke County was represented by 10 high school 4-H’ers at State 4-H Council at Rock Eagle in Eatonton. The 4-H members spent three days attending educational programs about online safety, participating in a citizenship ceremony, studying ideas and issues, attending dances, electing State 4-H officers and exchanging ideas with new friends. They also participated in a community service project to help Military Families. Pictured: Jasmine Moody, Ansley Jordan, Bridget Beaupre, Jamia Johnson, Loran Posey, Hendley Landers, Veronika Rzucidlo and Morgan Wurst. Not pictured: Asha Mathis and Jacson Moody.

Blueprint: A-C hosting trip to balloon festival

The Athens-Clarke County Department of Leisure Services will host a senior adult trip to the Sky High Hot Air Balloon Festival on Sept. 3. The group will depart at 11 a.m. from the Rocksprings Community Center, 291 Henderson Extension, and return to the center by 10 p.m.

Blueprint: Barrow schools get Top grant

The Barrow County School System has won a Race to the Top Innovation Fund grant to expand the Direct to Discovery curriculum, one of five programs that won money to support math, science and technology instruction.

Blueprint: How you can help

► Rocking W Farm & Horse Rescue: Is in need of volunteers to help groom, walk, feed and nurture rescued horses. Donations needed include horse supplies, tack and donations.

Blueprint: Reuse Store helps teachers

The sixth annual Regional Teacher Reuse Store, a collaboration of business, industry, education and government partnerships, will take place from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Athens-Clarke County Solid Waste Facility.

Blueprint: McDavid teaches others to work as a team

East Athens Community Center camper I’monee McDavid stands with Sonya Welch, camp counselor, and Bennie Roberson, East Athens Community Center, after being awarded a whistle for showing team spirit duirng the “Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader” competition against Thomas Lay Park, Rocksprings, Parkview and Broadacres centers in July.

Blueprint: Fundraiser will benefit zoo

To help raise funds to support Bear Hollow Zoo, Melissa Shelton, a local independent consultant for Thirty-One Gifts, will donate 15 percent of retail sales from online orders made through her site, www.mythirtyone.com/mshelton, to Bear Hollow throughout the month of August.

Blueprint: Chick-fil-A hosting Great Tea Giveaway

Chick-fil-A will host a Great Tea Giveaway through Aug. 13 where guests can visit any participating Chick-fil-A restaurant to pick up a free half-gallon of Chick-fil-A's freshly brewed sweet or unsweetened iced tea. No purchase necessary. Limit one free item per customer. Must be present to receive item. To reserve a free half-gallon of iced tea visit, www.CFAFreeTea.com.

Blueprint: Ongoing opportunities

The Athens-Clarke County Water Conservation Office

Blueprint: Zero-interest loan program at The Ark

The Ark United Ministry Outreach Center is taking applications for small zero-interest loans from The Jubilee Fund, a joint project of The Ark and Georgia United Credit Union. The loans will have manageable monthly payments to assist in the establishment of a banking relationship and building a credit history.

Blueprint: Training offered for landscapers

The Athens-Clarke County Water Conservation Office and the Athens-Clarke County Cooperative Extension will offer Georgia Certified Landscape Professional (GCLP) training during a workshop from 6-9 p.m. on Sept. 6.

Blueprint: 4-H'ers win state honors

The State 4-H Congress competition was held July 19-22 in Atlanta to decide the best in the state in 4-H project work.

Blueprint: ACCA program receives grant from Jackson EMC

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, a program of the Athens Community Council on Aging (ACCA), recently received a $5,400 grant from the Jackson EMC Foundation and a $3,500 grant from Walton Electric Trust through Operation Round Up.

Blueprint: Locos hosts Boys & Girls Club

Locos Grill & Pub recently hosted Athens Boys & Girls Club officials and children at Locos’ Harris Street courtyard facility to present the club with a $5,000 donation raised through Locos’ golf tournament that was held on May 2. Locos treated Boys & Girls Club members to lunch and provided music for the event. Locos will hold its first annual 5K run in October and its annual Redneck GReece concert in December to raise additional funds to support the Boys & Girls Club.

Blueprint: Volunteer now

To sign up, visit HandsOnNortheastGeorgia.org.

Blueprint: Events this week

TODAY

Blueprint: Service pairs pooches and pilots

People use Athens-Ben Epps Airport to head to business meetings or vacation destinations all the time.

Blueprint: Garden network growing

Retiree Donna Thurman almost feels like a child again when she works in her church's new vegetable garden just off West Hancock Avenue and West Broad Street.

Blueprint: How you can help

• Hope Haven: Hope Haven needs three TVs for the main facility, a dresser, a bookshelf and picture books, wildlife books, sports books, automobile books, books on nature, cookbooks, movies and music CDs. Hope Haven also needs construction paper, glue sticks, colored pencils, drawing paper, paint brushes, water color paper, washable art paint, colored markers, crayons and table top art easels. Donations of basketballs and other recreational items and bath towels for its main facility and beach towels for individuals to take to camp also are needed.

Blueprint: Canine rescue groups merge

Since 2008, True Love Canine Rescue (TLCR) has saved 173 dogs from euthanasia. In an effort to save more dogs and make more use of rescue resources in the Athens area, TLCR will merge with Athens Canine Rescue (ACR) effective today.

Blueprint: Shook chosen to attend forum

Robert Shook, a sophomore at Morgan County High School in Madison, has been selected from thousands of students to attend the Youth Leadership Forum on National Security (NYLF/NS) taking place Sept. 27-Oct. 2 in Washington, D.C. Shook is currently the only student to be chosen from Morgan County. Shook’s studies include Latin, AP Human Geography, and Accelerated Math. He is a member of the JV football team and of the Rugby Club. Shook also is an active member of the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps at MCHS.

Blueprint: The Ark will hold golf fundraiser

The Ark will hold its 19th Annual "Swing Fore Hope" golf fundraiser at 7:30 a.m. Aug. 13 at the University of Georgia golf course. Everyone is invited to come out for a day of golf in support of The Ark. The entry fee is $100 per player and includes lunch and prizes. To participate, register online at www.athensark.org or call (706) 548-8155 for more information.

Blueprint: Volunteer now

To sign up, visit HandsOnNortheastGeorgia.org or call (706) 353-1313.

Blueprint: Native American storytime

Jacki Elsner tells Native American stories at the Madison County Public Library in July.

Blueprint: Aging coalition will present award

The Athens Area Active Aging Coalition will present the Fred A. Birchmore Award for Active Aging during the Active Aging Connection Conference from 6-8:30 p.m. Aug. 9 at First Presbyterian Church, 185 E. Hancock Ave. Elaine Cress, Ph.D., will offer a presentation covering how to feel younger and better, nutrition and your health, physical activities in the area, and wellness opportunities. Dinner catered by Classic City Cafe Catering. Tickets are $25 per person. Reservations required by calling (706) 549-4850. For more information visit, www.accaqinq.org.

Blueprint: Terrapin fundraiser benefits nurses clinic

The second annual Tomatoes at Terrapin fundraiser benefitting the Athens Nurses Clinic will be held from 6-9 p.m. Thursday at Terrapin Brewery, 265 Newton Bridge Road. Music by the Packway Handle Band, beer tastings and tours. For more information, call (706) 613-6976 or visit www.athensnursesclinic.com.

Blueprint: Students win medals at conference

The Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) recently held its 2011 National Leadership Conference in Anaheim, Ca. Burney-Harris-Lyons Middle School students Maddie Herrington and Jada Watkins received gold medals. Herrington and Watkins competed with other students in National FCCLA STAR (Students Taking Action for Recognition) event competitions. These sixth-grade students competed in the Food Innovations project. Participants demonstrated their knowledge of food science, nutrition, food preparation and safety and product marketing. The students were advised by Robyn Baxter.

Blueprint: Council on Aging plans museum trip

Join the Athens Community Council on Aging (ACCA) for an exhibit of Mythic Creatures, Dragons, Unicorns and Mermaids during a trip to the Fernbank Museum of Natural History on Tuesday. Learn how living and prehistoric animals inspired fantastic beings and how cultures throughout time created dragons, unicorns, mermaids and more to explain the world, express thoughts and share beliefs. See authentic artifacts, fossils and dramatic models.

Blueprint: ESP breaks camp with a celebration

WATKINSVILLE -- Campers in Extra Special People's summer program sang songs, accepted awards, showed off their arts and crafts and plastered their counselors' faces with whipped cream pies Friday as ESP wrapped up its seasonal camp.

Blueprint: How you can help

►Hope Haven

Blueprint: Language academy

Addie Thomason and Garrett LeCroy of Franklin County High School recently attended The Federal Service Language Academy hosted by North Georgia College & State University in partnership with the Georgia Department of Education.

Blueprint: Woman of Excellence Award

Maj. Jacqui Hallock, Georgia Division Salvation Army, presented Athens volunteer Jeanette Rowe, left, with the Army’s “Woman of Excellence” Award at the June Athens Auxiliary meeting.

Blueprint: Volunteer now

To sign up, visit HandsOnNortheastGeorgia.org or call (706) 353-1313.

Blueprint: Block party will help supply local students

Strong, Beautiful & Godly Girls Inc. will sponsor its fifth annual Back to School block party from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday at Thomas N. Lay Park to help provide necessary school supplies to local students in an effort to help them be successful throughout the 2011-12 school year.

Blueprint: 'Ghosts of Mesopotamia'

Local Fiberguild members are pictured at the opening of Glen Kaufman’s show “Ghosts of Mesopotamia” held at the Lyndon House in June.

Blueprint: The Ark donations will help the needy

The Ark is currently collecting donations through its Christmas in July campaign to help assist families seeking financial assistance. Many low-income families in the area continue to struggle on a daily basis to make ends meet and are faced with financial and personal challenges as a consequence of increasing job layoffs, reduction in hours and rising utility and medical costs. Donations can be mailed to: The Ark, 640A Barber St., Athens, GA 30601. For more information about The Ark and its services call (706) 548-8155 or visit www.athensark.org.

Blueprint: Madison Habitat for Humanity house

Volunteers put up the last exterior wall in July at the seventh Habitat for Humanity home in Madison County. For more information on the Madison County Habitat for Humanity and future build dates, visit www.madisoncountyhfh.org.

Blueprint: Community Safety Award

Samir Ballouk, a paramedic with National EMS, is the recipient of the 2011 Community Safety Award presented by the Athens Rotary Club on June 1.

Blueprint: Women's Self Defense Class set for Saturday

There will be a Women's Self Defense Class on Saturday at American Black Belt Academy, 10 Huntington Road. Classes will feature techniques from the award winning Sexual Assault Fundamental Escapes (S-A-F-E) Course. Learn skills to resist, escape and defend yourself by increasing your awareness, avoiding dangerous situations and empowering yourself with simple and effective personal protective skills. Call (706) 549-1671 to register.

Blueprint: Four Corners Woman's Club promotes road safety

The GFWC/Four Corners Woman’s Club participated in the national kickoff of the United Nations’ Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-20.

Blueprint: Good Citizenship Award

S. Kaye Stevens of the Elijah Clarke Chapter of the National Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, visited Monsignor Donovan Catholic High School to award the Good Citizenship Award Certificate and Medal to Mario Flores. Flores was chosen on the basis of honor, service, courage, leadership and patriotism.

Blueprint: Princess and Pirate Party Storytime

Storytime during the Princess and Pirate Party on June 4 at the Madison County Library during its Summer Reading Program.

Blueprint: Yard Sale Benefit planned Saturday

A Yard Sale Benefit will take place from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. July 30 at The Surburban Country Club, 2005 Danielsville Road. Vendors with a variety of wares will be on site. Admission is free. Proceeds from the sale will go to help complete renovations at the club. Those interested in being a vendor can call (706) 351-1627 or email kimkmp@gmail.com. There is a $5 set up fee for all vendors.

Blueprint: Ongoing opportunities

► Boys & Girls Clubs of Athens

Blueprint: Scottish-style cooking class

Roger and Marilyn Flowers, David Anderson, Laura Bowen and Barbara and David Edwards participate in a Scottish-style cooking class on June 12 at the Madison County Library led by Janice McMillian, a native of Scotland. 

Blueprint: Heritage foundation receives $6,000 grant

Shanon Hays, front center, presents the Athens-Clarke Heritage Foundation with a check for $6,000 on behalf of the Watson-Brown Foundation Junior Board, Athens Chapter, to members Lisa Dore, chair of education committee; Amy Kissane, executive director; Michele Griffin, chair of Athens Heritage Walks; Amy Andrews, original chair of Athens Heritage Walks; and Cathy Wegel, Athens Heritage Walks Biggest Fan.

Blueprint: Events this week

ON TUESDAY

Blueprint: How you can help

►Peace Place Inc. of Winder

Blueprint: Athens Academy Honors

Faculty Award

Blueprint: Strong, Beautiful & Godly Girls

Donations of food are needed for the annual Back-To-School block party being held July 20 at Lay Park.

Blueprint: Hope Haven

Hope Haven needs a sign language instructor to volunteer to teach simple sign language to staff and individuals that Hope Haven serves.

Blueprint: Friends of Advantage Behavioral Health Systems

Donation of living room chairs and sofas for the Creek Wood Recovery program.

Blueprint: Dee’s Haven Parrot Rescue

Donations of a portable backup generator to provide heat to the parrots in case of a power failure.

Blueprint: Madison girl, her family revel in 'extreme' surprise

MADISON -- Andrea Taylor and her daughters have always enjoyed the show "Extreme Makeover Home Edition," where a TV crew shows up and surprises a family in need with a dream home.

Blueprint: Briefly

UGA students raise funds for scholarship

Blueprint: Ongoing opportunities

► Hospice Advantage

Blueprint: Jackson EMC awards grants

The Jackson EMC Foundation, a charity funded by the electric cooperative's members through their contributions to Operation Round Up, awarded six agencies with grants.

Blueprint: Volunteer now

MONDAY

Blueprint: Scholarship from Red Cross

The American Red Cross awarded a $500 scholarship to recent Westminster graduate Callie Jo Fowler in June. Fowler is an honor graduate, a member of the National Honor Society and the recipient of numerous school awards including Westminster’s Student Council School Service Award, Veritas Award and Principal’s Awards for Academic Achievement in AP English Literature, AP Calculus, Government/Economics and Bible. Fowler plans to attend the University of Georgia in the fall with a focus in Pre-Med.

Blueprint: Events this week

TODAY

Blueprint: Girl Scout wants to ensure kids have books for school

One Girl Scout wants a book in every student's backpack come this fall.

Blueprint: How you can help

► Hope Haven

Blueprint: Thank you

To Mrs. Robin O'Rear, the students, faculty, administration, and families of Athens Academy:

Blueprint: Events this week

ON TUESDAY

Blueprint: Ongoing opportunities

► Express H.O.M.E. Program

Blueprint: Volunteer now

To sign up, visit HandsOnNortheastGeorgia.org or call (706) 353-1313.

Blueprint: Briefly

Artists showcase calling for entries

Blueprint: How you can help

The Athens Nurses Clinic Inc.

Blueprint: Ongoing opportunities

The Clarke County Mentor Program

Blueprint: Volunteer now

To sign up, visit HandsOnNortheastGeorgia.org or call (706) 353-1313.

Blueprint: Events this week

ON TUESDAY

Blueprint: Briefly

Arts center presents ‘Paint-A-Thon’

Blueprint: Building a dream

Call it the local version of television's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" with a twist.

Blueprint: How you can help

The Athens Nurses Clinic Inc.

Blueprint: Events this week

TODAY

Blueprint: Ongoing opportunities

Morton Theatre

Blueprint: Volunteer now

TUESDAY

Blueprint: Briefly

‘Cans for Critters’ event Wednesday

Blueprint: How you can help

Winterville Elementary School

Blueprint: Methodists will vote on whether to return in 2013

About 3,000 Methodists and their families are gathering in Athens at the Classic Center this week for their annual conference, delivering a welcome respite to the community's typically sluggish summer economy.

Blueprint: Volunteer now

TUESDAY

Blueprint: Ongoing opportunities

Georgia Options

Blueprint: Busy ARMC volunteer gets hospital's Humanitarian of the Year Award

Jane Douglas may be retired, but the peripatetic 82-year-old could make your head spin with her busy schedule of volunteer work and hobbies.

Blueprint: Events this week

TODAY

Blueprint: Briefly

Groundbreaking for A-C library

Blueprint: Worms serious business at Oglethorpe Children's Academy

CRAWFORD - Six-year-old Demarius Strong and his classmates will raise red wigglers during the summer and then sell their writhing fish bait to friends and family.

Blueprint: For grads, passing the GED is key to opening doors

Any graduation is a rite of passage, but Athens Technical College's GED graduation ceremony was a celebration of bravery and determination for many.

Blueprint: Students' mural graces UGA building

Gaines Elementary School students applied their creative talents to make a mural that not only brightens a wall in the University of Georgia College of Education's Aderhold Hall, but served as an educational tool for them.

Blueprint: Athens woman earns coveted scholarship

A 37-year-old Athens woman who grew up in public housing and overcame a background of poverty has won one of the coveted Jeannette Rankin scholarships, helping her fulfill a dream of earning a college degree.

Blueprint: School district honoring groups that make an impact

School leaders plan to honor seven organizations at tonight's Clarke County Board of Education meeting, including one group that's given more than 16,000 books to students and another that donates expensive orchestra instruments for children to use.

Blueprint: How you can help

Winterville Elementary School

Blueprint: Volunteer now

To sign up, visit HandsOnNortheastGeorgia.org or call (706) 353-1313.

Blueprint: Events this week

TODAY

Blueprint: Thank You

Thank you for supporting Athens' Global Youth Service Day 2011. Thanks to our supporters, Athens' youths revitalized a playground, sorted 2,500 books, cleaned up 10 acres of public lands, expanded four community gardens, built an outdoor classroom and packaged 59,862 meals.

Blueprint: Ongoing opportunities

Athens Community Council On Aging

Blueprint: Briefly

Coastal Concert: Third- through fifth-graders at Winterville Elementary School in Clarke County recently received a crash course on the wonders of Georgia coastal ecology to tunes performed by award-winning children’s musician Roger Day on April 27. One hundred and fifty students crowded into the school’s gymnasium and sang and laughed while learning about the landscape and critters of the coast.

Blueprint: Bike & Build program brings volunteer cyclists to Athens

A group of bicyclists geared toward helping build affordable housing rolled into Athens this week, spent Friday painting some Habitat for Humanity apartments and today continues a cross-country trek to work on similar projects.

Blueprint: Win by losing in weight program

Beth Dukes wasn't planning on losing weight when she signed up for Athens Regional Medical Center's "Lighten Up Georgia" campaign, but the ARMC nurse nevertheless shed 41 pounds and won an award for her effort.

Blueprint: Exchange program needs families to host students

Deby Sorensen spent her high school senior year in Denmark as a foreign exchange student, and the experience was so enriching she recently jumped at the chance to help build a new exchange program in the Athens area.

Blueprint: How you can help

Athens Community Council on Aging

Blueprint: Whatever It Takes organizers hone action plan

Organizers of a community effort to improve high school graduation rates are close to settling on an action plan they hope can fulfill their ambitious goals.

Blueprint: Ongoing opportunities

Athens Area Humane Society

Blueprint: Red Cross recognizes heroes

Supporters and volunteers with the East Georgia Chapter of the American Red Cross recently met for the fourth annual Heroes' Breakfast at the Athens Country Club and presented awards recognizing extraordinary acts of bravery in the past year.

Blueprint: Briefly

Seniors win Moore’s Ford Scholarships

Blueprint: Thank You

Camp EcoAdventure held April 4-8 was a success.

Blueprint: Volunteer now

To sign up, visit HandsOnNortheastGeorgia.org or call (706) 353-1313.

Blueprint: Events this week

TODAY

Blueprint: A way to beat not reading

Amateur percussionists filled the Athens-Clarke County Library Auditorium on Friday afternoon; some children banged on drums, others clapped and a few just danced to the rhythms.

Blueprint: Blood supplies drained by storms

Winter storms in Georgia this year and the devastation wreaked by recent tornadoes in the Midwest have reduced blood supplies at the American Red Cross and prompted the agency to call on more volunteers to donate.

Blueprint: How you can help

Athens Community Council on Aging

Blueprint: Open house Wednesday for new ARMC facility

Athens nutritionist Suzanne Carter prepared a simple, healthy meal for a dozen cancer patients and caregivers as the inaugural program at Athens Regional Medical Center's new Griffin-DuBose Healing Lodge.

Blueprint: Ride raises funds - and spirits - for those touched by police shooting

If there was anyone still asleep at 10 a.m. Sunday at the Candlewood Suites off Atlanta Highway, they received a wake-up call of the heavy-metal thunder variety.

Blueprint: Volunteer now

To sign up, visit HandsOnNortheastGeorgia.org or call (706) 353-1313.

Blueprint: Ongoing opportunities

Disabled American Veterans

Blueprint: UGA students help with books

University of Georgia student Alexandra Hebdon recently sat on a classroom floor reading to two Oglethorpe Avenue Elementary School students who snuggled in her lap as all around them other volunteers of the First Books-UGA chapter read and interacted with other students.

Blueprint: Briefly

Naturalist program seeks volunteers

Blueprint: Events this week

TODAY

Blueprint: Woman driven to help teens

Teenagers and young adults who ask for help from Oglethorpe County resident Jacqueline Bosby will get it - whether it's completing mandatory community service hours, setting up an internship or figuring out tricky math problems.

Blueprint: Award honors second-grader's legacy

Although second-grader Sam Browning makes top grades at Prince Avenue Christian School, earning the inaugural Christopher Lee Newcomer Award surpassed any accolades he's received for his academic achievements, his mother said.

Blueprint: Grant revives CPR training program at Madison County Middle

COMER - More than 350 eighth-graders got the chance to make Madison County a little safer this year by learning cardiopulmonary resuscitation through a new schoolwide CPR training program.

Blueprint: How you can help

Free IT Athens Inc.

Blueprint: Group collecting bicycles to send to African nation

BikeAthens is helping collect off-road bicycles for the nonprofit group Bicycle for Humanity to ship to Okalongo, Namibia, to help establish a bicycle workshop in that community, said Bicycles for Humanity founder Mary Fortson Harwell.

Blueprint: Celebrating the beauty of aging

The Athens Community Council on Aging (ACCA) will round out its spring fundraising season with its first Ms. Senior Athens Pageant from 6 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday at the Georgia Center for Continuing Education.

Blueprint: Oconee Students squeeze extra funds out of juice containers

BOGART - Juice boxes and juice pouches are a quintessential part of students' lunchboxes, but the single-serving containers are difficult to recycle, and tens of thousands end up in Athens-area landfills every year.

Blueprint: Briefly

Employer seminar set

Blueprint: Volunteer now

To sign up, visit HandsOnNortheastGeorgia.org or call (706) 353-1313.

Blueprint: Ongoing opportunities

Athens Area Homeless Shelter

Blueprint: Events this week

TODAY

Blueprint: Red Cross to honor local heroes

Auburn Elementary School faculty members had gathered for a meeting at the school earlier this year when teacher JoAnn Cox collapsed - the result of heart failure - and fell to the floor.

Blueprint: Scientific principles come into play during students' outings

COMMERCE - All eighth-graders at Kings Bridge Middle School learn that mass times acceleration equals force, but Thursday they had a chance to experience the concept firsthand with bumper cars, go-karts and a giant slide.

Blueprint: Company to honor exec at Relay

Representatives with Power Partners will pay tribute to the company's late co-owner Sherrie Ford at tonight's Clarke County Relay for Life at the Athens YMCA.

Blueprint: Scientific principles come into play during students' outing

COMMERCE - All eighth-graders at Kings Bridge Middle School learn that mass times acceleration equals force, but Thursday they had a chance to experience the concept firsthand with bumper cars, go-karts and a giant slide.

Blueprint: Book giveaway aims to keep kids reading during the summer

Wide-eyed, enthusiastic third-graders at Fowler Drive Elementary School cheered like it was Christmas morning Tuesday when they heard they were getting a dozen books to keep - including some from the popular "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" series. Volunteers with the local nonprofit group Books for Keeps set up shop in the school's media center Monday and Tuesday and invited every student to choose 12 age-appropriate books to take home.

Blueprint: How you can help

Interfaith Hospitality Network of Athens Inc.

Blueprint: Fashion show will raise funds

Strong, Beautiful & Godly Girls Inc. (SBGG) will present an art and fashion show on May 21 in collaboration with I Art Athens at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia.

Blueprint: Volunteer now

To sign up, visit HandsOnNortheastGeorgia.org or call (706) 353-1313.

Blueprint: Ongoing opportunities

The Clarke County Mentor Program

Blueprint: Events this week

TODAY

Blueprint: Briefly

Mentor training this week

Blueprint: Students hope their cars shine

BRASELTON - Clear, bright days like Friday were made for racing - solar racing.

Blueprint: Free Golf clinic at UGA encourages kids to take a swing at the sport

As Scott Duvall of Athens led his two boys, Jack, 5, and Walker, 3, across the green lawn of the University of Georgia Golf Course on Monday afternoon, Jack pulled out a club and started practicing his swing.

Blueprint: How you can help

Free IT Athens Inc.

Blueprint: Briefly

MATHCOUNTS at Hilsman places first

Blueprint: Volunteer now

To sign up, visit HandsOnNortheastGeorgia.org or call (706) 353-1313.

Blueprint: Events this week

TODAY

Blueprint: Ongoing opportunities

Peace Place Inc.

Blueprint: Thank-Yous

Thank you for Spring Weekend cleanup effort

Blueprint: Students helping tsunami victims

When fifth-graders Morganne Fugett and Hannah Gale of Timothy Road Elementary School first heard about the earthquake in Japan, they were shocked.

Blueprint: Right at home with the Dooleys

Vince and Barbara Dooley's remodeled home is ready for its close-up. And as part of a Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary fundraiser, guests can get closer than ever.

Blueprint: Wii will help fight illiteracy

Athens-area college and high school students will battle for supremacy on Wii video games Saturday in the first-ever Wee Read Olympics that will earn one winner a 2003 Jeep Liberty and all will benefit a local program to combat illiteracy.

Blueprint: Rollergirls look to make an impression in fight against cancer

The Classic City Rollergirls have recruited a dozen Athens-area women and one man to make some distinctive impressions for the roller derby team's Sunday benefit bout for the Cancer Foundation of Northeast Georgia.

Blueprint: 'Royal' event to raise money for adoption agency

For American royal watchers who can't make the 4,000-mile trek to London, a fundraiser for Covenant Care can give a taste of Friday's big wedding with only a short drive to Watkinsville.

Blueprint: How you can help

Cub Scout Pack 331 Fowler Drive Elementary School

Blueprint: Inaugural 5k helping families facing rare syndrome find support

When doctors first diagnosed James and Marisa Elrod's 3-year-old daughter Avery with Williams Syndrome, the couple had never even heard of the disease, much less knew of anyone else who was coping with it.

Blueprint: Briefly

Samuels places in FFA speaking event

Blueprint: Ongoing opportunities

Athens-Clarke County Animal Control

Blueprint: Volunteer now

To sign up, visit HandsOnNortheastGeorgia.org or call (706) 353-1313.

Blueprint: Events this week

ON TUESDAY

Blueprint: Vet returns favor of aid

Dennis Wallace has seen dozens of veterans get help paying their bills in the past two years - but recently, one veteran paid back his gift and added a $200 donation.

Blueprint: Event to benefit animal rescue

Fashion seems to be all the rage in Athens in the past few weeks, and Cheeky Peach is jumping on board with its Cheeky Peach Fashion Event on Thursday at Hotel Indigo.

Blueprint: Cedar Shoals' bands concert set for May 3

Students with the Cedar Shoals High School concert and symphonic bands will present their spring concert at 6:30 p.m. May 3 in the Larry McClure Auditorium at Cedar Shoals High School.

Blueprint: Schools and UGA widen partnership

The Clarke County School District and the University of Georgia's College of Education will expand a two-year experiment at J.J. Harris Elementary Charter School to four more schools next year, transforming each into a so-called professional development school.

Blueprint: Middle school garden honors former student

Teachers, volunteers and former students of Kings Bridge Middle School, in South Jackson County, spent Saturday morning building a learning garden for the school in honor of a classmate who is battling cancer.

Blueprint: ALDI to open store in Athens

Discount supermarket chain ALDI plans to open one of its grocery stores on Athens' Westside, the company confirmed Friday.

Blueprint: Couple moved by new Habitat home, surprise gifts

Crystal Sapp and her fiancé, Maxie Harrison, are excited about their new home - an apartment on East Broad Street - and the staff of St. Mary's Hospital made move-in day even sweeter.

Blueprint: How you can help

Free IT Athens Inc.

Blueprint: Clarke County schools getting set to 'SLAM the CRCT'

Students across the Clarke County School District will be sharpening their No. 2 pencils this morning, making their last preparations for the hours of standardized tests they'll take this week to measure how much they've learned this year.

Blueprint: Rotarians add to greenway efforts

Rotary Club members attacked a patch of privet and poison ivy over the weekend, tearing out the weeds to add a short stretch of path and a bench to an already peaceful nook off the North Oconee River Greenway.

Blueprint: Ongoing Opportunities

Athens Meals on Wheels

Blueprint: Briefly

Rutland Academy Career Expo a success

Blueprint: Volunteer now

To sign up, visit HandsOnNortheastGeorgia.org or call (706) 353-1313.

Blueprint: Nine in Clarke County School District selected for honors program

Nine students in the Clarke County School District were selected to participate in the annual Governor's Honors Program.

Blueprint: Events this week

TODAY

Blueprint: Thank Yous

Thank-you from Action Inc.

Blueprint: More and more local seniors spending retirement as valuable volunteers

Some seniors look at retirement as a time to kick back and enjoy well-earned downtime, but more and more older Athenians are getting to work helping their community.

Blueprint: Kids honored by Boys & Girls Clubs

The Boys & Girls Clubs recently honored several Athens students, most of whom grew up in local clubhouses and now work there as teen counselors.

Blueprint: Nonprofit marks 35th anniversary with a fundraiser

The Jeannette Rankin Foundation will celebrate its 35th anniversary Sunday with its annual High Hat Party fundraiser when the Athens-based nonprofit will recognize three Athens women for their commitment to public service.

Blueprint: Awards to recognize environmental efforts

Athens environmental advocates will honor citizens, organizations and businesses Friday night at the annual GreenFest Awards Ceremony with awards that recognize efforts to improve the environment.

Blueprint: Visitors see what makes the Classic City special

Athens has a unique and vibrant downtown. We know because we live here.

Blueprint: Walkers will step up in the battle against cancer

Student organizers of this weekend's University of Georgia Relay for Life hope to make history as well as raise major dollars for the battle against cancer.

Blueprint: How you can help

Dee's Haven Parrot Rescue

Blueprint: State superintendent rewards area Schools of Excellence

BOGART - State School Superintendent John Barge came to Northeast Georgia on Monday to honor two Schools of Excellence.

Blueprint: Volunteer now

To sign up, visit HandsOnNortheastGeorgia.org or call (706) 353-1313.

Blueprint: Events this week

ON TUESDAY

Blueprint: Ongoing opportunities

► Garnett Ridge Boys And Girls Club

Blueprint: Briefly

Lankford places fourth in Pokémon tourney

Blueprint: School fills family's special needs

Making the transition from elementary school to middle school comes with its share of anxieties for both students and their parents. For families of children with special needs, though, change can be particularly scary.

Blueprint: Campus a training ground for service animals

Service dogs in training have become a common sight on the University of Georgia campus in recent years, easily identifiable by the bright vests they wear as they accompany their student- owners to classes.

Blueprint: A good environment for learning

Students in Jim Maudsley's environmental science class at Classic City High School were turning soil and planting butterfly-luring flowers Wednesday for a project funded by an annual Eugene Odum Environmental Grant.

Blueprint: Event benefits wildlife

University of Georgia veterinary students who provide medical care to the injured hummingbirds, squirrels, owls and turtles that people bring in will hold a brewery tour Tuesday to help cover the cost of treating the animals.

Blueprint: Clarke Central's History Club collecting textbooks

Students with Clarke Central High School's History Club are working to make a global impact by providing books and magazines to children in Third World countries where textbooks are rare.

Blueprint: How you can help

► Free IT Athens Inc.

Blueprint: A few area communities make the cut for 'Camera Ready'

Oconee and Barrow, Elbert and Banks counties have joined a list of communities that are ready for Hollywood to consider their landscapes as the backdrop for the newest film or television show.

Blueprint: Volunteer now

To sign up, visit HandsOnNortheastGeorgia.org or call (706) 353-1313.

Blueprint: Events this week

TODAY

Blueprint: Facility kicks off new fundraising campaign

YWCO supporters are working to raise $500,000 to renovate and expand its Athens facility.

Blueprint: Area girls gearing up to bring the rock at camp

Athens Girls' Rock Camp is taking applications for its 2011 summer camp, set for July 25-29, with a showcase concert July 30. A location for the camp has not yet been set.

Blueprint: Foundation awards grants to nonprofits

The Jackson EMC Foundation, a charity funded by the electric cooperative's members through their contributions to the Operation Round Up program, recently awarded grants to the following nonprofit organizations:

Blueprint: Briefly

Iyer competes in state Bee

Blueprint: Ongoing opportunities

► The Center for Latino Achievement and Success in Education

Blueprint: Local projects a team effort

HandsOn Northeast Georgia will mobilize more than 400 people ages 5 to 25 to participate in the 23rd Annual Global Youth Service Day on April 15-17.

Blueprint: Both hospitals in Athens helping pump money into local economy

While Northeast Georgia continues to struggle in a weak economy, one sector is growing - health care.

Blueprint: Young scientists square off at Classic Center this weekend

Nearly 650 of Georgia's brightest science students will be showing off their research projects and experiments at the Classic Center exhibit hall this weekend as they compete in the 63rd annual Georgia Science and Engineering Fair.

Blueprint: Woman takes steps to raise awareness about strokes

Most people think strokes only happen to older people - at least that's what 31-year-old Sally Baker thought before she had one.

Blueprint: Rebuilt school inspires students, teachers

Fourth-grader Daniel Victoria loves the renovated and rebuilt Fowler Drive Elementary School that he, his classmates and his teachers moved into after holiday break.

Blueprint: Profs want to keep 'making LemonAid'

Dozens of University of Georgia faculty used an unpaid furlough day last spring to spend some time with younger students in area schools.

Blueprint: Winner of Empty Bowl's soup competition will be announced Wednesday

Organizers of the 13th annual Empty Bowl benefit will announce Athens' first-ever "Souper Bowl Champion" chef during this Wednesday's luncheon and silent auction.

Blueprint: How you can help

Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful

Blueprint: Volunteer now

To sign up, visit HandsOnNortheastGeorgia.org or call (706) 353-1313.

Blueprint: Briefly

Hospice remembrance walk on Saturday

Blueprint: Junk Yard Jog brings beauty, awareness

Is there a better way to celebrate a 10th anniversary than to jog at the landfill and spend a little time with the buzzards?

Blueprint: Events this week

TODAY

Blueprint: Ongoing opportunities

Athens First United Methodist Church

Blueprint: Environmental stewards hailed

Two longtime advocates and stewards of Athens' environmental attributes won this year's Alec Little Environmental Awards.

Blueprint: Thurmond: Mentors are angels

Former state Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond likened volunteers celebrating the Clarke County Mentor Program's 20th anniversary Thursday to characters in the new film "The Adjustment Bureau."

Blueprint: Student helps hospital in Guatemala

University of Georgia pre-med student Hannah Machemehl spent her past two summers volunteering at a hospital in Guatemala where she discovered the facility had a desperate need for even basic medical equipment.

Blueprint: Ties that bind

Maggie DeMaria has a unique way of helping the needy.

Blueprint: Funding a concern for local adoption agency

Local adoption agency All God's Children, like many social service nonprofits, has seen its share of funding cuts as the recession takes a toll on state budgets and grant sources, Director Emily Bailey says.

Blueprint: Fair to celebrate science skills

Elementary schoolchildren will put their engineering and scientific skills on display Saturday at the Clarke County School District's second annual Young Scientists' Fair.

Blueprint: A few mothers and daughters making college a family affair

Athens Technical College is a family enterprise for some students at the school - three mothers and their daughters, all Athens Tech classmates.

Blueprint: How you can help

Strong, Beautiful and Godly Girls Inc.

Blueprint: Ongoing opportunities

Excelling Rising Roses

Blueprint: Briefly

YOUthServe Service opportunity Saturday

Blueprint: Thank Yous

Thank you from Hope Haven for event

Blueprint: Volunteer now

To sign up, visit HandsOnNortheastGeorgia.org or call (706) 353-1313.

Blueprint: Events this week

ON TUESDAY

Blueprint: Wii gamers to play for charity

Nintendo Wii gamers from Athens area schools will be gathering at Play N Trade this weekend for some preliminary rounds of the first-ever Wee Read Olympics to benefit the charitable Wee Read program of United Way of Northeast Georgia.

Blueprint: How you can help

► Interfaith Hospitality Network of Athens Inc.

Blueprint: Clarke Central students rack up awards

Members of Clarke Central High School's Odyssey Newsmagazine and Iliad Literary-Art Magazine participated earlier this month in the University of South Carolina's Southern Interscholastic Press Association's All Access Convention in Columbia, S.C.

Blueprint: Athens-Clarke County library offers free programs, opportunities

Libraries have been around a while, in some form or another, dating back before 300 BC.

Blueprint: Volunteer now

For more, visit HandsOnNortheastGeorgia.org or call (706) 353-1313.

Blueprint: Events this week

TODAY

Blueprint: Briefly

Chicken Barbecue fundraiser Saturday

Blueprint: Businesses get together for path

Twelve Braselton commercial property owners have started the process of building a 1.7 mile pedestrian and golf cart path connecting the town's main commercial corridor to nearby subdivisions

Blueprint: Man moved by burning desire to aid Kenyans

An Oglethorpe County man wants to trade in his rural Northeast Georgia home for a land with wildebeests and rhinos.

Blueprint: Mr. Science wows students

You don't have to be 8 years old to be wowed by Mr. Science.

Blueprint: Prom safety will be focus of event

Local rap artist Jawan Harris will emcee a fashion show Saturday at Georgia Square Mall as part of a larger Prom Safety Shop and Share Day organized by the Joynt Production Network.

Blueprint: Barrow safety workers see good cause to lose the hair

Barrow County public safety workers are putting their hair on the line to help raise money for the St. Baldrick's Foundation for childhood cancer research.

Blueprint: Local environmentalists plan tribute to Leopold

Local environmentalists this week will remember Aldo Leopold for his groundbreaking conservation work, which continues to inspire people interested in protecting their natural surroundings.

Blueprint: Team of SEC rivals in Athens to help out on Habitat for Humanity projects

They might be mortal enemies on the football field, but students from Vanderbilt University and the University of Florida are willing to pitch in to help Athenians in need.

Blueprint: How you can help

Strong, Beautiful & Godly Girls Inc.

Blueprint: After years of planning, Jefferson's streetscape project close to being finished

JEFFERSON - Downtown Jefferson is entering the last leg of a major transformation that has been in the works for more than five years.

Blueprint: Events this week

TODAY

Blueprint: Ongoing opportunities

► Alps Elementary School

Blueprint: Volunteer now

To sign up, visit HandsOnNortheastGeorgia.org or call (706) 353-1313.

Blueprint: Briefly

Chicken barbecue to benefit Boy Scouts

Blueprint: Dancing couple win over audience, judges in a first for Project Safe

“Dancing With the Athens Stars” hit the stage again at 7 p.m. Sunday to a full house at the Classic Center.

Blueprint: Rotary to volunteer at school

Members of the Classic City Rotary Club will volunteer as readers during Monday's Reading Day at J.J. Harris Elementary Charter School in Athens.

Blueprint: State notices Barrow Elementary's media facility

Publishing research on the Web, editing photo stories with audio tracks, writing poetry - those are all in a day's work for students at Barrow Elementary School.

Blueprint: Monday listening party for 'Collapse Into Now' benefits local organizations

When it comes to R.E.M. fans, Jeff Montgomery is one who's already heard the new record - which releases Tuesday - in its entirety.

Blueprint: Media center may be named after teacher

The media center at W.R. Coile Middle School may be named in honor of Letty Fitch, a beloved teacher who died two years ago.

Blueprint: Artist's mural moves veterans at retirement village

Matt Cremeens climbed the ladder and stretched his hand upward to brush a golden-hued cloud, then leaned back to inspect his work.

Blueprint: A growing interest

Demetrius Pope got a little dirty at school Tuesday, but he didn't mind.

Blueprint: Athens Tech joins 'Dream' network

Athens Technical College will join the national organization "Achieving the Dream" as a way of improving student learning and specifically graduation rates.

Blueprint: How you can help

Athens Area Homeless Shelter

Blueprint: Events this week

TODAY

Blueprint: Ongoing opportunities

The Cancer Foundation of Northeast Georgia

Blueprint: Volunteer now

To sign up, visit HandsOnNortheastGeorgia.org or call (706) 353-1313.

Blueprint: Prepare for the races for good cause

Hope Haven of Northeast Georgia is going to the races at 6 p.m. Thursday for its Horsin' Around for Hope fundraiser at the Athens Country Club.

Blueprint: Briefly

March 7 Reading Day at J.J. Harris School

Blueprint: Queen of Hearts Pageant

The Queen of Hearts Pageant was held last month at Apalachee High School.

Blueprint: Student preps for final spelling bee

Clarke County Middle School eighth-grader Tomislav Zabcic-Matic has competed in the Clarke County District Spelling Bee for four years hoping to make it to the next level.

Blueprint: Churches unite to aid homeless

Tamica Payne unexpectedly found herself unemployed and homeless late last year after losing her job at a Target store in Stone Mountain.

Blueprint: How you can help

► Strong, Beautiful and Godly Girls Inc.

Blueprint: Briefly

Friends of Advantage adDRESS a Need

Blueprint: Events this week

TODAY

Blueprint: Volunteer now

To sign up, visit HandsOnNortheastGeorgia.org or call (706) 353-1313.

Blueprint: Ongoing opportunities

► Children First Inc.

Blueprint: Athens stars ready to shine

"Dancing with the Athens Stars" has attracted and entertained thousands since it began in 2008, and it's hitting the stage again at 7 p.m. Sunday at the Classic Center. Funds raised go to Project Safe, a nonprofit that support services ranging from emergency shelter to long-term housing to counseling and job training.

Blueprint: Schools will focus on global thinking

Teachers in the Clarke County School District will begin training this summer to teach high school and middle school students in the tough International Baccalaureate style.

Blueprint: How you can help

► Strong, Beautiful, and Godly Girls Inc.

Blueprint: Ongoing volunteer opportunities

To sign up for any activities listed on this page or for a complete listing, visit HandsOnNortheastGeorgia.org or call HandsOn NEGA at (706) 353-1313.

Blueprint: Activities this week

TODAY

Blueprint: Briefly

ANNUAL SUPPORT CAMPAIGN: The Athens YMCA is nearing completion of its annual support campaign and has raised $129,000 to date, more than 85 percent of its goal. With an additional $21,000 from the community, the YMCA will reach its goal of $150,000 and be able to provide hundreds of scholarships to children and teens this year.

Blueprint: Volunteer now

To sign up, visit HandsOnNortheastGeorgia.org or call (706) 353-1313.

Blueprint: Helping families goal of program at Athens Tech

Several hundred thousand children in Georgia reportedly do not have a father in their lives, and that's where Athens Technical College hopes to step in and make a difference.

Blueprint: With many experienced workers looking for jobs, teens feeling edged out

Heath Herdon doesn't plan to spend his whole life bagging groceries, but for now it's a good start to his working life and some extra cash in his pocket.

Blueprint: How you can help

► The Palm House Recovery Center

Blueprint: Mushroom spores score with local grow-your-own advocates

WATKINSVILLE - Sarah Workman's crop fits easily in between a few sweetgum trees on a Sunset Ridge Road farm in Oconee County.

Blueprint: Yearning for yoga? Try it free

It's the end of January.

Blueprint: Volunteer now

To sign up, visit HandsOnNortheastGeorgia.org or call (706) 353-1313.

Blueprint: Ongoing volunteer opportunities

To sign up for any activities listed on this page or for a complete listing, visit HandsOnNortheastGeorgia.org or call HandsOn NEGA at (706) 353-1313.

Blueprint: Activities this week

TODAY

Blueprint: Red Cross low on blood supply

Winter weather throughout much of the county has impacted the blood supply because hundreds of blood drives were canceled. Patients in the Athens area and throughout the country are counting on blood donors to help to be sure that blood is available when it's needed.

Blueprint: Briefly

Sponsors needed for Heritage Expo

Blueprint: How you can help

Blueprint: How you can help

Read below for a list of needs for nonprofits in the Athens area:

Blueprint: Volunteer opportunities, calendar

Volunteer now

Blueprint: After-school program seeks tutors

Last year, Georgia was ranked among 17 states with the lowest overall graduation rates in the country, according to a report released by the Jobs for the Future advocacy group and the Everyone Graduates Center at Johns Hopkins University.

Blueprint Briefly: Items now collected for care packages

Boy Scouts of America Troop 305 is completing an Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project with Operation Sandbox by collecting items for care packages to be sent to military men and women serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Teacher, a presidential award winner, challenges young minds

NICHOLSON - Students in Rachael Parr's seventh-grade life science class at East Jackson Middle School learn more than what they glean from the pages of a textbook or the lines of a lecture.

Governor: Amid recession, tourist dollars vital to state

In a state decimated by a global recession, tourism is more important than ever, Gov. Sonny Perdue said Wednesday at a conference in Athens for the hospitality industry.

Local tourism gets boost as Athens hosts annual industry conference

Athens’ tourism industry is getting a much-needed boost this week — from the tourism industry itself.

Blueprint: How you can help

Read below for a list of needs for nonprofits in the Athens area:

Volunteer now

To sign up, visit HandsOnNortheastGeorgia.org or call (706) 353-1313.

Ongoing volunteer opportunities

► ACC Athletics Southeast

Play meets productivity at centers

For educational programs and holiday events at affordable prices, children of all ages can visit one of four community centers in the Athens area to participate in activities, take advantage of resources and spend time with family.

Activities this week

TODAY

State Student Advisory Council applications sought

State School Superintendent Brad Bryant is currently accepting applications for the 2010-2011 Student Advisory Council.

Blueprint Briefly

Sept. 11 memorial service set in Winder

Blueprint: How you can help

Read below for a list of needs for nonprofits in the Athens area:

Blueprint: How you can help

To assist the organizations you see here please, call the contact listed.

Volunteer now

To sign up, visit HandsOnNortheastGeorgia.org or call (706) 353-1313.

Ongoing volunteer opportunities

► ACC Athletics Southeast

Looking to volunteer? Speak up

Looking for a different volunteer opportunity?

Activities this week

TODAY

Blueprint Briefly

Fox hosting Suits and Sneakers Gala

Spay-neuter clinic keeps pet populace from running wild

Clayton didn't know how important this week's surgery was, but his doctor did.

Spay-neuter clinic keeps pet populace from running wild

Clayton didn't know how important this week's surgery was, but his doctor did.

Nontraditional high school kicks off year in fresh surroundings

Students and staff at Clarke County's nontraditional high school are adjusting to life in a new, more traditional-looking building that's closer to the center of town and a planned career academy.

Blueprint: How you can help

Read below for a list of needs for nonprofits in the Athens area:

State may alter math conditions after 48 percent fail test

So many students had trouble with a newer, more rigorous high school math class last school year that the state Board of Education is considering whether to give students credit if they can complete a remedial class this year.

Activities this week

TODAY

Nonprofit seeking new director

The Clarke County Mentor Program is seeking a new director after founding director Trudy Bradley announced last month she was moving out of the state to be closer to her family.

Long: First Tomatoes at Terrapin a success

On Tuesday, July 20, the Athens Nurses Clinic held Tomatoes at Terrapin, the first fundraiser for the clinic in more than 15 years.

Blueprint Briefly

CASA preparing for new training session

Volunteer now

To sign up, visit HandsOnNortheastGeorgia.org or call (706) 353-1313.

Ongoing volunteer opportunities

► Athens Community Council on Aging

Birchmore Award presented Tuesday

The annual Active Aging Conference will be held Tuesday at the Athens Community Council on Aging. The finalists for the annual Fred Birchmore Award for Active Aging have been announced and include:

Oglethorpe Middle-schoolers take ‘a big step up’ this year

CRAWFORD - Oglethorpe County opens its first new school in 13 years today, when sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders walk through the doors of a middle school that took five years of planning, a sales tax referendum and a year and a half of construction.

Blueprint: How you can help

Read below for a list of needs for nonprofits in the Athens area:

Donations given to area high schools

Georgia Federal Credit Union recently made donations to both Cedar Shoals High School and Clarke Central High School through their High School Spirit promotion.

Blueprint Briefly

Free inspections for car seats planned

Volunteer now

To sign up, visit HandsOnNortheastGeorgia.org or call (706) 353-1313.

Ongoing volunteer opportunities

► ACC Southeast Clarke Park Halloween Program

Opportunities continue growing through collaborative gardening

Claire Boozer doesn't know much about gardening, but she's not letting that stop her from creating an outdoor area for people to learn how.

Activities this week

TODAY

Round Up program raises money for local nonprofits

The Jackson EMC Foundation, a charity funded by members of the electric cooperative through their participation in Operation Round Up, awarded $39,300 in grants to five local service agencies at its regular monthly meeting.

Young investigators on the scene at UGA camp

Watching "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" never will be the same for one group of Athens-area middle school students.

Founder of mentor program steps down

The woman who took an idea to match Clarke County students with influential adult mentors and persuaded members of the community to volunteer is stepping down after 20 years on the job.

Volunteer now

To sign up, visit HandsOnNortheastGeorgia.org or call (706) 353-1313.

Ongoing volunteer opportunities

► American Red Cross: Blood Services

Briefly

American Legion Post seeks meeting space

Activities this week

TODAY

Blueprint: How you can help

Read below for a list of needs for nonprofits in the Athens area:

Blueprint: How you can help

Read below for a list of needs for nonprofits in the Athens area:

Blueprint: Volunteer opportunities, calendar

Volunteer Now

Blueprint Briefly: Bookbags, supplies needed for children

Bookbags, supplies needed for children

Blueprint: How you can help

Read below for a list of needs for nonprofits in the Athens area:

Blueprint: How you can help

Read below for a list of needs for nonprofits in the Athens area:

Women honored for community contributions

When pastor Janice Town founded For HIS Glory Church International in Athens some six years ago, her ministry placed an emphasis on community service, particularly where it involved women.

Blueprint: How you can help

A list of needs for nonprofits in the Athens area:

Blueprint: Volunteer opportunities, calendar

Volunteer Now

Blueprint: Audition for ‘Athens’ Got Talent’

Athens-based Women to the World will hold auditions for its first amateur talent competition, “Athens’ Got Talent,” on July 29-30 and Aug. 19-20.

Blueprint Thank You: Church expresses thanks for camp help

Faith Baptist Church experienced our most successful sports camp this year with more than 350 campers. We would like to express a heartfelt thanks to all those who helped in any way.

Blueprint Briefly: Athens Donor Center offering incentives

The Athens Donor Center, located at 3525 Atlanta Highway, is offering incentives for blood donations this summer.

Blueprint: How you can help

Read below for a list of needs for nonprofits in the Athens area:

Blueprint Thank yous

Madison County Special Olympics a success

Blueprint Briefly

Walmart gives grant to Meals on Wheels

It's showtime for Gaines Elementary's young fashion designers

Move over, "Project Runway."

Blueprint: How you can help

Read below for a list of needs for nonprofits in the Athens area:

Blueprint: Volunteer opportunities, calendar

To sign up for any activities listed on this page, call HandsOn NEGA at (706) 353-1313. For a complete listing of all upcoming events and opportunities, visit onlineathens.com/blueprint.

Operation Round Up pays off

The Jackson EMC Foundation, a charity funded by the cooperative's members through the Operation Round Up program, awarded eight area charities more than $50,000 in grants during its most recent board meeting.

Golf Association's fundraiser a success

The Classic City Golf Association held their first fundraiser in late March at the Athens Country Club. Forty-eight players participated, with proceeds going to Mercy Health Care of Athens and the Girl Scouts of Georgia.

Barrow firefighters gear up for boot drive

Firefighters with Barrow County Emergency Services will be out on the streets May 13-15 asking residents for donations during the 21st annual Give Burns the Boot drive.

May golf tournament to benefit NICUs

Organizers for the 7th Annual Lukas' Fund Golf Tournament are seeking teams and sponsors for the event, which will be held Saturday at the University of Georgia Golf Course.

Help Stamp Out Hunger on Saturday

On Saturday, Campbell Soup Co., the U.S. Postal Service and Feeding America join the National Association of Letter Carriers effort to Help Stamp Out Hunger.

Essay winner shares ideas on running her hometown

JEFFERSON - Zoe Radford has some big ideas about how to attract visitors and green jobs to her hometown.

Packages for troops requested

People in North High Shoals plan to send another round of care packages to soldiers serving in Afghanistan, building on the success of a collection in December.

Atlanta couple fund Civil War studies at UGA

The University of Georgia plans to bring Civil War studies front and center, just in time for the 150th anniversary of the war that shaped the country.

Blueprint: How you can help

Read below for a list of needs for nonprofits in the Athens area:

Blueprint: Volunteer opportunities, calendar

To sign up for any activities listed on this page, call HandsOn NEGA at (706) 353-1313. For a complete listing of all upcoming events and opportunities, visit onlineathens.com/blueprint.

Foundation gives out several grants

The Athens Area Community Foundation, established to help fight poverty as part of the OneAthens anti-poverty effort, announced Monday that it awarded grants for $25,000 to 11 local organizations.

Nonprofits competing in ticket sales program

Area charities are working to sell tickets and raise money at the same time through the Stadion Athens Classic at UGA's Tickets Fore Charity program. The program, sponsored by St. Mary's Health Care System, allows participating nonprofit organizations to sell tournament tickets and keep 100 percent of the proceeds from the sale.

Charity barbecue planned for Saturday

Fast Signs of Athens will host a charity barbecue Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 4 to 8 p.m. at Fast Signs, 2565 Atlanta Highway, to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Athens and The Childhood Autism Foundation.

Skills used to make a connection

Cami James didn't grow up poor or have to depend on a nonprofit to help her figure out how to make ends meet.

Blueprint: Volunteer opportunities, calendar

To sign up for any activities listed on this page, call HandsOn NEGA at (706) 353-1313. For a complete listing of all upcoming events and opportunities, visit onlineathens.com/blueprint.

Blueprint: How you can help

Read below for a list of needs for nonprofits in the Athens area:

Belk Spring Charity Sale tickets aid nonprofits

Belk invites local charities, schools and nonprofits to participate in its Spring Charity Sale on May 1.

Eat out locally April 27 to support 'Entrée of Hope'

On April 27, several restaurants will unite in joining "Entrée of Hope" to provide financial support for the work of two local charities.

Nancy Jo Tennis Tourney planned for April 30

The 9th annual Nancy Jo Tennis Tournament will be held April 30 through May 2 at the Stephens County High School tennis complex in Toccoa.

Blueprint: Volunteer opportunities, calendar

To sign up for any activities listed on this page, call HandsOn NEGA at (706) 353-1313. For a complete listing of all upcoming events and opportunities, visit onlineathens.com/blueprint.

Annual March for Babies planned for April 30

Thousands of families and business leaders in Athens and across Clarke and Oconee counties will join together in the March of Dimes annual March for Babies on April 30, the nation's oldest walk fundraiser honoring babies born healthy and those who need help to survive and thrive.

Maysville Baptist Church Golf Tourney on May 1

The Maysville Baptist Church Golf Tournament will take place at 7:45 a.m. May 1 at Double Oaks Golf Course, 3100 Ila Road in Commerce. All proceeds will sponsor missions.

National Record-A-Thon kicks off on April 19

Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic will have its 15th annual National Record-A-Thon beginning April 19.

Kappa Delta's 14th Annual Bass Classic on Saturday

Kappa Delta's 14th Annual Bass Classic Fishing Tournament will be held Saturday at Sugar Creek Marina in Lake Oconee. The entry fee is $160 and proceeds go to Prevent Child Abuse Athens.

Free physical evaluations offered to student-athletes

Athens Orthopedic Clinic will have its 10th annual High School Pre-Participation Physical Evaluations on Saturday at area high schools. Athens Orthopedic Clinic, a leader in sports medicine, has organized and provided the screening exams to area high school athletes free of charge to assure that each student- athlete has the opportunity to receive a quality physical evaluation.

Prevent Child Abuse Walk Saturday at St. Mary's

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and Prevent Child Abuse Athens, a local organization, will host the "Prevent Child Abuse Walk" on Saturday at St. Mary's Hospital on Baxter Street. This is a 2-mile, family-friendly walk with refreshments and music.

Blueprint: Volunteer opportunities, calendar

To sign up for any activities listed on this page, call HandsOn NEGA at (706) 353-1313. For a complete listing of all upcoming events and opportunities, visit onlineathens.com/blueprint.

Nonprofits teeing off in golf charity program

Area charities are working to sell tickets and raise money at the same time through the Stadion Athens Classic at UGA through the Tickets Fore Charity program. The program, sponsored by St. Mary's Health Care System, allows participating nonprofit organizations to sell tournament tickets and keep 100 percent of the proceeds from the sale.

Blueprint, Hands On seeking to better meet nonprofits' needs through system

Community Connection, in conjunction with the Athens Banner-Herald, is working to help local nonprofits get the help they need in the most effective and efficient way possible.

Project to serve as one-stop shop offering services to homeless

The third annual Athens Project Homeless Connect will take place from 1-5 p.m. Thursday at First United Methodist Church, 327 N. Lumpkin St. at the Hancock Avenue entrance.

Blueprint: Schools stepping up the prep for high-stakes Graduation test

Students in some area school districts, including Clarke County, will begin today to take the high-stakes test that can mean the difference between a failed high school career and a diploma.

Blueprint: Volunteer opportunities, calendar

To sign up for any activities listed on this page, call HandsOn NEGA at (706) 353-1313. For a complete listing of all upcoming events and opportunities, visit onlineathens.com/blueprint

Free IT Athens needs used computers

Free IT Athens is in need of old laptops or desktops with Pentium III (or newer) processors to be used for refurbishing and donating to client agencies or make available for low-cost sale to needy people.

Activities This Week

Alzheimer's Caregiver Luncheon Program - Noon, Bentley Center, Athens Community Council on Aging, 135 Hoyt St.; provides an opportunity for individuals caring for those with Alzheimer's to fellowship with other caregivers, participate in emotional programs and ask questions; care provided for loved ones while participants are at luncheon; meets third Tuesday of each month; pre-register; free; eanthony@ accaging.org or cboozer@accaging.org or (706) 549-4850.

Walk MS preparing for annual fundraiser

On March 27, more than 400 people are expected to unite with the Georgia Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society to raise money to fight MS.

Starry, Starry Night planned for Saturday

Prevent Child Abuse Athens will have its major fundraiser, "Starry, Starry, Night" on Saturday at the Athens Country Club. The event includes dinner and an auction and all proceeds are used for family support programs, First Steps, Healthy Families and parenting classes. Tickets are $100 per person. Sponsorships are available from $500 and tables of 10 are available for $2,500. Call (706) 546-9713 or visit www.pcaathens.org for more information.

Terrapin Beer hosting Athens BreastFest event

Athens BreastFest will be held from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday at Terrapin Beer Co., 265 Newton Bridge Road. The fundraiser for local breast cancer awareness and breast health services will feature music by 90 Acre Farm, Betsy Franck and the Bare Knuckle Band, John Keane and Nathan Sheppard, 16 Tons and Sara O'Brien Band.

Blueprint: Volunteer opportunities, calendar

To sign up for any activities listed on this page, call HandsOn NEGA at (706) 353-1313. For a complete listing of all upcoming events and opportunities, visit onlineathens.com/blueprint.

Blueprint: How you can help

Read below for a list of needs for nonprofits in the Athens area:

Blueprint Briefly: Georgia Hands, Voices to meet March 20 at library

Georgia Hands and Voices will meet from 1-5 p.m. March 20 at Athens Regional Library, 2025 Baxter St.

Three honored at Boy Scouts event

Northeast Georgia Boy Scout officials honored three Athens men recently at the organization's 2010 American Values Dinner.

Blueprint: Volunteer opportunities, calendar

To sign up for any activities listed on this page, call HandsOn NEGA at (706) 353-1313. For a complete listing of all upcoming events and opportunities, visit onlineathens.com/blueprint.

Summer Lunch Program seeking serving sites

The Athens Housing Authority is preparing for this year's Summer Lunch Program.

‘Night on the Town’ to raise funds for quake relief

A University of Georgia student group has set a new goal of $100,000 for Haitian earthquake relief after it easily surpassed its original goal in a little more than a month.

Blueprint: Volunteer opportunities, calendar

To sign up for any activities listed on this page, call HandsOn NEGA at (706) 353-1313. For a complete listing of all upcoming events and opportunities, visit onlineathens.com/blueprint.

Tickets sales cranking up for program

Area nonprofits are ramping up tickets sales for the Stadion Athens Classic at UGA, and the tournament has picked up more sponsorship help.

IHOP to help Children's Healthcare of Atlanta

Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and IHOP restaurants nationwide will celebrate National Pancake Day from 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Tuesday with IHOP offering a free short stack of its buttermilk pancakes to each guest, and diners will be asked to leave a donation behind for Children's Miracle Network.

UGA vet students hosting benefit auction Saturday

The University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine's Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association will host a benefit auction Saturday at the Oconee County Civic Center in Watkinsville.

Blueprint: How you can help

Read below for a list of needs for nonprofits in the Athens area:

Blueprint: Community photos

Blueprint community photos as seen in the Monday, Feb. 15, 2010, print edition of the Athens Banner-Herald.

Blueprint: Volunteer opportunities, calendar

To sign up for any activities listed on this page, call HandsOn NEGA at (706) 353-1313. For a complete listing of all upcoming events and opportunities, visit onlineathens.com/blueprint.

Brown wins President's Volunteer Service Award

Margracious Brown recently earned the Gold President's Volunteer Service Award, which recognizes the best in American spirit and encourages all Americans to improve their communities through volunteer service and civic participation.

Volunteer opportunity available in Peru

Find out how to volunteer in Peru this summer with the fourth annual volunteer trip organized by local nonprofit Ven Peru, whose mission is to help in the marginalized areas of Peru suffering from poverty and a lack of access to education.

Terra Madre fundraiser Friday at Farm 255

Farm 255 will host a Terra Madre fundraiser Friday, where the regular menu will be served with 20 percent of the evening's sales benefiting Slow Food's Terra Madre Fund.

Cultural Foundation offering scholarships

As part of its goal to support youth in continuing studies of the arts, the Classic Center Cultural Foundation is offering two $1,000 scholarships in the areas of vocal performance, music and dance, along with $500 to the schools of the winning students.

Nurse practitioner heads out on mission to Haiti

Chet Ford, a family nurse practitioner with Family First Healthcare's Elberton, Royston and Lavonia offices, and a team of doctors, nurses, paramedics and ministers headed to Haiti last month to see if they can help the surviving Haitian people who have infections from untreated wounds and dehydration from lack of clean drinking water.

Program hosting drive for blankets

The senior grocery bag program is hosting a blanket drive during the month of February. The community is asked for help by donating a new cotton blanket or making a $10 donation.

New, used formal gowns sought

Friends of Advantage is accepting donations of new or gently used prom or formal gowns for its upcoming "adDRESS a Need" benefit dress sale. All proceeds will benefit Advantage Behavioral Health Systems.

Student textbook exchange designed to cut the middleman

A University of Georgia student has started a business he hopes will ease the pain a little for his fellow students - the pain of buying expensive textbooks at the beginning of each semester.

Blueprint: How you can help

To assist the organizations you see here please, call the contact listed. To have your nonprofit needs included, call (706) 208-2302. For a complete list of local agency needs go to onlineathens.com/blueprint.

Blueprint: Volunteer opportunities, calendar

To sign up for any activities listed on this page, call HandsOn NEGA at (706) 353-1313. For a complete listing of all upcoming events and opportunities, visit onlineathens.com/blueprint.

Successful fundraising campaign celebrated

More than 250 donors and supporters of the United Way of Northeast Georgia gathered last week to celebrate the organization's 2009 fundraising campaign. United Way raised $2,180,000, $5,000 more than what was announced at last year's annual meeting.

Mardi Gras Athens fundraiser Friday

Family Counseling Services of Athens will host the third annual Mardi Gras Athens fundraiser from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at The Melting Point. The event will feature a costume party, an authentic Cajun meal, a $1,000 cash prize and raffle, a silent auction and door prizes. The king and queen of Mardi Gras Athens also will be announced.

Registration open at Learning Institute

Registration is open for courses and events at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at The University of Georgia.

Applications taken for youth award

Applications are being accepted for Jackson Electric Membership Corp.'s 2010 Youth Citizenship Award. Applicants should be a high school junior or senior and be involved in community or school volunteer organizations whose chief objective is improving the community.

Free tax preparation available for needy

Free tax preparation and free E-filing will be offered by the AARP Tax-Aide Program through April 15 to help middle and low income taxpayers, with special attention to those ages 60 years and older. Participants do not need to be an AARP member to participate in the service.

Habitat Hustle 5K set for Feb. 20

The Gainesville State College - Oconee Habitat for Humanity campus chapter will host Habitat Hustle, a 5K run to benefit the Athens Area Habitat for Humanity, beginning at 3 p.m. Feb. 20 at Gainesville State College, Oconee campus, 1201 Bishop Farms Parkway, Watkinsville. Early registration ends Friday and is $12 for Gainesville students and $15 for nonstudents.

Workers lift GED obstacles

Erin Barger often shares job openings with the visitors of Our Daily Bread soup kitchen at the Oconee Street United Methodist Church.

Blueprint: How you can help

More people have stayed warm during the recent cold weather thanks to donations of sleeping bags and blankets made to Athens Urban Ministries. With your support, Athens Urban Ministries and the other organizations listed here can continue to serve the community. Below is a list of needs for nonprofits in the Athens area:

Blueprint: Volunteer opportunities, calendar

To sign up for any activities listed on this page, call HandsOn NEGA at (706) 353-1313. For a complete listing of all upcoming events and opportunities, visit onlineathens.com/blueprint.

Saturdays a success for builds

Athens Area Habitat for Humanity believes that everyone deserves the opportunity to own his or her own home, and Saturday builds are a big part of making that vision become a reality for Clarke, Oconee and Oglethorpe residents.

Rabies and Microchip Clinic offered Feb. 13

The Hall County Animal Shelter will offer a Rabies and Microchip Clinic from 12:30 to 4 p.m. Feb. 13 at the Chicopee Woods Agricultural Center's activity hall, 1855 Calvary Church Road, Gainesville.

Masada Leather a drop-off location for Soles4Souls

In an effort to help those in Haiti, Masada Leather and Outdoor of Athens is partnering with Soles4Souls as a drop-off location for those who would like to donate new or gently worn shoes or make monetary donations to help fund immediate shipping.

Which Wich to donate percentage to nonprofit

UGA's student-run PR firm, Creative Consultants, has organized percentage nights at Which Wich in downtown Athens to support Interfaith Hospitality Network of Athens and its efforts to serve and empower homeless families in the Athens community.

Library has volunteer opportunities available

The Athens-Clarke County Library has multiple volunteer opportunities available. Library experience is not required, and training will be provided.

Heel-a-Thon to benefit Junior League's charities

Blvd. Magazine and the Junior League of Athens will sponsor the "Heel-a-Thon," at 5 p.m. Thursday at the Taylor Grady House.

Blueprint: How you can help

To assist the organizations you see here please, call the contact listed. To have your nonprofit needs included, call (706) 208-2302. For a complete list of local agency needs go to onlineathens.com/blueprint.

Barrow EMT goes to Haiti

Firefighter Dany Menard of Barrow County Emergency Services is on his way to assist in the disaster relief efforts in Haiti.

Blueprint: Volunteer opportunities, calendar

To sign up for any activities listed on this page, call HandsOn NEGA at (706) 353-1313. For a complete listing of all upcoming events and opportunities, visit onlineathens.com/blueprint.

Watkinsville Cemetery cleanup day planned

The Oconee County Chapter of the D.A.R. is hosting a cleanup day at the Watkinsville Cemetery, Simonton Bridge Road, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday.

Community Foundation to distribute grants

The Athens Area Community Foundation aims to distribute $25,000 to local organizations in April 2010. Grants will average between $1,000 and $5,000 each.

Free training today for parents of disabled

Parent to Parent of Georgia will offer free training for parents of students with disabilities from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the North Oconee High School Fine Arts Auditorium, 1081 Rocky Branch Road in Bogart.

Golfing fundraiser to benefit local youth

The Classic City Golf Association, a local nonprofit, will host a golfing fundraiser March 29 at the Athens Country Club. Entry fees are $125 per player or $500 for a team of four.

Free dance lessons for boys at Dancefx

In an effort to get more boys interested in dancing, Dancefx is opening all of its youth program classes to boys for free. Boys ages 21/2 to 17 are invited to try out and join unlimited dance classes this spring session.

Donations sought for annual Gift of Hope

The Ark United Ministry Outreach Center is asking the public to make donations to The Ark's "Gift of Hope," which will be used throughout the year to provide emergency assistance for rent, utilities, prescription medicine and other basic life necessities to those in need in the community.

Donations needed for thrift sale Fundraiser

The Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation is seeking new or used items for its annual thrift sale fundraiser.

Habitat home in Bogart to be dedicated Tuesday

The Athens Area Habitat for Humanity will dedicate the Rahming family home at 5:15 p.m. Tuesday at 100 Redfern Circle in Bogart. The dedication ceremony celebrates the completion of the house and thanks the volunteers who gave time and materials to the build.

Free tax prep offered for needy individuals

The Georgia Federal Credit Union is partnering with University of Georgia's College of Family and Consumer Sciences to offer free tax preparation to low- and middle-income individuals through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program.

Project Safe holding volunteer training

Project Safe will host training for direct service volunteers from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday.

Blueprint: How you can help

To assist the organizations you see here please, call the contact listed. To have your nonprofit needs included, call (706) 208-2302. For a complete list of local agency needs go to onlineathens.com/blueprint.

Blueprint: Volunteer opportunities, calendar

To sign up for any activities listed on this page, call HandsOn NEGA at (706) 353-1313. For a complete listing of all upcoming events and opportunities, visit onlineathens.com/blueprint.

Spanish-speaking intern sought to help with census

The Athens-Clarke County Planning Department is seeking an unpaid intern to help educate the local Hispanic community regarding the 2010 census.

O negative, B negative blood in desperate need

Types O negative and B negative blood supplies have dropped to emergency levels and the Red Cross needs help to get supplies back up.

Volunteers needed for school quiz event

The Cedar Shoals High School QuizJags academic team will host the Bulldog Brawl on Jan. 30 and the Jaguar Bowl IV on March 20. Both events will have more than 30 academic teams in competition. Adults are needed to serve as readers and scorekeepers.

Blueprint: How you can help

To assist the organizations you see here please, call the contact listed. To have your nonprofit needs included, call (706) 208-2302. For a complete list of local agency needs go to onlineathens.com/blueprint.

Organizers seek supplies for MLK Day of Service event

An overwhelming number of volunteers have stepped up to help for the Athens Martin Luther King Day of Service on Jan. 18 - so many, in fact, that organizers are in need of more donations and supplies for the added volunteers.

Blueprint: Volunteer opportunities, calendar

To sign up for any activities listed on this page, call HandsOn NEGA at (706) 353-1313. For a complete listing of all upcoming events and opportunities, visit onlineathens.com/blueprint.

Free Nurturing program for parents begins Tuesday

The Nurturing Program teaches parents new ways of understanding their child's needs, interacting with each other, developing more positive family relationships and other new skills for coping with the stress of being a parent, and essential life skills to assist in daily living.

Blueprint: How you can help

To assist the organizations you see here please, call the contact listed. To have your nonprofit needs included, call (706) 208-2302. For a complete list of local agency needs go to onlineathens.com/blueprint.

Blueprint: Volunteer opportunities, calendar

To sign up for any activities listed on this page, call HandsOn NEGA at (706) 353-1313. For a complete listing of all upcoming events and opportunities, visit onlineathens.com/blueprint.

Volunteers, sponsors sought for MLK Day of Service

Volunteers and sponsors now can sign up to participate in the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, which will be held Monday, Jan. 18.

Family Fun Night hosted at Lay Park with potluck dinner

A Family Fun Night is set for at 6 p.m. Jan. 12 at Thomas Lay Park. The fee is $1 per person, and families should bring a potluck dish to share with others. The event will feature music and friendly competitions, including hula-hoop contests, sack races, a free-throw contest, card games and more.

Blueprint: How you can help

To assist the organizations you see here please, call the contact listed. To have your nonprofit needs included, call (706) 208-2302. For a complete list of local agency needs go to onlineathens.com/blueprint.

Blueprint: Volunteer opportunities

To sign up for any activities listed on this page, call HandsOn NEGA at (706) 353-1313. For a complete listing of all upcoming events and opportunities, visit onlineathens.com/blueprint.

Georgia Power makes donation to hospital's doll committee

The Athens Hadassah Hospital Doll Committee recently received a $500 donation from Georgia Power, which will fully cover their donation needs for months to come.

Council offering scholarships to offset cost of GED testing

The Athens-Clarke Literacy Council is accepting applications for scholarships for financially needy students who are prepared to take all or part of the GED examination.

Red Cross hosting holiday toy and food drive through Saturday

The American Red Cross Athens Blood Donation Center, 3525 Atlanta Highway, is hosting a holiday toy and food drive to benefit the Athens Area Humane Society and Project Safe.

Jittery Joe's helps BikeAthens refurbish more than 60 bikes

BikeAthens was able to refurbish and donate more than 60 children's bicycles to local families in need this holiday season thanks to the support of Jittery Joe's and drinkers of Alternative Fuel, a special coffee blend designed to support the programs and activities of BikeAthens.

Blueprint: How you can help

To assist the organizations you see here please, call the contact listed. To have your nonprofit needs included, call (706) 208-2302. For a complete list of local agency needs go to onlineathens.com/blueprint.

Blueprint: Volunteer opportunities, calendar

To sign up for any activities listed on this page, call HandsOn NEGA at (706) 353-1313. For a complete listing of all upcoming events and opportunities, visit onlineathens.com/blueprint.

Blueprint pays off for center

Advantage Behavioral Health Systems has appeared in the Blueprint Needs List for the past several weeks.

Nonprofits cash in with tourney

More than 100 people representing 75 nonprofit organizations convened last Monday at the Foundry Park Inn & Spa to learn more about the "Tickets Fore Charity" program offered by the Stadion Athens Classic at UGA.

Check it out: About Blueprint

Everything you need to know about Blueprint.

Photos: Rock-n-Racquets at UGA

In the photos at lower left, professional tennis player Serena Williams led a tennis clinic earlier this month with members of the Boys & Girls Club of Athens as part of the SunTrust Rock-n-Racquets exhibition, which was held at Stegeman Coliseum.

Totes 2 Tots bag drive planned in January

Georgia Cancer Specialists and Atlanta Oncology Associates will host the eighth annual "Totes 2 Tots"suitcase drive for foster children from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 15 at the Georgia Cancer Specialists Athens office, 1000 Hawthorne Ave., Suite J.

Blue Lights House a toy dropoff location

The community is invited to see the Christmas lights at the Athens Blue Lights House, located at 430 Brickleberry Ridge in Athens. The Blue Lights House is also an official Toys For Tots donation site accepting new, unwrapped toys.

Red Cross hosting toy and food drive

The American Red Cross Athens Blood Donation Center, 3525 Atlanta Highway, is hosting a holiday toy and food drive to benefit the Athens Area Humane Society and Project Safe. The drive is held from noon-7 p.m. Mondays-Wednesdays and from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays through Jan. 2.

Blueprint: How you can help

To assist the organizations you see here please, call the contact listed. To have your nonprofit needs included, call (706) 208-2302. For a complete list of local agency needs go to onlineathens.com/blueprint.

Blueprint: Volunteer opportunities, calendar

To sign up for any activities listed on this page, call HandsOn NEGA at (706) 353-1313. For a complete listing of all upcoming events and opportunities, visit onlineathens.com/blueprint.

New organizations join 2009 area United Way campaign

United Way of Northeast Georgia announced that 15 new organizations have joined the 2009 campaign.

Sgt. Courtney Gale hosting blood drive

Athens-Clarke police Sgt. Courtney Gale, who was stabbed by an attacker in December 2007, is hosting a blood drive to benefit the American Red Cross from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 24 at the Kroger on Alps Road.

Mother-daughters invited to discuss family topics

The Sisters of Colors Organization offers an opportunity for mothers and their daughters (ages 6 to 17) to spend quality time together and have fun discussing various topics and concerns with other mothers and daughters.

Buffalo's invites patrons to help needy children

Visit Buffalo's Southwest Cafe at 195 Alps Road to participate in the "White Buffalo's Christmas for Children." Restaurant-goers can choose a "White Buffalo" tag from the tree and purchase the suggestions listed for a needy child in the area.

Habitat Restore accepting items

Athens Area Habitat for Humanity is accepting winter clothing, furniture, working appliances, building supplies, decorations and more.

Totes 2 Tots suitcase, bag drive planned for Tuesday

Georgia Cancer Specialists and Atlanta Oncology Associates will host the eighth annual "Totes 2 Tots" suitcase drive for foster children from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Georgia Cancer Specialists Athens office, 1000 Hawthorne Ave., Suite J.

Ark seeks donations to be used all year

The Ark is asking for area residents to make donations to its "Gift of Hope" program, which will be used throughout the year to provide emergency assistance for rent, utilities, prescription medicine and other basic life necessities.

Jaycees team up with Marines for toy drive

The North Georgia Jaycees have partnered with the Marine Corps League of Athens to provide some volunteer labor for this year's Toys for Tots drive.

Tickets on sale for 'Junk in Your Trunk'

Tickets now are for sale for the Oconee Civitan's Inaugural "Junk in Your Trunk" Barbecue and Yard Sale.

Charities pitch in for UGA tourney

The University of Georgia's professional golf tournament will enlist the help of local charities to sell tickets to the event - but will hand back to the charities all the money they collect for the tickets.

Blueprint: Volunteer opportunities, calendar

To sign up for any activities listed on this page, call HandsOn NEGA at (706) 353-1313. For a complete listing of all upcoming events and opportunities, visit onlineathens.com/blueprint.

Jaycees team up with Marines for toy drive

The North Georgia Jaycees have partnered with the Marine Corps League of Athens to provide some volunteer labor for this year's Toys for Tots drive.

Empty Stocking Toy Drive in progress for Barrow

Barrow County Emergency Services will hold an Empty Stocking Toy Drive to benefit Barrow County children through the Holiday Connection from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday in the Target and Staples parking lot.

Coile Middle classes in need of supplies

A social studies class at Coile Middle School is working to create a more effective organization system for students. Specifically, they are looking to collect 90 3-subject spiral notebooks as part of a new overall system.

Sgt. Courtney Gale hosting blood drive

Athens-Clarke police Sgt. Courtney Gale, who was stabbed by an attacker in December 2007, is hosting a blood drive to benefit the American Red Cross from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 24 at the Kroger on Alps Road.

Empty Stocking Fund benefit concert planned

A benefit concert featuring Dodd Ferrelle, The Burning Angels, Blueswater Bridge and Boo Ray will be held at 9 a.m. Dec. 18 at the Office Lounge in Homewood Hills Shopping Center.

Blueprint: How you can help

Over the past two months this column has run the Needs Lists of several local nonprofits. The Goodwill Career Center, Odyssey Healthcare, Community Connection of Northeast Georgia and Athens Hadassah all have had responses to their lists, yet they and the other organizations listed still need donations, especially during the holiday season.

Blueprint: Give, get and grow help

Sign-up to give help for the volunteer opportunities below. www.HandsOnNortheastGeorgia.org or call (706) 353-1313.

Program refurbs donated bikes for needy area kids

Thanksgiving marked the kickoff of Bike Athens' seventh annual "Holiday Bikes to Kids Program," which will run until the week before Christmas.

Cedar Shoals band working to replace aging instruments

Cedar Shoals High School's band, Classic City Sound, has been invited to appear in the National Fourth of July parade in Washington D.C. in 2010 and is trying to raise money to replace aging and substandard instruments before appearing before the nation on behalf of Clarke County and Georgia.

Online radio station to host broadcasts to benefit charities

Classic City's Caring Hearts will air online from 6-10 a.m. Dec. 7-11 through Classic City Radio's Web page, www.classiccityradio.webs.com in a series of Internet radio broadcasts to benefit charities in the Athens community.

Activities this Week

Volunteer activities in the area this week.

More in area needing food aid

More Northeast Georgians are having a hard time getting enough food, according to both federal reports and locals who work to get food to hungry people.

On-field rivals team up to boost charity

Georgia and Georgia Tech football players at today's matchup in Atlanta will be unified in one thing as they try to smash each other in the season's final game.

Blueprint: Volunteer opportunities, calendar

To sign up for any activities listed on this page, call HandsOn NEGA at (706) 353-1313. For a complete listing of all upcoming events and opportunities, visit onlineathens.com/blueprint.

Food Bank fights Tech for good cause

The Food Bank of Northeast Georgia will join The Atlanta Community Food Bank during the "Beat Tech Food Fight" between the University of Georgia and Georgia Tech to see which school can raise the most food for its community.

Holiday needs/volunteer opportunities sought

HandsOn NEGA/Community Connection and the Athens Banner-Herald are seeking any holiday volunteer programs, activities or special holiday needs from groups and organizations to list in the upcoming Blueprint holiday edition.

Turkey, food distribution for needy planned Thursday

Turkeys and food items will be given to those in need from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday at Athens Sleep Inn and Suites Hotel, 109 Florence Drive. Hope Springs Fellowship Church will host the event.

'Foot the Bill' fundraiser at local eateries Saturday

The Athens Adoption Resource Program will sponsor its "Foot the Bill" fundraiser Saturday, when some Clarke and Oconee area restaurants are pledging to give as much as 10 percent of their sales on this day to support orphans and adoption.

Program aims to offer better Christmas for elderly in area

Christmas trees. A common reaction to the mention of Christmas trees in early November usually evokes the thought, "We haven't even gotten to Thanksgiving and you want to talk about Christmas trees?"

Fright night becomes Sight Night for students

Bank workers invest time, money to help

Editorial: Government is a place to offer talents

Funding sought for Jackson shelter

Clarke Middle's LEO Club pitches in at Brooklyn Cemetery

A group of Clarke Middle School students have dedicated themselves this year to cleaning up a 19th-century cemetery for working-class blacks and trying to preserve some of the tangled history underneath the weedy, overgrown graves.