text:
Sunday, March 09 Athens Regional Foundation awarded grantThe Athens Regional Foundation was awarded a grant in the amount of $26,270 by It's The Journey Inc., producer of the Atlanta 2-Day Walk for Breast Cancer.FACS department head wins national honorLynn Bailey, head of the foods and nutrition department in the University of Georgia College of Family and Consumer Sciences, has been named a Fellow of the American Society for Nutrition.Mock trial team takes home Region 2 ChampionshipWestminster Christian Academy's Mock Trial team recently brought home the Region 2 Championship title.Jackson EMC hands-out thousands in grantsThe Jackson EMC Foundation Board of Directors awarded $96,250 in grants during a January meeting, including $25,000 to organizations serving area residents.Garden Club members aid elderly in creating Valentine's centerpiecesWatkinsville Garden Club members visited the Family Life Enrichment Center recently to assist residents in creating a Valentine centerpiece for their dining tables as a part of Garden Therapy.Sunday, February 23 Hear the history of Hot Corner at Athens-Clarke libraryAfrican-American heritage runs deep in Athens and at 5 p.m. Tuesday, the Athens-Clarke County Library will host a presentation on one of the area's richest in history and strongest in legacy – Hot Corner.Athens organization Eta Omega Zeta donated gifts to 11 children for ChristmasIn an effort to make Christmas an amazing day for children all over the world the Women of Eta Omega Zeta chapter of Athens donated to Toys For Tots for the past two years. The women decided that each member would donate at least two toys to the organization to fulfill the appointed mission. In December, Eta Omega Zeta took the unwrapped gifts to be processed. They donated enough presents to give 11 children an amazing Christmas.Ladies of Auxiliary present plaque of appreciationThe Ladies Auxiliary of the VFW presented a plaque of appreciation to Sam Williamson, local auctioneer, for his continual support of donations to the auxiliary in their fundraising efforts.ESP raises more than $140K with Big Hearts eventThe annual Big Hearts is the single biggest fundraiser of the year for local nonprofit Extra Special People.Volunteer opportunitiesMorton Theatre needs volunteers to act as ushers 6:30-9:30 p.m. Friday during "African Night," a night of immersion in African culture featuring a play, dances and a fashion show. Ushers will help guests with seating, locating restrooms, concessions and other needs. For more information visit, www.athensclarkecounty.com/volunteer.Sunday, February 16 Athens Christian competes in Geography BeeAthens Christian School recently competed in the annual ACSI Geography Bee at Prince Avenue Christian School. Twelve students participated in the competition from grades 4th through 8th. Olivia Lamons was awarded third place in her grade level, Annalisa Heiss received second place in her grade level. Brothers, Robert and John Loveall finished in the top 6 contestants, with John receiving fifth place over all and Robert finishing at third. The Loveall's will go on to the Southeast regional Geography Bee to represent ACS. Students pictured are, (back row, left to right) Cade Green, John Loveall, Noah Irwin, Robert Loveall, Grace Jacobsen and Jessica Stanley; (front row, left to right) Adam Shuman, Ai Nabulsi, Olivia Lamons, Daniel MacDonald and Hayden Reynolds. Not pictured: Annalisa Heiss.Athens Christian FFA places secondAthens Christian FFA members Kayla Whitehead, Hannah Rose, and Abbey Gretsch recently placed second in the Area Agricultural Communications FFA competition held at Banks County High School. The students were challenged in the area of Agricultural Communications and asked to complete an editing exercise and a communications quiz.Junk South presents check to Learning AllyAlex Nilsen of Junk South recently presented a check to Stacie Court of Learning Ally for $503.50. The funds were raised through Junk South's new donation matching program where the company partners with a different nonprofit each month and raises funds by offering clients a chance to make a donation to the charity when Junk South picks up items for removal. The public also can make donations to the program.For more information about Junk South and the program, visit www.junksouth.com.Cedar Shoals High FFA visits Bigger VisionMembers of Cedar Shoals FFA visited Bigger Vision Community Shelter in January to serve spaghetti, rolls, green beans, sweet tea, and chocolate eclairs to guests for dinner. The group is signed up to volunteer for the next three months. Pictured are Natalie Stanley, Alex Smith, and Devany Casas, Haley Arnold, Caleb Jones, Sam Jones, Quinton Green, Ke'Marcis Howard and Briah Thompson-Carter.The Ark seeks donations to continue heating assistance servicesThe Ark currently is seeking donations to its Supplemental Emergency Energy Assistance initiative for the month of February so it can continue to offer heating assistance for senior and low-income citizens unable to pay their heating bills and are being threatened with disconnection notices. The agency hopes to raise $5,000 to provide heating assistance to area residents.Agency to help older people re-enter workforceThe Senior Community Services Employment Program is currently seeking interested job seekers and nonprofit agencies interested in receiving the assistance of program enrollees. SCSEP works with unemployed, low-income older adults seeking to re-enter the workforce.Athens Academy's Kevin Petroski recognizedAthens Academy is pleased to announce that Athletic Director Kevin Petroski has been recognized by the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) as a Certified Master Athletic Administrator. He is one of a very elite group of interscholastic athletic administrators nationwide to attain this level of professionalism.Sunday, February 09 Home Instead Senior Care seeks nominations for senior volunteer awardHome Instead Inc., the franchisor of the Home Instead Senior Care network, currently is seeking nominations for its "Salute to Senior Service" volunteer award.AARP offers free tax preperation servicesVolunteers will be available to offer free tax preparation and free e-filing for taxpayers of middle- and low-income brackets with special attention to people ages 60 and older.Jefferson High School AFJROTC wins MLK InvitationThe AFJROTC Dragon Group traveled to the Outskirts of the Okefenokee Swamp in Brantley County and took the Overall Meet Championship at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Invitational Drill Meet. This was the first time the Dragon Group competed at this meet, but it did not stop them from continuing their winning ways.Blueprint - Bringing volunteers and needs togetherWhen there are needs to be met, the willingness of volunteers to drive change in the Athens area can only be described as inspiring.Sunday, February 02 Jimenez: District-wide open house to be held Feb. 10All schools in the Clarke County School District, including the Athens Community Career Academy, are prepping to open their doors on Feb. 10.United Way Young Philanthropists host round table discussionThe United Way Young Philanthropists will host a round table discussion titled, "Athens: How can we impact the future of our community?" at noon on Feb. 11 at Athens First Bank and Trust, 150 W. Hancock Ave., Athens. The discussion will be facilitated by Marne Matthews and Paul Cramer.Minister JoAnn Smith honored at MLK Scholarship Awards BanquetMinister JoAnn Smith was recognized with an award during the 35th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship awards banquet on Jan. 18 at The Classic Center, sponsored by the Athens Area Human Relations Council Inc.ACC Leisure Services to host "Day off School" programACC Leisure Services will host a "Day off School" program for students ages 13-15 years old from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Feb. 17 at Lay Park, 297 Hoyt St.Athens-Clarke County seeks candidates for policy-making boardsThe Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County currently is seeking qualified candidates to fill the following terms on three important policy-making boards:Sunday, January 26 Athens women recognized during MLK awards banquetAthens residents Katheryn B. Davis and Aurelia C. Scott were honored during the 35th annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship awards banquet on Jan. 18 at The Classic Center, sponsored by the Athens Area Human Relations Council Inc.Christmas at the Classic Center raises over $17,000 of Athens nonprofit Extra Special PeopleThe Classic Center raised more than $17,500 for local nonprofit Extra Special People during its first Christmas at The Classic Center festival in December.Sunday, January 19 Georgia Power employees volunteer during MLK Day of ServiceGeorgia Power employees in Athens will join people throughout the state in the national MLK Day of Service in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. when they volunteer at the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia today. While there, Georgia Power volunteers will sort and box food that will be distributed to partner agencies that will then distribute it to the working poor, senior citizens and children in the agency's Food 2 Kid programs."Mayor's Call" volunteer and organization of the weekMayor Nancy Denson recently announced the most recent "Organization of the Week" and "Volunteer of the Week" through the "Mayor's Call to Service" initiative.Sunday, January 12 "Mayor's Call" volunteer and organization of the weekMayor Nancy Denson recently announced the most recent "Organization of the Week" and "Volunteer of the Week" through the "Mayor's Call to Service" initiative.Athens Community Council on Aging hosts caregiver seriesThe Athens Community Council on Aging (ACCA) will host an educational series aimed at caregivers and designed to provide them with tools they can use to help them take care of themselves. "Powerful Tools for Caregivers" will be held from 1-2:30 p.m. Jan. 23 at ACCA, 135 Hoyt St., and will be held each Thursday for six weeks.Sunday, January 05 Benton Elementary students take part in Reindeer RunStudents at Benton Elementary School participated in the school's annual Reindeer Run on Dec. 11. Each grade level ran an obstacle course and the first five winners in each grade received a prize. Each first place winner received a free turkey from Ingles. The first place winners from each grade level, from left to right: Randy Smith, Keven Phillips, Trent Kelley, Gabriel Gomez, Roland Garcia, Omarion Gaither and Summer Howington.Oglethorpe Elementary students take part in letter programOglethorpe Elementary School students Emily Graham, Maddie Jones, Myles Oliver, Lledra Nowells, and Landon Carter display letters they wrote to Santa as part of the Macys Believe program. Beginning in November, for each stamped letter addressed to Santa At The North Pole that was dropped off by a child in the Santa Mail letterbox at their local Macy's, Macy's donated $1 to Make-A-Wish, up to $1 million. Each students at Oglethorpe County Elementary School chose to participate and helped raise $510.Registration open for service projects for the 2014 MLK Jr. Day of ServiceCommunity Connection of Northeast Georgia will host the 12th annual MLK Jr. Day of Service on Jan. 20 and is seeking volunteers to work at one of 30 different project sites throughout Athens. Project sites include Memorial Park, Clarke Middle School, Hill Chapel Baptist Church, S.H.A.A.R.E For Athens Beautification Program, Food Bank of Northeast Georgia and others.Michelle Legette awarded scholarship from Girl Scouts of Historic GeorgiaThe Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia recently announced Michelle Legette as this year's recipient of the Jeanne McPherson Stansell Memorial Scholarship.iServe Ministries to host food distribution in CommerceiServe Ministries will bring a truck of food to be distributed to those in need at 7 a.m. Jan. 11 in the parking lot of Lanier Technical College in Commerce. Food will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis the second Saturday of each month after filling out a form to verify household income.American Cancer Society Athens office seeks volunteersThe American Cancer Society Athens office is looking for volunteers to work on a weekly or bi-weekly basis on the morning or afternoon shifts. Volunteer opportunities include receptionist duties such as using a multi-line phone system, greet customers in front office, and route calls to proper staff and compare accounting spreadsheets and documents for accuracy and make corrections. Volunteers with technology and math skills also can work on the websites by uploading Team fundraising earnings, help us process donations and verifying volunteer accounting sheets. Volunteers also can help assist cancer patients with wigs and cancer-related brochures and information, help with mail outs, make copies, cut postcards, apply postage and more.Sexuality course for teens hosted by local church in JanuaryThe nationally-recognized course, Our Whole Lives Comprehensive Sexuality Course for Teens, will be offered from late January through May at Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Athens, at 780 Timothy Road. The course is designed for seventh- through ninth-graders and will begin with two required parent information sessions from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Jan. 10 and from 4-6 p.m. Jan. 12. All religious preferences are welcome. The course is open to the first 20 participants. Pre-registrations is required. The cost of the course is $100. For more information or to sign up for the parent sessions, email email@example.com or (706) 546-7914.Sunday, December 29 Cedar ROTC cadets raising money for D-Day tripCedar Shoals High School's ROTC unit has been asked to represent their school, the state and the country on June 6, when the French town of Sainte-Mere-Eglise will stage a parade and other events to mark the 70th anniversary of D-Day.Empty Stocking Fund pays bill for working grandmotherIn an effort to secure a better job and higher pay, a working grandmother started taking classes.Latest organization and volunteer announced through The Mayor's Call to ServiceMayor Nancy Denson recently announced the most recent "Organization of the Week" and "Volunteer of the Week" through the "Mayor's Call to Service" initiative.Emancipation Proclamation awards to be held in WatkinsvilleThe 24th annual Emancipation Proclamation Observance and Pioneer Awards will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Bethel Baptist Church, 59 N. Main St., Watkinsville.Athens Creative Theatre accepts registration for program for people with cognitive challengesAthens Creative Theatre currently accepting registration for "Monologues & More," a program for the people with cognitive challenges that uses simple monologues, readers' theatre skits, and improvisational scenarios to explore the benefits of drama, discover different emotional responses, and build self-esteem and confidence.Sunday, December 22 Jeep enthusiasts give Santa a helping handJeep enthusiasts in northeast Georgia gave Santa a helping hand on Dec. 14 during the second annual "Jeep Train" to deliver toys for the Toys for Tots campaign. Nearly 600 people met in the rain early in the morning at Beef O'Brady's in Jefferson and 178 Jeeps rode out to the Toys for Tots collection site at Courtesy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Conyers to deliver the 1,143 toys that were collected. Total donations equalled $2,401.Benton Elementary travels to East Jackson HighStudents with Benton Elementary School traveled to East Jackson Comprehensive High School on Dec. 13 to listen to the EJCHS band and chorus perform its holiday musical. Following the production Diane Hill, a fifth grade teacher at Benton Elementary, read a holiday story to students and Jill Sorrow, at Benton Elementary first grade teacher, led teachers, staff and students in a holiday song.Highest grade point average awardMargaret W. Tribble accepted the Highest Grade Point Average Award for Alexis Gantt of Madison County Middle School in Madison from The Regional Youth Coordinator, Shaniqua Caldwell. Gantt had the highest GPA of youth in her category among three states represented at the 79th Southeastern Regional Leadership Conference held in Augusta, GA in late November. Alexis is a member of Zeta Amicette, a Youth Auxiliary sponsored by Eta Omega Zeta Athens Alumnae Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.nAthens Christian School wins Hunger BowlAthens Christian School won the school division in the Hunger Bowl contest in November that was sponsored by The Food Bank of Northeast Georgia. This is the second year in a row Athens Christian School has one the school division. The Hunger Bowl is a contest designed to collect food for struggling people in the local community. A total of 67 teams representing over 9,400 people participated in this year's food drive, collecting 125,765 pounds of food. The students, faculty, and staff of Athens Christian School contributed by donating over 12,622 cans, a total of 14,100 pounds of food that will feed over 9,333 families.Phil Hughes Honda and Athens BMW help make Christmas bright for area childrenTwo Phil Hughes automobile dealerships remembered the Salvation Army's "Forgotten Angels" this month when it sponsored children that had been signed up to receive Christmas gifts through the Salvation Army's "Adopt an Angel" program, but who have not been selected as of Dec. 7. This is the third year that Phil Hughes Honda has sponsored a "Forgotten Angels" program to collect toys for needy children, and this year Athens BMW joined the effort.Funopolis hosts Christmas Village for nonprofits to raise funds for area organizationsFourteen nonprofit organizations have worked to decorate rooms at Funopolis Family Fun Center in Commerce and are currently seeking votes from the community. The five play houses outside and nine rooms inside have been decorated to create a Christmas Village and guests of Funopolis can buy a ticket for $3 to tour the village and vote for their favorite. A portion of the proceeds go to the nonprofits that are participating and the organization that receives the most votes by Jan. 5 will win a prize.Action Inc. Athens office closed for holidaysThe Action Inc. central office and Clarke County community service office will be closed today through Dec. 27. Action Inc. is a Community Action Partnership Agency with a mission to end poverty. For more information, visit www.actionathens.org.Mayor's Call organization and volunteer of the weekAthens Mayor Nancy Denson recently announced the next "Organization of the Week" and "Volunteer of the Week" through the "Mayor's Call to Service" initiative.Sunday, December 15 Sunday, December 08 Police Chief Lumpkin visits J.J. Harris Elementary to give away BooksAthens-Clarke police Chief Joseph Lumpkin and Ed Benson of the Rotary Club recently delivered copies of "A Student's Dictionary" to pupils at J.J. Harris Elementary School. Chief Lumpkin also spoke with students about the "Hands Are Not for Hitting" program. A Student's Dictionary program provides a book to every third-grader in the Clarke County School District. Each student is expected to write their name in their books as well as their expected graduation year to reinforce the importance of getting a high school diploma. Hands Are Not for Hitting is a program designed to allow for family discussions to emphasize that it is not acceptable to act violently.Shae Wilson takes reins as new CEO of Athens YMCAWhen Mary Shavonne (Shae) Wilson-Gregg started working at the Athens YMCA as a teen, she didn't know she was embarking on what would become a life-long career.Free course gives parents information to help make teens safer driversThe Georgia Traffic Injury Prevention Institute (GTIPI) at the University of Georgia will bring P.R.I.D.E. (Parents Reducing Injuries and Driver Error) to the Athens area on Thursday at the Athens Career Academy to help Clarke County parents prepare their 14-, 15- and 16-year-olds to drive.Books for Keeps seeks sponsors more school childrenBooks for Keeps is gearing up to distribute novels to 3,000 children in Athens in 2014, but still is in need of sponsors.Sunday, December 01 Video: Athens volunteer spent 50 years recording books for disabledEllen Hanna is celebrating a remarkable milestone: 50 straight years of volunteer service with the same Athens organization.Athens healthcare offices to offer free HIV/AIDS testing in honor of World Aids DayLocal healthcare offices will provide free HIV/AIDS testing Dec. 2-5 as part of World Aids Day.Athens nonprofits receive donations from Cinema for a CauseAthens movie theatres Beechwood Stadium Cinemas, Georgia Square Value Cinemas, and the new University 16 Cinemas participated in Georgia Theatre Company's 10th Annual Cinema for a Cause (formerly "Film & Food for a Cause") in September and helped raise more than $141,100 to be donated to charity groups in Georgia.Athens' Kroger stores help "Can Hunger"Now through Dec. 24, Kroger customers can purchase $1, $3 or $5 icons to help provide food for area families in need as part of the store's "Can Hunger" campaign. All donations collected in the Athens area will benefit The Food Bank of Northeast Georgia.Athens chapter of Filipino Association seeks donations for typhoon disaster reliefThe Filipino American Association of Northeast Georgia is appealing for monetary donations and donations of items to help provide immediate aid to those affected by the disaster of the Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.Sunday, November 17 Collections needed Operation Christmas ChildAthens individuals, families, churches and groups can help make Christmas a reality for needy children around the world when they participate in Operation Christmas Child's National Collection Week starting today.Sunday, November 10 Athens agency celebrates Community Foundation WeekThe Athens Area Community Foundation (AACF) and more than 750 community foundations across the nation plan to tell stories about lives changed, jobs created and communities transformed through philanthropy during the 24th annual Community Foundation Week this week.Mayor's Call to Service announces organization and volunteer of the weekMayor Nancy Denson recently announced the first "Organization of the Week" and "Volunteer of the Week" through the "Mayor's Call to Service" initiative.Sunday, November 03 Sunday, October 27 Junk South to match donations to charities for a yearJunk South will take a formalized approach to supporting area nonprofits over the next year when it kicks off a new donation matching program next month.Mercy Health center receives check for $9,200The William B. Mulherin Foundation for Health & Wellness recently presented Mercy Health Center with a check for $9,200 to begin a Teaching Kitchen to help patients at Mercy learn how to shop for and prepare healthy food in a community environment. The Mulherin Foundation was able to fund the project using proceeds raised from the Fred Birchmore Glow & Go Aquathlon held at the end of July. Pictured: (from left to right) Jessica Cooper, executive director, Mulherin Foundation; Peter Rice, board chairman, Mulherin Foundation; Tracy Thompson, executive director, Mercy Health Center; Dr. William "Butch" Mulherin, and Grace Thompson, program coordinator, Mercy Health Center.Russsell Middle School role model staff winner selectedRussell Middle School employee Robin Price was selected as "Role Model Staff" for the month of September. Role Model Staff award winners are nominated by their peers for showing outstanding P.R.I.D.E. with their students as well as the staff of Russell Middle School. Pictured: Rhonda Black, PTO representative; Leigh Sears, principal; Robin Price, registrar; Frances Saunders, Community Relations Coordinator; and Price's daughter Heather Hatcher.First Reliance Credit Union gives away gift cardFirst Reliance Credit Union staff members Christy Cade and Willie Johnson present a $100 Visa gift card to Victor Miltiades. Miltiades is the of a raffle the credit union held during the Chick-Fil-A/Connect/3-on-3 basketball tournament in September.Exchange students volunteer for Our Daily BreadMikkel Petersen from Denmark, currently attending school at Clarke Central High School; Joel Correia from Germany, currently attending school at Madison County High School; Michał Drozd from Poland, currently attending school at Monsignor Donovan Catholic High School; Tamás Gyurcsany from Hungary, currently attending school at Clarke Central High School; and Francesco Rossi from Italy, currently attending school at Cedar Shoals High School.Sunday, October 20 Westminster students participate in Duke talent searchOut of the 23 seventh-grade students at Westminster Christian Academy, 15 recently qualified to participate in the 2013-2014 Duke Talent Search program. Students identified tested in the 95th percentile or higher on a nationally normed standardized achievement test. Students who qualified are Sarah Adams, Haley Cashwell, Emory Doster, Zoe Gilliam, Sophia Haskell, Emily Lacount, Emily Lanclos, Patrick Nunan-Madrid, Brianna Mitchell, Kinley Phillips, Emma Rasmussen, Joy Weatherly, Allie Whitmire and Gracin Wilkins.Mayor proclaims 'Don't text and drive day' in AthensMayor Nancy Denson signed a proclamation on Sept. 16 designating it "Don't Text and Drive" day in Athens. University of Georgia students and AT&T employee Lynn Pease and AT&T Regional Director Paul Chambers stand with Denson as she signs the proclamation.Sunday, October 13 Mayor Nancy Denson's new initiative seeks to promote volunteerism in AthensInspire, educate and celebrate.Mentor program thanks Athens-Clarke police departmentThe Clarke County Mentor Program recently thanked the Athens-Clarke County Police Department for 22 years of conducting background checks on potential mentors to help keep students who are matched up with mentors safe. Background checks will now be performed by the Clarke County School District. Pictured: Lieutenant Nicholas Soriano; Criminal Records Technician Nyndaly Latimore; Chief Joseph Lumpkin; CCMP Board President C.R. Chisholm; and CCMP Program Assistant Terry Baez.Benton Elementary shows its support for East Jackson's teamBenton Elementary School students are supporting East Jackson Comprehensive High School. Many of the students dressed in their favorite spirit wear to show their dedication and pride in the school. Sixteen lucky students were also selected to receive a free ticket to a Friday night game.Watson-Brown awards grant to Athens Land TrustThe Watson-Brown Junior Board of Trustees recently awarded Athens Land Trust a grant of $6,000 to conduct and publish an oral history of the Waddell neighborhood around the West Broad School.Sunday, October 06 New group encourages young working professionals to volunteer, support United WayA new group in Athens hopes to inspire those under age 40 to take a leadership role in the community and better plan their charitable giving.Prince Avenue Christian raises funds with fun runPrince Avenue Christian School hosted a Boosterthon Fun Run on Sept. 26 to conclude its nine-day Boosterthon program that raises funds for education while also inspiring students to live healthy, character-filled lives. Over the program, 383 students at Prince Avenue ran a total of 13,290 laps and raised over $36,043. Funds raised through the Boosterthon program will be used to buy new playground equipment and technology at the school.Russell Middle School's 'role model staff' for SeptemberRussell Middle School employee Robin Price was selected as "Role Model Staff" for the month of September. Role Model Staff award winners are nominated by their peers for showing outstanding P.R.I.D.E. with their students as well as the staff of Russell Middle School. Pictured: Rhonda Black, PTO representative; Leigh Sears, principal; Robin Price, registrar; Frances Saunders, Community Relations Coordinator; and Price's daughter, Heather Hatcher.University Nursing & Rehab Center welcomes state senatorAdministrator for University Nursing & Rehab Center Randy Felix poses for a photo with Georgia State Sen. Bill Cowsert and Georgia Health Care Association President Jon Howell in front of University Nursing & Rehab in Athens in September.Cancer Foundation of NE GA's Tri to Beat Cancer Sprint Triathlon a successThe Cancer Foundation of Northeast Georgia raised over $95,000 during its fourth annual Tri to Beat Cancer Sprint Triathlon on Aug. 18 at Sandy Creek Park. Funds raised will go to support the foundation's financial assistance program to help patients going through and recovering from cancer treatments pay for rent, utility bills, medications and other daily needs. About 630 triathletes participated in the event along with 140 volunteers. "We are extremely grateful for the continued support of our signature fundraiser," said Kimberly Liebowitz, executive director of The Cancer Foundation of Northeast Georgia. "This year, we had several athletes race in memory or in honor of their loved ones. I was reminded of how important our mission is to help local cancer patients who are in need."Princess themed 5K to raise funds for heart transplant for 6-year-old Jefferson girlJefferson residents James and Kerri Testement and Children's Organ Transplant Association (COTA) will host the Princess Katie 5K fundraiser Fun run and 5K beginning at 1:30 p.m. Oct. 13 at Sandy Creek Park, 400 Bob Holman Road. COTA is a national charity dedicated to organizing and guiding communities in raising funds for transplant-related expenses and currently is assisting the Testement's in raising $60,000 for a heart transplant for their 6-year-old daughter, Katie.The Ark collects money to help victims of domestic violenceOctober is Domestic Violence Awareness month and The Ark is rasing money to support victims of domestic violence by helping them pay for rent or utilities in a new, safe home or by providing other financial assistance.Sonny Wilson named 2013 Coroner of the YearThe Georgia Coroner's Association recently named Clarke County coroner Sonny Wilson as its 2013 Coroner of the Year.Area Girl Scout troops invited to Girl Scout Day at Lady Bulldogs soccer gameThe Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia will welcome area girl scout troops at Girl Scout Day with the Lady Bulldogs soccer team at 3 p.m. Oct. 20 when they take on their conference rival Texas A & M at the Soccer Complex at the University of Georgia located at 2330 S. Milledge Ave. Girls area invited to show up at 2 p.m. to tour the facilities, watch the pre-game warm up from the field and get autographs from team players. Admission is free.Sunday, September 29 Participants still wanted for 2013 Clarke/Oconee Heart WalkThe American Heart Association's Athens office still is seeking individuals and teams to participate in the 2013 Clarke/Oconee Heart Walk being held Thursday at Bishop Park to help raise awareness of cardiovascular diseases and stroke, the first- and fourth-ranked killers, respectively, in the United States.Mulherin Foundation helps Mercy Health CenterThe William B. Mulherin Foundation for Health & Wellness recently presented Mercy Health Center with a check for $9,200 to begin a Teaching Kitchen to help patients at Mercy learn how to shop for and prepare healthy food in a community environment.Madison Co. FFA members compete at cattle showMadison County High School FFA members recently competed in the State Young Farmer Beef Cattle Show in Perry. Senior FFA Member Austin Saye placed second in his steer weight class and Hunter Anderson placed sixth in his heifer class and 10th in 10th-grade showmanship. Olivia Minish also placed 10th in her heifer class.Foreign exchange students volunteer at Our Daily BreadForeign exchange students with CCI Greenheart volunteered in the kitchen for Our Daily Bread Aug. 30. CCI Greenheart is an exchange organization with a social initiative to give back to the local community through active volunteerism.Strong, Beautiful and Godly Girls Inc. thanks communityStrong, Beautiful, & Godly Girls, Inc would like to extend an extreme amount of gratitude to each community member and organization that supported our 6th annual School Supply Give-A-Way. With your support we were able to send 65 students to school with a book-bag filled with all the supplies requested from the Clarke-County School District with the extra supplies needed for teachers. The smiles on the student's faces were priceless!Sunday, September 22 Chick-Fil-A awards $100 gift cardThe winner of a $100 VISA gift card at the Chick-fil-A Connect 3-on-3 basketball tournament, Victor Miltiades, with Credit Union staff members Christy Cade and Willie Johnson.Oconee Pilot Club donates paper to Mercy ClinicThe Oconee County Pilot Club recently donated paper to the Mercy Clinic of Athens. Shown with representatives of the Pilot Club, from left, are Kristi Gilleland, Volunteer Coordinator of Mercy Clinic; Tracy Thompson, Mercy Clinic Executive Director; Mary Mattocks, Oconee Pilot Club President Jan Thomas, Rosa Hall and Judy Marable. Pilot International is a global organization of executive, business and professional leaders working together to improve the quality of life in local communities and throughout the world.Jimenez: School distrct strides makes Athens better communityAs you may have heard, Superintendent Philip D. Lanoue is one of four finalists for Georgia Superintendent of the Year. This accolade for our district, combined with a very successful start to school, has given cause to reflect over the past four years.Open Hearts Center seeks groups to adopt a family for its Christmas programOpen Hearts Center seeks volunteers and donationsSunday, September 15 WOW! owner donates to JRFWoW! owner April Williams donated a portion of class registrations to JRF to help low-income women 35 and older conquer poverty through higher education.Kiwanis Club welcomes three new membersThree new members were recently inducted into the Kiwanis Club of Athens. (L-R) Jim Gaudin, professor emeritus of social work at the University of Georgia; Mike Hill, an Athens business consultant concentrating on the healthcare and technology industries; and Jack Miller, UGA professor emeritus of dairy science; are shown with Kiwanis of Athens President Lauri Ann Brooks. The Kiwanis Club of Athens meets weekly at noon in a private dining room at Talmadge Terrace. It is a chapter of Kiwanis International, whose goal is "changing the world one child and one community at a time." Visitors are welcome to attend meetings to learn more about Kiwanis. For more information, go to www.athenskiwanis. org or email firstname.lastname@example.com Club honors UGA police officerLt. Dan Silk of the UGA Police Department was honored Aug. 8 by the University Optimist Club with the Club's Respect for Law award. Silk was nominated by Chief Jimmy Williamson for "his invaluable service as a leader within the UGA Police Department, and his commitment to the community." Club President Sandy MacKay presents the club's award to Silk at the Georgia Center.Cinema for a Cause to raise funds for food bankGeorgia Theatre Co. will host its 10th annual Cinema for a Cause, formerly "Film & Food for a Cause," on Sept. 22 at all 32 of its theater locations in Georgia.Jefferson parents working with Children's Organ Transplant Association to raise funds for daughter's heart transplantJefferson residents James and Kerri Testement currently are working with Children's Organ Transplant Association (COTA) to raise $60,000 for a heart transplant for their 6-year-old daughter, Katie. Katie was diagnosed with Hypoplastic Right Heart Syndrome.Computer building basics class offered at Lay ParkThe Athens-Clarke County Department of Leisure Services will present Computer Building Basics from 6-8:30 p.m. Sept. 16-18 at Lay Park, 297 Hoyt St. Participants will learn how to build a budget-friendly, personal computer from scratch. The program will cover parts selection, operating system installation, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more. This program is for ages 18 and older.Athens Senior Resource Network to host senior healthcare expoAs people age, it's important for them to stay up to date on the resources and services available to them so they can continue to lead a healthy and productive life.Inaugural Fred Birchmore Glow and Go Aquathlon a successOver 60 participants competed in the inaugural Fred Birchmore Glow & Go Aquathlon benefiting the Mulherin Foundation at Bishop Park this July. The event raised nearly $10,000 for the Mulherin Foundation's Resource Assistance Program, which will help fund a Teaching Kitchen at Mercy Health Center. The race included a 200-yard swim and 2K run for children and a 400-yard swim and 4K for children ages 13 years and older and adults.Sunday, September 08 4-H'ers attend camp at rock eagleThe Athens-Clarke County 4-H Club sent 98 fifth- and sixth-grade students and adults to 4-H camp in Eatonton at Rock Eagle on June 24-28. The 4-H'ers also had a chance to make new friends with the more than 900 campers present. All the summer camp activities accentuated the Native American theme. Leather crafts, nature hikes, canoeing, archery, conservation, healthy lifestyles and sailing were just a few of the offerings. The Shawnee tribe won the Rock Eagle tribal shield at the end of the week.Women to the World seeks volunteersWomen to the World currently is hosting volunteer orientation sessions for men and women interested in becoming GED and computer mentors in its PALS program. PALS (Partnering Ambassadors for Life and Service) helps young women and men who are currently in difficult economic situations gain skills and further their education so they can work towards a better future. Volunteers are asked to commit six hours a week.Local churches participate in Great Day of ServiceOver 120 members of Commerce First United Methodist Church and Warren Chapel United Methodist Church gathered on Aug. 24 during the Great Day of Service to provide boxes of food to 354 families and do yard work, clean, make repairs and stock shelves at Peace Place.Sunday, September 01 Kroger donates to Jackson County Boys & Girls ClubsThe Kroger Company has donated $5,000 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Jackson County as part of the organization's capital campaign. William Chupp (center), manager of the Jefferson Kroger on Old Pendergrass Road, presents the contribution to capital campaign chairman David Varnedoe (left) and Boys & Girls Clubs of Jackson County executive director Michael Williams. Excavation on the site began in July, but Varnedoe said progress has been slowed by rainy weather. The building is scheduled to be completed in January 2014. To see updates on the construction's progress or to make a donation to the capital campaign, go to www.bgcjcga.org.Chick-fil-A Day at Iris Place Independent Living CenterSadie and Jack Zipperer pose for a photo with the Chick-fil-A cow during Chick-fil-A day at Iris Place Independent Living Center in July.First American Bank hosts cook out to raise money for Leukemia and Lymphoma SocietyFirst American Bank will host its inaugural Game Day Cookout from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 6 at its main office on the corner of College Avenue and East Washington Street. There will be hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, cake and drinks for sale. Guests will be able to eat their lunch on the lawn or take it to go. All proceeds from the cook out will go to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.Advisory Board of Oconee County United Way to host golf tournamentThe Advisory Board of Oconee County United Way will host its annual Golf Tournament on Sept. 30 at Jennings Mill Country Club to help raise funds for The United Way of Northeast Georgia and its efforts to provide funding for 29 agencies in Clarke, Barrow, Madison, Morgan, Jackson, Franklin, Oglethorpe and Oconee counties.Elbert County Public Library offers help with school projectsStaff at the Elbert County Public Library will be available to assist elementary school and middle school students and their parents with class projects and reports that may require online research, preparation and coaching on Mondays in September.First A.M.E. Church says thank you for help with annual health fairFirst A.M.E. Church would like to say thank you to the businesses, volunteers and organizations that helped during its 18th annual health fair on Aug. 10 in downtown Athens. During the health fair, 52 professionals from 33 organizations provided a variety of health screenings and services to over 206 visitors.Sunday, August 25 Northeast Georgia program provides work experience for studentAutumn Jennings, a rising junior at Cedar Shoals High School, spent five weeks this summer discovering the responsibilities and benefits that come with being employed through the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) In-School Youth Program. Jennings worked as a clerical assistant at the Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services offices and learned how to be interactive with co-workers and learned organization skills and general office procedures.Donation to lung cancer awareness campaignKris Hanna with Fantastic Savings presents a check for $5,337.06 to Tiffany Huddack with Free To Breathe, a lung cancer awareness campaign in memory of Allison Tackett. Tackett of Athens passed away at the age of 27 of lung cancer.Support group for people suffering from chronic illnesses starts Sept. 4Life After Diagnosis: A Support Group for Managing Chronic Illness will start its next six sessions on Sept. 4 for anyone struggling with depression, anxiety, loss of sleep, feelings of isolation, loss of control, or who have difficulty functioning. The group offers support and education for individuals dealing with: Fibromyalgia, Arthritis, Lupus, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Severe Injuries, Migraines, Cancer and other medical conditions.United Way of Northeast Georgia Day of Caring and campaign kick off on Aug. 28The United Way of Northeast Georgia will host its Day of Caring and United Way Kick-off meeting at 7:30 a.m. Aug. 28 at The Classic Center.Georgia Piedmont Arts Center seeks artists for exhibitionThe Georgia Piedmont Arts Center (GPAC) in Auburn is gearing up to present "Piedmont Art," a fine art gallery exhibition at 1906 Railroad St. in Statham Sept. 6-28 and is looking for two- dimensional and three-dimensional artists to register to show their work.Oasis Counseling Center to host Women's Empowerment Group Sept. 4An eight-week Women's Empowerment Group will be held from 6:30-8 p.m. beginning Sept. 4 at Oasis Counseling Center to help women with issues of vulnerability, boundary setting, assertiveness, self-care, reclaiming control of their life, being their authentic self, learning to deal with guilt, blame, and anger and self-esteem.Conference teaches about dangers of texting, drivingThe National Organization of Youth Safety (NOYS) will host the Georgia Distracted Driving Conference on Sept. 14 at The Classic Center. Youth throughout the state will gather for a day of presentations on the dangers of the road as well as creative ways to get youth involved in ending fatalities on the road.Sunday, August 18 Habitat for Humanity opens second ReStore location in BogartA new Athens thrift store might one day provide someone a new home.Habitat volunteers build handicap-access rampHabitat for Humanity volunteers Dottie Parker and Tom Claiborne pose for a photo at the site of a ramp that was built recently at a home in Athens through Habitat's Emergency Handicap Access Ramp Program, or EHARP. EHARP builds ramps for homeowners with accessibility issues and low-income families with physically disabled family members to improve their quality of life.Oconee Humane Society volunteers enjoy cookout at lakeOconee Regional Humane Society volunteers gathered for a cookout and fun at the lake in July. ORHS is dedicated to improving the lives of animals in the community and finding permanent homes for cats and dogs available for adoption.FFA chapter president speaks about her internship on farmMadison County High School's FFA Chapter held an administrator's breakfast Aug. 7 hosted by members from different associations from Madison County. Administrators and members from the Madison County FFA Chapter listened to Olivia Minish, FFA Chapter president, offer a presentation of her internship at Still Water Farm. Still Water Farm is owned and operated by Terry and Deborah Chandler. While there, Minish helped take care of a herd of cattle by checking the herd for problems and maintaining its health. She also vaccinated the herd with clostridium for blackleg. She also performed tasks such as cutting hay, spraying for weeds in the pastures, and fixing fences. Minish is the first Madison County FFA student to participate in the Ag Co Op Program/Internship Program where students can work and receive classroom credit.FFA scholarship winnersThe National FFA Organization recently awarded a $1,000 Norfok Southern Foundation scholarship to Madison County High School student Kevin Jones and a $1,000 Fastline Publication scholarship to Madison County High School student Shelby Smith. Both are members of the FFA. The 2013 scholarship recipients were selected from 6,116 applications from across the country. Selections were based on the applicant's leadership, academic record, FFA and other school and community activities, supervised agricultural or work experience in agricultural education and future goals.Madison County High School FFA chapter honors Jackson EMCMembers from the Madison County High School FFA Chapter presented Jackson EMC with the Supporter of the Month award on Aug. 7 for sponsoring scholarships for students that qualify to go to different events that the FFA puts on. Jackson EMC also sponsors the Madison County High School's local EMC Wiring competition.Athens Academy students visit New YorkAthens Academy students Kimberlyn Daniel, Reagan Dyson, Amelia Johnson, Anna Candler Kimsey, Anna Grace Ortiz, and Ann McKenzie Woodruff and their drama teacher Katie Townsend traveled to New York City as part of the school's Summer Adventure program this July. Over the course of four days, the group visited the Empire State Building, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Central Park, and the World Trade Center Memorial. Students also enjoyed the Broadway musicals "Matilda" and "Wicked" and "Wicked's" Behind the Emerald Curtain backstage tour, and the Off-Broadway productions of "Peter and the Starcatcher" and "Fuerza Bruta: Look Up." In preparation for the trip, students researched the plays, investigated the culinary scene of New York, and mapped out each day using Google Maps. During the trip they wrote critiques on each of the shows they saw and created a video or photo journal documenting their experience in the Big Apple. Pictured: Anna Grace Ortiz, Amelia Johnson, Katie Townsend, Ann McKenzie Woodruff, Kimberlyn Daniel, Anna Candler Kimsey and Reagan Dyson in front center.I Still Have A Dream Foundation receives van, has successful first yearThe I Still Have a Dream Foundation will be able to transport more patients home from hospitals thanks to the generosity of an Athens resident.Sunday, August 11 Caterpillar employees help with project at Clarke MiddleCommunity Connection of Northeast Georgia recently coordinated a project with Catepillar through its TeamServe program on Aug. 5 to prepare the grounds of Clarke Middle School for the planting of an orchard and to mulch existing trees on the property and remove unwanted debris in preparation for the new school year.4-H'ers earn honors at State CongressThe State 4-H Congress competition was held July 23-26 in Atlanta to decide the best in the state in 4-H project work. Veronika Rzucidlo received first place and mastered in the Performing Arts-Dance Project. Earning third-place honors were Jamia Johnson in Family Resource Management, Ansley Jordan in General Recreation, and Kira Pollack in Conservation of Natural Resources. Other project competitors were Rebecca Butler in Photography and Mackenzie Wurst in Arts & Crafts. Attending State 4-H Congress with the 4-H'ers were Elizabeth Conway, Athens-Clarke County 4-H Agent, and Mildred Felton, Athens-Clarke County Program Assistant.VFW post 2872 presents public service awardMaj. Mike Hunsinger and Commander Joseph O'Neill presented Gary Epps with the Police Law Enforcement Award during the VFW Post 2872 Public Service Awards event in June.Sunday, August 04 Clarke County 4-H'ers attend state councilAthens-Clarke County was represented by four 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 leadership and communication, participating in a citizenship ceremony, attending dances, electing State 4-H officers and exchanging ideas with new friends. Pictured: Mackenzie Wurst, Briah Thompson-Carter, Kira Pollack and Rebecca Butler.Athens Christian's Mitchell plans to continue track career at Emmanuel CollegeAthens Christian School senior Madison Mitchell signed a letter of intent to continue her track and field career at Emmanuel College in Franklin Springs. Mitchell participated in Honor Society, Track, and Cheerleading in high school, and helped the Lady Eagles win three State Championships. Pictured: Mitchell, her grandfather Larry Bufford "Pepa", mother Charlie Anne, ACS Athletic Director Van Beacham, Emmanuel Track and Field Coach Ben Hall, and ACS Coach Mike Fowler.VFW post hands out public service awardsLeft, Fire Chief Iby George and VFW Commander Joseph O'Neill presented the Fire Awards to Wesley Morris and Michael Allen during the VFW Post 2872 Public Service Awards event. Pictured: George, O'Neill and Morris. Not pictured: Allen. Right, Chief Tommy York and Jail Commander and VFW Commander Joseph O'Neill presented the Sheriff Law Enforcement Award to Sergeant Farrell Johnson in June during the VFW Post 2872 Public Service Awards event.Athens Community Council on Aging's March for Meals campaign recognizedAthens Community Council on Aging's Home Delivered Meals program's March For Meals campaign has been nationally recognized by the Meals On Wheels Association of America and received an award for $650 to continue its efforts to engage local officials and community leaders in the fight to end senior hunger.Master Gardeners Association says thank youThe Athens Area Master Gardener Association would like to thank all those who supported our recent Annual Plant Sale. The Plant Sale is held yearly in April at the UGA Cooperative Extension Office on Broad Street in Athens. This year the Master Gardener Association also had a plant sale booth at the Marigold Festival. Both sales offered plants grown by Athens area Master Gardeners and were a huge success. Profits from the sales are used to support various gardening programs in our local community.The Rev. Ben K. Willis and Billups Grove Baptist Church say thank youThe Billups Grove Baptist Church family and the Rev. Ben Kenneth Willis and family would like to thank Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in Athens and its pastor, the Rev. Abraham Mosley, for their hospitality when they hosted the retirement banquet for Willis on June 29.Sunday, July 28 Time to celebrate at Evergreen PackagingEvergreen Packaging Inc., formerly known in the community as DairyPak, surpassed 4,000,000 hours without a lost time accident and has gone 12 months accident-free as of May 24. A celebration was conducted on site to commemorate this significant accomplishment. The facility has operated at its current location since 1951. Evergreen Packaging is a global provider of innovative packaging solutions.Oconee Pilot Club installs new membersThe Pilot Club of Oconee County recently installed the new officers for 2013-2014. Lacey Paul, Director; Bette Davis, Director; Mary Mattocks, President Elect; Jan Thomas, President; Gayle Christopher, Corresponding Secretary; Rosa Hall, Recording Secretary; Donna MacPherson, Treasurer; and Cathy Moorehead, Director; were all installed as officers. Pilot Club is an international organization promoting awareness of brain-related disorders and helping those affected through volunteer activities, education and financial support. Pictured from left: Paul, Davis, Mattocks, Thomas, Christopher, Hall, MacPherson, and Moorehead. Kim Carey was also recently installed as a new Pilot Club member.Healthy Families Program holds graduation lunchHealthy Families, a program of Prevent Child Abuse Athens, held a graduation lunch on June 22 at First A.M.E. Church in Athens where parents and children received certificates and congratulations for their accomplishments over the past three years. The families shared stories and thanked their family support workers for their help and support. Healthy Families is a free and voluntary program for pregnant women and parents with newborns. Family support workers bring information and activities to the home, to assist families to be strong and successful. Pictured: Children who participated in the Healthy Families program pose for a picture during the graduation ceremony.School supply donations needed for back to school give-a-wayStrong, Beautiful, and Godly Girls, Inc. (SBG²) currently is seeking donations of school supplies for its "Back 2 School" Supply Give-a-way on Aug. 3.Thank you from Hope Haven of Northeast GeorgiaTHANK YOU: Hope Haven of Northeast Georgia would like to thank everyone who helped with the Trail Blazing for Hope fundraiser held this spring to raise funds for Hope Haven's programs. Sponsors include: Athens Banner-Herald, Auto Paint Specialty, Commercial Bank, Charles & Beth Crumbley, Jim & Barbara Cumming, David & Sandra Ferguson, Kel-Mac Saddle Club, Moore Tree Solutions, Oglethorpe County Saddle Club, Pinnacle Bank, and Dr. Robert Scott. Hope Haven also would like to thank its hosts who helped pull the event together. Thank you to Kel-Mac Saddle Club, Madison County Trail Riders and Oglethorpe County Saddle Club.Athfest Educates accepts grant applications Aug. 1-9Local nonprofit AthFest Educates will accept applications for its Fall mini-grants for music and arts programs Aug. 1-9. Applications will be accepted from public schools and organizations for music- and arts-related programs and projects including funding for instrument purchase, field trips, assistance in bringing music or theatrical performances in-house, art projects, scholarships, etc.Oconee Regional Humane Society seeks volunteersThe Oconee Regional Humane Society (ORHS) currently is in need of volunteers to play with adoptable cats and dogs, work the front desk, volunteer to clean the cat room and center, help with off-site adoptions by loading animals into the vans or help at the adoption site by matching animals with adopters. Off-site adoption days are held each Saturday in various counties. ORHS is a totally volunteer run organization with the mission to spay and neuter dogs and cats to cut down on the neglected animal populations in the region.Sunday, July 21 New fundraiser features swimming and running, honors Fred BirchmoreThe William B. Mulherin Foundation for Health & Wellness will present its inaugural Fred Birchmore Glow & Go Aquathlon at 6 p.m. Saturday at Bishop Park.Neighborhood dedicates two little free librariesThe Huntington Park Community Association board held a grand opening for two Little Free Libraries on July 1 located along the horse farm fence on West Huntington Road. Neighbors who turned out for the grand opening watched a ribbon-cutting, made a book mark as a craft project, picked out a new book to take home and enjoyed refreshments. Six-year-old resident Ella Cleland designed the children's library after "The Little Old Lady Who Lived in a Shoe" and Cleland's neighbor's Don and Kathy Wendel brought the design to life by creating a library in the shape of a shoe with real shoe laces and children looking out the windows. Resident Tom Easton designed and crafted the adult library using recycled hardwood. Both libraries were stocked with donations made by residents in the neighborhood.VFW Post 2872 installs new officersVFW Post 2872 recently installed new officers for its upcoming year. Officers installed were: Commander Joseph O'Neill, Senior Vice Earl Lively, Junior Vice Francis Williamson, and Quartermaster Robert McWaters.JROTC cadet named 'the Distinguished Honor Graduate'JROTC Cadet Staff Sergeant Evan Smith, a rising sophomore at Clarke Central High School, recently was named "The Distinguished Honor Graduate" at Camp Solid Rock in Elberton. Smith finished as the top cadet, out of over 200 cadets from 14 local JROTC Programs in the Northeast Georgia area. Pictured: Smith and a fellow JROTC member.Evans wins St. Mary's highest honorGretchen Evans, a registered nurse with St. Mary's Health Care System's Emergency Department, was awarded the 2013 Catherine McAuley Award, St. Mary's highest honor, at the system's annual event to honor tenured employees on June 6 at the Classic Center. Evans, who lives in Athens, came to work at St. Mary's in 2003. Co-workers who nominated her for the award said she demonstrates a level of commitment to St. Mary's mission and values – especially community, justice, integrity and commitment to those who are poor – that far exceeds expectations. In addition to Evans, nominees were: Tracy Albright, Radiology; Jessica Cooper, Case Management; Nancy Gabriel, Information Technology; Cathy Hull, Home Health Care/Hospice; Karla Loyola, Neurosciences; Mary Malcome, IMCU weekends; Patsy Massey, Hospice Services; Samantha Pickren, Highland Hills Village; Patricia Rittenberry, Nursing Administration; and Josh Seymour, Surgical Services. Pictured: Evans, St. Mary's President and CEO Don McKenna and Sister Valentina Sheridan, RSM, representing St. Mary's sponsors, the Sisters of Mercy.Sunday, July 14 Agency collects school supplies for children in needFamily Connection-Communities in Schools of Athens has partnered with Athens-area Walmart stores for its third annual Back to School Supply Drive.March for Babies walkEta Omega Zeta and Chi Epsilon of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. participated in the March for Babies Walk in April. The two groups donated an excess of $1,400 to the March of Dimes campaign. Pictured are (left to right) Abigail Maxwell, Caroline Dagadu, Janee Bell, LaShondra Jackson, Taran Stringer, Tonya Jackson and Ebonie Brown.Sorority, fraternity honor seniorsETA Omega Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., honored more than a dozen seniors at its annual receptions held April 27 at Greater Bethel A.M.E. Church. Victoria Walker, Lea Nelson, Keyana Browning, Taylor McDonald, Taylor Payne, La Diamond Lett, Andre Ware Jr., Avery McNeely, Khalil Craig and Jasmine Gay were present. Not present were Jacrarious Raines, Akevion Heard and Chris Isbell. Each recipient received an academic or academic/athletic award medal. Taylor Payne received the Grace Sims Book Scholarship Award from Zeta Amicae Auxiliary; Keyana Browning and Khalil Craig received the Mirian J.Tiller Book Scholarship Award.Clarke deputies complete training classesClarke County Sheriff Department Deputies Feteral Appling, Mathew Hamner, Rodney McGee and Robert Smith graduated from the Regional Police Academy – Athens, 261st & 262nd Basic Law Enforcement Mandate Training Classes on June 14. Pictured: Deputies Appling, Hamner, McGee and Smith with Chief Mitchell and Sheriff Ira Edwards.Eagle Scout secures ACCA garden from groundhogsEthan Jones, a recent Athens Academy graduate and a member of Athens Boy Scout Troop 149, recently worked in conjunction with the Athens Community Council on Aging (ACCA) and the University of Georgia Horticulture Department to improve and secure the ACCA community garden from groundhogs.The project served as Jones' Eagle Scout service project. Over the last several months Jones researched groundhog control and constructed a groundhog-proof fence around ACCA's community garden. Despite their overweight and lethargic appearance, groundhogs are nimble and acrobatic and can decimate a garden as they prepare for their winter hibernation. Jones hopes his fence will cause local groundhogs to search elsewhere for food meaning more food will come out of the garden to be given to those in need in the community. Pictured: Jones stands in front of the groundhog-proof fence he built this spring around ACCA's community garden as his Eagle Scout service project.Vince Dooley at Women of UGA spring fundraiserVince Dooley is pictured with board members Jennie Wenger, Ruth Bettandorff and Tracey Worthington Stice at the Women of UGA Spring Fundraiser.Oconee offers summer food programThe Oconee Area Resource Council, Oconee County Schools, Oconee County Cooperative Extension and community businesses and organizations have planned and implemented a summer program to provide nutritious food for families who are currently served by the Oconee Food For Kids program.Athens author donates to scholarship fundAthens author Martha Phillips recently donated toward a 2013 Jeannette Rankin Women's Scholarship Fund (JRF) scholarship in memory of Mary Ann Rutherford Lipscomb, an Athens native who championed education.FFA members present projectsCedar Shoals FFA members recently presented 12 research projects in the State Agriscience Fair at the Georgia FFA State Convention held in Macon in April.Bulldogg Battalion selected for Leadership CampMore than a dozen members of the Bulldogg Battalion were selected to participate in the Junior Cadet Leadership Camp at Elbert County High School June 10-14. JROTC students from 14 high schools took part in a week of leadership development and team building skills. Training in rappelling, water safety and first aid was provided in addition to an intensive Leadership Reaction Course. Tug of war, push ball, and a zip line were also included. Each school presented a candidate who competed for the title of Honor Cadet, and Winder Barrow's Stephanie Gomez placed third out of 14. Pictured are the cadets who attended the JCLC. First row: Cory Tran, Rafaela Jimenez, Stephanie Gomez, Carmello Castillo, Stayce Guzman. Second row: Trenton Hetchler, Nathan Smith, Samantha Nunn, Summer Sullivan, Riley Black. Back row: Harrison Daniel, Jesse Friel, Brett Mackey, Chris McFarland, Jayten Treadwell, Ryan Hendrickson. The two instructors who attended with them are Maj. Tom Evans and First Sgt. Frank Brown.Sunday, July 07 March of Dimes donates to hospital's neonatal unitThe Athens area March of Dimes Advisory Board recently presented a check for $5,000 to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Athens Regional Medical Center. The donated funds came from proceeds raised during the Rock the Garden fundraiser featuring musicians Randall Bramblett and William Tonks this March. Pictured (left to right) Dena Ollis, Stephanie Pierce, Mike Pilcher, Todd Cowart, Chad Howard, Michael Broun, J.P. Bond, Helene M. Schwartz, Athens Regional Foundation Director; and Sheila Ryan, State Director of Georgia Chapter, March of Dimes.A-C junior 4-H members attend camp in HamptonAthens-Clarke County Junior 4-H members recently attended camp at Fortson 4-H Center near Hampton with 160 other 4-H members throughout the state. While at camp, seventh- and eighth-grade students learned about farm animals and zoonosis, snakes and other reptiles, and participated in team building workshops. They also went to Stone Mountain, White Water and the Atlanta Motor Speedway. Pictured: Mara Woods, Adrienne Lumpkin, Kaya Pollack, Lydia Jackson, Kirsten Pierce, Kamia Caldwell, Vivian Breeding and Zakiya Durant.Athens Regional Library System announces the addition of Mango LanguagesRegional library offering online language coursesBullying should not be toleratedI remember getting bullied. I remember the girl's name and her face. I remember the relentless teasing, the dodgeball thrown right at my stomach during P.E. and the grease put in my hair while I was drinking from the water fountain. I guess I will always remember.Peace Place receives grant to help people facing domestic violenceJudicial Council awards grants to nonprofitsSunday, June 30 Athens Academy places eighth in quiz tournamentThe Athens Academy Academic Team recently placed eighth in the nation at the National Academic Quiz Tournament (NAQT) High School National Championship. The championship was held May 25-26 in Atlanta. Team members include Claudia Evaristo, Jason Fern, Timmy Huang, Elyse Paneral and Edward Tie, who competed against teams from 256 high schools from all over the country. In addition, 2013 graduate Jason Fern placed seventh in the nation individually. From left to right: Elyse Paneral, Claudia Evaristo, Jason Fern, Edward Tie and Tommy Huang.Green Acres Garden Club donates to YWCOGreen Acres Garden Club members recently presented Kitty Meyran, YWCO Executive Director, with a $750 donation for the renovation project at the YWCO. The funds were raised during the club's annual card party. A 55-inch flat screen television also was purchased for the Adult Day Care at the Athens Area Council on Aging and a scholarship was given to a Cedar Shoals high school student to attend the Agriscience FFA Convention. Pictured: (from left) Virginia Lassiter, Pat Britton, Evelyn Peebles, Edel Raburn, Margie Courtright, Kitty Meyran, Ellen Byrd and Myrna Nolan.School Superintendent with district retireesClarke County Schools Superintendent Philip Lanoue joined the district's 2012-2013 retirees recently at Trumps.Six organizations win school Impact AwardsThe Clarke County School District recently honored six organizations with our third annual Impact Awards. This honor is designed to recognize organizations that have made significant, lasting and ongoing contributions to the students of the Clarke County School District.Sunday, June 23 Tammy Gilland elected vice president of Athens Regional Health System's FoundationTammy Gilland was selected to serve as the Vice President of Athens Regional Health System's Foundation.Cancer Foundation of Northeast Georgia receives grantThe American Society for Radiation Oncology recently chose The Cancer Foundation of Northeast Georgia as a 2013 ASTRO Survivor Circle Grant recipient. The Cancer Foundation has been selected as one of two recipients to receive this grant.Sunday, June 16 Jefferson High School AFJROTC finishes third in nationThe Jefferson High AFJROTC Drill Teams competed at the Air Force JROTC National Drill Meet and surprised all of its competitors by taking third place overall.Sunday, June 09 Athens Academy seniors place at state-wide Literary MeetAthens Academy seniors Jimmy Robinson and Caroline Sanders represented Area 2 in the Georgia State Literary Meet, where Jimmy took first place honors in the boy's essay contest and Caroline placed second in the girl's essay contest. The state meet was held on March 16 at Northside High School in Warner Robins. Both students qualified to represent the area at the Area 2 Private School Literary Meet in February at Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School, where each took first place in their division.Fox's Pizza raises funds for local girl in need of handicap vanFox's Pizza Den recently held a fundraiser for a little girl named Anna Kate Frazier. She was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome in March of 2011 and has difficulty speaking and getting around.Athens Academy students qualify for Duke talent indentification programAthens Academy seventh-graders Alex Deltchev, Emily Elder, Liam Harvey, Sara Irvine, Ryan Iyer, Helmut Lord, Paul Mullinax, Sanam Patel, and Jack White recently received State Recognition from the Duke University Talent Identification Program. To be qualified for the Duke University Talent Identification Program, students are required to score at or above the 95th percentile on verbal or mathematical sections of the SAT or the ACT.Oconee County Primary school reaches out with donationsOconee County Primary School Outreach Committee Chair Katie Jennings recently presented a check for $1,150 to Pam Crawford of Area Churches Together Serving (ACTS). Funds will be used to help provide canned foods, clothing and more to those in need.UGA students, faculty and staff receive sustainability awardsFour members of the University of Georgia community recently were recognized for their dedication to creating a more sustainable UGA. The UGA Office of Sustainability, as part of Athens-Clarke County GreenFest, presented the 2013 Sustainable UGA Awards to outstanding students, faculty and staff on April 19.Summer reading helps children get a leg upSchool is officially out for summer, and for students, it's a chance to kick back and relax before recharging for the 2013-14 school year.Athens area Habitat for Humanity to break ground on a new homeAthens Area Habitat for Humanity will break ground on its 78th house in the Athens community on June 22 at 8:30 a.m. at 140 Carpenters Circle. This house will be the fourth addition to Carpenter's Circle, a Habitat community that will ultimately consist of seven houses located off Burney Street.Volunteer this week• Prepare and serve lunch to children: 8 a.m. to noon. Action Ministries' Smart Lunch, Smart Kid program needs volunteers to help make and serve lunch to area children this summer. Volunteers also will do enrichment activities at the sites. Same opportunity available Tuesday through Friday. For more information or to sign up, call (706) 247-9877.Oconee County Library seeks donations for book saleFriends of Oconee Library seeks donations for saleSunday, June 02 UGA football players read to Ila Elementary studentsUniversity of Georgia football players recently attended Ila Elementary School in Madison County on April 30 to read books to children about accepting each other's differences. Ray Drew (pictured at left), Michael Bennett and Reggie Carter went to the school as part of Exceptional Children's Week. The children at Ila Elementary had been learning about different disabilities such as Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, ADD/ADHD, Lowe Syndrome and Fragile-x Syndrome, and how they should celebrate the similarities in all of us and not focus so much on the differences.Words of encouragement from Russell Middle studentsRussell Middle School eighth-grade students recently had the privilege of being visited by former RMS students who are now students at Winder-Barrow High School. The students gave words of inspiration and motivation to the eighth-graders. They shared the importance of studying, completing their work, getting involved in various clubs and organizations and about being an overall asset to WBHS, as they begin their post-middle school academic careers. Pictured: Winder-Barrow High School students Joey Junius, McKenna Merrifield and Zachary Cronic.Winder-Barrow FFA chapter good as goldState FFA Vice President Sierra Milligan presents Winder-Barrow FFA President Bryanna Cash with a GOLD Emblem National Chapter Award at the Georgia FFA State Convention held in Macon in April. The State FFA Associations recognize the top 10 percent of chapters as Gold Emblem chapters. The Winder-Barrow FFA will compete in the National FFA Convention in October.Graduation ceremony for Little Ones Academy Pre-KThe Pre-K class at Little Ones Academy on Atlanta Highway recently had a big turnout for its graduationHope Haven staff to kiss donkey to raise money for agencyAdministrators at Hope Haven of Northeast Georgia will participate in the agency's "Trail Blazing for Hope" fundraiser by kissing a miniature donkey, Honkey Tonkey Donkey, in front of Hope Haven staff and clients following the trail ride. All money raised will go to support the work of Hope Haven, a private nonprofit corporation whose primary purpose is to provide services for individuals with developmental disabilities who reside in the Athens-Clarke and surrounding counties. The deadline to vote is June 6. To vote, call (706) 548-4361 or email email@example.com, May 26 Military group helps Athens vet with home remodelingLocal veterans, volunteers from the University of Georgia Army ROTC, and the "Team Depot" from Athen's Home Depot Store, joined members of the Purple Heart Homes chapter in Salem, S.C., to begin remodeling the home of Theodis Gant.Winder-Barrow students put solar sprinters to testWinder-Barrow Middle School students participated in the Jackson Electric Membership Corporation (EMC) Junior Solar Sprint (JSS) competition on May 3 at Road Atlanta in Braselton where they put their hand-built solar sprinters to the test in a fast paced race competition. The team won second place for speed and performance and was awarded first place for best design and engineering. Each team was given solar panels and motors in a kit, but students were encouraged to use math and science principles to help them be creative when selecting what the chassis, wheels, transmission and design would be and what it would be made from. Pictured: Winder-Barrow Middle School students Katherine Black, Tyler Laseter, Vince Sparacello, Chris Wilko, Adam Parker, Trace Freeman and Bailey Brock and team coach Curtis Mathis.South Jackson Elementary 'Fit Girls' at Southside 5KLeft, South Jackson Elementary School teachers Michele Klaw, Stacey Newman, Marie Hethcoat and Lindsey Lush pose with fourth- and fifth-grade "Fit Girls" at the Southside 5K. "Fit Girls" is a group at SJES that promotes physical fitness and health. Right, South Jackson Elementary School fifth-grader Taylor Mauldin, age group winner, poses with Newman and Lush at the Southside 5K.Sunday, May 19 Hope Haven to host horse trail ride fundraiserHorse 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.Adult Lap SwimThe 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.Congrats for Clarke County graduatesCongratulations to our nearly 600 graduates who walked across the stage Thursday and Saturday to receive their diplomas.Volunteer this weekMonday 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.Sunday, May 12 Bethlehem Christian Academy adding new facilitiesBethlehem 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 divingMiddle 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 ESPBecause 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 ProgramThe 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.Sunday, May 05 Winder-Barrow FFA members attend Greenhand JamboreeMembers 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 ProgramMonsignor 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 orchestraClarke 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)Dolphin Dive Club brings the SCUBA experience to the Boys & Girls Club of AthensStudents take to scuba divingTidwell named 2013 School of Social Work BSW Field Instructor of the YearThe 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."Sunday, April 28 12U Oconee Tigers crownded champions at Atlanta Super NITThe 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 studentAthens 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 MinistryThe 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 contestAthens 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 donationAthFest 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 summerSeven 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 fellowshipFirst-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.Zoo Camp registration open at Memorial ParkBear 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 volunteersMadison 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.Sunday, April 21 Children First thanks administrative professionalsTo 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 pageCedar 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.Sunday, April 14 Food Bank of Northeast Georgia hosts Will Rock for Food April 20The 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 ElementaryWinners 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 EventMembers 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 JamboreeMembers 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 RecitalOn 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 StudentAthens 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 AthensDrill 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 winnersJoanna 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 FoundationAthens 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 EagleAthens-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.Music education top notch in Clarke County schoolsThe 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.Sunday, April 07 Queen of Neal's Grove Baptist's Valentine's BallValeria Mathis after being crowned Queen during Neal's Grove Baptist Church's third annual Valentine's Ball in February.Watkinsville Garden Club installs new officersThe 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 YWCOThe 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 PeopleLauren 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 needThe 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 soldiersThe 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 moneyThe 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 cosmetologistsThe 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 fundsBecause of the generosity and support of our community, children learn in state-of-the-art facilities.Golf tourney brings in $10,000 for Extra Special PeopleA charity golf tournament held March 16 raised $10,000 in donations for the children of Extra Special People (ESP).Sunday, March 31 Seniors council starts weekly farmers marketThose 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.Career Academy offers students chance to earn college creditStudents enrolled in the Clarke County School District have an opportunity to earn college credit for free.Sunday, March 24 Athens Little Library offers free books, supports literacyAthens residents now have more access to free books thanks to the efforts of a group of concerned citizens.Eagle Scout award celebratedJonathan 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 affiliateThe 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 hurricaneCompassionate 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 boosterthonStudents 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 EagleAthens-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 CenterThe 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.Sunday, March 17 Athens Little League to start Challenger leagueStanding outside in the sun, hearing the crowd cheer from the stands and feeling like part of a team are all part of baseball.Sunday, March 10 Athens Christian students win DAR awardsThe 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 ChurchMary 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.Clarke school superintendent recognized as tech innovatorClarke 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 grantCoile Middle awarded $1,000 for fitness programSunday, March 03 Daniesville native wins Howard Sanders Optimist ScholarshipThe 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 illnessOasis 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 Soles4SoulsStudent 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 dogsThe Athens Area Humane Society currently is in need of foster homes for its adoptable dogs until they are placed in permanent homes.Jimenez: The value of AP coursesIn 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 hungerThe 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.Sunday, February 24 Parents complete program at YMCAA 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 centerThe 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.Felt to travel to Washington DC as student delegateMadison 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 volunteersCASA (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 fundraiserPrevent 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 festivalThe 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.Athens Kids Expo seeks vendorsUnited 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 email@example.com, February 17 Danielsville Elementary's Christmas playThe cast of Danielsville Elementary School's 2012 Christmas play, "The Animals' Christmas Lesson," sing "Silent Night."Top placings for FFA studentsFFA 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.Clarke administrator named principal of the yearAthens and the Clarke County School District are home to the Georgia Principal of the Year.Sunday, February 10 Benefit for the blind at Blind Pig Tavern helps raise funds, spread awarenessTo help the sightless, a local nonprofit hopes to appeal to Athens' ears.Ribbon-cutting for St. Mary's new wound care centerSt. 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 certificatesSouth 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 workAthens 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 preparationThe 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 ElementaryThe 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 GeorgiaThe 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 ChampionAthens 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 shoesThe 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 exhibitionThe 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 achievementsMy 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.Sunday, February 03 Nonprofit hosts bowling fundraiser to raise funds for the disabledMultiple 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 RomaniaDr. 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 accomplishmentsThe Athens Regional Medical Center Auxiliary is proud to announce its many accomplishments of 2012.Dillion, Gordon named to the Leadership Georgia Class of 2013Two named to Leadership Georgia Class of 2013IB making a world of differenceYou 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.Sunday, January 27 Volunteers sought for UGA's special collections library docent programSpecial Collections Libraries seek docentsJimenez: Success in digital learning environmentsIf 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.Sunday, January 20 Buxton honoredMembers 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.Athens Regional honors employees with Value AwardsAthens 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.Thank you from HandsOn NEGAThank 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!Sunday, January 13 Firefighters donate to ARMC Cancer Support CenterMembers 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.Sunday, January 06 UGA College of Veterinary Medicine hosts shelter medicine seminarFor 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 needSkies 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 awardWilani 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 performanceThirteen 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.Sunday, December 30 Prudential Blanton donates school uniformsHeather 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 studentsClarke 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 athletesCurrent 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 achievementsWestminster 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.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 awardsCounselors of the Year namedSt. Mary's honored as 2012 Gold-Level Fit-Friendly WorksiteSt. 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.Sunday, December 23 High school students participate in glee competition, raise funds to help childrenHigh 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 sweepstakesThe 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 TotsStockers 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 HumanityINVISTA'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 beachThe 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 residentLt. 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 ToysOCAF 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 dealerFour 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 championshipUniversity 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 grantOglethorpe 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.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.Sunday, December 16 How to get over the holiday bluesThe 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 EementaryThe 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 grantFowler 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 SchoolSonja 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 MonthRussell 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 announcedAthens 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 veteransThe 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 honoredIn 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.Sunday, December 09 Athenian releases children's bookNancy 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 interiorsClarke 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 emblemThomas 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 celebrationMatt 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 weekAthens' 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 bulldogThe 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 WayBelk 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.Sunday, December 02 4-H Forestry Field Day competitionThe 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 WalksThe 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 projectThe 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 milestonesThe 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 familiesProject 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 firstname.lastname@example.com dog and cat food donations neededThe 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.Georgia Gives DayGeorgia 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 announcedThe 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.YWCO fashion show to raise fundsThe 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.Sunday, November 25 South Jackson students learn about governmentSecond-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 houseStaff 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 ceremonyC/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 policeThe 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 grantThe 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 serviceJohn 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 SchoolLowe'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 studentsIndustrial 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.Homestead Hospice holds volunteer trainingHomestead 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 EastsideThe 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.Sunday, November 18 Program makes sure area seniors are not forgotten during the holidaysEven 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 breadMiranda 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 cancerDuring 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 ElementaryDanielsville 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.Athens Academy faculty recognized by GISAFour 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.Sunday, November 11 Students learn about careers in journalismBurney-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 writingFirst 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 ObamaCoile 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 YouA 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 childrenIn December, children will wake up on Christmas morning and smile as they open presents left for them by Santa. Well, most children will.Sunday, November 04 Plum Creek donates to Athens YMCAAthens 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 conferenceRussell 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 AugustRussell 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 announcedRussell 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 MiddleAshleigh Clarke was selected as Russell Middle School's "Leader of the Pack" for the month of August.Four complete child-safety workshopLinda 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' proclamationAthens-Clarke County Mayor Nancy Denson signed a proclamation to make Sept. 19 "No Text On Board Pledge Day."Hairy Dawg greets Danielsville Elementary studentsHairy 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.Wells Fargo donates to area organizationsTwelve 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.Sunday, October 28 Winder-Barrow FFA member completes tractor courseWinder-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 classesDeputies 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 dinnerMembers 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 causesAthens 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 schoolThe 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 AthensFree hunter safety courseWinder-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. 2St. 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 veteransAthens 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 driveColdwell 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.Sunday, October 21 Program provides workplace experience for Clarke studentAkevion 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-KThe 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 membersThe 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.Sunday, October 14 Athens Christian School names homecoming queensAthens 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 litteringMayor 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 CenterGirl 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 recognizedThe 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 homelessProject 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.Athens YMCA recognizes donorsThe Athens YMCA hosted a luncheon celebration on Oct. 10 in honor of its donors to the YMCA's Partner With Youth Campaign.Sunday, October 07 Currahee Club's Artist of the MonthThe 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 YWCOThe 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 victoryThe 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.Sunday, September 30 Big winner in new Georgia Lottery instant gameAlberto Ramos of Athens won a $40,000 top prize playing the new Georgia Lottery instant game Count The Money.Winder-Barrow FFA inducts honorary membersThe Winder-Barrow FFA inducted four new honorary members at the Annual Awards Banquet held on May 15.Person gives oath to Gladiator BattalionC/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 ceremoniesAdam 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 WeekAthens-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 savingsWhen 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!Monday, September 24 Sunday, September 23 Students participate in farm to school programThird-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 honoredChattahoochee 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 DinnerThe 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 MexicoMontessori 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 rallyAgriculture 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. 25The 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.Grant money enhances residents' lives at Athena GardensAthena 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.EACC makes trail, encourages movementIn 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.Sunday, September 16 Athens-Carke delegates to youth summit at Rock EagleAthens-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 CrossMultiple 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 VolunteerUniversity 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 ElementaryFirst-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 volunteerThe 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 ElementaryRonnie 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 fundsMellow 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 availableHands On Athens is searching for older homes in need of exterior painting, repairs and maintenance.Leisure Services needs trail guidesThe 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 streamsThe 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 pantryThe 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 plannedThe Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department will conduct a senior adult trip along the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway on Thursday, Oct. 11.Sunday, September 09 Local students awarded Harris ScholarshipEight 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 logoThe 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 ClementsDr. 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 SchoolJohn 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 conventionMembers 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 volunteeringHandsOn 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 mayorAction Ministries recently named Mayor Nancy Denson as an honorary Action Hero in recognition of her commitment to public service and the people of Athens.Sunday, September 02 Winder-Barrow JROTC particpates in cadet leadership campThe 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 AwardKevin 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 standardsThe 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 CongressThe 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 WalkPlans 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. 11-14The 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 WalkZaxby'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. 11The 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.Sunday, August 26 Farm raises money for theraputic riding programA 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 honoredJail 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 deputyThe 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 donationDirector 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 AwardFFE 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 grantFFE 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 servingBoard 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 trophyThe 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 IslandAthens-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 readersDanielsville 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-beingThe 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 AwardDeputy 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 volunteersThe 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 awardThe 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 womenTo 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.Tuesday, October 04 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.Monday, October 03 Blueprint: Scholarship awardChick-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 shotsThe 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 runThe 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 SocietyThe 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-HThe 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 PlacePeace 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.orgBlueprint: Open enrollment for MedicareOpen 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 FirstChildren 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 IHNInterfaith 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 ClubThe 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 charityMore 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 thanksColbert 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 grantAthena 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 celebratedAthens 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 trainingFive 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: Garden event benefits Boys & Girls ClubsMore 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 winnerClarke 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.Tuesday, September 27 Blueprint: How you can helpThe 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.Monday, September 26 Blueprint: Local lessons for civics classesSome 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 grantsFive 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-offUniversity 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 firstname.lastname@example.com or (770) 778-9806.Blueprint: Clinic will offer free mammogramsThe 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 moneyCast 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 agingLeia 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: Russell Middle School hosts partners-in-education dinnerRussell 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: Heisman wins volunteer awardWells 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 LiquidatorsClassic 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 libraryPeter 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 returnsAfter 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.Tuesday, September 20 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.Monday, September 19 Blueprint: Parents ditch the 'drama' to start their own family-friendly youth sports leagueJeffery Mack had grown sick of the "drama," he said.Blueprint: Hospice seeking volunteersSouthern 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 ElbertonThe 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 AfricaClarke 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 studentsRutland 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: Nellie B community receives national merit awardThe 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 volunteersAARP 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 volunteersHands 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: College station supports troopsWRAF, 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 retreatMonsignor 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 supperThe 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 email@example.com: College fair set for Classic CenterThe 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 exerciseAthens 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 DayThe 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 fundraiserMore 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 studentJohn 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.Tuesday, September 13 Blueprint: How you can helpDee'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.Monday, September 12 Blueprint: Monsignor Donovan students unite in service projectMonsignor 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 SchoolMembers 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: Latino center steps in after schools lose grantAthens 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. 19HandsOn 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: Triathlon fundraiser tops last year's effortParticipants 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 clubDerek 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 email@example.com: Tour of homes in Madison plannedTour 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 showWomen 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 DinnerAthens 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 tripJoin 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 recipesHome 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 commoditiesThe 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 recordUSA 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 eventThe 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 ServicePlanning 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 startingOperation 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.Wednesday, September 07 Blueprint: Panel discusses soft job skillsNearly 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.Tuesday, September 06 Blueprint: School rallies to help familyLinley 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 helpThe 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.Monday, September 05 Blueprint: Jones raises money for Relay for LifeFirst 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: Music helps kick off world geography classThe 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 WalkSeventy-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 studentsHandsOn 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 successThe 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 waterThe 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 donationThe 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 ElementaryColbert 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 LightsIn 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 ElementaryColbert 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 strollThe 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 programThe 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 donationsWestminster 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 bridgeThe 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.Wednesday, August 31 Blueprint: Family losses drive 3 nurses to raise fundsThree 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.Tuesday, August 30 Blueprint: Bicycle ride to raise money for Interfaith Hospitality NetworkRoad-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 helpThe 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.Monday, August 29 Blueprint: Madison County sheriff's office makes car seat safety a priorityDANIELSVILLE -- Madison County deputies want to make sure that children's car safety seats are properly installed.Wednesday, August 24 Blueprint: UGA students rally for day of serviceMore 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."Tuesday, August 23 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.Monday, August 22 Blueprint: Congressman to host grants fairU.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 grantsThe 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 membersThe 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 scholarshipAndy 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 programDr. 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 grantThe 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 eventBigger 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: Kickoff planned for Light the NightThe 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 accreditationCARF 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 ACTIONThe 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 cutAfter 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-upClarke 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 TechThe 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 HabitatWells 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 scholarshipJackson 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 auditionsWomen 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 memberHandsOn 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: Friends renovating cemetery bridgeThe 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.Saturday, August 20 Blueprint: 9 educators recognizedSupporters of Clarke County's public school system recently recognized nine outstanding educators for their work in teaching, leadership and community service.Tuesday, August 16 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.Monday, August 15 Blueprint: ACCA recognizedThe 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 meetingMembers of the community are invited to Sleep Health 2011 Town Hall Meeting from 2-5 p.m. Saturday at Hotel Indigo.Blueprint: Leadership conferenceTaylor 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 experienceRising 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 familyCountry 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 SundayAthletes 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 AffairThe 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 BallDaughters 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 nightWomen 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 programsAthens 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: Menchie's will donate to Food BankMenchie'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 grantsThe 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 SafeArbor 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: A-C recruiting dance instructorsThe 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 councilAthens-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 festivalThe 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.Tuesday, August 09 Blueprint: Barrow schools get Top grantThe 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.Monday, August 08 Blueprint: Reuse Store helps teachersThe 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 teamEast 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 zooTo 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 GiveawayChick-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: Zero-interest loan program at The ArkThe 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 landscapersThe 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 honorsThe 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 EMCGrandparents 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 ClubLocos 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: Service pairs pooches and pilotsPeople use Athens-Ben Epps Airport to head to business meetings or vacation destinations all the time.Saturday, August 06 Blueprint: Garden network growingRetiree 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.Tuesday, August 02 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.Monday, August 01 Blueprint: Canine rescue groups mergeSince 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 forumRobert 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 fundraiserThe 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: Native American storytimeJacki Elsner tells Native American stories at the Madison County Public Library in July.Blueprint: Aging coalition will present awardThe 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 clinicThe 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 conferenceThe 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 tripJoin 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.Saturday, July 30 Blueprint: ESP breaks camp with a celebrationWATKINSVILLE -- 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.Tuesday, July 26 Monday, July 25 Blueprint: Language academyAddie 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 AwardMaj. 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: Block party will help supply local studentsStrong, 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 needyThe 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 houseVolunteers 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 AwardSamir 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 SaturdayThere 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 safetyThe 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 AwardS. 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 StorytimeStorytime during the Princess and Pirate Party on June 4 at the Madison County Library during its Summer Reading Program.Blueprint: Yard Sale Benefit planned SaturdayA 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 email@example.com. There is a $5 set up fee for all vendors.Blueprint: Scottish-style cooking classRoger 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 grantShanon 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.Tuesday, July 19 Monday, July 18 Tuesday, July 12 Blueprint: Strong, Beautiful & Godly GirlsDonations of food are needed for the annual Back-To-School block party being held July 20 at Lay Park.Blueprint: Hope HavenHope 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 SystemsDonation of living room chairs and sofas for the Creek Wood Recovery program.Blueprint: Dee's Haven Parrot RescueDonations of a portable backup generator to provide heat to the parrots in case of a power failure.Monday, July 11 Blueprint: Madison girl, her family revel in 'extreme' surpriseMADISON -- 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: Jackson EMC awards grantsThe 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: Scholarship from Red CrossThe 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.Saturday, July 09 Blueprint: Girl Scout wants to ensure kids have books for schoolOne Girl Scout wants a book in every student's backpack come this fall.Tuesday, July 05 Monday, July 04 Blueprint: Thank youTo Mrs. Robin O'Rear, the students, faculty, administration, and families of Athens Academy:Tuesday, June 28 Monday, June 27 Saturday, June 25 Blueprint: Building a dreamCall it the local version of television's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" with a twist.Tuesday, June 21 Monday, June 20 Tuesday, June 14 Blueprint: Methodists will vote on whether to return in 2013About 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.Monday, June 13 Blueprint: Busy ARMC volunteer gets hospital's Humanitarian of the Year AwardJane Douglas may be retired, but the peripatetic 82-year-old could make your head spin with her busy schedule of volunteer work and hobbies.Saturday, June 11 Blueprint: Worms serious business at Oglethorpe Children's AcademyCRAWFORD - 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.Friday, June 10 Blueprint: For grads, passing the GED is key to opening doorsAny 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 buildingGaines 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 scholarshipA 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.Thursday, June 09 Blueprint: School district honoring groups that make an impactSchool 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.Tuesday, June 07 Monday, June 06 Blueprint: Thank YouThank 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: BrieflyCoastal 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.Saturday, June 04 Blueprint: Bike & Build program brings volunteer cyclists to AthensA 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.Friday, June 03 Blueprint: Win by losing in weight programBeth 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.Thursday, June 02 Blueprint: Exchange program needs families to host studentsDeby 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.Tuesday, May 31 Monday, May 30 Blueprint: Whatever It Takes organizers hone action planOrganizers 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: Red Cross recognizes heroesSupporters 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.Saturday, May 28 Blueprint: A way to beat not readingAmateur 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.Friday, May 27 Blueprint: Blood supplies drained by stormsWinter 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.Tuesday, May 24 Blueprint: Open house Wednesday for new ARMC facilityAthens 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.Monday, May 23 Blueprint: Ride raises funds - and spirits - for those touched by police shootingIf 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: UGA students help with booksUniversity 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.Sunday, May 22 Blueprint: Woman driven to help teensTeenagers 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 legacyAlthough 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.Tuesday, May 17 Blueprint: Grant revives CPR training program at Madison County MiddleCOMER - 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: Group collecting bicycles to send to African nationBikeAthens 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.Monday, May 16 Blueprint: Celebrating the beauty of agingThe 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 containersBOGART - 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.Saturday, May 14 Blueprint: Red Cross to honor local heroesAuburn 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.Friday, May 13 Blueprint: Scientific principles come into play during students' outingsCOMMERCE - 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 RelayRepresentatives 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' outingCOMMERCE - 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.Wednesday, May 11 Blueprint: Book giveaway aims to keep kids reading during the summerWide-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.Tuesday, May 10 Monday, May 09 Blueprint: Fashion show will raise fundsStrong, 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.Saturday, May 07 Blueprint: Students hope their cars shineBRASELTON - Clear, bright days like Friday were made for racing - solar racing.Tuesday, May 03 Blueprint: Free Golf clinic at UGA encourages kids to take a swing at the sportAs 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.Monday, May 02 Blueprint: Students helping tsunami victimsWhen fifth-graders Morganne Fugett and Hannah Gale of Timothy Road Elementary School first heard about the earthquake in Japan, they were shocked.Sunday, May 01 Blueprint: Right at home with the DooleysVince 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.Friday, April 29 Blueprint: Wii will help fight illiteracyAthens-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.Wednesday, April 27 Blueprint: Rollergirls look to make an impression in fight against cancerThe 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.Tuesday, April 26 Blueprint: 'Royal' event to raise money for adoption agencyFor 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: Inaugural 5k helping families facing rare syndrome find supportWhen 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.Monday, April 25 Blueprint: Vet returns favor of aidDennis 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 rescueFashion 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.Sunday, April 24 Blueprint: Cedar Shoals' bands concert set for May 3Students 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 partnershipThe 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 studentTeachers, 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.Saturday, April 23 Blueprint: ALDI to open store in AthensDiscount 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 giftsCrystal 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.Tuesday, April 19 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.Monday, April 18 Blueprint: Rotarians add to greenway effortsRotary 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: Nine in Clarke County School District selected for honors programNine students in the Clarke County School District were selected to participate in the annual Governor's Honors Program.Blueprint: More and more local seniors spending retirement as valuable volunteersSome 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.Saturday, April 16 Blueprint: Kids honored by Boys & Girls ClubsThe Boys & Girls Clubs recently honored several Athens students, most of whom grew up in local clubhouses and now work there as teen counselors.Friday, April 15 Blueprint: Nonprofit marks 35th anniversary with a fundraiserThe 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.Thursday, April 14 Blueprint: Awards to recognize environmental effortsAthens 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 specialAthens has a unique and vibrant downtown. We know because we live here.Wednesday, April 13 Blueprint: Walkers will step up in the battle against cancerStudent 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.Tuesday, April 12 Blueprint: State superintendent rewards area Schools of ExcellenceBOGART - State School Superintendent John Barge came to Northeast Georgia on Monday to honor two Schools of Excellence.Monday, April 11 Blueprint: School fills family's special needsMaking 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.Saturday, April 09 Blueprint: Campus a training ground for service animalsService 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.Thursday, April 07 Blueprint: A good environment for learningStudents 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 wildlifeUniversity 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.Tuesday, April 05 Blueprint: Clarke Central's History Club collecting textbooksStudents 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: 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.Monday, April 04 Blueprint: Facility kicks off new fundraising campaignYWCO supporters are working to raise $500,000 to renovate and expand its Athens facility.Blueprint: Area girls gearing up to bring the rock at campAthens 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 nonprofitsThe 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: Local projects a team effortHandsOn 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.Sunday, April 03 Blueprint: Both hospitals in Athens helping pump money into local economyWhile Northeast Georgia continues to struggle in a weak economy, one sector is growing - health care.Friday, April 01 Blueprint: Young scientists square off at Classic Center this weekendNearly 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 strokesMost people think strokes only happen to older people - at least that's what 31-year-old Sally Baker thought before she had one.Thursday, March 31 Blueprint: Rebuilt school inspires students, teachersFourth-grader Daniel Victoria loves the renovated and rebuilt Fowler Drive Elementary School that he, his classmates and his teachers moved into after holiday break.Tuesday, March 29 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 WednesdayOrganizers of the 13th annual Empty Bowl benefit will announce Athens' first-ever "Souper Bowl Champion" chef during this Wednesday's luncheon and silent auction.Monday, March 28 Blueprint: Junk Yard Jog brings beauty, awarenessIs there a better way to celebrate a 10th anniversary than to jog at the landfill and spend a little time with the buzzards?Saturday, March 26 Blueprint: Environmental stewards hailedTwo longtime advocates and stewards of Athens' environmental attributes won this year's Alec Little Environmental Awards.Friday, March 25 Blueprint: Thurmond: Mentors are angelsFormer 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 GuatemalaUniversity 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.Thursday, March 24 Blueprint: Funding a concern for local adoption agencyLocal 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 skillsElementary schoolchildren will put their engineering and scientific skills on display Saturday at the Clarke County School District's second annual Young Scientists' Fair.Tuesday, March 22 Blueprint: A few mothers and daughters making college a family affairAthens Technical College is a family enterprise for some students at the school - three mothers and their daughters, all Athens Tech classmates.Monday, March 21 Friday, March 18 Blueprint: Wii gamers to play for charityNintendo 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.Tuesday, March 15 Monday, March 14 Blueprint: Clarke Central students rack up awardsMembers 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, opportunitiesLibraries have been around a while, in some form or another, dating back before 300 BC.Sunday, March 13 Blueprint: Businesses get together for pathTwelve 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 subdivisionsSaturday, March 12 Blueprint: Man moved by burning desire to aid KenyansAn Oglethorpe County man wants to trade in his rural Northeast Georgia home for a land with wildebeests and rhinos.Friday, March 11 Blueprint: Prom safety will be focus of eventLocal 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.Thursday, March 10 Blueprint: Barrow safety workers see good cause to lose the hairBarrow 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.Wednesday, March 09 Blueprint: Local environmentalists plan tribute to LeopoldLocal 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 projectsThey 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.Tuesday, March 08 Blueprint: After years of planning, Jefferson's streetscape project close to being finishedJEFFERSON - Downtown Jefferson is entering the last leg of a major transformation that has been in the works for more than five years.Monday, March 07 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.Saturday, March 05 Blueprint: Rotary to volunteer at schoolMembers of the Classic City Rotary Club will volunteer as readers during Monday's Reading Day at J.J. Harris Elementary Charter School in Athens.Friday, March 04 Blueprint: State notices Barrow Elementary's media facilityPublishing 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.Thursday, March 03 Blueprint: Monday listening party for 'Collapse Into Now' benefits local organizationsWhen 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 teacherThe 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 villageMatt Cremeens climbed the ladder and stretched his hand upward to brush a golden-hued cloud, then leaned back to inspect his work.Wednesday, March 02 Blueprint: A growing interestDemetrius Pope got a little dirty at school Tuesday, but he didn't mind.Blueprint: Athens Tech joins 'Dream' networkAthens Technical College will join the national organization "Achieving the Dream" as a way of improving student learning and specifically graduation rates.Tuesday, March 01 Monday, February 28 Blueprint: Prepare for the races for good causeHope 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: Queen of Hearts PageantThe Queen of Hearts Pageant was held last month at Apalachee High School.Saturday, February 26 Blueprint: Student preps for final spelling beeClarke 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.Thursday, February 24 Blueprint: Churches unite to aid homelessTamica Payne unexpectedly found herself unemployed and homeless late last year after losing her job at a Target store in Stone Mountain.Tuesday, February 22 Monday, February 21 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.Saturday, February 19 Blueprint: Schools will focus on global thinkingTeachers 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.Tuesday, February 15 Monday, February 14 Blueprint: Ongoing volunteer opportunitiesTo 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: BrieflyANNUAL 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: Helping families goal of program at Athens TechSeveral 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.Saturday, February 12 Blueprint: With many experienced workers looking for jobs, teens feeling edged outHeath 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.Tuesday, February 08 Blueprint: Mushroom spores score with local grow-your-own advocatesWATKINSVILLE - Sarah Workman's crop fits easily in between a few sweetgum trees on a Sunset Ridge Road farm in Oconee County.Monday, January 31 Blueprint: Ongoing volunteer opportunitiesTo 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: Red Cross low on blood supplyWinter 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.Tuesday, November 16 Tuesday, September 07 Monday, September 06 Blueprint: After-school program seeks tutorsLast 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 packagesBoy 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.Friday, September 03 Teacher, a presidential award winner, challenges young mindsNICHOLSON - 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.Thursday, September 02 Governor: Amid recession, tourist dollars vital to stateIn 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.Tuesday, August 31 Local tourism gets boost as Athens hosts annual industry conferenceAthens' tourism industry is getting a much-needed boost this week — from the tourism industry itself.Monday, August 30 Play meets productivity at centersFor 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.State Student Advisory Council applications soughtState School Superintendent Brad Bryant is currently accepting applications for the 2010-2011 Student Advisory Council.Tuesday, August 24 Tuesday, August 17 Blueprint: How you can helpTo assist the organizations you see here please, call the contact listed.Monday, August 16 Sunday, August 15 Spay-neuter clinic keeps pet populace from running wildClayton didn't know how important this week's surgery was, but his doctor did.Saturday, August 14 Spay-neuter clinic keeps pet populace from running wildClayton didn't know how important this week's surgery was, but his doctor did.Thursday, August 12 Nontraditional high school kicks off year in fresh surroundingsStudents 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.Tuesday, August 10 Monday, August 09 State may alter math conditions after 48 percent fail testSo 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.Nonprofit seeking new directorThe 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 successOn Tuesday, July 20, the Athens Nurses Clinic held Tomatoes at Terrapin, the first fundraiser for the clinic in more than 15 years.Birchmore Award presented TuesdayThe 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:Thursday, August 05 Oglethorpe Middle-schoolers take 'a big step up' this yearCRAWFORD - 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.Tuesday, August 03 Monday, August 02 Donations given to area high schoolsGeorgia Federal Credit Union recently made donations to both Cedar Shoals High School and Clarke Central High School through their High School Spirit promotion.Opportunities continue growing through collaborative gardeningClaire 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.Round Up program raises money for local nonprofitsThe 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.Saturday, July 31 Young investigators on the scene at UGA campWatching "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" never will be the same for one group of Athens-area middle school students.Founder of mentor program steps downThe 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.Monday, July 26 Tuesday, July 20 Monday, July 19 Tuesday, July 13 Tuesday, July 06 Women honored for community contributionsWhen 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.Tuesday, June 29 Monday, June 28 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 helpFaith 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.Sunday, June 27 Blueprint Briefly: Athens Donor Center offering incentivesThe Athens Donor Center, located at 3525 Atlanta Highway, is offering incentives for blood donations this summer.Monday, May 17 Sunday, May 16 Friday, May 07 Tuesday, May 04 Sunday, May 02 Blueprint: Volunteer opportunities, calendarTo 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 offThe 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 successThe 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 driveFirefighters 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 NICUsOrganizers 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 SaturdayOn 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.Thursday, April 29 Essay winner shares ideas on running her hometownJEFFERSON - Zoe Radford has some big ideas about how to attract visitors and green jobs to her hometown.Tuesday, April 27 Packages for troops requestedPeople 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 UGAThe 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.Monday, April 26 Blueprint: Volunteer opportunities, calendarTo 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 grantsThe 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.Sunday, April 25 Nonprofits competing in ticket sales programArea 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 SaturdayFast 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.Thursday, April 22 Skills used to make a connectionCami James didn't grow up poor or have to depend on a nonprofit to help her figure out how to make ends meet.Monday, April 19 Blueprint: Volunteer opportunities, calendarTo 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.Sunday, April 18 Belk Spring Charity Sale tickets aid nonprofitsBelk 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 30The 9th annual Nancy Jo Tennis Tournament will be held April 30 through May 2 at the Stephens County High School tennis complex in Toccoa.Monday, April 12 Blueprint: Volunteer opportunities, calendarTo 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.Sunday, April 11 Annual March for Babies planned for April 30Thousands 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 1The 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 19Recording 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 SaturdayKappa 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-athletesAthens 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'sApril 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.Monday, April 05 Blueprint: Volunteer opportunities, calendarTo 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.Sunday, April 04 Nonprofits teeing off in golf charity programArea 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 systemCommunity 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 homelessThe 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.Monday, March 29 Blueprint: Schools stepping up the prep for high-stakes Graduation testStudents 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, calendarTo 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/blueprintSunday, March 28 Free IT Athens needs used computersFree 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.Monday, March 15 Activities This WeekAlzheimer'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 firstname.lastname@example.com or (706) 549-4850.Walk MS preparing for annual fundraiserOn 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 SaturdayPrevent 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 eventAthens 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.Monday, March 08 Blueprint: Volunteer opportunities, calendarTo 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.Sunday, March 07 Blueprint Briefly: Georgia Hands, Voices to meet March 20 at libraryGeorgia Hands and Voices will meet from 1-5 p.m. March 20 at Athens Regional Library, 2025 Baxter St.Sunday, February 28 Three honored at Boy Scouts eventNortheast Georgia Boy Scout officials honored three Athens men recently at the organization's 2010 American Values Dinner.Blueprint: Volunteer opportunities, calendarTo 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 sitesThe Athens Housing Authority is preparing for this year's Summer Lunch Program.Tuesday, February 23 'Night on the Town' to raise funds for quake reliefA 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.Sunday, February 21 Blueprint: Volunteer opportunities, calendarTo 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 programArea 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 AtlantaChildren'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 SaturdayThe 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.Tuesday, February 16 Monday, February 15 Blueprint: Community photosBlueprint community photos as seen in the Monday, Feb. 15, 2010, print edition of the Athens Banner-Herald.Sunday, February 14 Blueprint: Volunteer opportunities, calendarTo 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 AwardMargracious 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 PeruFind 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 255Farm 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 scholarshipsAs 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 HaitiChet 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 blanketsThe 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 soughtFriends 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.Thursday, February 11 Student textbook exchange designed to cut the middlemanA 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.Monday, February 08 Blueprint: How you can helpTo 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.Sunday, February 07 Blueprint: Volunteer opportunities, calendarTo 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 celebratedMore 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 FridayFamily 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 InstituteRegistration is open for courses and events at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at The University of Georgia.Applications taken for youth awardApplications 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 needyFree 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. 20The 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.Saturday, February 06 Workers lift GED obstaclesErin Barger often shares job openings with the visitors of Our Daily Bread soup kitchen at the Oconee Street United Methodist Church.Tuesday, February 02 Blueprint: How you can helpMore 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:Monday, February 01 Blueprint: Volunteer opportunities, calendarTo 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.Sunday, January 31 Saturdays a success for buildsAthens 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. 13The 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 Soles4SoulsIn 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 nonprofitUGA'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 availableThe 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 charitiesBlvd. Magazine and the Junior League of Athens will sponsor the "Heel-a-Thon," at 5 p.m. Thursday at the Taylor Grady House.Tuesday, January 26 Blueprint: How you can helpTo 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.Sunday, January 24 Barrow EMT goes to HaitiFirefighter Dany Menard of Barrow County Emergency Services is on his way to assist in the disaster relief efforts in Haiti.Blueprint: Volunteer opportunities, calendarTo 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 plannedThe 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 grantsThe 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 disabledParent 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 youthThe 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 DancefxIn 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 HopeThe 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 FundraiserThe Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation is seeking new or used items for its annual thrift sale fundraiser.Habitat home in Bogart to be dedicated TuesdayThe 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 individualsThe 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 trainingProject Safe will host training for direct service volunteers from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday.Tuesday, January 19 Blueprint: How you can helpTo 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.Sunday, January 17 Blueprint: Volunteer opportunities, calendarTo 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 censusThe 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 needTypes 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 eventThe 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.Tuesday, January 12 Blueprint: How you can helpTo 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.Monday, January 11 Organizers seek supplies for MLK Day of Service eventAn 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, calendarTo 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 TuesdayThe 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.Tuesday, January 05 Blueprint: How you can helpTo 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.Monday, January 04 Blueprint: Volunteer opportunities, calendarTo 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.Sunday, January 03 Volunteers, sponsors sought for MLK Day of ServiceVolunteers 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 dinnerA 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.Tuesday, December 29 Blueprint: How you can helpTo 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.Monday, December 28 Blueprint: Volunteer opportunitiesTo 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.Sunday, December 27 Georgia Power makes donation to hospital's doll committeeThe 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 testingThe 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 SaturdayThe 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 bikesBikeAthens 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.Tuesday, December 22 Blueprint: How you can helpTo 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.Sunday, December 20 Blueprint: Volunteer opportunities, calendarTo 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 centerAdvantage Behavioral Health Systems has appeared in the Blueprint Needs List for the past several weeks.Nonprofits cash in with tourneyMore 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.Photos: Rock-n-Racquets at UGAIn 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 JanuaryGeorgia 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 locationThe 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 driveThe 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.Tuesday, December 15 Blueprint: How you can helpTo 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.Sunday, December 13 Blueprint: Volunteer opportunities, calendarTo 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 campaignUnited Way of Northeast Georgia announced that 15 new organizations have joined the 2009 campaign.Sgt. Courtney Gale hosting blood driveAthens-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 topicsThe 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 childrenVisit 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 itemsAthens Area Habitat for Humanity is accepting winter clothing, furniture, working appliances, building supplies, decorations and more.Totes 2 Tots suitcase, bag drive planned for TuesdayGeorgia 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 yearThe 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 driveThe 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.Monday, December 07 Charities pitch in for UGA tourneyThe 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.Sunday, December 06 Blueprint: Volunteer opportunities, calendarTo 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 driveThe 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 BarrowBarrow 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 suppliesA 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 driveAthens-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 plannedA 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.Monday, November 30 Blueprint: How you can helpOver 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.Sunday, November 29 Blueprint: Give, get and grow helpSign-up to give help for the volunteer opportunities below. www.HandsOnNortheastGeorgia.org or call (706) 353-1313.Program refurbs donated bikes for needy area kidsThanksgiving 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 instrumentsCedar 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 charitiesClassic 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.Saturday, November 28 More in area needing food aidMore 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 charityGeorgia 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.Sunday, November 15 Blueprint: Volunteer opportunities, calendarTo 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 causeThe 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 soughtHandsOn 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 ThursdayTurkeys 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 SaturdayThe 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.Sunday, November 08 Program aims to offer better Christmas for elderly in areaChristmas 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?"Monday, October 26 Saturday, October 24 Monday, October 12 Tuesday, October 06 Clarke Middle's LEO Club pitches in at Brooklyn CemeteryA 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.Powered by Non-Profit Development AllianceA Program of Community Connection of NEGAACTION Inc. Oconee CountyIntake volunteers, Office volunteers, Cereals, Canned meats, Personal items for seniorThe ArkBaby diapers, Grocery giftcardsAthens Area Emergency Food BankMacaroni and cheese, Dry pasta, Pork and beans |
Athens Regional Foundation awarded grantThe Athens Regional Foundation was awarded a grant in the amount of $26,270 by It's The Journey Inc., producer of the Atlanta 2-Day Walk for Breast Cancer. FACS department head wins national honorLynn Bailey, head of the foods and nutrition department in the University of Georgia College of Family and Consumer Sciences, has been named a Fellow of the American Society for Nutrition. Mock trial team takes home Region 2 ChampionshipWestminster Christian Academy's Mock Trial team recently brought home the Region 2 Championship title. Tea Time at the DepotAthens Christmas Parade of Lights |