CALENDAR OF COMMUNITY EVENTS

OF COMMUNITY EVENTS

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BALDWIN

THROUGH OCTOBER

What: Haunted Milledgeville Exhibit When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Where: The Marlor House More info: Stop by the Marlor House for Allied Arts’ first Haunted Milledgeville Exhibit. Get in the Halloween spirit with spooky photos of Milledgeville’s most haunted hot spots, some morbid history, and creepy artwork submitted by local artists. A reception will be hosted Oct. 13, 6-8 p.m. Come costumed, if you like!

MONDAY, OCT. 9

What: ServSafe Food Safety Management Training When: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Where: Chappell Hall on Main Campus More info: This program is nationally recognized and accepted by the Georgia Department of Community Health, and the certification is valid for five years. ServSafe training empowers you to protect against food-borne illness outbreaks, minimizes insurance costs, and reduces liability. In this one-day seminar, you will learn about potentially hazardous foods, safe food handling practices, purchasing and receiving standards, the HAACP food system, how to work with your regulatory inspection agency and more. The course costs $135.

OCT. 17, 24 & 31

What: GriefShare Small Group Support When: 6:30-8 p.m. Where: New Life Ministries (385 Log Cabin Road) More Info: Everyone in the community who is coping with the loss of a loved one is welcome to participate in New Life’s on-campus Grief Ministry. Using GriefShare materials, the church provides a very effective combination of counselors and testimonials on video, along with small group sharing and workbooks to help in the grief journey. See griefshare.org for details.

UNTIL OCT. 19

What: T. David Downs Natural History Recomposed When: 2-4 p.m. Where: 102 S. Columbia St. More info: Visit the T. David Downs Natural History Recomposed exhibit at GCSU’s Underwood Gallery.

SATURDAY, OCT. 21

What: Adopt-a-Stream Chemical Training When: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. More info: The Chemical Monitoring Workshop is designed to teach volunteers about basic stream water chemistry and how to conduct various chemical tests using hand-held field equipment. Register at https://givepul.se/qel9d6.

What: GCSU Thirst For Knowledge Water Education Day When: 12-3 p.m. Where: GCSU Front Campus or Herty/ISC outside More info: Visit Georgia College & State University for handson activities and information on water and water quality.

OCT. 26-28

What: 2023 Pine Tree Festival When: Daily Where: Sparta More Info: The Sparta-Hancock Chamber of Commerce has announced the 2023 Pine Tree Festival will feature a theme of Community Unity. The event kicks off Thursday, Oct. 26, with the new Family Night featuring carnival rides opening at 4 p.m. and magician C. Magic performing at 6 p.m. In addition to Family Night, the festival will include a parade, comedy, musicians, and surprise performers. Vendors are encouraged; applications available online at spartahancockchamber.com.

FRIDAY, NOV. 3

What: Chemical Monitoring at Champion and Tobler Creeks Where: Champion Creek (9-10 a.m.); Tobler Creek (10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.)

More info: Join us for Chemical Monitoring of Champion Creek out at Lake Laurel (Georgia College’s East Campus) and/or Tobler Creek at Andalusia Farm. No experience necessary! We will use Georgia Adopt-a-Stream methods to test temperature, dissolved oxygen, conductivity and pH of the stream all while enjoying the beauty of GC’s East Campus and Andalusia Farm! Register at https://givepul.se/q7uw31.

SATURDAY, NOV. 4

What: Fall Foraging on the Farm When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Where: Andalusia Farm More info: Ever wondered about the plants you see on the trails? How to identify them? Are they edible? What uses do they have and what is the connection between flora and fauna? Program is geared towards adults and costs $35.

EVERY MONDAY & WEDNESDAY UNTIL NOV. 8

What: Ocmulgee Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Training When: 1-4 p.m. Where: Lakeview Academy (220 N. ABC Drive) More info: CASA volunteers serve as the voice for children and advocate for the best interests of children in foster care. For more information, please call 478-452-9170.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 6

What: Chemical Monitoring at Champion and Tobler Creeks Where: Champion Creek (9-10 a.m.); Tobler Creek (10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.)

More info: Join us for Chemical Monitoring of Champion Creek out at Lake Laurel (Georgia College’s East Campus) and/or Tobler Creek at Andalusia Farm. No experience necessary! We will use Georgia Adopt-a-Stream methods to test temperature, dissolved oxygen, conductivity and pH of the stream all while enjoying the beauty of GC’s East Campus and Andalusia Farm! Register at https://givepul.se/q7uw31.

EACH TUESDAY

What: Hatha Yoga When: 6 p.m. Where: Chappell Hall on GCSU Main Campus More info: Hatha Yoga is a method of uniting the mind to body through breathing techniques and a series of gentle movements. Through time and practice, Hatha Yoga can be a simple method for increasing our flexibility, balance, and strength, as well as a sense of calm, peace, confidence, increased energy, and the ability to find greater focus. The class costs $30.

EACH SATURDAY

What: Mini Millys When: 9 a.m. Where: Chappell Hall on GCSU Main Campus More info: High-energy class ($25) designed for children 18 months to 5 years of age with hands-on activities, games, and exercises packed into every session.

3RD FRIDAY MONTHLY

What: Learning in Retirement When: 11:15 a.m. Where: Freedom Church, 500 Underwood Rd., Milledgeville More Info: An informative speaker will talk while lunch is served. Lunch is $15. Speakers cover a variety of interesting and thought-provoking topics. Periodically, there will also be area tours via carpool or bus. For more information contact Wanda Zvanut at 404-259-8771.

PUTNAM

WEEKENDS THROUGH OCTOBER

What: Fall Farm Fun When: Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (weather permitting) Where: Unity Grove Farm, opposite 248 Hwy. 212, Eatonton (look for “Welcome” flags) More Info: Come out to the country for some family fun and enjoy an old-fashioned hayride, pick out a big pumpkin, enjoy games, popcorn, take photos on the old trucks and tractors, visit the farm store with a honey bee observation hive and more. Hayrides still only $5 per person. Special events: Oct 14, Kinderhook Fire Association BBQ fundraiser; Oct 21, live banjo music and petting zoo.

FRIDAY, OCT. 13 AND 20

What: Crime & Wine at the Museum When: 7 p.m., doors open at 6:30 p.m. Where: Georgia Writers Museum, 109 S. Jefferson Ave. More Info: For true crime junkies, this program makes you the investigator. Your chief for the evening will be Law Enforcement Hall of Fame inductee, Sheryl McCollum, founder and director of the Cold Case Investigative Research and author of Cold Case: Pathways to Justice. Visit GWM online at georgiawritersmuseum. org or call 706-991-5119 for information or to register.

SATURDAY, OCT. 14

What: Oktoberfest When: 9 a.m. Where: Butler-Baker School, 403 Alice Walker Dr., Eatonton More Info: Presented by the Butler-Baker Alumni Project Inc., visit the “Home of the Tigers” for a day of fun activities, including a classic car show, Bingo, free bounce house, games and free goodies bag for all kids (while supplies last). Yard sale vendors ($25/ booth) and dancing to a D.J. Call 706-485-7461 for information.

What: Bubba Massey Chili Cook-Off When: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Where: Lake Oconee Elks Lodge, 1116 Greensboro Rd., Eatonton More Info: Chili cook-off event to tantalize your taste buds.

Sample chili and cast your vote. Tickets are $10 for 3 votes. Proceeds support Fire Safety Day with Putnam Firefighters and other local first responders. Bring the kids for free hotdogs and kids’ fire safety gifts. Other prizes and a raffle, live music, firetruck and EMS vehicles on site.

What: Kinderhook Fire Assoc. BBQ Fundraiser When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (while available) Where: Unity Grove Farm, Hwy. 212, Eatonton (between Hwy. 129 and Twin Bridges Road) More Info: Support the volunteer Kinderhook Fire Association by purchasing BBQ plates including pulled pork or turkey, cole slaw, chips, baked beans and a bun for $15; pulled pork or turkey sandwiches for $7, or BBQ meat only for $9/ pound. Drinks $1, with whole pickles and extra sandwiches or chips also available. Cash or cards accepted.

What: Homegrown Talent Concert When: 7 p.m. Where: The Plaza Arts Center, 305 N. Madison Ave., Eatonton More Info: Eatonton native Matt Rogers headlines an all-locals show at The Plaza, also featuring Luke Boswell, RJ Sanders and Fall Line Rambler. Tickets $20 general admission, and $50 seated at tables up front, available online at plazacenter.org.

SUNDAY, OCT. 15

What: Plant-based Cooking Class When: 3-4 p.m. Where: Eatonton SDA Church, 232 Pea Ridge Rd., Eatonton More Info: Visit the Eatonton Seventh-Day Adventist Church for a two-day, plant-based cooking class. For more information please contact Norman Byers at 706-816-5934 or Lillie Warren-Hill at 478-457-4456. $20 fee and plant-based cookbook included.

SUNDAY, OCT. 15

What: CUMC Homecoming When: 10:30 a.m. Where: Central Road off Brown Chapel Road, Eatonton More Info: Join Central United Methodist Church (CUMC), southwest of town, for a morning of special music and fellowship. Covered-dish lunch to follow service in CUMC Fellowship Hall.

THURSDAY, OCT. 19

What: City Candidates Forum When: 7 p.m. Where: American Legion Post 583, 280 M.L.K. Jr. Dr., Eatonton More Info: Meet the candidates for this year’s City of Eatonton elections (Nov. 7). Hear them discuss the issues and present their platforms. Moderated by Ian Tocher, editor of The Eatonton Messenger. Second forum to be held at The Plaza with date still to be determined.

SATURDAY, OCT. 21

What: Songwriters’ Night When: 7 p.m. concert Where: Briarpatch Farm, 725 Pea Ridge Rd., Eatonton More Info: Support a benefit event for Cheerful Hearts Ministry featuring songwriter and musician Rivers Rutherford. Doors open at 5 p.m. with 7 p.m. concert to follow. Briarpatch Farm Angus hamburger plates available for $12 each; small coolers permitted. Call 706-473-0294 for more information.

TUESDAY, OCT. 24

What: PGH Auxiliary Volunteer Recruitment When: 9:30-11 a.m. Where: Putnam General Hospital, 101 Lake Oconee Pkwy., Eatonton More Info: Putnam General Hospital Auxiliary members help create the ideal patient and family experience for all PGH visitors – but they need your help. The only requirements are energy, a smile, and the drive to help your community hospital thrive. Even if you have only a few hours available once a week or even once a month, we welcome you to make a difference! Come join the PGH Auxiliary for coffee and conversation Oct. 24, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at PGH.

FRIDAY, OCT. 27

What: Halloween at The Plaza When: 3:30-5 p.m. Where: The Plaza Arts Center, 305 N. Madison Ave., Eatonton More Info: Bring the kids to celebrate Halloween early with crafts, candy and much more at The Plaza in Eatonton.

What: Haunted Eatonton Ghost Tours When: Oct. 27, 28, and 30 (tours at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.) Where: Georgia Writers Museum, 109 S. Jefferson Ave., Eatonton More Info: GWM teams with Ann Hite, author of two award-winning ghost books to create an exciting tour of the haunted sites of downtown Eatonton. There is Sylvia, the famous ghost of Panola Hall, and Mr. Dickey, the legendary principal of the Eatonton School who still roams the halls and many more. You will hear the scariest stories you’ve never heard; all 100-percent true – except the parts we made up. Visit GWM online at georgiawritersmuseum. org or call 706-991-5119 for information or to register.

SATURDAY, OCT. 28

What: Putnam County Health Fair When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Where: Eatonton City Center Stage, 124A N. Jefferson Ave., Eatonton (behind Barrel 118) More Info: Free community event featuring a Red Cross blood drive at nearby First United Methodist Church, health insurance information, overdose prevention and mental health resources, seizure first-aid training, nutrition advice, blood sugar screening, hearing screening, flu and Covid vaccines, and hospice care information, among other healthcare-related services.

What: Fall at Stepback When: 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Where: 176 Dennis Station Rd., Eatonton More Info: Celebrate the fall season at Stepback, an authentic recreation of an 1850s-to-early 1900s Georgia community. Working demonstrations at a sawmill, gristmill, blacksmith shop, waterwheel mill, syrup-making shed, and cross-cut sawing. Tour the Stepback village outfitted with period-correct antiques, chat with the general store manager, the schoolmarm, the miller and his wife, and listen to old-time singing in the church. No admission fee, but donations for needy children at Christmas gratefully accepted. Complimentary refreshments provided, and yes, the boiledpeanut man will be there! Contact Roger Pierce at 706-473-1379 for information or search for and “Like” Stepback on Facebook.

What: Praise at The Main Stage When: 2-6 p.m. Where: Eatonton City Center Stage, 124A N. Jefferson Ave., Eatonton (behind Barrel 118) More Info: Join Texas AME Church members for an afternoon and evening of worship. Everybody welcome. Let’s get our praise on, together!