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WEDNESDAY, June 14, 2017
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City of Harlem celebrates opening of new library
BY CAITLIN BOLAND ccarpenter@mcduffieprogress.com
The Columbia County Library - Harlem Branch held its grand opening and ribbon cutting on May 31. The library, which is part of the Greater Clarks Hill Regional Library System, was completed in early May after approximately one year of construction. According to Columbia County Administrator Scott Johnson, the budget for the library was $5.2 million but the finished product totaled only $4.2 million. He said the county received a $2 million grant from the state and the remaining cost was covered with SPLOST dollars. The City of Harlem donated the land. Architect David Dixon and builders Clifton Construction built the new library. Harlem Mayor Bobby Culpepper thanked the citizens of Harlem who took part in the urban redevelopment visioning process. “Out of that process came the vision for this facility in this area,” Culpepper said. “Second, I’d like to thank the City Council that bought into that vision and made hard decisions in the face of voters and citizens that did not see this vision.” Culpepper also thanked the Columbia County Board of Commissioners, County Administrator Scott Johnson, the voters for passing SPLOST and the state legislators. “Something like this doesn’t happen in a back room with one or two people,” Culpepper said. “Today we are here because of that. I’d like to think that this is the model the citizens would want of their govern-
THOMSON FARMERS MARKET The Thomson Farmers Market will begin on the first Saturday in June 2017, and run each Saturday during the summer until the last Saturday in July from 8:00 a.m. till noon in downtown Thomson. The Market will feature fresh, seasonal, local produce from area farmers. For more information, call the Chamber at (706) 597-1000. HEAD START RECRUITMENT The CASR EOA, Inc. is now recruiting children ages 3 and 4 for Head Start for 2017-2918. Head Start offers children services such as health screenings,
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The McDuffie Progress/Caitlin Boland
Dr. Gary Leazer, MW Grand Master of Georgia, helps dedicate the cornerstone of the Harlem library as part of a Masonic ceremony. Mark Bradley and Benjamin W. Polston II serve as Stewards of the Grand Lodge of Georgia. ment. This is the kind of project that creates synergy.” Officials from the Georgia Public Library Service also were in attendance. “This is my first visit to Harlem, and when I came into town, I drove by the small library and thought oh what a cute library,” said Jessica Everingham, assistant state librarian for library and development for GPLS. “I drove past this building, and my jaw dropped. This is probably one of the most beautiful libraries I’ve ever seen in such a small town. This building will be a great asset to the community. This library is a lifeline to the world and all the information in it.” Mary Lynn Maner, director of libraries in Columbia County and director of the Greater Clark Hill Library Association, said the new library will help the citizens of Harlem for many
The McDuffie Progress/Caitlin Boland
The library in Harlem is located 375 N. Louisville Street. The newly constructed building is now open to the public.
The McDuffie Progress/Caitlin Boland
Library staff, Columbia County commissioners, Senator Jesse Stone, Rep. Barry Fleming, Harlem Mayor Bobby Culpepper and Harlem Mayor Pro-tem John Thigpen cut the ribbon. years to come with all of their needs. She said more than 2,000 new titles have been added to the library as
well as a slew of new computers. The library is closed Sunday and Monday. It is open Tuesday 9:00 a.m. to
6:00 p.m., Wednesday 1:00 to 6:00 p.m., Thursday 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday 9:00
Community bulletin board
dental screening, btrious foors, school readiness, engaging activites, and services for children with disabilites and mental health. In parent services, it offers parent education, community resources, activities, education, various assistance and fatherhood activites. For more information, contact Head Start at (706)595-2362 or (706) 722-0493 JUNE 17-24 DRIVING MISS DAISY The Schoolhouse Players in Bartow presents “Driving Miss Daisy.” Playing the role of Miss Daisy’s son, Boolie, is Thomson local, Skip Horne. This production
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celebrates the 20th season of live theater by The Schoolhouse Players. Performances are June 17, 23, and 24 at 7 p.m. with a Sunday matinee on June 25 at 3 p.m. Purchase tickets at the door or online at www.theschoolhouseplaye rs.org. For more information, call (478)364-3340. JUNE 22 NOTARY TRAINING CLASSES Free Notary Public Training Classes will be held in McDuffie County June 22 at the McDuffie County Courthouse, at 210 Railroad St. in Thomson. Offered in conjunction with the Georgia Superior Court Clerks’ Cooperative Authority, these 90-minutes classes, at 10 a.m. through 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., are for veteran notaries, new notaries or anyone considering becoming a notary public. Call the office of McDuffie County Clerk of Superior Court Connie Cheatham at (706) 595-2134 to reserve a spot in a class.
JUNE 23 NAACP FREEDOM FUND BANQUET The McDuffie County Branch NAACP will conduct its fifth annual Freedom Fund Banquet at Thomson-McDuffie Middle School at 7 p.m., Friday, June 23.
JUNE 27 SONS OF CONFERATE VETERANS CAMP Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp, Chapter #91, The Thomson Guards, has opened in Thomson. It meets on the 4th Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. The next meeting will be June 27 in the multipurse room of the Thomson-McDuffie County Library. The guest speaker will be Lewis Smith, curator of the McDuffie Museum, discussing his newly published book, J. Edgar Thomson, the Georgia Rail Road Years 1833-1845. The public is invited to attend. For more information, contact Tom Holley at (706)4663678 or David Butler at (706)564-2433.
JUNE 29 NAACP MEETING The monthly meeting of the McDuffie Branch NAACP will be held at 7 p.m., Thursday., June 29, at Greater St. James A.M.E. Church, located at 608 O’Neal St. in Thomson JULY 1 FIREWORKS Raysville Marina will hold a fireworks show at dark on July 1.
JULY 3 FREEDOM BLAST The Thomson-McDuffie Chamber of Commerce along with the City of Thomson will be hosting the fireworks show “Freedom Blast” on Monday, July 3. This event will be on the front lawn of the Thomson-McDuffie County Government Complex and will run 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. For more information on Freedom Blast, contact the Thomson-McDuffie County Chamber of Commerce at (706) 597-1000. JULY 24
a.m. to 1:00 p.m. “We are very excited to have this new building,” Maner said.
BLOOD DRIVE Shepeard Community Blood Center will host a blood drive at the Thomson Depot, located at 111 Railroad Street, on July 24 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. The drive is part of the “American Heroes” initiative to honor military service men and women, police officers, first responders and veterans. Fire trucks tours will be available, and drive participants will receive a discount at Hogie Joe’s. Participants will also receive free tickets to PuttPutt Golf. BLOOD DRIVE Shepeard Community Blood Center will host a blood drive at Warren County Probate Court, located at 521 Main STreet #104, on July 24 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. The drive is part of the “American Heroes” initiative to honor military service men and women, police officers, first responders and veterans. Fire trucks tours will be available. Participants will also receive free tickets to PuttPutt Golf.
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PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status or national origin, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents, women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD toll free at 1-800-669-9777. The toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-9279275.
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Miscellaneous Money Out of Pocket. __________________ SAVE YOUR HOME! Are you behind paying your MORTGAGE? Denied Loan Modification? Is the bank threatening foreclosure? CALL Home Owner's Relief Line now for Help 844-846-6824 __________________ New AT&T INTERNET OFFER, $20 and $30/mo plans available when you bundle. 99% Reliable 100% Affordable. HURRY, OFFER ENDS SOON. New Customers Only. CALL NOW 1-800-2918502. _________________ DISH SPECIAL! Stop paying for channels you don't watch! Starting at $39.99/mo. FREE Next-Day Installation + FREE $50 giftcard with signup courtesy of SatelliteDeals Call 855-
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Miscellaneous
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Miscellaneous IF YOU HAD HIP OR KNEE REPLACEMENT SURGERY AND SUFFERED AN INFECTION between 2010 and the present time, you may be entitled to compensation. Call Attorney Charles H. Johnson 1-800-535-5727
Services Bushhogging, Backhoe, Septic Tanks, Clearing, Stumps, Gravel, Sand, Clean Topsoil. Residential sewage and water lines. 706-5957600 or 7 0 6 - 5 6 4 - 7 6 0 3 . Affordable Lawn Service Call Chris 706-361-2400
MobileHomesforRent Decent & Affordable. 3 BDR, 2 BA. Free water & trash p/u. $495/mo. + deposit. No pets. (706) 986-1657.
__________________ New Year. New CareerAVIATION Grads work with JetBlue, Boeing, Delta and others-Get hands on training for FAA certification. Financial aid if qualified. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance ( 8 6 6 ) 5 6 4 - 9 6 3 4 . www.FixJets.com __________________ High-Speed Internet is Available Where You Live Today! Plans as low as $39.99 per month. Ask about discounts for DirecTV Customers! 1 - 8 0 0 - 2 6 6 - 4 4 0 9 PBSinternet@gmail.com __________________ Have a car? Want to earn money on your schedule? Drive with Uber. www.uber.com Use invite code JENNIFERL1266UE. __________________ and CIALIS VIAGRA
JUNE 17 SHILOH MISSIONARY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION The Fourth Shiloh Missionary Baptist Association’s Annual Rev. G. L. Avery Memorial Scholarship Celebration will be held at 6 p.m., Saturday, June 17 at the Warren County Community Service Building in Warrenton. JUNE 18
Upcoming church events
MORTGAGE BURNING Popular Spring Baptist Church invites the public to its Mortgage Burning Program during worship June 18. The sermon will be by the pastor, the Rev. Rev. F. C. Henderson. BOYS TO MEN CELEBRATION The St. John A.M.E. Church in Norwood invites the pubic to its Boys to Men Celebration,
at 2 p.m., Sunday, June 18. The guest preacher will be the Rev. Melvin Cowins, Son of the House of Winn Oliver A.M.E. Church and St. John A.M.E. Church in Norwood.
FATHER’S DAY PROGRAM Stoney Grove C.M.E. Church will have a Father's Day Program on Sunday, June 18, at 2 p.m. with Minister Roosevelt Jones and House of God in charge. The public is invited to attend. MEN AND WOMEN’S DAY Union Spring Missionary Baptist Church of Norwood invites the public to its Men and Women’s Day Program Sunday, June 18, beginning with Sunday School at 10:30 a.m. and the program at 11:30 a.m. Refreshments will be services. JUNE 18-22 VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL Union Baptist Church, located at 2743 Cedar Rock Road in Thomson, will host Vacation Bible School, “Operation arctic,” beginning Sunday, June 18 through Thursday, June 22, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. each evening. All children ages 3 through completed sith grade are invited to attend. A meal will be provided each night at
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5:15. Pre-registration is required, and you may do so online at www.ubcthomson.org. On, Friday, June 23, the Closing Ceremony will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the church. For more information, call the church off ice at (706) 597-1003 and leave a message.
JUNE 19-25 YOUTH REVIVAL/YOUTH ANNIVERSARY The Youth Department of Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church, at 1753 Mt. Pleasant Road in Thomson, will kick off its Youth Revival beginning with Prayer for Revival on Monday and Tuesday, June 19 and 20 from 6 p.m. to 6:30 pm. Following prayer, there will be a Workshop from 6:30-7:30. The Youth Revival will be Wednesday, June 21 through Friday, June 23 at 7 p.m. with the Guest Evangelist, Pastor Alex Gibson from Lundy Baptist Church in Macon Ga. The week will end with the Youth Anniversary, Sunday, June 25 with Minster Brandon Lynn from Lithonia Baptist Church. JUNE 21-22 CHURCH ANNIVERSARY Piney Grove Baptist Church in Dearing will have its annual Spring Revival June 21-22 at 7 p.m.
The Rev. Roscoe Perry, of First Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in Appling, will be the guest evangelist.
JUNE 25 CHURCH ANNIVERSARY The New Zion Hill A.M.E. Church, at 2448 Ridge Road in Thomson, invites the public to its Church Anniversary, beginning at 3:30 p.m., Sunday, June 25. The Rev. Daryl Porter, pastor of Mount Zion A.M.E. Church in Kennesaw, will be the speaker. The anniversary theme is “United We Stand, Divided We Fall, We Need Each Other to Survive.” USHERS PROGRAM CANCELLATION The CSRA Ushers of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church have cancelled their Ushers Program scheduled for June 25. CHURCH ANNIVERSARY White Oak Grove Baptist Church, at 1609 Stagecoach Road in Thomson, will celebrate its 130th Church Anniversary, Sunday, June 25 at 2 p.m. The Rev. Larry Sims and Solid Rock Baptist Church of Lincoln will be the guest church. The public is welcome to attend. Dinner will be served following the afternoon service.
JUNE 26-28 SUMMER REVIVAL Stoney Grove C.M.E. Church will have its Spring Revival June 26-28 at 7:30 p.m. The Rev. Larry Sims, pastor of Solid Rock Baptist Church , will be the evangelist. The public is invited to attend. JULY 1 FIRST SATURDAY SING The First Saturday Night Sing in July at Iron Hill Advent Christian Church will be on July 1. Supper will start at 6 p.m. and the singing will start at 7 p.m. The Southern Songmasters of Thomson will be the featured group. Iron Hill Advent Christian Church is located at the intersection of Iron Hill Road and EllingtonAirline Road in Dearing. There is no charge for this event. For more information, contact Bobby Anthony at (706) 801-5176. JULY 9 USHERS ANNIVERSARY The Ushers Ministry of Lithonia Baptist Church in Camak invites the public to its Anniversary Celebration, Sunday, July 9 at 2:30 p.m. The guest speaker will be the Rev. Stanley Freeland and the Greenwood Baptist Church of Norwood. Dinner will be served.
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Dozens of bicycles rest while cyclists come and go from the gym-sleeping area on Main Street.
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The McDuffie Progress/Correspondent Jim Wallace
BRAG wheels into McDuffie
BY JIM WALLACE and LINDA GREEN Correspondent lgreen@mcduffieprogress.com
Wheels were really turning in ThomsonMcDuffie Monday and Tuesday. The Bicycle Ride Across Georgia visited the community and close to 1,000 riders spent the night in and around McDuffie County as the seven-day event spent the night before continuing onto its next stop, Louisville, on Tuesday. There were many camped out next to The Brickyard on Springfield Street and many more in the gym on Main Street. Franklin Johnson, executive director of BRAG, was scurrying making sure things went smoothly Monday. He said the event took a lot of planning including suggestions for a route and establishing it as well as working with communities to get food, showers, police, EMS and other things critical. This is the ride’s 38th year, and Johnson has been director for two years. “We doubled our numbers the first year I was director, and we are about 1,000 strong this year, so we are working on growing it bigger,” said Johnson, who praised McDuffie County. “McDuffie has always been great,” said Johnson, adding that Elizabeth Vance, executive director at ThomsonMcDuffie County Convention & Visitors
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Bureau, has been a big part of BRAG’s visits. “She has done it before, and I came to her and she had her BRAG book of previous visits. She knows what goes where and how to get it there.” He said the intent of BRAG is to help support a dream team of children the organization has adopted from across the state for mentoring, courses and projects. Once a child completes his or her requirements, the child receives a bicycle. BRAG also promotes health and fitmess while making an economic impact on the communities it passes through, Franklin said. Steve Dwyer, of Georgia Pacific in Thomson, has participated in BRAG since 1987. “I do the entire ride, every avail-
able mile, every year.” He said BRAG is a way to see the state and meet people from across the country. He and a group of 20 riders from Statesboro, Atlanta and Thomson have become close friends. “I love cycling. It’s my passion. It has allowed me to meet people from all over the state.” For Tim Jacobs, of McDonough, BRAG is a stepping stone for a ride across the country when he retires. He said this was his second visit to Thomson and his second ride with BRAG. “I ride for fitness. BRAG is a challenge. My goal has been to ride across the country when I retire. These rides are like training rides for when I retire to do it. “ The McDuffie Progress/Linda Green
The Packway Handle Band performed at the June 5 block party.
The McDuffie Progress/Correspondent Jim Wallace
The McDuffie Progress/Linda Green
BRAG riders rode by Belle Meade Hunt on the way to the local headquarters.
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The Train- Dragos Nour, with daughters: eight-year-old Penny and sixyear-old Audrey, of Marietta, pause before turning into BRAG local headquarters on Springfield Street.