The Pike County Times will post your church and community event and fundraisers free on the Calendar of Events page. Community events from surrounding counties are welcome on this page as well. Email your upcoming events to: editor (at) pikecountytimes (dot) com. [Sorry you have to type this address in now. This is spam prevention.]
If you would like to buy an advertisement for your Open House or other business event, check out the advertising rates by clicking here. You won't be able to beat these weekly or monthly rates in a printed publication!
The Phone Directory is at the bottom of the page. County and City Government, Education, Post Offices, and even Utility contact numbers are listed at the bottom of this page. Service Organization information is listed after the Calendar of Events information as well. Please email any changes or additions to editor (at) pikecountytimes (dot) com. so the information can be updated.
If you would like to send a short press release about your Service Organization, please include a phone number and website address if you have one and email your information to: editor (at) pikecountytimes (dot) com.. Service Organization information is at the bottom of the page.
Check out the Links page for information about county websites, other online newspapers, military websites, fun things to do, and so much more. If you will place a link on your website for the Pike County Times, I will swap links with your website for free!
Pike County Post 197, The American Legion, Department of Georgia and Prayer Power of Georgia will hold a short service to offer thanks and prayers for our military on the first Monday of every month at 12:00 pm (noon). This is a monthly service that is held at the Veteran’s Memorial on the Pike County Courthouse grounds.
This will be a time to offer thanks and prayers for the men and women serving in our Military. The public is invited to gather at the Veteran’s Memorial for a focused time to remember our fallen heroes, honor those who have served, and seek protection for those who are serving. Pike County Post #197 will provide the military circumstances to recognize and honor our military, while Prayer Power of Georgia will provide the spiritual support.
THE OINK JOINT on the square in Zebulon will be supporting Prayer Power and The American Legion by offering a special for all those who attend the FIRST MONDAY PRAYER FOR OUR TROOPS at noon on the square at the Veteran’s Monument. The Oink Joint is offering their award winning pulled pork BBQ sandwich, chips, and your choice of slaw, stew, beans, or potato salad, all for $5.00. We appreciate The Oink Joint’s support and we hope you will show your support to them as well.
Join Prayer Power, Inc. every Sunday morning for discussions about issues that are relevant in our community today. Common Ground broadcasts can be heard every Sunday morning at 7:00 AM on WTGA 101.1 FM out of Thomaston, Georgia, or on the web at www.fun101fm.com.
Click here to find out more about Prayer Power and its ministry in our community. Podcasts are online too.
Autism and Spectrum Disorder Support Group Meets In Our Area
A new Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorder Support Group called “Jeremiah’s Promise” is meeting at Rock Springs Church the third Thursday of each month at 7:00pm. Meetings are now held in The Chapel which is the building located to the left of the Rock Springs Church Sanctuary. Participation is open to everyone and Church membership is not required.
Thanks to an experienced volunteer Child care is now provided! To reserve a space in child care or for more information please call Kelly Leger at 404-861-6341.
The name of this support group is Jeremiah’s Promise based on Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Kelly Leger is the mother of a child with Aspergers syndrome. She said that it has been a tremendous learning experience for her family. Kelly feels like parents of children with autism and children on the autism spectrum have some unique challenges, and she wants to share hope to other parents through this support group. “Sometimes you feel like you’re the only one out there dealing with it and nobody really understands what you’re going through,” Kelly said, “and I think it will be a tremendous help to families just to know that there are others out there experiencing the same thing.”
Click here the read the rest of this article and find out how you become a part of this support group.
Fall is in the air, and if outdoor burning is on your to-do list, the Georgia Forestry Commission has some reminders about fire
safety and the law.
"Georgia's annual burn ban for north Georgia counties will be lifted on October first," said Alan Dozier, Chief of Protection
for the Georgia Forestry Commission. "Because escaped burning is our number one cause of wildfire, residents throughout the
state are required to get a burn permit before lighting outdoor debris piles."
Click here to read the remainder of this press release and find out necessary information including how you can obtain your burn permit.
January 2, 2012 ............................................................................. New Year’s Day
January 16, 2012 .........................................................Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
April 6, 2012 ....................................................................................... Good Friday
May 28, 2012 ................................................................................... Memorial Day
July 4, 2012 ................................................................................ Independence Day
September 3, 2012 .................................................................................. Labor Day
November 12, 2012 ............................................................................ Veterans Day
November 22, 2012 .................................................................... Thanksgiving Day
November 23, 2012 ............................................................ Day after Thanksgiving
December 24, 2012 .................................................................... Christmas Holiday
December 25, 2012 .................................................................... Christmas Holiday
The Boys & Girls Clubs of West GA will be holding a fundraiser at B&P Bonding in Zebulon on Friday, February 17, 2012 from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Hot wings plates include six hot wings, fries, and a drink. Each plate is $5. Call Rufus at (678) 544-1218 for more information or to schedule a delivery. Deliveries will be limited by the number of drivers who are available at specified times.
All proceeds will go to The Boys & Girls Clubs of West GA - Pike Unit's Keystone Program to help cover airfare for students who are attending the National Conference in Texas. This is the second straight National Conference for our local Boys & Girls Club!
Prayer Power Presents 2012 Faith Award - Deadline March 1, 2012
ZEBULON - Prayer Power of Georgia is pleased to announce that it will be awarding the annual PRAYER POWER FAITH AWARD to graduating seniors in Pike County. This award will honor one male and one female senior who have shown spiritual growth and maturity during their high school experience. Seniors may be nominated by any group or individual and may attend public school, private school or be homeschooled. The award winner shall be selected from the nominated seniors.
Nominations must be received by Prayer Power of Georgia, in writing, no later than the first day of March. All nominations must be accompanied by the following: 1) The testimony of the nominee. 2) A letter of recommendation. And the letter should give specific achievements and ways in which the senior has displayed their spiritual growth and maturity during their high school experience. Permission to use the name and image of the award winner on our website and promotional material is required.
Award winners shall be selected by Prayer Power of Georgia’s Board of Directors. Prayer Power of Georgia may interview nominees. Nominees shall be selected based on: Growth and maturity of faith over the four year high school experience, community involvement, participation in church functions and activities, and outward display of faith.
Awards shall be announced and presented during the evening program for the celebration of the National Day of Prayer sponsored by Prayer Power of Georgia and at the senior’s Honors night.
Click here for more information including nomination forms.
The schedule for this weekend, February 18, 2012 is:
6:00 - River's Edge,
7:00 - The Rhythm Masters, and
8:00 - Bonner Creek.
We offer the finest in Bluegrass, Country and Gospel music entertainment every Saturday night in an alcohol-free, family atmosphere. There is no charge for admission as we operate on a "Donations Only" environment. Everyone is welcome. Bands interested in performing should contact Dan Kilgore at 706-975-9045 for scheduling information. We are located at 2233 Highway 362 West Williamson, GA 30292.
Two Pike County residents are among the cast of the upcoming Gordon College Theatre production of William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing.
Matthew Boseman plays Don Pedro while Chelsea Thompson plays Lady Joan. One of Shakespeare’s most popular comedies, Much Ado About Nothing mixes love, trickery, confessions and four lovers for a truly hilarious confection of a play.
Performances are Wednesday Feb. 22 through Saturday, Feb. 25 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 26 at 2 p.m. on the stage of the Gordon College Fine Arts Theater. Doors open 30 minutes prior to the performance. Tickets are available at the door and are $7 for adults, $6 for senior citizens, $5 for children and non-Gordon students and $4 each for groups of 10 or more.
First Call of the Pike County Emergency/Tornado Warning System
The first call of the Pike County Emergency/Tornado Warning System will be on Thursday, February 23, 2012 at 7 p.m.
Citizens can continue signing up for both the DeltAlert System and updating our information with E911 even after the call is placed on February 23rd. Click on the link above the main stories on the Home Page.
Anyone with questions can call EMA Director Jimmy Totten at the Pike County Emergency Services office at 770-567-2018.
Are you caring for someone at Home? If so, you are a “Caregiver.” Learn skills of being a great caregiver.
There will a Community Caregiver Education Class sponsored by Thomaston Hospice Foundation on February 29th, 2012 at Thomaston Senior Center/Memorial Hall at 1:00-3:00p.m. The cost is FREE.
Topics will be Caregivers staying healthy, Safety & Medicine issues for your patient, Proper usage of medical equipment, End of life Issues, and Community Resources available to you.
Call 706-647-2273 or 706-647-1607 to Register. This is be a free class, a non-credit course.
The Griffin Choral Arts Community Chorus, under the direction of Dr. Stephen J. Mulder, will present a concert entitled, "Masterworks: Gloria!" on Thursday, March 1, at 7:30 PM, at the Griffin Auditorium (234 E. Taylor Street).
The program features the well-known "Gloria in D" by Antonio Vivaldi and the lesser-known but highly regarded "Messa di Gloria" by Giacomo Puccini. A 24-piece professional orchestra from all over the middle Georgia region will accompany the chorus.
Tickets are $10 general admission at the door or in advance in Griffin at Artistic Flowers and Gifts and The Tiger Lily.
For more information about Griffin Choral Arts call (770) 468-3072 or visit the website www.griffinchoralarts.org.
Pike Parks & Recreation Hosting St. Patrick's Daddy-Daughter Dance
ZEBULON - Pike County Parks & Recreation is holding a St. Patrick's Daddy-Daughter Dance on Friday, March 9th from 7:00pm until 10:00pm at the Pike County Senior Center on Hwy. 19. The dance is for girls in grades 3-5 and their fathers or another special man in their life.
There will be music, refreshments, door prizes and dance contests. The cost is $45.00 per couple, which includes one 4X6 photo. Paid registration only will be accepted at the parks & recreation office beginning February 13th and ending March 2nd.
Space is limited, so please register early. For more information, contact Chaundra Dickerson at 770-567-2027.
Pine Mountain Trail HIKE Saturday March 24, 10 a.m. Meet Harry Pruitt at the Fox Den Cove Parking Lot off Ga. 190 1.4 miles east of the park office. Bring snacks/lunch and water. Hike will be 5 moderate miles. Hikers will enjoy seeing five a huge 19' around Poplar tree along the way. Bring snacks and water. Hike is FREE including free parking permit.
Pike County Chamber of Commerce to Host 2012 Economic Forecast
ZEBULON - The Pike County Chamber of Commerce will present the 2012 Economic Forecast on Tuesday, March 27, 2012 at 7:30 a.m. at Life Springs Church Community Center. The cost of this event is $15 per person with advanced reservations; $20 at the door. Sponsorships Available.
Our expert panelists will share their view of the current economy and what they see for the future. Confirmed Panelists include: Moore Hallmark with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Brooke Lucas with the Georgia Department of Labor and others to be announced soon. There will be question and answer segment open to the audience.
For more information or to register for this event, please call the chamber at (770) 567-2029 or register online at www.pikecountygachamber.com.
Bluebird Market is a Thomaston, Georgia organic co-op farmers market. Local community gardeners, artisans and growers may market their goods and produce.
Join us each week at 215 Barnesville Street (former R.C. Cola Building) across from Big Chic on Barnesville Street in Thomaston. Open Saturdays 8 am to noon.
The Lamar County Humane Society meets on the 4th Monday of every month at 6:30 p.m. in the meeting room of the Barnesville Public Library.
Service Organization Information
Reach Out to Others through the Pike County Christian Outreach Center
Pike County Christian Outreach Center is located in Molena. It is a non-profit organization that reaches out to those in need in our community. It depends on the help of donors and churches in our area to help fill needs in our community.
Needs: Toilet paper and other paper products, medium size diapers, cleaning supplies, dish detergent, laundry detergent, shampoo and soap, "Kid Friendly" foods, canned meats, fruit, peanut butter and jelly, cereal, juice, and pasta/spaghetti sauce. Please bring donations during open hours since items that are left of the steps to get wet cannot be used.
Churches can contact Pike County Christian Outreach Center at 770-884-0010 to give a contact person and the correct mailing address to be included in this mission in our community. Donations can be sent to: Pike County Christian Outreach Center, PO Box 30, Molena, GA 30258-0030.
Pike County Christian Outreach Center is open on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Anyone who needs assistance should arrive before 12:00 noon since volunteers who interview and fill orders leave at noon. 770-884-0010
Support The Pike County Emergency Service Auxillary With Reflective Address Signs
The Pike County Emergency Service Auxillary is selling reflective address signs to Pike County citizens. Proceeds benefit all emergency services personnel with disaster assistance in the form of gatorade, water, and other necessary items. Green signs are 6 inches by 18 inches with 4 inch reflective numbers on each side.
To order, call 770-567-5191 for more information.
All orders for reflective address signs must be made in writing.
National Association for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) Support Group Meets In Our Area
Please call Pat York at 770-584-1045 for information abut the regional chapter of the National Association for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) Support Group.
This is a support group for people with depression and mental illness that serves the Pike, Butts, Henry, Spalding, Upson, and Lamar County area.
Allergy and Asthma Network Partners Purpose (AANPP)
AANPP is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to asisting families of children with asthma and severe allergies to breathe easier without restrictions or limitations, regardless of social or economic status, by providing not only educational and practical strategies to help live with asthmatic conditions, but most importantly, provide equipment and products to those families without financial means to help their children breathe healthier. Information without action is not enough.
Allergy and Asthma Network Partners Purpose, PO Box 261, Zebulon, Georgia 30295. 678-588-5154.
Dolly GoodPuppy Posts Lost Pets and Encourages Adoption
Dolly GoodPuppy Society, Inc. is a non-profit organization centered on pet knowledge, care, and training here in our area. Dolly presents seminars and training events for pets with information about upcoming events on her website.
Millions of pets are euthanized in America every year. Dolly Goodpuppy encourages you to save a life by adopting from a shelter or pound. Check out the links on her website to see pets that need a home. www.dollygoodpuppy.org/adopt.html
Dolly also has a Lost and Found page. This page is for the people in our community who have lost a pet including Pike County since we do not have an animal shelter at this time. If you have a pet that is missing, she will post a photo and your contact information. Dolly encourages pet owners to place some sort of ID on your pet.
Dolly also "writes" her own column that is is published as the Pet Gazette News on www.dollygoodpuppy.org.
Rock Springs Church Provides Outreach Ministries
www.rockspringsonline.com provides outreach ministries such as grief recovery, 12 programs, alcohol and drug rehabilitation, and more. Click on the link to find out more information.
Low Cost Spay and Neuter
If you are interested in low cost spay and neuter for your cats or dogs, call the Lamar County Humane Society at 770-358-4569 and leave a message with your contact information.
The Lamar County Humane Society transports animals back and forth to Dr. Giles at the Fort Valley Animal Hospital for spay and neuter procedures at different times during the year.
You do not have to be a Lamar County resident to participate in this clinic. Further information will be provided in the return call from the Lamar County Humane Society. Let the Lamar County Humane Society know that you read about the clinic on the Pike County Times!
Pike Community Resource Network-Formerly the YES Team
Our PURPOSE is enabling PARTNERSHIPS in our
community to impact the PEOPLE who need us most.
The Pike Community Resource Network purpose is to
foster public awareness of cultural and social trends
impacting the ability of families, adults, youth and children
in the Pike County community to live healthy productive
lives.
The Pike Community Resource Network will serve as a
connecting point to foster the development of community
partnership to equip all Pike County families, adults, youth
and children with positive life skills to develop healthy and
productive lives.
The Pike Community Resource Network will provide up to
date information and data demonstrating how families,
adults, youth and children in Pike County have been
strengthened to live healthy and productive lives.
Pike Community Resource Network meets on the 2nd Tuesday of each month (August - June) at the PCAP BUILDING (The Old Pike County Middle/High School Next to Ruth's Restaurant) from 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM. The public is welcome to attend.
Lamar County Health Department Offers Services
Are you uninsured or unable to pay your co-pay for health care? Lamar County Health Department may be able to help.
Services that are currently provided at the Lamar County Health Department include: Vaccines for all ages, Health checks for children, Developmental screening for children, Breast and cervical cancer screening, Registered Dietician on site, Family planning – includes medical exams, lab tests, counseling, contraceptives/sterilizations, and referral for health needs, Pregnancy tests, Screening and treatment for Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Hearing/Vision/Dental screenings, Tuberculosis screening and treatment, Blood pressure screening, Lab work (with doctors orders), Women, Infant, & Children nutrition program for pregnant women and children up to 5 yrs old, Well water testing for bacteria ,
Coming in September: Dental clinic for children 12 months – 18 years old on Medicaid, PeachCare for Kids, or not covered by insurance.
Our goal is to provide low cost services. Charges for many services are based on income for people who are underinsured or uninsured. Same day appointments are available if you call early in the morning. Phone lines open at 7 a.m. Monday – Friday and the health department is open from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Friday.
Call today and see how we can help you have a healthier future! 770-358-1483
Volunteer for the Local Red Cross
Pike County, Upson, Lamar and Spalding County are all part of the Georgia Three Rivers Chapter. This chapter is comprised of 10 counties in Georgia, some of which used to be served by the Metropolitan Atlanta Chapter.
If you would like to volunteer, need Red Cross information or would like to make a donation, contact the Georgia Three Rivers Chapter of the American Red Cross at 706-884-5818 or via email at ga3rivers.redcross@gmail.com. Our web address is www.ga3riversredcross.org.
Pike County Campus of Griffin Technical College’s Adult Education Program Offers Classes
The Pike County Campus of Griffin Technical College’s Adult Education program offers classes such as obtaining a General Educational Development Diploma, learning English as a second language, or refreshing skills before enrolling in a college program.
An application process may be required prior to entering the program. Classes are held in the Zebulon Opportunity Center located behind the Zebulon Fire Department and Zebulon City Hall.
For further information, please call Carol Tucker at 770-567-8929. Tell her that you read about her program on the Pike County Times.com.
Lion's Club Meetings and Rental Information on the Depot
The Pike County Lion's Club meets at 7 p.m. on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month at the Depot. For information on becoming a member, call President Fletcher Dunn at 770-584-4525 or Membership Chairman Charles Bentley at 770-227-9878.
The Depot can be used for private functions by the public. No alcohol or loud music is allowed. No political events are allowed either. User must sign an agreement prior to use. Stove, fridge, and microwave for user use. Donation goes to upkeep of the Depot goes to the Camp for the Blind, the Georgia Lion's Lighthouse, and other Lion's Club projects.
Please contact the Lion's Club for information about rental information for the Depot and tell them that you read about it on the Pike County Times.com.
Other Important Information
Recycle in Pike County at the Transfer Station
Items that can be recycled at the Pike County Transfer and Recycling Center include plastics, newspapers, magazines, and phone books, cardboard, boxboard like cereal boxes, steel cans, aluminum cans, green/brown and clear glass--soon to be 3 types of glass--junk metal and shreddable metal like old refrigerators and lawn mowers, and batteries of all types from car batteries to cell phone batteries and even small batteries. Carpet and electronic waste--anything with a cord--recycling are coming soon to the Recycle Center.
No more sorting slick papers from the newspapers. Simply gather up magazines, newspapers, junk mail, and old phone books for a trip to the Recycling Center.
And the Transfer Station takes yard debris. Other items that are accepted for recycling with a fee include car tires, semi tires, and tractor tires.
The Pike County Transfer and Recycling Center is open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. each day. It is closed on Sunday. 770-567-5828.
Obtaining Outdoor Burning Permits
The Georgia Forestry Commission would like to remind landowners that the EPD summer burning restrictions go into effect May 1st of each year. The annual restrictions remain in place for 54 counties through September 30.
Please obtain a permit before you burn. The GFC issue permits seven days a week unless the weather dictates poor air quality or high fire danger.
Permits can be obtained in 3 different ways. The easiest way for most landowners is the automated phone system. The phone number to obtain an automated permit is 1-877-652-2876. The 6x6 size limit applies to counties with a population of 65,000 or more only.
The second way to obtain permits for small leaf and limb piles smaller than 6x6 is on the Georgia Forestry Commissions web page. Daily or annual permits can be obtained at www.gfc.state.ga.us and then follow the link to burning permits. Please take the time to read all the information concerning outdoor burning and understand the rules. If you are burning acreage call the office at 770-227-5522 or 770-229-3005.
Regional Public Transportation Is Available
The regional public transportation program provides public tranportation for residents of Butts, Lamar, Pike, Spalding, and Upson Counties and has operated in this region since 1999. The regional public transportation program is administered by the McIntosh Trail Regional Development Center, and is one of two suburban regional public transportation systems approved by the Georgia Department of Transportation.
The regional public transportation plan operates under a "demand response" model which means that there are no fixed routes, bus stops, or pick up times. With a deman response model, residents call in and order a trip 24 hours in advance, and daily routes are generated based on the destinations requested. The transportation operator will attempt to accommodate all callers for the times they request.
In order to schedule a trip on the public transportation system, please call 770-229-4885 or in Upson County call 1-800-906-3257. The service is offered Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Call for pricing information.
