Holiday Events for All Ages

Dahlonega’s Old Fashioned Christmas

Dahlonega’s Old Fashioned Christmas is a month-long celebration. Festive holiday events will continue almost daily throughout December until after New Year’s with caroling, entertainment, wine sampling, live theater Christmas events and more.

Friday, Dec. 16

• Date Night by Candlelight at Paul Thomas Chocolates. Bring your date or mate for cocoa and gingerbread cookies 6-8 p.m.

• Trolley Tours, 7 and 8 p.m.Tickets at Visitors Center ($5/$3)

• A Tuna Christmas, 8 p.m., Holly Theatre. $15

Saturday, Dec. 17

• Visit Santa at Visitors Center 1-6 p.m.

• Open house at Habersham Winery with wine, food and cider

• Trolley Tours 6, 7, and 8 p.m.Tickets at Visitors Center ($5/$3)

• A Tuna Christmas, 8 p.m., Holly Theare. $15

Sunday, Dec. 18

• Visit Santa at Visitors Center 1-5 p.m.

• Open house at Habersham Winery with wine, food and cider

• A Tuna Christmas, 2 p.m., Holly Theatre $15

Old Fashioned Christmas Trolley Tours

Thirty-minute trolley tours of the historic Dahlonega downtown area will feature storytelling about Dahlonega and Lumpkin County’s rich history. Trolleys will run Fridays at 7 and 8 p.m. and Saturdays at 6, 7, and 8 p.m. through Dec. 17. Tickets are available at the Visitors Center­—adults, $5; children, $3.

Kiwanis Community Holiday Dinner Dec. 17

Kiwanis Club of Lumpkin County will be holding a Community Holiday Dinner Saturday, Dec. 17, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.—or whenever the last person is served. The event will be held at the Lumpkin County Parks YMCA and is free to all comers.

Toys for Tots Open house with Kurt Thomas

Dahlonega Funeral Home, a drop off point for Toys for Tots, will host a Holiday Open House to end this year’s drive beginning at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 20. The evening will include music by Kurt Thomas beginning at 6:30 p.m, refreshments,and a special appearance by Santa.Admission is free; please bring the whole family and a new, unwrapped toy.Donations of toys and sponsorships, all of which benefit local families, will continue to be accepted Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. through Dec. 20. Contributions are also being accepted at United Community Bank for a bank account set up there. The funeral home is located at 20 Gibson Road between Georgia 400 and Dahlonega. 706-864-3683

Christmas Day meal at DUMC

Dahlonega United Methodist Church will host a free meal on Christmas day from 2-4 p.m. in the building behind SunTrust Bank. No reservations are needed. 706-864-2521, www.dahlonegaumc.org

Blood Drives

Four upcoming blood drives

The need for blood during the holidays is critical. LifeSouth will hold four blood drives in Lumpkin County during the next few weeks. Dates and locations are: Friday, Dec. 16, BB&T, 60 Main Street West, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 17, Unseen Hands Food Bank, Auraria Baptist Church, Auraria, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Wednesday, Dec. 21, Chick-fil-A, 488 Morrison Moore Parkway East, 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and, Wednesday, Dec. 28, Lumpkin County Fire Department, Morrison Moore Parkway East, 1 to 6:30 p.m. Donors must be at least 17 years old (16 years old with a signed LifeSouth parent permission form), weigh 110 pounds or more, and show a photo I.D. at the time of donation. 888-795-2707, lifesouth.org.

Community Support Projects

Help Kiwanis feed 150 people on Saturday!

The Kiwanis Club will host a Community Dinner for the children of Lumpkin County and their families beginning at 11 a.m., Saturday.,Dec. 17 at Lumpkin County Parks YMCA. They are expecting to feed 150-plus and are in need of cranberry sauce, bread, butter, green beans, mashed potatoes, dressing, desserts, paper plates and utensils, napkins, cups and volunteers. Call or text (770) 616-0441. Club members will be on-site at 8 a.m. to accept donations.

CASA raffle of trip to Cayman Islands

Enotah CASA is raffling off a trip to Cayman Brac which includes a week’s stay and two round trip plane tickets from Miami. CASA provides Court Appointed Special Advocates to work with and support children in foster care. Raffle drawing at Shenanigan’s Irish Pub Dec. 21. Tickets, $10 each or 3 for $20, are available at Shenanigan’s or by calling the CASA office, 706-864-0300. www.enotahcasa.org

CHP Christmas Shop OPEn

The Community Helping Place Christmas Shop, a fundraiser for the CHP’s White Christmas program, is stocked with Christmas decorations, clothing and more. Located in the furniture section of the CHP’s Thrift Store, 2030 Hwy. 19 North, the shop will be open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m.-4 p.m. through Dec. 17. 706-867-9621

official Dahlonega ornament available

Issued exclusively by the Community Helping Place of Dahlonega, this year’s official Christmas in Dahlonega ornament depicts the Holly Theatre. The limited edition ornaments, handcrafted in the USA, are available for $20 (cash or check only) at The Fudge Factory, West Cleaners, the CHP Thrift Shop and Continuing Education at NGCSU. All proceeds benefit the Community Helping Place Medical Clinic, Thrift Stores, and Food Pantry. 706-867-9621, ext. 101

Pick up for Southern finds

Call Southern Finds (A NOA store) to pick up gently used furniture and/or home decor. Donations receive a tax deductible receipt. 706-867-6167

Free PIck up of Donations by CHP

Community Helping Place is in need of gently used furniture. Free pick up within a 10-mile radius of the store. Ben, 706-867-9621 ext. 106

Pickup by Waypoint

Waypoint Center Thrift Store will pick up yard sale leftovers, furniture, clothing and household items. All donations benefit the organization’s non-profit, faith based addiction recovery program. Call 706-867-0297 for pickup. www.waypointcenter.org

Free medical supplies, book swap

Free book swap. Also, free medical supplies for loaner program. Donations of medical supplies/equipment in good condition needed. Lisa Jo’s Thrift Store, next to Moore’s Building Supply. 706-429-7232

At the Library

Lumpkin County Library, 706-864-3668

www.chestateelibrary.org

HOURS: M-W 10-5:30, TH 11-7, FRI-SAT 10-3:30

Facebook. “Become a Fan” on the library’s Web site

eBooks: Downloadable at the library’s Web site.

Internet Basics, Wednesday, Dec. 14, 9-10 a.m. This computer class teaches a basic knowledge of the internet. Learn the parts of the Explorer window and how to navigate Google. Email accounts and search tips will be discussed. Students need to be familiar with a computer and have basic knowledge on how to use a keyboard and mouse. Registration is required.

U Play? Tween Gaming, Wednesday, Dec. 14, 4-5 p.m. Wii Sports golf on the big screen. Grades 3-6

Gingerbread House Decorating Workshop, Saturday, Dec. 17. Children will decorate their own gingerbread houses. Three sessions offered: 10-11 a.m., 12-1 p.m. and 2-3 p.m. Space is limited. Reservations are now open.

Genealogy Workshop, Saturday, Dec. 17, 11 a.m. Learn how to use the web to trace your family roots. Volunteer William Knight will be on hand to share his knowledge and teach you how to use and access different databases available on the web. Registration required.

Children & Young Adults

New Classes at Dahlonega Gymnastics

Beginning Jan. 2 Dahlonega Gymnastics will offer Cheer Bears, a six-week competitive cheer class, on Mondays/Wednesdays from 4-5 pm. Backhandspring Clinics are Monday 5:15-6:15 p.m. ($10/ class) and Adult Gymnastics meets on Mondays from 6:30-8 p.m. ($10/class) 706-864-8516, www.dahlonegagymnastics.com

SCOUTING:

Boy Scout Troop 36 is chartered by the Mountain Ranger Association and meets Monday nights at 6:30 at their scout hut located at Camp Frank Merrill 5th RTB. Troop 36 participates in a 50-mile hiking/canoe trip every summer, as well as camping, kayaking, backpacking, rock climbing and caving year round. Don McElliott, 706-864-0278, www.dahlonega36.mytroop.us

Boy Scout Troop 303 meets weekly on Mondays at 6 p.m. in the Scout Hut with a campout generally held once a month. Visit and consider making Troop 303 your Boy Scout home. 706-867-7047, www.bsa303.org

Cub scout pack 36 meets Mondays from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Lumpkin County Parks YMCA arts and crafts room. Monthly themed pack meetings, outdoor activities plus community service projects. 770-503-6221, 706-867-6711, www.littlemen.webs.com

Venturing group: Venture Crew #79 meets Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m. in the art room at Park and Rec. Venturing is a youth led program for boys and girls ages 13-20 and involves high adventure activities such as kayaking, white water rafting and rock climbing as well as social activities and community projects. Augustus Brightwell, 706-864-9487 abrightwell@hotmail.com

YMCA After-School Program

Lumpkin County Parks YMCA After School Program serves children from Lumpkin elementary and middle schools from 2:45 to 6 p.m. on school days. One time registration fee $15. Weekly fees: one day, $15; two days, $30, three to five days, $40. Register at the Lumpkin County YMCA Community Center or contact Stephen Disanto, 706-864-3622. tfn

Wellness/Fitness

YOGA with Quiana

Yoga promotes ease, health, vitality and peace. Vinyasa Flow integrating movement, breath and mudras. Mondays 9-10:15 a.m. and 6:15-7:30 p.m.; Wednesdays 9-10:15 a.m.; Thursday 4- 5:20 p.m.; Friday 9-10:15 a.m. Saturdays 8-9:30 a.m. To join, contact Quiana 828-318-9169

LEARN TO MEDITATE

Body, mind, spirit, stress reduction. Mondays 5:15 - 6 p.m. To join, contact Quiana 828-318-9169

Holistic movement classes

Wild Mountain Girl Herbal School on the square announces new holistic movement classes. Classes for grace, balance, gentle stretching, cardio-strength, walking, and more. All classes are easy and inexpensive. Cindi Vernon, 706-429-6323

Yoga at Dahlonega Spa Resort

Yoga at Dahlonega Spa Resort Tuesdays 6-7:15 p.m. $12/class, five classes $10. 400 Blueberry Hill off Town Creek Church Road. 706-865-7678

AT Dahlonega Healing Arts

Morning Yoga 9-10:15 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Evening Yoga Monday, 6:20 p.m.; Wednesday, 6 p.m., Thursday 4 p.m. and Friday, 4:30 p.m. Meditation Monday, 5:30-6:15 p.m. (spiritual discourse/meditation/chanting are part of this meditation). Chigong/Taichi: Tuesday at 6 p.m. and Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. 81 Crown Mountain Place, Building E, Suite 100, 706-867-7026

Yoga Classes with Chris Sartain

Yoga promotes health, strength, flexibility, balance and peace. Classes Wednesdays, 6-7:15 p.m. and Fridays, 4:30-6 p.m. Dahlonega Healing Arts, 81 Crown Mountain Place Bldg E, Suite 100. Chris Sartain, 404-202-9652

Jazzercise

Adult classes offered now, Jr. Jazzercise and Team Dance coming soon. Jazzercise of Dahlonega, 400 Wal-Mart Way, Suite F. 678-617-0329, www.jazzercise.com; bgagne@windstream.net

YOGA Flow for Personal Fitness

Morning/afternoon/evening classes promoting improved strength, flexibility, endurance, balance, breath control and stress relief. Paula Bingham, YogaFit® trained 706-864-2851 pyb3644@windstream.net

natural & holistic living

The Southern Association of Green Enthusiasts is open to anyone who is interested in natural, alternative, green and holistic living. Cindi Vernon, (706)429-6323 or cindiv@windstream.net

Wellness Classes

Learn healthy eating habits, lifestyle choices and exercises by certified nutritionist and wellness coach. 706-429-7956 Wellness-21, on the Public Square. www.wellness-21.com

saturday Walking Group

Come join us and make walking fun and social. All levels welcome. Light stretching, strengthening and walking of course. Introduction to Nordic walking. Call for times and locations. 706-429-7956, Wellness-21, on the Public Square. www.wellness-21.com 

Pets

Red barn collects food, offers nail trims

The Red Barn Veterinary Hospital is collecting pet food to be distributed among Lumpkin County rescue organizations. As a thank you, Red Barn will give your pet a free nail trim. The collection goes on until Dec 23 at 14 Seven Mile Hill Road.

TLC seeks volunteers, trainer assistants

TLC Humane Society is looking for volunteers to help animals, make new friends and have fun. There are many ways to help, from walking dogs to working on construction projects. Volunteers are also needed to assist in training the TLC dogs Saturdays, 10 a.m. at TLC—no experience needed. 706-864-2817, info@tlchs.org or stop by TLC at 1735 Red Oak Flats Road.

Purchases from online retailers benefit TLC

TLC Humane Society has partnered with Adoptashelter.com to raise money for Lumpkin County’s no-kill shelter. Any item purchased through http://adoptashelter.com/MallPortal/?shelter_id=1487 at over 400 retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, iTunes, Office Depot and others earns money for TLC. All prices, customer service and discounts are exactly the same as going directly to the merchant.

volunteer pets needed

The Compassionate Pets Program at Compassionate Hospice of North Georgia is seeking volunteers. Tami, Volunteer Coordinator, 678-943-3585 or 678-717-0969

Micro-chipping at animal shelter

Micro-chipping is available to the public at Lumpkin County Animal Shelter for any dog or cat for $20. Tuesday-Saturday, 10:30 a.m. -4:30 p.m. 1363 Red Oak Flats Road, 706-867-7297

Support Groups

Grief support program At church of the Apostles

GriefShare is a 13-week seminar and support group for people who are grieving the death of a family member or close friend. A new class begins Saturday, Jan. 14, 10 a.m.-12 noon, at Church of The Apostles, Dawsonville. To register call 706-216-4912. www.cotachurch.com

Cancer Patients

Life with Cancer, a support group for men and women, meets the second Monday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at Church of the Apostles, 32 Grant Road West, Dawsonville. Facilitator is Joan Palazollo, a licensed, practicing counselor and cancer survivor. 706-878-8149

Nursing Mothers’ Support

Mom to Mom Breastfeeding Support Group meets monthly at different locations due to weather or site availability. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers meet in an informal setting for fun, information and friendship. Lynn Hale, WIC Breastfeeding Counselor, 678-630-9596

Domestic violence: support, crisis line

NOA (No One Alone) conducts weekly support groups for women and children to give victims the opportunity to process current abuse and the emotions accompanying domestic violence situations. Groups meet each Wednesday from 6:30-7:45 p.m. Childcare provided. 706-867-6420 for information. 24-Hour Crisis Line, 706-864-1986

Reformers Unanimous Addiction Program

RU meets every Friday at 7 p.m. at Wahoo Baptist Church, 9365 Highway 52 East, Murrayville. Helping others break chains of addiction. Childcare provided. Supported by Wahoo, Faith, Canaan, and Harvest Baptist churches. 706-867-9385

Grief support programs at NGMC

Hospice of Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) offers free grief support groups in area schools, as well as an ongoing support group to parents surviving the loss of their adult child. 770-219-8888, Jennifer Sorrells, Jennifer.Sorrells@nghs.com .

Kinship Care

Kinship Care, grandparents raising grandchildren and relatives raising nieces and nephews, meets the second Wednesday of each month from 10-11:30 a.m. at the Lumpkin County Senior Center, 266 Mechanicsville Road. Jocelyn Joaquim, 706-864-2768

CELEBRATE RECOVERY: Biblically-based 12-Step Recovery Meeting.

Dahlonega UMC: Every Saturday. Church service 5:30 p.m. Celebrate Recovery Meeting 6:30 p.m. Dinner provided. Dahlonega United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 107 South Park Street

Set Free Church: Every Tuesday and Wednesday night at 7 p.m., 1660 Highway 52 East

Alcoholics Anonymous:

The Gratitude Group: Monday through Friday at noon, Saturday at 9 a.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. All meetings at Kidz Church of the Dahlonega United Methodist church using the Maple Street entrance opposite the Sun Trust bank ATM. AA Hotline: 706-867-7769

12 Step Meeting: Thursdays, 7:30 p.m., Dahlonega Baptist Church

Al-Anon:

Saturdays 9-10 a.m. and Tuesdays 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Georgia Mountain Unitarian-Universalist Church, 439 South Park Street. 770-833-2034

AA Big Book meeting meets at Dahlonega Baptist Church every Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.

Lumpkin County Caregivers

A support group for caregivers of those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia meets at 12:30 p.m. the first Monday of the month at Dahlonega Baptist Church. 706-867-6569

NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS

Narcotics Anonymous meets twice a week, 8 p.m. Mondays and 7 p.m. Fridays, at Georgia Mountain Unitarian-Universalist Church on South Park Street. 706-216-5023



Music/Dance/Drama & More

Caruso’s, 19B East Main Street, 706-864-4664

www.diningindahlonega.com.

Every Sunday through Wednesday: Texas Hold ’Em

Every Friday: Karaoke

Every Saturday: Live music at 9 p.m.

The Corkscrew Café, 51 Main Street West, 706-867-8551; www.thecorkscrewcafe.com

Monthly Wine Tasting, Sunday, December 18, 4-6 p.m. Appetizer pairings with sparkling wines. $40/person includes tax and gratuity. Reservations required.

The Crimson Moon Café, 24 North Park Street, 706-864-3982, www.thecrimsonmoon.com for advance reservations online. Call for day of event reservations.

Wednesdays, 7-9+ p.m. Open Jam Night hosted by Justin Bridges. All genres of music. Free, tips for host appreciated.

Thursdays, 6:30-9:30 p.m.: Tom & Juli. Hundreds of cover songs from the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s while you dine. Free.

Friday, Dec. 16, 8-10 p.m.+: Jennifer Daniels. $14 advance/$16 day of show. “Imagine a singer/songwriter whose songs are as lyri-

cally rich, personal and poetic as Joni Mitchell’s, while at the same time as ridiculously catchy as Cat Stevens. Now imagine the songs sung by a woman whose voice is sorta like Sarah McLachlan’s, only it’s both more powerful and more playful.” This was Creative Loafing’s take on Jennifer Daniels, who also won Chattanoo-

ga’s Creative Loafing’s readers choice award for ‘Best New Artist’ a few years back. http://www.jenniferdaniels.com

Saturday, Dec. 17, 8 p.m.: Shawn Mullins with Matthew Kahler. Sold out.

Sunday, 2-5 p.m. Traditional Music Jam: Bring your instruments and/or voices and join in on/around the stage, or have a seat and just listen as a 90-plus-year-old “pickin’ and grinnin” tradition continues. Hosted by BlueBilly Grit. Free.

Sunday, Dec. 18, 8 p.m.: Shawn Mullins with Matthew Kahler. Sold out.

The Dock @ Bobber’s Fish House, 51 N. Grove Street, 706-867-9151

Sunday, Dec. 18, 3-6 p.m. SouthEastern Bluegrass Association (SEBA) jam. Come listen to the music, or bring your acoustic instrument and join in the jam. Raymond Busbee, 706-216-3885

Holly Theatre, 69 West Main St., 706-864 3759,

www.hollytheater.com

A Tuna Christmas, a production of the Holly Theater Company, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m. through Dec. 18. $15

Have a Holly Holiday—An Endowment Fundraiser for the Holly. 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16, at the

Dahlonega Marketplace featuring a festive dinner and entertainment. $50/person

A Buzzard Mountain Christmas, a live holiday radio show in two acts by The Buzzard Mountain Boys, Jim (Bob) White and Joe (Bob) Matteson. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 22 and 23. $15

Johnny B’s Beef & Brew, 438 West Main Street, 706-864-2400

Thursdays: College Night

Fridays: Live entertainment

Saturdays: College football

Sundays: NFL football

Mondays: Trivia

Tuesdays: Country Western Music/Karaoke night,

Friday, Dec. 16: Live music with Stoned Sandwich

The Oar House, 3072 Highway 52, 706-864-9938, www.theoarhouse.com

Friday nights: Live music 6-9 p.m. by Bobby Wesley playing Country/Rock. No cover.

Saturday nights: Live music 6-9 p.m. by Emily White playing Jazz. No cover.

Poppy’s Pool Hall,132 Legion Road, 706-864-0774, www. nga.apaleagues.com

Every Saturday night: 7:30 p.m. Tournament

Every Wednesday: 7 p.m. APA (American Poolplayers Association) 8-Ball pool league play

Shenanigan’s Irish Pub, 87 North Chestatee Street, 706-482-0114. All ages welcome, no cover.

Thursdays, 8-10 p.m.: Team Trivia. Prizes and giveaways.

Friday, Dec. 16: Tim O’Donovan. Timothy O’Donovan hails from a small town on Florida’s gulf coast where he began to develop an eclectic and vast musical identity. His writing style is lifted directly from his life experiences, failures, and subtle triumphs.

Saturday, Dec. 17: Wayde Powell and friends. Come and enjoy live music with Wayde Powell.

Mondays, 8-10 p.m.: Open Mic Night hosted by Jason Kenney.

Tuesdays: Tuesdays with Tim—live music with Tim O’Donovan, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

____________________________________________

WINE TASTING

Dahlonega Tasting Room featuring Habersham Wines, 16 North Park Street · Public Square

Naturally Georgia featuring Tiger Mountain Vineyards, 90 Public Square North:

Community Assistance

Free Food at DCOG Monday, Jan 2

The Mercy Monday program at Dahlonega Church of God makes boxes of non-perishable food available at no cost to those who are going through a difficult time. Distribution is between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on the first Monday of the month. 4 Happy Hollow Road, 706-864-3782

OneHarvest food available at St. Paul

St. Paul United Methodist Church, Highway 60 South at 14 Martins Ford Road, is a pick up location for OneHarvest Food Ministries. Monthly orders of first quality prepared frozen meals as well as meats and vegetables in a variety of purchase options can be ordered at discounted, group-purchase prices. Order at www.oneharvest.com or at the church, 706-973-9924.

Education/Classes

Hospice Massage Seminar free to therapists

Give Us Your Hands – We’ll Give You Hours: Regency Hospice is offering a free Hospice Massage seminar for licensed Massage Therapists on January 28 in Young Harris. The seminar will be limited to 16 participants, awards six CE hours and will be taught by LMT/Approved CE Provider Deborah Smith. Contact Kate Sevigny, 800-577-8791, ksevigny@regencyhospice.com, prior to registration deadline of January 14. (1/11)

S.A.T. and Study Prep

Essay, English, math, and science with Dr. Norman Leonard. nleonard73@gmail.com

NORTH GEORGIA CONTINUING EDUCATION

For information on these classes, contact the NGCSU Department of Continuing Education at (706) 864-1918, email conted@northgeorgia.edu or register at www.northgeorgia.edu/ce.

Karate—Beginner: Learn the basic physical exercises for agility, and then you learn Tae Kwon Do and Hapkido techniques. 10 Tuesdays, Jan. 3-March 6, 6-7 p.m. $59. Danny Jarrard

Karate—Advanced: Students who have attained the rank of green belt will further their knowledge of Tae Kwon Do and Hapkido techniques. 10 Tuesdays, Jan. 3-March 6, 6:45-7:45 p.m. $59. Danny Jarrard

Learn to play an instrument: Piano, Guitar, Strings, Mandolin, Woodwinds, Percussion. Parents of younger children must attend instructional sessions. Seven 30-minute lessons during Jan. 9-Feb. 20, date and time to be determined by student and instructor. Variable fees.

Hydrorobics: An invigorating, low impact exercise program. Tone, strengthen and achieve flexibility and circulatory endurance in the water. All ages (16 and up), all fitness levels, and non-swimmers are encouraged to join. Five Mondays/Wednesdays/Fridays Jan. 9 - Feb. 13, 9:45-10:45 a.m. $69. Joan Souders

Photography – Beginner: Gain photography skills, and take better pictures as you learn about the operation of your camera. Participants will focus on manual camera operation, metering, exposure, depth of field, shutter speed, and composition. Note: Students need to bring an SLR camera with manual capability (digital or film) to all classes. Four Tuesdays, Jan. 17- Feb. 7, 7-9:30p.m. $129. Trevor Morris

Math: Grades 3 - 8: Filling the Gaps–In Math is mastery-based class; students achieve mastery of each standard as a prerequisite for progress through the program. The curriculum is designed for math intervention in Grades 3 through 8, covering skill sets through linear equations. Fees: Tuition $175; access to software $150. 12 Mondays Jan. 23 - April 16, 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Math: Grades 9-12: College Algebra: This Filling the Gaps – In Math class covers the developmental math curriculum and includes all the topics typically covered in beginning and intermediate algebra plus all the prerequisite pre-algebra content from both elementary and middle school. This program will cover skill sets through quadratic equations. Fees: Tuition$175; access to software $150. 12 Mondays Jan. 23 - April 16, 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Scuba Diving Intro Night: Free introduction to learn more about the scuba classes offered and which one is right for you. Thursday, Jan. 26, 6:45-8:30 p.m. Free, but registration required. Bill Lach

Online PLU-Approved Courses for Teachers: North Georgia Continuing Education offers a multitude of online courses approved for two PLU credits by the Department of Education. Courses include: Creating the Inclusive Classroom, Leadership, Survival Kit for New Teachers and more. Full list at www.northgeorgia.edu/ce.

Online Learning with Ed2go: NGCSU’s Continuing Education Department offers instructor-led, on-line classes which run for six weeks, and are never cancelled. Go to www.ed2go.com/ngcsu for a listing of classes.

Buddhist meditation and study group

Gold Hills Buddhist meditation and study group meets weekly in Dahlonega. Carol Trimble, meditation instructor, 706-482-0514

International appalachian academy

Classes Wednesday for Japanese Language/Culture and Thursday for World History/Literature. 6:30-8:30 p.m. 390 Tom Bell Odom Road. 706-265-5502, learn@internationalappalachianacademy.com

GED opportunities

It’s a great time to begin preparing yourself for 2012. As new jobs open up, are you prepared to beat out the competition? Free GED preparation by caring instructors is right around the corner in Dahlonega each Monday through Thursday from 8-7. 706-867-2862

Mountain Ed High School

Earn a high school diploma at night. SACS accredited, certified teachers, state-funded. 4-9:30 p.m. Mon.-Thurs. 706-864-0229

Herbal Apprenticeship

Wild Mountain Girl Herbal School is offering a 10-month Herbal Apprenticeship Program, held one Saturday a month for 10 months covering a complete study of the herbal world. Cindi Vernon, (706) 429-6323, cindiv@windstream.net

program aims to improve reading skills

The Lumpkin County Literacy Coalition and Lanier Technical College are both supporting a new Adult Literacy Program (ALP) initiative to identify and help those who want to improve reading skills. If you have a relative or friend who cannot read at all, or can read some but would like to improve their reading abilities, then encourage them to give ALP a call. The program offers one-on-one tutors, self-pacing and confidentiality. 678-516-6950.

Recycling

PLASTIC/PAPER/ALUMINUM:

• # 1 & 2 plastic bottles (discard lids)

• Corrugated cardboard (clean and dry)

• Office paper and junk mail, magazines etc. No paperboard (such as cereal boxes), brown fiber paper (such as brown paper bags) or paper towel or toilet tissue cores.

• Aluminum and tin cans. (please rinse out)

Locations:

• Lumpkin County Recycle Center, 1642 Red Oak Flats Road, (706-867-7574

• Lumpkin County Landfill, Barlow Road. 706-864-6338

• Bins at Radar Ridge, Morrison Moore across from the college dorms

• Bins on Highway 19 North across from Ace Hardware.

CITY PICK UP AT RESIDENCES

The City accepts the same things except for cans. They do not have to be separated.

CFL BULBS: Home Depot

BATTERIES

• Radio Shack/Dahlonega Pharmacy:household rechargeable batteries

• Home Depot

PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS:

• J&J Foods

• Walmart

STYROFOAM: Publix accepts egg cartons and meat trays.

Electronic Recyclables, MIcrowaves, etc.

• Waypoint Thrift Store, Highway 60 East of 400, 706-867-0297

Volunteers

LOOKING FOR A FEW GOOD MEN AND/OR WOMEN: Lumpkin County Senior Center is looking for volunteers to help in the kitchen area. 10 a.m. to noon.  Gail or Rhonda, 706-864-2358

Mentoring volunteers are matched with students to serve as a role model, advisor and friend. Lumpkin County Family Connection Mentor Program, Brenda Cronan, bcronan@lumpkin.k12.ga.us, 706-867-7047

Odyssey Hospice Volunteers: Do you like to knit, crochet, sew or craft? Can you run an errand or clean a yard for someone? Will you help meet the needs of patients and families living with a life-limiting illness? Would you just spend time visiting with a hospice patient? Gail Manter, Manager of Volunteer Services, Odyssey Hospice 706-549-5736 or 877-637-9432.

Affinis Hospice is seeking caring, upbeat volunteers to work with hospice patients in and around Lumpkin County. Roxann, 678-333-8507 or rbradford@affinishospice.org

COMMUNITY HELPING PLACE is seeking volunteers for the Food Pantry, Free Clinic and Thrift Store. Flexible scheduling.Ben Wallace, Volunteer Services Director, 706-867-9621

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) needs volunteers to work with abused and neglected children. 706-864-0300, information@enotahcasa.org, www.enotahcasa.org.

Lumpkin County Literacy Coalition has volunteer opportunities in ESL, GED, Adult Literacy, Children’s Literacy, or on fundraising committees. Office, 706-867-9607; Juanita Tipton, 706-867-1835, www.lumpkinliteracy.org

THRIFT STORE CUSTOMER SERVICE: NOA (No One Alone), the domestic violence program for Dawson and Lumpkin counties needs volunteers to work at its thrift shop. Fiona Boss, 706-867-6167

MEALS ON WHEELS VOLUNTEERS NEEDED to serve as substitute drivers. Vehicle needed. Call Rhonda at 706-864-2358 for more information.

Lumpkin Animal Shelter needs volunteers for office work as well as hands-on socialization of animals. 1363 Red Oak Flats Road, 706-867-7297

Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Humane Society, a/k/a “TLC”, needs pet foster homes, volunteers, and donations. Mary Waits, Foster Home Coordinator, 770-823-3908, or to volunteer, contact the shelter at (706)864-2817.

Hospice of NE GA. Medical CENTER needs caring individuals to help serve grieving individuals following the death of their loved one. Training provided. Carol Jewell, 770-533-8888 or 888-572-3900, www.nghs.com

Compassionate Hospice of North Georgia seeks individual volunteers and group organizations are to help people coping with terminal illness and their families. Steven Vanlerberghe, 678-651-1440

Holly Theatre welcomes volunteers in any capacity to help with concessions, set construction, answering phones, marketing, organizing or children’s theater. 706-864-3759

DAHLONEGA Gold Museum needs volunteers to help staff the museum four to eight hours each month. Training provided. Call or drop by, 706-864-2257.

Church/Religious Events

Community weekday advent services

The annual community-wide Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Ministerial Association-sponsored Advent services will be held on Tuesdays of Advent at St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church, across from Hancock Park. The services will begin at noon, and a snack lunch (for a donation) will be served at 12:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall.

The schedule of services and preachers is as follows:

Dec. 20: Waiting: for the Promise of Christmas to be Fulfilled, Rev. Christy Greenwald, Dahlonega United Methodist Church

music:

Freedom MInistries Saturday night singing

Saturday night singing: Big Oak Gospel Music at 7 p.m. each Saturday. Featured singers on Dec. 17 are Forever Alive, Going One Way and Glory Road. There will be no singing on Dec. 24. The event is hosted by The Freedom Heirs and admission is free, but a love offering will be collected. 1067 Highway 115 South (Old Dahlonega Highway) 706-867-6534 www.gospelgigs.com/glendonwilliamsfreedomheirs, freedomministries@windstream.net

Advent and Christmas Eve at Dahlonega presbyterian

Dahlonega Presbyterian Church, 150 Warwick Street, will hold the following special services: Sunday, Dec. 18, 11 a.m.: I Am—A Christmas Play; Sunday evening, Dec. 18, 6 p.m.: Caroling, followed by dinner and fellowship. Wednesday, Dec. 21, 6:30 p.m, The Longest Night Service, a candlelight service of hope and light, and Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Service of Worship, 6:30 p.m.

Advent services, christmas eve at St. Elizabeth’s

St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church, 1188 Hamp Mill Road, Dahlonega, 706-864-5423, is holding the following special services: every Thursday in Advent: Holy Eucharist, 8:30 a.m; Christmas Eve, Candlelight Holy Eucharist service, 10:30 p.m.

Christmas program Sunday at Salem Baptist

Salem Baptist Church will have a Christmas program at 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18, celebrating the true meaning of Christmas. Tony Howard, pastor, invites everyone.

Play to be presented at Cavenders Creek

Cavenders Creek Baptist church will present the play From Christ Child to the Judgement, at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, and at 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18. The church is located at the intersection of Cavenders Creek and Porter Springs roads. 678-617-2922

Drive through nativity at Mt. Olive Dec. 17

Mt. Olive Baptist Church will present a drive-through Christmas nativity with all live actors and animals from 6-8 p.m. Saturday night, Dec 17. The public is invited to witness The Christmas Story unfold while driving through a scenic story of the announcement and celebration of the birth of Jesus. The church is located on Mt. Olive Church Road. 706-892-9343.

Christmas play Sunday at Lighthouse Baptist

The Lighthouse Baptist Church, located on Highway 115, will present a Christmas play Sunday Dec 18, at 7 p.m. Pastor Gwendell Gravitt invites everyone. Santa will be on hand.

Bethlehem Cantata Sunday, Candlelight service Dec. 21

The adult and children’s choirs of Bethlehem Baptist Church will present the Christmas cantata Light Looked Down, at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18. Refreshments will be served in the fellowship hall following the service. A mid-week Christmas candlelight service will be held at the church at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21. 706-864-2743

A Charlie Brown Christmas at the Fountain Dec. 18

The Fountain’s Clearwater Kids will present A Charlie Brown Christmas at 6 p.m. Sunday Dec. 18. Soup and sandwiches wil be served after the performance. Everyone is invited. The church is located at 1304 Grove Street North, Dahlonega.

Pray LUmpkin Dec. 20

Pray Lumpkin, the monthly community-wide (inter-denominational) prayer gathering for Dahlonega/Lumpkin County, is held from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month at the Community House on N. Park Street. Janet Eriksson, dahlonegaprayer@gmail.com.

Prayer LIne available

A local prayer line is available 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and a half day Sunday. If no one answers leave request on machine. 706-864-0673, http://gearinministries.tripod.com

Art Classes

Art by Rayneri Watercolor Classes

Oscar Rayneri, watercolor instructor, offers classes on Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at his studio.  706-867-8059, orayneri@windstream.net, www.oscarrayneriart.yolasite.com

classes at Funky chicken

Beginning woodcarving at the Funky Chicken Art Project. www.funkychickenartproject.com or Christina, 706-864-3938 / funkchic@windstream.net

art instruction by Win Crannell

Win Crannell is offering art instruction at his studio/gallery at 734 Calhoun Road. 706-864-6422, wcrannell@windstream.net

Painting lessons by Anita Elder

Learn the fundamentals of oil painting in a fun and relaxing environment with fellow artists. Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, beginner through advanced. Individual help given each student. 706-429-6008, www.artloft.net

Lessons: Music/Dance

music, songwriting lessons

Jason Kenney offers instruction in guitar, mandolin, banjo, songwriting, and music theory at the Holly Theater. 706-344-7059

Clogging Classes

Beginner clogging classes are forming for fall. Age 5 up. $40 per month, one hour a week. Call about adult classes. crbbarnes@windstream.net or 706-974-7305

STring Instruments

Bluegrass instrument instruction—fiddle, banjo, guitar, bass, mandolin. Sonny Houston, 706-864-4606

MUSIC LESSONS

Beginning and intermediate piano and violin, children and adults welcome. Ruth Purcell, 706-482-9968 or rppurcell@windstream.net

Dance lesson for Christmas:

Nutcracker Sweet promotion: $78/month (1- 60 minute class/week Jan to May and recital fee). Dance classes start at age 2 1/2. www.bbarre.com, 706-867-1905

Music lessons

Guitar, banjo, mandolin, bass. $10. James Lambert, 706-973-9317

Weekend camp for drummers

Drum Camp for beginners, middle school, high school. Three-day weekend camps in Dahlonega. Rory Knapton, 706-865-1564

STRING INSTRUMENT Lessons

Guitar, banjo, fiddle—­­any string instrument. Vintage Music, Public Square. Individual or small groups. 706-864-2682

More Pets

TLC Donations needed

Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Humane Society, a/k/a “TLC,” is a small no-kill 501(c)3 located at 1735 Red Oak Flats Road, Dahlonega. Their wish list includes pet leashes, flea control, puppy and kitten wet food, toys and scoopable cat litter, as well as cash donations, volunteer dog walkers and foster homes. 706-864-2817

Senior Services/Activities

lumpkin County Senior Center

266 Mechanicsville Road, 706-864-2358,

lcseniorcenter@windstream.net

CANASTA (Card Game): Newcomers welcome, Monday and Wednesday every week from 2-5 p.m.

Silver Singers: This group of community singers is open to seniors 55+ to sing and have fun. No singing talent necessary. Directed by Jenni Jackson. 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays.

Artists Open Studio: Meets Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to noon at the Senior Center Art Studio. Come work on your own art—any discipline, any level. Share, socialize and learn from other artists. Lumpkin residents 55+ are free. 706-864-2358

Wellness programS for 55+: The nation’s leading fitness program, Healthways Silver Sneakers, designed for 55+ adults, Monday, Tuesday and Friday at 9:30 a.m. Cardio Fit at 3 p.m. Thursdays. Improve strength, flexibility, balance and coordination. Programs are free.

Nutrition Program for 60+: Socalize, exercise, play games and enjoy crafts, pool, and more. Have a nutritious hot meal. Come by for a tour of the center. 266 Mechanicsville Road, 706-864-2358

YOGA FLOW for PERSONAL Fitness: Beginner level yoga classes for 55+ from 4:15 to 5:15 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. $60 for a six-week session. Paula Bingham, pyb3644@windstream.net, 706-864-2851