originally published December 27, 2006

TheFlagpole office is closed through Jan. 1. Deadline for getting listed in Out There! for the issue of Jan. 10 is Wednesday, Jan. 3 at 5 p.m. Email: outthere@flagpole.com.

PERFORMANCE

The ACC Library’s 6th Annual Stitching Stars Storytelling Festival features storytellers Donna Washington, Kevin Kling and Tim Ereneta. Seney-Stovall Chapel on Jan. 7, all day.

"AND A DIVA NEW YEAR"

New Year's drag show hosted and emceed by Sasha. Featuring Lacie, Augusta Grey, Kevin Kline and Sasha Chambers. Tasty World Upstairs on Friday, Dec. 29. Doors at 9:30 p.m., shows at 10:30 p.m. and 12 a.m. Admission: $5.

THE HOOT

The Athens Folk Music and Dance Society presents The Hoot with guest host Gabriel Kelley, who will perform with Will Harrison and Jason Cheek. Also performing: Lera Lynn of Birds and Wire and Neal Fountain, and Heidi Hensley. Little Kings on Monday, Jan. 8, 8–10 p.m. FREE! All ages. 706-208-0985, www.afmds.info.

THEATRE

I CAN'T STOP LOVING YOU

The first-ever tour of I Can't Stop Loving You, a celebration of the music of Ray Charles comes to Athens. A smash-hit in London's West End, this show features "Hit the Road Jack," "Georgia on My Mind," "What'd I Say," and many more. Singers, dancers and a live 12-piece orchestra. See Theatre Notes on p. 10. Classic Center Theater on Friday, Jan. 19 at 8 p.m. Tickets: $10–$65. 706-357-4444, www.classiccenter.com.

YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN

Oconee Youth Playhouse presents a production of the family-friendly musical based on the beloved "Peanuts" comic strip: You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown. See Theatre Notes on p. 10. Oconee County Civic Center on Jan. 6, 12 and 13 at 7:30 p.m. with matinees Jan. 7 and 14 at 2 p.m. Tickets: $12–$16. For reservations, call 706-769-2677 or sending an email to oconeeyouth@gmail.com.

EVENTS

ALEXANDER HAMILTON

The ACC Library hosts the special exhibit "Alexander Hamilton: the Man Who Made Modern America," and will hold related programs: a screening of the documentary Alexander Hamilton: Favorite Son and reception for the exhibit on Tuesday, Jan. 2 at 6:30 p.m. and Dr. Buckner Melton Jr. discusses "Alexander Hamilton: the Post-Cabinet Years (1795–1804)" on Sunday, Jan. 7 at 3 p.m. Exhibit continues through Feb. 16. 706-613-3650.

ATHENS HOLIDAY LIGHTS

Visitors can drive through a "choreographed fantasy of color and design" featuring animated trains, giant teddy bears, lit-up snowmen and more. Sandy Creek Park, every night through Jan. 1, 6–9:30 p.m. Cost: $7–$10 per car/van; $20–$30 bus. 706-613-3631 or 706-369-9732.

DARIUS GOES WEST: THE ROLL OF HIS LIFE

The world premiere of the documentary Darius Goes West: The Roll of His Life, directed by Logan Smalley and starring Athens high school junior Darius Weems. Q&A session with the cast and crew will follow the film. Morton Theatre on Friday, Jan. 5 at 8:30 p.m. Tickets: $10. Mingle with the cast and crew prior to the premiere at a VIP reception at Little Kings (223 W. Hancock) catered by Lee Epting. 6:30–8 p.m. Tickets: $50 per person. Limited to 100 people. Encore screening of the film at the Morton Theatre on Saturday, Jan. 6 at 2 p.m. Tickets: $6. Area middle and high school students encouraged to attend this matinee performance, which will also be followed by a Q&A session with the cast and crew. Also showing at UGA's Tate Theater on Tuesday, Jan. 9 at 7 p.m. Admission: $5. See Movie Dope for more. 706-613-3770.

MURDER MYSTERY DINNERS

Who Shot Grandma Entertainment presents a series of Murder Mystery Dinners at Maison Bleu, featuring exciting interactive murder mysteries and a five-course meal. Shows continue through Dec. Tickets: $49 per person, all-inclusive. All profits benefit the Athens Area Humane Society. Reservations, 706-410-7494, www.whoshotgrandma.com.

SMITHSONIAN EXHIBITION

The Botanical Garden hosts the opening reception for the Smithsonian Exhibition titled "A Magic Web: The Tropical Forest of Barro Colorado Island." The exhibit features large-format photographs by tropical ecologist and nature photographer Christian Ziegler detailing the diverse environment of the island, with Spanish/ English text. Sunday, Jan. 21, 1:30–4:30 p.m. Presentations on "Biological Diversity and Rain Forests" at 2:30 p.m. and "Discover Life in Panama" at 3:30 p.m. 706-542-1244.

UGA OBSERVATORY

The UGA Observatory hosts its monthly open house viewing at the UGA Physics Building on Friday, Jan. 12 at 7 p.m. FREE! 706-542-STAR.

LITERARY EVENTS

STITCHING STARS

The ACC Library’s 6th Annual Stitching Stars Storytelling Festival will feature nationally-known storytellers Donna Washington, Kevin Kling and Tim Ereneta. The day begins with a FREE! family storytelling session at 10 a.m. Registration for the afternoon and evening sessions is 1:30–2 p.m. Afternoon storytelling session is 2–5 p.m. And after the dinner break, the evening storytelling session runs 7–9 p.m. Seney-Stovall Chapel on Saturday, Jan. 7. Admission: $10 both sessions, $6 for afternoon session, $7 for evening session. 706-613-3650, ext. 314.

WORD ON THE STREET

BIKE RECYCLING

The BikeAthens Recycling Program meets every Wednesday from 6–8 p.m. to repair bikes at the Chase St. Warehouses. Volunteers welcome, no exp. necessary. See www.bikeathens.com.

COMMON GROUND

Food Not Bombs cooks and serves food every Wednesday evening, email athensfnb@yahoo.com for more info. Free IT Athens hosts open hours with techie help available on Wednesdays, 6–8 p.m. See www.freeitathens.org.

FILM::ATHENS

Free online production directory for those dealing with the film and video industry. www.filmathens.net/production.

PEACE VIGIL

The Women in Black, an international peace movement, holds a silent vigil for peace at the UGA Arch every Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. All are welcome. 706-546-5237.

KIDSTUFF

AIKIDO

Classes in Japanese martial art aikido, taught by black belt Dr. Stephen Gilliam. Classic Martial Arts Club, 706-353-3616. Trial classes are free. www.classic-mac.com.

BRAINABILITY

Educational programs for all ages. Holiday Camps, movie nights, tutoring, birthday parties and more. 706-559-7448, www.brainabilityinc.com.

DRAMA CLASSES FOR KIDS

Creative Dramatics for ages 5–8, Tuesday afternoons at 5 p.m. Cost: $55/month (discounts for siblings). Taught by Phillip Baumgarner. "The Next Level" is for ages 10–14 on Tuesdays at 5 p.m. Taught by Stephanie Astalos-Jones. Cost: $65/month. Athens Little Playhouse, 706-208-1036, www.athenslittleplayhouse.org.

HOLIDAY ON STRINGS

Peter Hart of Atlanta Puppets presents "Holiday on Strings" an interactive performance featuring unique seasonal characters and some of the most requested specialty puppets from the Atlanta Puppet programs. ACC Library Auditorium on Friday, Dec. 29 at 2 p.m. FREE! 706-613-3650.

ZOO APPRENTICE PROGRAM

Teaches children how to care for our native wildlife. Nine-hour afternoon program at Bear Hollow Wildlife Trail, Memorial Park. Ages 9–13. First program begins Jan. 13. Cost: $20 per child. Preregistration required, 706-613-3616.

ART EVENTS

CLAYTON ST. GALLERY

Annual Holiday Artist Market featuring pottery, hats and scarves, hand-painted silk and more. Through Dec. 30 at Clayton St. Gallery downtown. 706-549-9299.

HOLIDAY ARTS MARKET

The Gallery Shop at the Lyndon House Arts Center presents its annual Holiday Arts Market featuring paintings, prints, photography, fused and stained glass, pottery, fiber arts and more. Local music and books, too. Now through Dec. 30 during LHAC regular hours. 706-613-3623.

RICHARD OLSEN & CAROLINE MONTAGUE

Opening reception for new exhibit of paintings by Richard Olsen and sculpture and drawings by Caroline Montague. Athens Academy Myers Gallery on Jan. 14, 2–4 p.m. FREE! and open to the public. 706-549-9225.

ART ANNOUNCEMENTS

ATHICA SEEKING SUBMISSIONS

Seeking work in all media dealing with "Ruburbs & Other Spaces in Between: Land Use and Environmentalism," Mar. 31–May 27. Deadline: Jan. 19. See Call for Entries at www.athica.org for details.

DAVID KONTRA

"My World," a special exhibit of paintings by David Kontra, a legally blind artist from Missouri, is on display at the UGA College of Education Office of Information Technology (Aderhold Hall Room 232) through May, 2007. for more of Kontra's work, visit www.davidkontra.com.

THE LOFT

The Loft Art Supplies is seeking artists to display work at the store. Contact theloftartstore@aol.com.

MONROE ART GUILD

Call for entries for the juried Winter Art Show to be held in January and February. Cash prizes. Entry fee: $40. Call 770-207-8937 or visit www.monroeartguild.org.

SOUTHWORKS 2007

Call for entries, open to all artists and media. $10,000 in merit and purchase awards. Also, call for Southworks Artists Market. Deadline is Mar. 10. Entry fee: $25–$35. See prospectus on-line at www.ocaf.com or call 706-769-4565.

CALL FOR ENTRIES

The Lyndon House Arts Center is now accepting submissions for the 32nd Annual Juried Exhibition. Open to all Athens area artists working in all visual media. Entries due at the Lyndon House Jan. 18–19. Up to three works per artist, non-refundable entry fee. Prizes awarded. To receive entry guidelines, call 706-613-3623.

ART CLASSES

GOOD DIRT

Now taking registration for winter classes that begin the week of Jan. 14. MLK Day workshop for kids on Jan. 15. Ages 6–13. Cost: $55, includes materials. Also, Try Clay every Friday at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Cost: $20. www.gooddirt.net. 706-355-3161.

LYNDON HOUSE ARTS CENTER

Winter class registration now open for classes in enamel beadmaking, etching, pottery, metalsmithing, woodworking, drawing, painting, holiday gift-making and more. Registration is accepted until classes are full. Class size is limited. 706-613-3623, www.accleisureservices.com.

ART AROUND TOWN

"Paintings and Prints by Jay Robinson" at the Georgia Museum of Art. Through Jan. 7.

ACC LIBRARY

"Splashes," acrylic art by painter and Special Needs Center volunteer Eric Kissel; "A Perspective of Athens," acrylics by David Kerwin; Mary Ann Abbe's collection of Santas from around the world. Through Dec. Traveling exhibit: "Alexander Hamilton: the Man Who Made Modern America." Through Feb. 16.

ATHENS ACADEMY

In the Myers Gallery, paintings by Richard Olsen, sculpture/ drawings by Caroline Montague. Jan. 10–Feb. 16. Also, work from Upper School art students in the Bertelsmann Gallery. Through Feb.

BOTANICAL GARDEN

"A Magic Web: The Tropical Forest of Barro Colorado Island." Jan. 20–Feb. 25.

CLASSIC HAIR & SPA

Paintings by Perry McCrackin. Through Dec.

FLICKER THEATRE & BAR

"Second Annual JTO Xmas Show" by Jeff Owens. Through Dec.

THE FLOOR GROUP

(159 Oneta St.) "The Flocktree," sculpture by Jason and Luke Cantarella. Through Jan. 20. In the courtyard, open to the public Mon.–Sat., 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Sponsored by UGA's Ideas for Creative Expression (ICE).

GEORGIA MUSEUM OF ART

"Weaving His Art on Golden Looms: Paintings and Drawings by Art Rosenbaum," "Paintings and Prints by Jay Robinson." Through Jan. 7.

THE GRIT

Drawings by Kevin Earl Taylor of San Francisco. Through Jan. 14.

JITTERY JOE'S

(Watkinsville) "The Rod of Jesse," art by John Heintzman. Through Jan. 3.

LOFT ART SUPPLIES

Paintings by Julian Bozeman and Erin deRosa. Through Dec.

LOWERY GALLERY

"Some Legendary Folk," which features art by Annie Wellborn, R.A. Miller, Frederick Stonehouse and Carter Wellborn. Through Jan. 31.

LYNDON HOUSE ARTS CENTER

"Georgia Artists With Disabilities Exhibition of Winners." Through Jan. 6. "Visions of Martin Luther King, Jr." and "Represent - The Role of a Gallery in the Artistic Process." Through Jan. 15.

MERCURY ART WORKS

(160 Tracy St.) "Relationships in Time: Drawings and Paintings" by Art Rosenbaum. Through Jan. 20.

ORIGINAL FINE ART GALLERY

(Elements Art Supply) "Oil and Water," a collaborative exhibit of new sculpture and paintings by Jim StipeMaas and Gary Grossman. Through Dec. Also, new paintings by Mary Porter, new photography by Darrell Sparks, Jay Kuhr and Jim Strawser; new paintings and pen & ink drawings by Lyndon Tewksbury. Through Dec.

PARROT’S HAIR SALON

Paintings by Jaime Bull. Through Dec.

RAGE HAIR STUDIO

"Ethereal Dualities," paintings by Jacob Malovany. Through Dec. 31.

TRANSMETROPOLITAN

Paintings by Susan Fang. Through Dec.

VILLAGE HERB SHOP

(1055 Gaines School Rd.) Paintings and ink drawings by Lyndon Tewksbury. Through Dec.

WALKER'S

(College Square) Paintings by Eric Simmons. Through Jan. 2.

CLASSES

"A COURSE IN MIRACLES"

Open to all denominations, emphasizing "positive living through love and forgiveness." Taught by Drew Smith. Unity, 1435 Oglethorpe Ave., on Sundays at 2 p.m. Donations encouraged. 706-613-8050, 404-899-8486, www.unityathens.com.

ACTING CLASSES

Lisa Cesnik of Rose of Athens Theatre teaches two acting classes at Sangha Yoga Studio: "Creative Dramatics" for 5th/ 6th graders emphasizing games and expression exercises. Saturdays, Jan. 6–Feb. 10 at 12:30 p.m. Cost: $50. "Acting is a Fearless Practice," a workshop that combines beginning acting exercises, group games and more to build honesty and awareness. Beginners to experienced. Ages 18 & up. Dropins welcome. Starts Saturday, Jan. 6, 2 p.m. Cost: $75, $17 per class. 706-613-1143, 706-769-9829.

BEADING

Beginning, intermediate and advanced classes in beading and wirework techniques. The Beadholder, 11 School St., Watkinsville. 706-769-9901, www.thebeadholder.com.

CANOPY STUDIO

Beginners Adult Trapeze, Saturdays at 2 p.m.; Parent & Child Trapeze Play Class, Mondays at 12:45 p.m.; Extreme Conditioning, Mondays at 5:30 p.m.; Adult Beginner Aerial Silk/Fabrics, Wednesdays at 5:15 p.m.; Traditional African Drumming, Sundays at 4 p.m.; Traditional African Dance, Sundays at 5 p.m. Canopy Studio, 160 Tracy St., 706-549-8501, www.canopystudio.com.

CHAKRA BELLY DANCE

Invoke the Goddess within. For women only. All shapes, sizes and skill levels welcome. Red Lotus Institute on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. 706-549-2913.

DIDGERIDOO WORKSHOPS

Australian Vibrational Therapist Phil Jones offers two workshops on the use and properties of the didgeridoo. Instruments for sale at the class. Unitarian Universalist Workshop on Sunday, Jan. 7 at 3 p.m.; Village Herb Shop (Gaines School Road) on Tuesday, Jan. 9 at 7 p.m. Cost: $20. 706-546-7914.

EASTSIDE YOGA

Drop-in Hatha Yoga class, open to all levels. Village Herb Shop, 1055 Gaines School Rd., on Mondays and Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. Donation: $5–$10 per class. 706-549-6007.

EASTSIDE MEDITATION

Guided meditation sessions, especially suitable for beginners. Village Herb Shop, on Thursdays at 7:15 p.m. beginning in January. Cost: $3–$5 per session, no registration required. 706-549-6007.

EGYPTIAN BELLYDANCE

Beginner classes focusing on basic Egyptian isolations, technique and choreography. Sangha Yoga Studio on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. Also, Intermediate Egyptian Bellydance classes on Mondays at 8:15 p.m. Cost: $60 for six weeks, drop-in: $14 per class. 706-613-1143, rainbowdancer77@yahoo.com.

EMOTIONAL FREEDOM TECHNIQUE

Learn how to "release negative emotions, traumas, depression, food cravings, phobias, body aches and pains" and much, much more. Full-day certificate course on Saturday, Jan. 13. Cost: $125 advance, $150 at the door. Preregistration: Laurie Hart, 706-546-1107.

FLOORSPACE

Ongoing classes in Modern Dance, Contact Improvisation, Taijiquan, Qigong, West African Drumming and dance. 160 Tracy St. 706-372-4830, www.floorspaceathens.com.

HEBREW CLASSES

New classes in Hebrew begin at St. James UMC on Jan. 21 at 7 p.m. FREE! and open to the public, registration required. 706-202-9756, info@promised-land.org.

MAIN STREET YARNS

Beginning Knitting on Tuesdays, Jan. 9, 16 and 23 or Thursdays, Jan. 11, 18 and 25, 6–8 p.m. Cost: $40 includes all supplies. Knit hats in Advanced Beginning Knitting on Saturdays, Jan. 13, 20 and 27, 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Cost: $45. Learn to crochet on Tuesdays, Jan. 9, 16 and 23, 6–8 p.m. Cost: $40 includes all supplies. Main Street Yarns and Fibers in downtown Watkinsville, 706-769-5531, www.mainstreetyarns.com.

MAKE YOUR OWN BOOK

Learn how to turn your photos and stories into a hardback, library-bound book. Terra Ken, Comer, on Jan. 4 and Jan. 23 at 7 p.m. Jennifer Schildknecht, 706-296-4818, moonmama61@aol.com.

MARTIAL ARTS CLASSES

Tae Kwon Do classes for kids and adults, beginner to advanced. Taught by three-time AAU National Champion Jason Hughes. Self-defense, Olympic-style sparring, more. Live Oak Martial Arts, Chase St. Warehouses, Studio AB. 706-548-0077, www.liveoakmartialarts.com.

MIND BODY INSTITUTE

Ongoing classes: Pre-Natal Yoga, Level 1 Yoga and more. Call 706-475-7330 www.armc.org/mbi.

NEW YEAR INTENTIONS

"Setting Your Intentions for the New Year: a Skillshop to Help You Create the Best Year of Your Life." Set goals for yourself for the New Year. For men and women. Red Lotus Institute on Saturday, Jan. 6, 2–5 p.m. Cost: $35. 706-424-1860.

PRANA DANCE

"A practice that integrates breath work, sensory awareness, moving meditation and free-form movement." No exp. necessary.

Village Herb Shop, 1055 Gaines School Rd., on Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. Rubber Soul Yoga, Leathers Bldg., on Saturdays at 12 p.m. Email minervinizick@hotmail.com.

SALSA DANCING

Salsa classes taught at Transmetropolitan downtown on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Cost: $10. 706-372-7056, 706-372-8197, www.bailarueda.com.

SALSA CLASS & DANCING

Beginning salsa class taught at Safari Lounge on Atlanta Highway every Thursday at 8:30 p.m. Cost: $5. Dancing begins at 9:30 p.m. Salsa Fiera Dance Company, 706-248-4296.

SEXUAL ASSAULT FUNDAMENTAL ESCAPES

Self-Defense for Women - learn to resist, escape and defend yourself. Classes begin Jan. 16. American Black Belt Academy, Perimeter Square. 706-549-1671, www.americanblackbelt.org/ABBA.html.

SHAG DANCING

Classes in shag dancing, the official state dance of South Carolina. Singles or couples, Level 1 and 2. These classes fill up quickly, register now. YMCA, 915 Hawthorne Ave., Tuesdays, beginning Jan. 23. Cost: $50–$60 singles, $100–$123 couples. Bonnie, 706-254-9994.

SQUARE DANCE LESSONS

Learn to square dance, all are welcome. Memorial Park Recreation Hall beginning Jan. 9. First two lessons are FREE! 706-769-8887, 706-742-8331.

SULUKULE TRIBAL FUSION BELLYDANCE

Beginner and intermediate technique. YWCO on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. Mixed-level classes at DanceFX on Sundays at 4 p.m. troupe_sulukule@yahoo.com.

TAIJIQUAN

The Hunyuantaiji Academy of Georgia offers classes in traditional Chen Style Taiji fundamentals, forms, pushing hands, weapons and Hunyuan Qigong. www.hunyuantaijiacademy.com. Todd, 706-614-3342. Carl, 706-546- 8422.

VINYASA YOGA

New Vinyasa Yoga class at Village Herb Shop (Eastside) on Wednesdays at 9 a.m. Ongoing, all levels welcome. Cost: $54 for six classes or $11 drop-in. www.redlotusinstitute.com.

WOMEN'S CIRCLE

"In depth, committed and collaborative circle of women gathering for radical compassion and change." Red Lotus Institute on Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. beginning Jan. 10. Cost: $100 for entire series if paid by Jan. 1, or 2 monthly payments of $60. 706-424-1860.

YOGA & MEDITATION CLASSES

Walk-in, donation-suggested yoga classes. All levels welcome. Hatha & Kundalini Yoga, Kids Yoga, Restorative Yin Yoga and more. Rubber Soul Yoga Revolution studio, 675 Pulaski St. Suite 1400, every day. Suggested donation: $3–$5. www.rubbersoulyoga.com, calclements@yahoo.com.

AUDITIONS

TWELVE DANCING PRINCESSES

Athens Little Playhouse is holding auditions for its production of Twelve Dancing Princesses. Ages 5–21. Cold reading from script. Shows is Mar. 9–11. ALPs Theater, Alps Village Shopping Center on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 6:30–8:30 p.m. 706-208-1036.

YOUNG ACTOR'S STUDIO

Auditions for Young Actor's Studio's production of Alice in Wonderland. Ages 5 and up. Performances at Seney-Stovall Chapel, Apr. 13–15. UUFA, 780 Timothy Rd., on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 6:30–8:30 p.m.; ACC Library Auditorium on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 6:30–8:30 p.m. Jay Holl, 706-255-7342. www.youngactorsstudio.googlepages.com.

MEETINGS

ATHENS MOTHERS’ CENTER

The center offers support and a social outlet for area moms (and dads). Non-profit, non-denominational. Open house and informational meeting at St. Gregory Episcopal Church on Jan. 5, 9:30–11:30 a.m. Event is FREE! Membership fee: $20 per quarter, scholarships available. 706-552-8554, www.athensmothers.org.

CHESS CLUB

The Classic City Chess Club meets at Cups Coffee Café on Saturdays and Sundays at 6 p.m. Bobby Jones, 706-410-5160, c4@mindspring.com.

COTTON PATCH QUILTERS

Meets at the Lyndon House Arts Center the second Tuesday on every month at 7 p.m. Visit www.geocities.com/cottonpatch85/ for more info.

FOOSBALL

Athens area Foosball players meet to play tornado Foosball and discuss upcoming tournaments. All skill levels welcome. Foxz on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Email athenspainter@yahoo.com.

GESTALT/ SENSORY AWARENESS GROUP

Open group for "exploration, play and acting out via body-oriented awareness, introspection into self regenerative processes, and the utilities masked beneath the self." Drawing off the work of Fritz Perls, Charlotte Selver, and Augusto Boal. Call 706-248-6352 for info.

ROCKSPRINGS PARK MASTER PLAN

The ACC Dept. of Leisure Services is hosting an open house to introduce the Rocksprings Park Master Plan. Columbus Ave. Senior Center on Thursday, Jan. 4, 6–8 p.m. All are welcome. 706-613-3580.

TEXAS HOLD'EM

The National Pub Poker League holds weekly free Texas Hold'em tournaments with weekly prizes at Murphy's Brass Rail and Red Rooster. Visit www.npplpoker.com.

SUPPORT GROUPS

ALZHEIMER'S GROUP

The Athens Area Alzheimer's Support Group meets once a month at the Adult Day Care Center, 1774 Old W. Broad St. 706-548-6476.

ANXIETY DISORDERS

Support group for people with anxiety disorders and their families. UGA Psychology Bldg. Room 133 on 1st and 3rd Thursdays each month at 5:30 p.m. Newcomers always welcome. 706-542-1173.

EMOTIONS ANONYMOUS

12-step group for emotional wellness. Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 780 Timothy Rd., on Sundays at 4 p.m. Newcomers always welcome. 706-227-2354.

LUNG CANCER

The Loran Smith Center for Cancer Support holds lung cancer support group meetings on the third Thursday of every month at 10 a.m. Beth Prescott, 706-475-5329.

MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT GROUP

Support group meets at St. Mary's Hospital (lobby conference room) on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. Rick, 706-783-5706.

PARENTING

Support group for parents of children with behavioral issues. Athens Therapeutics on Thursdays at 4 p.m. 706-369-9099, www.athenstherapeutics.com.

POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION

PACE - Postnatal Psychiatric Disorders Acceptance through Compassion and Education - is a new group dealing with postpartum depression. Meets at Nuçi's Space on the second and fourth Tuesday each month at 7 p.m., starting Jan. 9. www.ppdacceptance.org.

SUICIDE SURVIVORS

Open to anyone who has lost a loved one to suicide. Nuçi’s Space, 396 Oconee St. on the second and last Wednesday of every month at 5:30 p.m. Email linda@nuci.org or call ahead for schedule changes. 706-227-1515.

HELP OUT!

ATHENS-OCONEE CASA

Athens-Oconee CASA is seeking volunteers for a family visitation center in Athens. Volunteers would be responsible for monitoring visits between foster children and their biological families. Farr Prickett, farr@athensoconceecasa.org or call 706-613-1922.

ATHICA

Volunteer coordinator needed for ATHICA, Jan.–May, 2007. Must be email savvy. Contact volunteer@athica.org. Also, volunteer treasurer sought to join the ATHICA board. Quickbooks a plus. Email: treasurer@athica.org.

HABITAT HOUSE

Coldwell Banker Upchurch Realty in partnership with Athens Area Habitat for Humanity has broken ground on a new home. Build dates are Jan. 6, 12, 20 &27. Those interested in contributing, contact 706-543-4000.

HEARTLAND HOSPICE

Volunteers sought to work with terminally-ill patients and their families. Visiting, light housework, errands, etc. Training provided. Laura Kent, 706-369-0917.

HOST FAMILIES NEEDED

Families sought to host English-speaking students ages 15–18 from France, Taiwan, Germany, S. Korea and Russia. 877-520-2522, www.TerraLinguaUSA.org.

LIFELINK OF GEORGIA

LifeLink of Georgia, a non-profit agency that coordinates organ and tissue donation, is seeking volunteers to assist with its educational programs. Also, speakers available. 800-544-6667, www.lifelinkfound.org.

"MAKE IT A DAY ON, NOT A DAY OFF"

A day of service in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. on Jan. 15. Volunteer service projects in the community, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. Celebration with live music, speakers and art activities at the Lyndon House Arts Center, 12 p.m.–4 p.m. All ages (children must be accompanied by adult). 706-613-3623, ext. 226.

RECORDING FOR THE BLIND

Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic is seeking volunteers who would be willing to contribute 90 minutes a week to record and prepare textbooks for people with text disabilities. Email kstanley@rfbd.org or call 706-549-1313.

SEXUAL ASSAULT CENTER

Volunteers needed! Training: Jan. 13, 14, 20, 21. 706-546-1133, www.sacnega.org.