Toccoa Georgia Harvest Festival November 6th and 7th

Toccoa Harvest Festival is a two day event in Historial Downtown. If you missed it today, be sure to get there tomorrow, you will not want to miss it.

    Nothing smells better than grilled onions and green peppers on a sunny crispy day.

Or maybe you would perfer a yummy corn dog.

  Great Live Music to keep the party moving and groovin

Homemade bake goods, canned veggie, fruit and honey

Arts and Crafts

Mule wagon rides

 Train rides, bounce house, rock climbing

Great Family Fun, join your friends and neighbors for the Toccoa Harvest Festival

Family Living and Weekly Happenings In and Around Toccoa, Georgia..

"The Toccoa Record"

Saturday, July 17

Car wash - A Relay for Life car wash will be held at Zaxby's of Toccoa on Big A Road from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. All proceeds for this event will go to the American Cancer Society, $5 minimum donation.

Breakfast for donations - Shirley's Sole Food Cafe serves breakfast every Saturday from 7-10:30 a.m. for donations to Shirley's Shelter.

Snakes alive - Amphitheater, Tugaloo State Park, $5 parking fee. Meet live snakes up close and personal at this reptile program. Meet at the amphitheater to learn about venomous and non-venomous snakes found in north Georgia. For more information, contact Tugaloo State Park, 706-356-4362.

Tuesday, July 20

Mountain Laurel Quilters Guild - The Mountain Laurel Quilters Guild meeting will include a program by Pat Meinecke, "A Journey with Quilts." There will be a display of work of the local artist and resident quilter from the J.C. Campbell Folk School. The meeting will begin at 1 p.m. after a BYO social lunch at noon at the Clarkesville United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall. Visitors are always welcome and new memberships encouraged. Contact the membership chair for more information, 706-778-5944.

Upcoming &

Ongoing

New Red Hat Chapter -A new Red Hat Chapter, Amethysts Violas, meets the fourth Friday of each month. Meet at 11:30 a.m. at Ingles/Belk parking lot up front by Big A Road and the mail box for a car pool to go to lunch and other activities. For more information, contact Heather Peters, 606-306-1992 or e-mail haadkins@yahoo.com.

Free yoga classes - Free yoga classes offered on Tuesdays from 6-8 p.m. and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to noon at Panther Brook Spiritual Center in Turnerville. Reservations required. Call 706-754-7488 or check out the Web site www.pantherbrook.com.

Circle of Hope collecting cell phones - Circle of Hope is collecting used and old cell phones to raise money for victims of domestic violence. For more information, call 706-778-5151, extn. 28, or e-mail cohvolunteer@windstream.net.

Toccoa Amateur Radio Society, Inc. - Meetings are held on the first Saturday of each month, unless a holiday or HAM Fest is on that Saturday, then the meeting is held the following Saturday at the Salvation Army Church at, 348 E. Franklin St. off US 123, at 9 a.m. For a map to meeting site and information, go to www.mytowntoccoa.com/tars. For more information contact Michael Carter, KI4AEM at 706-886-4076 or Buzz Tatham, KU4ES at 706-886-9216.

Junior Ranger Camp - Tugaloo State Park is offering Junior Ranger Camp this summer. Campers will learn about trees, wildlife, insects and more on on the way to completing the Junior Ranger badge. For more information, contact Tugaloo State Park, 706-356-4362.

Local farmers' market - The local farmers' market will be held each Tuesday, Friday and Saturday beginning at 7 a.m. beside Farmer's Furniture on Hwy 17.

Stephens County farmers' market - The Stephens County farmers' market will be open every Wednesday and Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to noon at the old Payne's Alignment Center building on North Broad Street (next to Los Primos).

Fall soccer - Registration for fall socceer, ages 4 and up, at the Tococa-Stephens County YMCA is underway and continues until Aug. 1. Registration fee is $65 and includes a team T-shirt. Call 706-886-9622 for more information or come by the YMCA on Big A Road to sign up.

Camps and workshops - Pottery one week camps, $100, July 19-23, July 26-30. Workshops $65, June 26, July 10, July 24, July 31. Camps and workshops are available in morning sessions, 9 a.m. to noon or afternoon sessions, 1-4 p.m. For more information, call Shannon, 843-813-7477 or Jessica, 706-886-4346, e-mail, www.tiarariver.com.

Mega yard sale/hotdog and hamburger sale - The Toccoa-Stephens County Boys & Girls Club will host a yard sale/hotdog and hamburger sale July 24, starting at 7 a.m. Donations for the yard sale are being accepted through Wednesday, July 21. Items needed are gently used, clean clothing, toys, appliances, books, home decor, etc. Drop off time, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. All proceeds will benefit the Annual One Campaign that the BGC holds every year to raise money to meet financial challenges in the operating budget.

Disability Resource Center - The Disability Resource Center will be hosting the 20th anniversary celebration of the Americans with Disabilities Act. DRC is a private, non-profit organization designed to increase independence, access, and equal rights for the disabilities community. In honor of the ADA Civil Rights Act, a free community celebration is planned for July 24 from 6-10 p.m. at Alberta Banks Park, 5575 Jim Crow Road, Flowery Branch. A live concert from Georgia Music Sensation John King, free T-shirts, Southern barbecue, and children's entertainment will be highlights of the event. For more information, call 770-534-6656.

Summer Slam - The Relay for Life Summer Slam, sponsored by Zaxby's, will be held Saturday, July 24 from 5-10 p.m. at Foundations Academy, 120 Commerce Parkway, Cornelia. B-Shoc will headline the event at 9 p.m. along with DJ Skot Arowood and opening acts featuring Emrys at 6 p.m.; 5 Wide3 at 7 p.m.; 80s Prom Date at 8 p.m. Other events will include fairy hair, silly band fishing, jitter bug inflatables, tickets for drawings, silent auction, color me happy face painting and more. There will be food by Big Dawgs Market and Grill, Papa John's and Zaxby's. A $5 donation is requested. All proceeds go to American Cancer Society Relay for Life. For more information call 706-754-1122.

Broad River Baptist Church - Broad River Baptist Church, 1050 Broad River Church Road, Eastanollee, will hold homecoming, July 25 at 10:30 a.m. The Thurmond Sisters will be quest singers. Former pastor Buddy Moore will be speaking for the worship service. A covered dish meal will follow at noon.

Stowe reunion - The annual Stowe reunion will be held Sunday, July 25, at the Tom's Creek Church Fellowship Hall located about 12 miles south of Toccoa on Highway 145. Lunch will begin at 12:45 p.m. Bring a well filled picnic basket and fellowship with relatives and friends. Drinks, paper goods and silverware will be furnished.

Vacation Bible School - Cross Roads Missionary Baptist Church Vacation Bible School will be held July 26-July 30. Hours are, 7 p.m., adult, "Help Me I've Fallen and Can't Get Up"; 7 p.m., youth, "Join Forces with God! but with God All Things are Possible (Matthew 19:26)"; youth recreation 6-7 p.m. nightly. Special entertainment, Wednesday, July 28, youth and adults. Entertainment, food, fun, learning the word of God together. James Marlow Knox is the church pastor.

Fricks/Farmer reunion - The 2010 Fricks/Farmer reunion will be Sunday, Aug. 8, at the Woodmen of the World Lodge, Hills Crossing Road, Clarkesville. Registration and assembling begin at 10 a.m. Bring your old photos and/or new photos of births or weddings, or memorabilia to share. A printer will be available. There will be a short song and remembrance time and business meeting at noon. Papere products utensils and ice will be furnished. For more information, contact Joyce Fricks Conally at 706-886-1941, Howard Farmer Jr., 706-886-8380, or J.C. Fricks at 770-532-1207.

Class of 1958 reunion - Stephens County Class of 1958 will celebrate its 52nd reunion on Aug. 21, at North Georgia Technical College. For more information, call Jackie Miller, 760-356-4451.

YMCA triathlon - YMCA sprint triathlon will be held Aug. 28. Start time 7:30 a.m.; distances, 500 yard swim; 13 mile bike; 5k (3 mile) run. Must be registered by Aug. 14. USAT member $50; non-member $60; relay team $90. Late registration Aug. 14 add $10 on each registration. Packet pickup - Toccoa-Stephens County YMCA Friday, Aug. 27, 4-6 p.m.; Georgia Baptist Conference Center, Saturday, Aug. 28, 6:15-7 a.m.

Horse show - The 2010 Currahee Saddle Club Pointed Horse Show is scheduled for Aug. 28, 4 p.m.; Sept. 25, 10 a.m. For more information, call 706-969-2631.

Toccoa, Georgia great place to VISIT, PLAY AND LIVE
 

Family Community - Enjoy Toccoa Georgia

Event calendar from The Toccoa Record, Toccoa Georgia. Not everyone gets the weekly news, so here are some up coming events and community services that may be of interest.

Photo taken by Camille Marsteller - Cami's Photography - Toccoa, Georgia

Stephens approves 2011 budget

By Jessica Waters
The Toccoa Record
Thursday, July 1, 2010 1:31 PM EDT

In a unanimous vote at Tuesday's meeting, county commissioners adopted the Fiscal Year 2011 budget totaling $20.5 million.

The expected revenues and expenditures within the general fund for the adopted FY 2011 budget are $14,634,037.

The special revenues fund budget is $1,022,450, the enterprise fund expenses and revenues are budgeted at $1,422,400 and the capital projects fund is budgeted at $3,460,735.

The budget calls for no change in the property tax millage rate, which will remain at 11.32.

There are no furlough days for county employees included in the FY 2011 budget, and the adopted budget also calls for no changes in the number of county personnel.

The current, FY 2010 budget included 12 furlough days for county personnel.

There were no public comments on the budget from residents during the June 15 public hearing nor the second public hearing held before Tuesday's regular meeting prior and the vote to adopt the budget. "We are really glad to get finished with the process," said commission chairman Dean Scarborough.

"This budget does not include any tax increases and, thankfully, it does not include any furloughs for county employees. We again thank you, employees, for the suffering you did last year with the cuts we had to make, but that helped us be on a little firmer footing this year."

The FY 2011 budget will go into effect today - Thursday, July 1.

Photo taken by Camille Marsteller - Cami's Photography - Toccoa, Georgia

Calendar of Events in and around of Toccoa, Georgia

Friday, July 2

Narcotics Anonymous - Meetings every Friday 8-9 p.m. at 348 East Franklin St., Salvation Army Church. For more information, call 706-391-6453 or 706-282-0038.

Low cost, spay/neuter - Leftover Pets d/b/a The Pet Mechanics will offer spay/neuter surgeries in Stephens County July 2, July 16 and July 30. Clients accepted by appointment only, so call 800-978-5226 to schedule an appointment. Surgery patients can be as young as eight weeks. All dogs and cats that are at least three months of age at the time of surgery will receive a free rabies vaccine. Prices are as follows, female dog over 25 pounds $75; female dog 25 pounds or less $60; male dog $50; female dog 25 pounds or less $60; male dog $50; female cat $50; male cat $30. There is no extra charge if a female is in heat or pregnant. Financial assistance programs are available for clients on a fixed income. For more information about this non-profit organization, visit the Web site at www.leftoverpets.org or become a fan on Facebook.

 People First Star Gazers of Stephens County - People First Star Gazers of Stephens County will meet every first Friday of the month at Trinity Lutheran Church on S. Big A Road. Meeting time is 5 p.m. People First is a self-advocacy group of individuals with developmental disabilities. For more information, call Sophia White, 297-2089; Shirley Curry/Wendi Congers, 886-6521 or Jeraldine Hayes, 706-779-2372.

Saturday, July 3

VFW BINGO - The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4346 sponsors BINGO on Saturdays at 2 p.m. and Mondays at 7 p.m. at the post home on Savannah Street. Persons under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Children under 5 not admitted.

Alcoholics Anonymous - Alcoholics Anonymous meets at First United Methodist Church of Toccoa at 8 p.m.

Breakfast for donations - Shirley's Sole Food Cafe serves breakfast every Saturday from 7-10:30 a.m. for donations to Shirley's Shelter.

Sunday, July 4

BINGO at Elks Lodge - Toccoa Elks Lodge 1820 hosts BINGO on the bottom floor of the lodge at 7 p.m. Concessions available hosted by the Toccoa Elks Auxiliary. The lodge is located on Remsdale Road, just off Falls Road.

Liberty Hill Baptist - There will be a July 4, service at 11 a.m. at Liberty Hill Baptist Church, located on Hwy 145 in Eastanollee. For more information, call 706-779-2922.

Monday, July 5

Overeaters Anonymous - Overeaters anonymous is a fellowship of people who, through shared experience, strength and hope are recovering from complusive eating. Meetings are free. OA meets at 5 p.m. on Mondays at St. James Episcopal Church, 260 Warwoman Road, Clayton. For more information, call 706-782-7237.

Friendship Circle/SC Mental Health Association - The Stephens County Mental Health Association group meets the first Monday of each month at 1 p.m. at the Stephens County Peer Center located across the street from the Huddle House in the blue storefront building. The SC Mental Health Association promotes a better life for folks with a mental illness and educates and advocates for them. Anyone with someone in his or her family with a mental illness is encouraged to attend as well as anyone with a mental illness. If you have any questions, call Curtis Scott, 706-491-3034

Board of Tax Assessors - The Stephens County Board of Tax Assessors meets the first, second and thirdMondays of each month at 8:30 a.m. in the first floor meeting room of the Stephens County Government Building. Any called or rescheduled meeting will be posted at the meeting room as far in advance as possible.

Elks/Auxiliary - B.P.O. Elks Lodge #1820 and its auxiliary meet the first Monday of each month at 8 p.m. Meals begin at 7 p.m.

TOPS - The Taking Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) Club meets each Monday at the First Alliance Church of Toccoa on Highway 17, across from Wal-Mart. Weigh-ins are from 5:45-6:45 p.m. Meetings follow from 7-8 p.m. For more information, call 706-244-0814.

A.A. Family Group - Alcoholics Anonymous meets at St. Matthias Episcopal Church at 8 p.m.

Tuesday, July 6

Toccoa Rotary Club - The Toccoa Rotary Club meets at noon each Tuesday at the Gate Cottage Restaurant located at 896 Forrest Drive on campus. Web site: www.rotarycluboftoccoa.org.

Georgia Council for the Blind - The local chapter of the Georgia Council for the Blind will meet at Fernside Fire Department at 11 a.m.

Free yoga classes - Free yoga classes offered on Tuesdays from 6-8 p.m. and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to noon at Panther Brook Spiritual Center in Turnerville. Reservations required. Call 706-754-7488 or check out the Web site www.pantherbrook.com.

Narcotics Anonymous - Narcotics Anonymous meets at the American Legion building on East Doyle Street every Tuesday at 8 p.m. The N.A. HelpLine number is 888-313-7887.

Wednesday, July 7

BINGO at Elks Lodge - BPO Elks Lodge 1820 hosts BINGO on the bottom floor of the lodge on Remsdale Road each Wednesday at 7 p.m. Buffet available by the Toccoa Elks Lodge.

Family Connections ... FIRST - The Family Connections ... FIRST (Family Involved Resources for Stephens County and Toccoa) collaborative meets at 3 p.m. in the community room of the Toccoa-Stephens County Public Library the first Wednesday of every month.

by Hardee's Corporation. Bring paper and pencil. Instructors are Barbara Allen, who has taught for North Georgia Technical College; Geneva Hambrick, GED, NGTC; and Linda Meyerholtz, GED, Athens Tech.

Upcoming &

Ongoing

New Red Hat Chapter -A new Red Hat Chapter, Amethysts Violas, meets the fourth Friday of each month. Meet at 11:30 a.m. at Ingles/Belk parking lot up front by Big A Road and the mail box for a car pool to go to lunch and other activities. For more information, contact Heather Peters, 606-306-1992 or e-mail haadkins@yahoo.com.

Georgia legal services program - Free legal services are available to senior citizens and low-income clients in the area. Services are based on case type and financial eligibility. GLSP does not handle criminal cases. For an appointment, call 1-800-745-5717 or 770-535-5717 from 9-11 a.m.

Circle of Hope - Volunteers are needed for Circle of Hope: For Victim's of Domestic Violence and their Children. If interested, call Diane at 706-778-5151, extension 27 or e-mail cohvolunteer@windstream.net.

Alzheimer's caregivers counseling - Counseling for caregivers of Alzheimer's patients, free, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call Mary Chapman, 706-886-5999 or 760-491-3040.

CASA - The Northeast Georgia CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) program provides trained volunteers who advocate for children involved in abuse and neglect cases in juvenile court. New CASA volunteeer training classes are available throughout the year. Call Northeast Georgia CASA, 706-886-1098 for more information.

Bilingual volunteers needed - Circle of Hope, a program for victims of domestic violence is in need of bilingual (Spanish speaking) volunteers to help with legal advocacy, mentoring and tutoring. If interested, contact Diane at 706-778-5151 ext. 28 or e-mail cohvolunteer@windstream.net.

Toccoa Amateur Radio Society, Inc. - Meetings are held on the first Saturday of each month, unless a holiday or HAM Fest is on that Saturday, then the meeting is held the following Saturday at the Salvation Army Church at, 348 E. Franklin St. off US 123, at 9 a.m. For a map to meeting site and information, go to www.mytowntoccoa.com/tars. For more information contact Michael Carter, KI4AEM at 706-886-4076 or Buzz Tatham, KU4ES at 706-886-9216.

Volunteers needed - Compassionate Hospice of North Georgia has opportunities available in which you can make a difference, music, reading, pet volunteer program, companionship to patients and families,

Veteran's coffee - Veteran's coffee is held at Stephens County Military Museum the first Wednesday of every month starting at 8:30 a.m. with coffee, juice and snacks and speaker at 9 a.m. For more information, call 706-282-5055. Veterans and everyone that would like to attend is welcome.

 Come visit, relax and live in Toccoa, Georgia

Weekly Happenings in and around Toccoa Georgia.

You will notice that Family Living is what sets Toccoa Georgia apart. Slowing the pace and taking time to smell the roses, (as they say) is a way of life for Toccoa's community. The community church's in and around Toccoa support families with on going events such as VBS, pancake breakfast's, women's study groups, concerts and dinners.

The name "Toccoa" means beautiful and it is, nestled in the foothills of NE Georgia. Great place to vacation and even better to reside.

This week from The Toccoa Record

Toccoa First United Methodist Church - The church will hold Vacation Bible School June 20-24 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Theme for the VBS will be "Galactic Blast: A Cosmic Adventure Praising God!" A snack supper will be provided each evening. The VBS is open to children ages pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. For more information, call the church office at 706-886-9446.

Poplar Springs Baptist Church - The church will hold Vacation Bible School June 21-25 from 6-:30 p.m. The VBS is for children ages 4 through middle school. Onsite registration will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, June 21. You can register online at poplarspringschurch.com. Theme of the VBS will be "Saddle Ridge Ranch." For more information, contact the church office at 706-356-1428.

Mt. Zion Baptist Church - The church will hold a pancake breakfast Saturday, June 19, from 7-10 a.m. at Applebee's on Big A Road. Cost is $5 for all you can eat. The church will also hold revival June 21-25 at 7 p.m. Guest speaker will be the Rev. Odell Burns, pastor of Evergreen Baptist Church in Anderson, S.C.

Redeeming Love Center for Women - The center will host a six week study series, "Becoming More than a Good Bible Study Girl." There will be two study sessions - Mondays at 9 a.m. beginning June 21 or Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. beginning June 24. The center is located at 28 E. Savannah St. For more information, call 706-491-2278.

True Gospel Holiness Church - Kaitlyn Kesler of Royston will be in concert Saturday, June 19, at 6 p.m. For more information, call 706-498-0662. A love offering will be received.

Tom's Creek Baptist Church - The church will hold a yard sale on Saturday, June 19 from 7 a.m. to noon. All proceeds will benefit the church's World Changers mission trip.

Old Toccoa Baptist - The church will hold Vacation Bible School on Sunday, June 20. Registration will begin at 5:30 p.m. A meal will be served at 6 p.m. with VBS from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Trinity CME Church - The church will hold Vacation Bible School June 21-25 from 6-8 p.m. The church's usher anniversary will be held Sunday, June 27, at 3 p.m.

Toccoa First Presbyterian Church - The church will hold Vacation Bible School June 21-25 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. for ages pre-kindergarten through sixth grade. Supper will be included each evening.

Upcoming

TLC Ministry - The ministry needs donations of non-perishable food items or cash donations to buy food. The ministry aids families in need in Stephens, Franklin and surrounding counties. Send donations payable to TLC Ministry at 116 Childs St., Martin. 30557. Food items can be dropped off at the same address. For more information, contact Sara Madore at 706-779-3085.

Clark's Creek Baptist Church - The church will hold Vacation Bible School for ages 3-up June 27-30 from 5-8 p.m. Theme will be "High Seas Expedition." Supper will be furnished. Register online at www.groupvbspro.com by June 9 and receive a free t-shirt

New Beginning Christian Ministries - The church will hold an "evening of elegance" July 17 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at Georgia Baptist Conference Center. There will be a talent-fashion Tickets are $25 each. For more information, contact pastor Mary Ann Towns at 706-391-4621 or Alickyia Renefroe at 478-357-2006.

Full Gospel Baptist Church - The church will hold a "flapjack fundraiser" Saturday, June 26, from 8-10 a.m. at Applebee's on Big A Road. Tickets are $6 per person. Proceeds from the event will go to help establish the church's family life center. For more information, call Pat Brown at 706-244-4822 or Leon Davis at 864-647-8302.

Welcome Baptist Church - The Westminster, S.C. church will hold homecoming Sunday, June 27, at 9:30 a.m. The Porter Family will be in concert. Speaker will be David Shirley, director of missions of the Beaverdam Baptist Association. Lunch will be served following the morning worship. The church will hold Vacation Bible School June 27 through July 1. Theme will be "Egyptian Files." For more information, call 864-647-6110.

Friendship Baptist Church - The church will hold revival June 28 through July 2 at 7 p.m. Guest speakers will be the Rev. Andy Childs, the Rev. Oliver Dorsey, the Rev. W.J. Welchel, the Rev. Michael Sullivan and the Rev. Ronald Gantt. The public is invited. For more information, call the church at 706-886-1814.

Glad Tidings Assembly of God - The church will host Kidz Explosion 2010 June 27-29 from 6-8 p.m. There will be games, prizes, skits and puppets. Children ages 5-12 are invited to attend.

Hollywood Church of God - The church will hold a healing and restoration service Sunday, June 27 at 6 p.m. Tammie Smith will give her testimony and Joel Hawkins will provide the music. For more information, call 706-886-1224.

Hurricane Grove Baptist Church - The church will hold an installation service for the Rev. Marcus Riley Sunday, June 27, at 3:30 p.m. Speaker will be the Rev. Johnny Williams of Hope Fellowship of Winder. Dinner will be served at 2 p.m.

Come visit Toccoa Georgia and see Toccoa Falls. Great Family Gathering Place...

Home Staging Solutions for Kitchen and Bath and More...

CELEBRATE DYI YOUR WAY

Today we are watching every penny we spend. With all the changes in the economy we are now learning we can actually do alot of things ourselves. DYI is coming alive more and more.

We are learning to clean our own homes, mow our lawns and actually do some of our own home improvements.

With home improvements in mind, kitchen and bath should be the foremost in our minds bringing the most return for money spent. The kitchen and bath areas are the most used areas of a home and should get the most attention.

We have all changed our hardware to spruce up the kitchen and bath but what about changing out worn cabinet doors and drawer fronts. The actual layout and cabinets are in good shape. Most cabinets built 20 years ago are much better built than what we can purchase today. The constant use of the cabinets doors and hinges do wear out and nothing dates a home more than old looking cabinet doors and drawer fronts. 

Wood Veneer Doors

Everyone is different.. Looking for your style, check out magizines. It can be overwhelming, but cut out your favorite pictures and hang them on your cabinet doors. Which style excites you? After a few days you should have your mind made up.

Aluminum Framed Glass Doors

Bathroom Refacing

For more information on refacing, please do not hesitate to contact us. We have the ideas and sources for all your refacing needs.

Bedroom Closet Ideas and Room Dividers.... Check these options...

5 Lite Silhouette

Mirrored Bi-Fold in Closets

Chalkboard Sliding Doors for Childs Room or Office

Sky Door for Room Dividing

Just a few more Ideas and Solutions for Home Staging for the DIY ... we are the source you are looking for.

Above and Beyond Home Staging and Re-design.

 Family Community - Enjoy - Toccoa, Georgia

Event calendar from The Toccoa Record, Toccoa Georgia. Not everyone gets the weekly news, so here are some up coming events and community services that may be of interest.

Monday, June 21

Overeaters Anonymous - Overeaters Anonymous meets for a Big Book Study on Mondays, 5 p.m., at St. James Episcopal Church on Warwoman Road, Clayton. There are no dues or fees. For more information, call 706-782-7237.

Jr. Woman's Club of Toccoa - The Jr. Woman's Club of Toccoa is a community service club focusing on education, home life, conservation, the arts, support for Tallulah Falls School and foster care and adoption awareness. Meetings are held the third Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Toccoa library. For more information, call Dana Skelton-Sanders at 706-282-4645.

Board of Tax Assessors - The Stephens County Board of Tax Assessors meets the first, second and third Mondays of each month at 8:30 a.m. in the first floor meeting room of the Stephens County Government Building. Any called or rescheduled meeting will be posted at the meeting room as far in advance as possible.

Woodmen of the World - The Woodmen of the World meets the third Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at the lodge on Homer Road. All members are encouraged to attend; periodic prize drawings are held to encourage attendance.

Currahee Rangers - The Currahee Rangers, Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 935, meets the third Monday of every month at 6:30 p.m. The business session begins at 7:20 p.m., and guests are welcome.

Toccoa Shrine Club - The Toccoa Shrine Club meets at Quincy's the third Monday of every month. The meal will begin at 6:30 p.m., with the meeting to follow. All qualified Shriners and their wives are invited to attend.

Elks Lodge 1820 - BPO Elks Lodge 1820 in Toccoa meets the third Monday of each month at 8 p.m. Meals begin at 7 p.m.

Board of Tax Assessors - The Stephens County Board of Tax Assessors meets the first, second and third Mondays of each month at 8:30 a.m. in the first floor meeting room of the Stephens County Government Building. Any called or rescheduled meeting will be posted at the meeting room as far in advance as possible.

TOPS - The Taking Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) Club meets each Monday at the First Alliance Church of Toccoa on Highway 17, across from Wal-Mart. Weigh-ins are from 5:45-6:45 p.m. Meetings follow from 7-8 p.m. For more information, call 706-244-0814.

NARFE - Kay Ashby, former Blue Cross/Blue Shield representative, will be the speaker at the meeting of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) meeting. The meeting will be held at Quincy's beginning at 11:30 a.m.

A.A. Family Group - Alcoholics Anonymous meets at St. Matthias Episcopal Church at 8 p.m.

Tuesday, June 22

Toccoa Rotary Club - The Toccoa Rotary Club meets at noon each Tuesday at the Gate Cottage Restaurant located at 896 Forrest Drive on campus. Web site: www.rotarycluboftoccoa.org.

Georgia Council for the Blind - The local chapter of the Georgia Council for the Blind meets at the Fernside fire station at 11 a.m.

Free yoga classes - Free yoga classes offered on Tuesdays from 6-8 p.m. and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to noon at Panther Brook Spiritual Center in Turnerville. Reservations required. Call 706-754-7488 or check out the Web site www.pantherbrook.com.

Narcotics Anonymous - Narcotics Anonymous meets at the American Legion building on East Doyle Street every Tuesday at 8 p.m. The N.A. HelpLine number is 888-313-7887.

Wednesday, June 23

BINGO at Elks Lodge - BPO Elks Lodge 1820 hosts BINGO on the bottom floor of the lodge on Remsdale Road each Wednesday at 7 p.m. Buffet available by the Toccoa Elks Lodge.

GED instructions - Free instructions to get a GED Wednesdays, 1-3 p.m. at Hardee's in Toccoa, approved by Hardee's Corporation. Bring paper and pencil. Instructors are Barbara Allen, who has taught for North Georgia Technical College; Geneva Hambrick, GED, NGTC; and Linda Meyerholtz, GED, Athens Tech.

Upcoming &

Ongoing


New Red Hat Chapter -A new Red Hat Chapter, Amethysts Violas, meets the fourth Friday of each month. Meet at 11:30 a.m. at Ingles/Belk parking lot up front by Big A Road and the mail box for a car pool to go to lunch and other activities. For more information, contact Heather Peters, 606-306-1992 or e-mail haadkins@yahoo.com.

Georgia legal services program - Free legal services are available to senior citizens and low-income clients in the area. Services are based on case type and financial eligibility. GLSP does not handle criminal cases. For an appointment, call 1-800-745-5717 or 770-535-5717 from 9-11 a.m.

Circle of Hope - Volunteers are needed for Circle of Hope programs for victims of domestic violence and their children. If interested, call Diane at 706-778-5151, extension 27 or e-mail cohvolunteer@windstream.net.

Alzheimer's caregivers counseling - Counseling for caregivers of Alzheimer's patients, free, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call Mary Chapman, 706-886-5999 or 760-491-3040.

CASA - The Northeast Georgia Mountain CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) program provides trained volunteers who advocate for children involved in abuse and neglect cases in juvenile court. New CASA volunteeer training classes are available throughout the year. Call Northeast Georgia CASA, 706-886-1098 for more information.

Bilingual volunteers needed - Circle of Hope, a program for victims of domestic violence is in need of bilingual (Spanish speaking) volunteers to help with legal advocacy, mentoring and tutoring. If interested, contact Diane at 706-778-5151 ext. 28 or e-mail cohvolunteer@windstream.net.

Toccoa Amateur Radio Society, Inc. - Meetings are held on the first Saturday of each month, unless a holiday or HAM Fest is on that Saturday, then the meeting is held the following Saturday at the Salvation Army Church at, 348 E. Franklin St. off US 123, at 9 a.m. For a map to meeting site and information, go to www.mytowntoccoa.com/tars. For more information contact Michael Carter, KI4AEM at 706-886-4076 or Buzz Tatham, KU4ES at 706-886-9216.

Volunteers needed - Compassionate Hospice of North Georgia has opportunities available in which you can make a difference including music, reading, pet volunteer program, companionship to patients and families, sewing, floral deliveries, clerical support, birthday projects, assisting with special events such as BINGS, trivia and more. For more information, contact Tami at 678-943-3585 or 678-717-0969.

Local farmers' market - The local farmers' market will be held each Tuesday, Friday and Saturday beginning at 7 a.m. beside Farmer's Furniture on Hwy 17.

Stephens County farmers' market - The Stephens County Farmers' Market will be open every Wednesday and Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to noon at the old Payne's Alignment Center building on North Broad Street (next to Los Primos).

Babysitting training course - The Stephens County Recreation Department will have an American Red Cross babysitting training course. This course prepares youth with the training every parent wants in a babysitter-including safety, basic childcare, safe play, first aid and critical emergency action skills. The classes will be held on from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Participants ages 11-15 may enroll. Participants must prepay $47 to register. No walk-ins will be accepted. Call Jennifer Mangiapane, instructor for more information at 706-599-7753 or e-mail breadeater1972@yahoo.com.

Griffin reunion - The Griffin reunion will be Saturday, June 26 at 2 p.m. at the Martin Community Center.

Horse show - The 2010 Currahee Saddle Club Pointed Horse Show is scheduled for June 26, 4 p.m.; Aug. 28, 4 p.m.; Sept. 25, 10 a.m. For more information, call 706-969-2631.

Andrews reunion - The Andrews family reunion will be held Saturday, June 26, at New Hope Baptist Church on Highway 106 in Toccoa. Fellowship will begin at 11 a.m. and lunch at noon. Bring your favorite dish and come out and enjoy the fellowship. For more information, call Scott Andrews, 706-491-0630.

Benefit ride/cookout - A Kayla Seymour benefit ride/cookout is set for June 26, beginning with registration from 8:45-9:45 a.m. followed by "kick stands up" at 10 a.m. (preregistration is appreciated). Proceeds will help pay for the funeral expenses incurred by the family of 21 year old Kayla Seymour. The cost for the ride/cookout or cookout only is by donation. The hour-and-a-half ride will leave from the Commerce Church of God in Commerce and end at Poplar Springs Recreation Area on Lake Hartwell in the Gumlog community of Lavonia. Lunch and drawing will be held from 1-3 p.m. at the pavilion under the shade trees. Pre-register, purchase tickets to the drawing and make donations online at http://www/bikersforkayla.myevent.com. For more information, call 706-988-1650

 Family Community you will enjoy. Toccoa, Georgia Northeast Georgia

 Need a Break..Take the Choo-Choo to NE Georgia and Enjoy the ride. The train departs the Atlanta Amtrak Station at 8:15 PM each evening headed for NE Georgia. Don't eat before you board, you will want to enjoy dinner in the dining car, the menu is aways great and you meet interesting people from all walks of life. I have been enjoying this ride for 2 years. Beats fighting the traffic. It is totally stress free.

After spending time to relax and rejuvinate in the beautiful foothills of of NE Georgia, I take the return back to Atlanta at 6:15 AM. Great to get up early and enjoy the sunrise eating breakfast in the dining car and checking out all the wonderful little towns you would miss by driving the interstate. Try it sometime, you will find there is lots to do up in them hills of NE Georgia.