Local and state briefs

Lee Republicans to host forum

LEESBURG — The Lee County Republican Party will host a candidate’s forum at its monthly breakfast May 14. All local candidates running in May 24 Republican and Democratic primaries or in nonpartisan races are invited to attend.

The public is also invited to attend the breakfast, which will be held at the Grand Island Golf Club clubhouse starting at 8 a.m.

An optional breakfast will be available for $7.

Essay winners to read at Rotary meeting

ALBANY — Grade winners from Westover High School and Deerfield-Windsor School will read their winning essays from the Georgia Rotary Laws of Life Essay Contest today during the Dougherty County Rotary Club’s meeting at Doublegate Country Club.

The contest has students select a “law of life” — a wise saying that illustrates positive character values — and write about it from their perspective.

The meeting starts at 11:45 a.m.

State Theatre to host ‘Bridal Shower’

ALBANY — Kingdom Style Enrichment is hosting a bridal shower, and Southwest Georgia is invited to attend.

Kingdom Style Enrichment, a community-focused organization designed to change the lives of others through positive life-enhancing activities, will present the interactive stage play/variety show “The Bridal Shower” Saturday at Albany’s downtown State Theatre.

The 4 p.m. event, during which audience members become part of the production, was written and will be produced by Yvette Greene. Producer/director John Dawson will be on hand to to film the production with the intent of turning the play into a TV sitcom.

Audience members will have an opportunity to win door prizes, enjoy light refreshments and be involved in a production that is sure to entertain.

Tickets, which are designed to resemble actual bridal shower invitations, are $15 and are available at Odyssey Records and radio station WUTU. A portion of ticket sales will benefit Albany Community Builders’ Feed My Sheep initiative, a program created to teach and prepare young people to become entrepreneurs in the agriculture industry.

Lee Sheriff’s Office plans fundraiser

LEESBURG — The Lee County Sheriff’s Office will host its eighth annual Sheriff’s Office Fundraiser Festival Saturday at the Butterfly Kisses Special Needs Play Park starting at 10 a.m.

Activities include dunk-a-cop, cream-a-cop, a silent auction, a bake sale, inflatables, carnival games, a cake walk, face painting, arts and crafts, music, dancing, beat-a-car, train rides and Tennessee Walking Horse rides.

Proceeds from the day of family fun will benefit Project Lifesaver Lee County, Georgia Sheriff Youth Homes, Masonic Youth Homes, the Lee County School System Buddy Bench Project and Lee County Back Pack Blessings.

Local students win McDonald’s scholarships

ALBANY — Albany Herald General Manager Ken Boler will be the keynote speaker during a May 12 awards luncheon held in honor of 14 South Georgia Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Georgia scholarship winners.

The recipients, who, according to the scholarship sponsor “demonstrated academic achievement, leadership and community involvement,” include Madison Armona, Oesha Bivens, Jasmine Cox, Cheryl Dedmon, DeMarcus Graham, Elizah Huff, Arnell Konde, Logan Littleton, Michaela Lubbers, Kenslee Mathis, Daughtry Melton, Billie Mills, Daisy Perales and Laura Ramirez.

Each will receive a $1,000 grant from RMHC.

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Georgia President/CEO Bonnie Hopkins said, “Students across the country work hard to earn top marks, dreaming of the college they will attend and the education they will receive. Unfortunately, many of these students will not be able to afford it. We are pleased to offer the RMHC Scholarship Program in South Georgia in order to help these student leaders reach their full potential.”

Ronald McDonald House Charities Central Georgia provides a home away from home for families of seriously ill, critically injured or medically fragile children receiving treatment at area medical facilities. Learn more about the organization at www.rmhccga.org.

Terrell Humane Society, Austin’s team up

DAWSON — The Humane Society of Terrell County will partner with Austin’s Firegrill of Albany to host the second “Meows, Mutts and Margaritas” event to celebrate Cinco de Mayo Thursday. Austins will donate 10 percent of all food and beverage sales for the day to the Humane Society of Terrell County.

“We are extremely excited to have the opportunity to again partner with Austin’s,” said HSTC volunteer Krissy Walker. “We can promote our organization by letting the public know who we are and about us. We will also have several of our adoptable canines on site from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., as well as information on volunteering, adopting and fostering.”

The event will continue until 8 p.m., and volunteers will have door prizes, raffle items and a few extra event T-shirts available for those who did not order one in advance.

The Humane Society of Terrell County does not have a shelter, but is made up of a group of volunteers who provide foster homes. The shelter has a no-kill policy and focuses on spaying/neutering efforts to reduce animal overpopulation.

First Smithville Academy reunion planned

SMITHVILLE — Planning is under way for the first-ever Smithville Academy Reunion, which is scheduled June 4 at the Anchored Flint at Lake Blackshear.

Smithville Academy, which opened in 1970 near Smithville, had 90 graduates during its five years of operation. The private school’s last graduating class earned diplomas in 1975. All graduates and others who attended the school are invited to be a part of the 45th reunion celebration.

Information on the reunion is available on Facebook or by contacting event co-chairs Anita Gillis Johnston at (229) 319-0085 or Terri Lacy Jones at (229) 938-2417.

Reservations are $50 per person.

Bethel to host renovation kick-off

ALBANY — The board of directors, management and members of Bethel AME Church will host a Renovation Kick-off Celebration for the Bethel Housing Complex Tuesday from 5:30-7 p.m.

The public is invited to the celebration, which will be held at the park located at the Bethel Housing Complex.

Aspire to hold run for mental health awareness

ALBANY — Aspire Behavioral Health and Developmental Disability Services will host its first “Aspire to Shine 5K and Fun Run for Mental Health Awareness” Saturday at Darton State College.

“In celebration with communities around the nation, Aspire is hosting this special event in support of children’s mental health, and we encourage everyone to join us as we aspire to shine a light on the importance of children’s mental health awareness,” said Aspire Clubhouse Child and Adolescent Coordinator Lisa Spear. “One in 10 children will have a serious mental health condition, with 50 percent of all lifetime cases beginning by age 14.

“Understanding the signs and symptoms of a mental disorder can help improve outcomes in all facets of life.”

Entry fee for the event fun walk is $10 for adults and children. Entry fee for the 5K run is $25 for adults and $10 for children under age 12. A fee of $35 is required to participate in both events.

Awards will be given to the top five fun run finishers ages 14-under, first overall male and female 5K finisher and the top three for all age groups.

To register, mail registration forms to Aspire Clubhouse, 2500 Dawson Road, Suite 101, Albany 31721 or submit registration forms online at Active.com. Additional information is available by calling (229) 430-5100.

Chastain Park Spring Arts & Crafts fest set

ATLANTA — Art lovers are invited to spend Mother’s Day weekend in historic Chastain Park for the park’s annual Spring Arts & Crafts Festival. The festival will be held 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday.

For information about the festival, visit www.chastainparkartsfestival.com online. Chastain Park is located at 4469 Stella Drive in midtown Atlanta.

Kids welcome to take part in ‘Safety Palooza’

ALBANY —In partnership with Greater Grace Church of Christ, Amerigroup Community Care will present Safety Palooza June 4 at the 205 S. Westover Blvd. church

The first 50 kids at the event, which emphasizes safety concerns in the community, will receive a free helmet. Also during the 10 a.m.-noon event, kids can enjoy refreshments, inflatables, face painting, free health screenings and giveaways.

For additional information, call (800) 600-4441 or visit www.myamerigroup.com.