Southwest Georgia briefs

Americus Police Department receives new K-9 unit

AMERICUS — The Americus Police Department unveiled the department’s new K-9 drug unit last week and announced Printavious Powall as its K-9 officer.

In 2017, One Sumter embarked on its final strategy for enhancing the image of Americus and Sumter County. One Sumter Board of Directors launched the One Sumter Crime Initiative as a component of One Sumter’s economic development strategy. The initiative seeks to support law enforcement officials and to address the safety and public welfare of residents, businesses and visitors to the community in an effort to spur residential growth and economic vitality.

In a response, One Sumter committed to investing $45,000 toward the purchase of a K-9 drug and tracking search dog, related training for the dog’s handler and assigned officer, and to fully equip the necessary patrol unit.

The One Sumter Economic Development Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and enhancing economic development, community growth and work force development in Sumter County. For more information, contact (229) 924-3042 or [email protected].

Florence Marina State Park plans Easter Egg Hunt, festival

OMAHA — The annual Festival by the Lake and Easter Egg Hunt at Florence Marina State Park will be held on March 24 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the park, located at 218 Florence Road in Omaha.

Florence Marina invites the public to the annual event. The public can browse the park’s craft tables, and vendors can set up their own table of items to sell. The egg hunts will begin at 1 p.m. and be separated by age groups: 0-5, 6-8 and 9-12. Prizes will be awarded to kids who find the golden eggs as well as ones who find the most eggs in each age group.

Potential vendors, or members seeking more information, can call (229) 838-4706. A $15 vendor fee is required. There is a $5 parking fee.

Valdosta NCNW to host mother-daughter brunch

VALDOSTA — The Valdosta Lowndes Section of the National Council of Negro Women will host its fifth annual Mother Daughter Brunch on May 5.

Beginning at 11 a.m. at the James H. Rainwater Conference Center, mothers and daughters will be celebrated in the hat and glove affair. The keynote speaker will be the immediate past state NCNW interim secretary and first vice president of the DeKalb Section of NCNW, Derrica Williams. Proceeds from the event are awarded in scholarships to a senior from both Valdosta High School and Lowndes High School during the brunch.

Tickets are $20 and up for attendees ages 4 and up. For more information, contact (229) 234-2353.

Book tour stop set for March 24 at Q’s Cakes

ALBANY — Author, speaker and entrepreneur J. De Los Santos has selected Albany as a stop on her national tour in support of her book “Redefine Yourself: The Modern Guide to Become a Phenomenal Woman,” a self-love book for all women.

The book stop is planned for 2 -5 p.m. on March 24 at Q’s Cakes at 1406 Dawson Road.

De Los Santos is a Dominican-American artist born in the Dominican Republic and raised in Rhode Island. She served more than a decade in the U.S. Marine Corps, has previously been a TV show host, an actress in several independent films and is the owner and CEO of Inspired By A Message.

The book stop will will feature readings from the book, an interview session with De Los Santos, a book signing and photos with the purchase of a copy. The book can be ordered prior to the event on Amazon. For more information about the event, contact the BAM Agency at (229) 669-6506.

Chehaw to host pet therapy day

ALBANY — Tandria Burke, a Dougherty County 4-H member and Westover Comprehensive High School student, is hosting a pet therapy day at Chehaw on March 28 for children living with psychological, social and physical disabilities.

Burke competes in the Companion Animal Science project at 4-H Project Achievement. In her speech, she talks about the benefits of service and emotional support animals for children with attention deficit disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism.

Burke’s Pet Therapy Day will take place from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on March 28. Lunch will be provided, and guests can enjoy games, dancing, community service activities and more. Admission into Chehaw is free for all registered guests.

Call the Dougherty County Extension Office to register by March 21 at (229) 436-7216.

Life Line to conduct health screenings

ALBANY — Residents living in and around the Albany can learn about their risk for cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, diabetes and other chronic, serious conditions with affordable screenings by Life Line Screening.

American Legion Post 30, at 2916 Gillionville Road, will host the community event on March 24. Screenings can check for the level of plaque buildup in the arteries, HDL and LDL cholesterol levels, diabetes risk, bone density, and kidney and thyroid function.

Officials said screenings are affordable, convenient and accessible for wheelchairs and those with trouble walking. Free parking is also available. Packages start at $149, but consultants will work with individuals to create a package that is right for them, based on age and risk factors.

Call 1-877-237-1287 or visit at www.lifelinescreening.com. Pre-registration is required.

Jennifer Parks