Henry Daily Herald

Today

United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta is preparing for the seventh annual Shoebox Project. Each year, individuals and organizations throughout metro Atlanta donate shoeboxes filled with toiletries, including toothbrushes, toothpaste, lotion, deodorant, lip balm, etc., which are distributed to women and children at homeless shelters throughout the 13-county region United Way serves. The campaign runs through May 1, and gifts will be delivered on Mother’s Day. To donate, visit online unitedwayatlanta.org/shoeboxproject.

The Henry County Police Department is registering students for its Citizen Police Academy now, through March 6. It will begin on March 5, and continue until May 15. The academy serves a dual purpose. It allows citizens to get a better perspective on how the department operates, and also equips them with knowledge to better protect themselves and their families. Slots for the 10-week course will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Call Henry Police Sgt. Jason Duffey at (770) 288-8275.

The Hampton Historic Museum is featuring local woodworker Tom Quick. Many items were handcrafted in his workshop. Some include various woods and deer antlers transformed into pens, thimbles, curiosities, and thing-a-ma-bobs. The display will be in the museum through mid-March. Hampton Historic Museum is open Thursday afternoon, from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call (770) 946-4306.

The Henry County NAACP is seeking sponsors for its 2012 Freedom Fund Banquet scheduled for March. The cost for tables is $500 and/or tickets are $50 each. The banquet will be held on March 23, at the Merle Manders Conference Center. The Henry NAACP will also be conducting a coat drive during the months of February and March. Donations of new and used coats will be collected at regular monthly meetings. All donations will go to a local non-profit shelter. Call (404) 433-3290.

Griffin Choral Arts will present “Masterworks: Gloria!” on Thursday, March 1, 7:30 p.m., at Griffin Auditorium. The two masterworks are Antonia Vivaldi’s Gloria in D and Giacomo Puccini’s Messa di Gloria. For more information, go to www.griffinchoralarts.org. 

March 3 

A parade of dogs and their owners will kick off Mardi Growl, at Locust Grove City Hall, and travel south on the Highway 42 sidewalks to the downtown Historic District, ending in Trailhead Park. Festivities of the day will include pet/owner costume contest, Frisbee dog demonstrations, food, pet vendors, music and more. A parade starts at 10 a.m. Call (770) 692-2323.

March 8

The Henry County Citizens Fire Academy’s spring class will begin on Thursday, March 8. The ten-week class will be held every Thursday evening from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., at Henry County Fire Headquarters. The Citizens Fire Academy is designed to give citizens a greater understanding of the fire department’s many functions and operations. An application and background clearance are required for acceptance. The class is free, but space is limited. Classes will be held at Henry County Fire Headquarters, located at 110 South Zack Hinton Parkway, in McDonough. Visit www.co.henry.ga.us/Fire/CitizenFireAcademy, call Julia Laster at (770) 288-6620, or e-mail jlaster@co.henry.ga.us.

March 9

The Stardust Ballroom Dance Club will host an evening of ballroom dancing Friday, March 9, from 8 p.m. until 10:45 p.m., at Christ Church, 1577 Georgia Highway 85 South, in Fayetteville. The cost is $10 per person. Theme: St. Patrick’s Day. Attire: Smart Casual. Light refreshments provided. No reservations are needed. Visit the web site, StardustBallroomDanceClub.com, or e-mail dmy2121@gmail.com.

March 16

The City of Stockbridge is sponsoring a Black History Month Gala with Henry County District 5 Commissioner Bruce Holmes as the guest speaker, March 16, from 7 p.m., until 9 p.m., at the Merle Manders Conference Center Ballroom. It is open to the public. The event is free and light refreshments will be served. Call Dannille McGouirk at (770) 389-7900, ext. 214.

March 17

Yellow Pollen Street Festival organizers are accepting applications for vendors for the March 17 festival held in Hampton. E-mail yellowpollen@charter.net. Vendors can also contact: yellowpollen@charter.net. The second annual 5K “Haulin’ from Pollen” begins at 8 a.m., in McBrayer Park, prior to the festival. Runners and walkers can register online at active.com, or at (770) 946-4306.

March 23

The Henry County NAACP will hold its 8th Annual Freedom Fund Banquet on Friday, March 23, at 7 p.m., at the Merle Manders Conference Center in Stockbridge. The attire is formal. Tickets are $50 per person. Call (404) 433-3290.

March 24

The 14th Annual Henry County Talent Showcase, sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Henry County, will be held Saturday, March 24, at 7 p.m., at the Henry County Performing Arts Center. The talent competition is for students in the ninth grade, through the 12th grade. All contestants must be Henry County residents, and enrolled in public, private or home schools. Contestants will compete for a $1,250 educational scholarship. Completed applications and the application fee, $35, are due by the audition date of March 16. An application and copy of the rules can be downloaded from the Kiwanis Club web site: www.kiwanisclubofhenrycounty.org. Call David Shofman at (770) 506-1994.

March 31

Pictures with the Easter Bunny will be offered in the Locust Grove Historic Downtown Mayors’ Walk Park. Parents are encouraged to bring cameras and little ones for pictures with the Bunny, 10 a.m., to noon. Merchants will also have a sidewalk sale during the day. Call (770) 692-2320.

The annual Community-wide Yard Sale is scheduled for March 31. The event will be held on the Locust Grove City Hall grounds. Call (770) 957-6171.

April 7

The annual Easter egg hunt for ages 2 years old, through sixth-grade is scheduled to be held on April 7, at 10 a.m., at the Locust Grove City Hall complex. There will be an Easter bonnet/hat contest for adults and children. Tanger gift certificates will be awarded for the most colorful, largest, and unique bonnets/hats. Call (770) 692-2320.

April 28 

The City of Locust Grove will hold its annual Locust Grove Day event on April 28. The parade will begin at 10 a.m., at the Locust Grove Library and travel through Historic Downtown Locust Grove, ending at the City Hall complex where the festivities of the day will take place. The event is free. Call (770) 957-5043. To participate in the parade, call (770) 692-2323. To have a booth, call (770) 957-6171.

Ongoing

WomenHeart of Stockbridge, a support group for women with, or at risk for, heart disease, meets at 6 p.m., on the first Tuesday of each month in the Education Building at Piedmont-Henry Hospital. Contact Ann Hulett at (678) 575-7746.

Providence Hospice is seeking volunteers to work with terminally ill patients and their families. Free training and flexible schedules are available. Contact Sarah Trousdale at (770) 286-4671, or via e-mail at: sarah.trousdale2@gmail.com.

A Breast Cancer Monthly Support Meeting is held the first Saturday of every month, from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m., at First United Methodist Church in McDonough. Call Pam Nelson at (770) 707-0187, Vieve Gilder at (678) 583-6404, or Marie Britt at (770) 507-5107.

The NAACP’s meetings are the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m., at Fairview Recreation Center at 35 Austin Road, in Stockbridge. Regular monthly meetings are open to the public. For more information, call (404) 433-3290.

Datebook is a regular feature of the Henry Daily Herald. To submit an item for publication, e-mail erackley@henryherald.com, or fax to (770) 954-0282, attention: Datebook.