Around Oconee: Jubalheirs to perform

Mars Hill Baptist Church will host the Jubalheirs at 7 p.m. Friday. Jubalheirs is a choir comprising women who serve in various capacities in music ministry throughout Georgia. Founded in 1973, Jubalheirs presents concerts under the direction of Jon Duncan. The concert is free and open to the public.

Preconcert music will begin about 6:45 p.m.

For more information, call (706) 548-6962.

Scull members arrive

The Friends of Scull Shoals will hold its annual members meeting at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Oconee County Library.

According to the group, the agenda for discussion will include reports from secretary Peggy Sommer and treasurer Ruth Hendrix.

Other items include an election for board officers, and a report on the History Curriculum Development project by member Bob Skarda. Other reports include the Indian sweat lodge by Gerrick Hicks; the Durham Herb Trail project by Debbie Cosgrove; and the upcoming Scull Shoals Festival.

Information is available from Skarda at bob@hotwtr.com.

Artist reception arrives

The Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation will host a reception from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday for the 10 artists and OCAF instructors whose works are showing in the exhibition "Tutorial," on display now through Jan. 28.

Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays.

Lock up and learn about genealogy

The Oconee County Library is offering "Searching After Sunset," a four-hour genealogy workshop for beginners, from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday.

Genealogists-to-be can learn how to conduct family research and meet others interested in genealogy. The program is free, but registration is required. The lock-in begins at 6 p.m. when the library closes, so participants should arrive no later than 5:45 p.m. To register, call (706) 769-3950.

The classes offered are Beginning Genealogy, presented by Dana Anderson, president of the Rev. John Andrew chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and What's "Ask Granny?" presented by Greg Crane, co-founder of the Ask Granny! program and teacher of Learning in Retirement classes in genealogy through the Georgia Center for Continuing Education.

The program is co-sponsored by the Clarke-Oconee Genealogical Society and the Rev. John Andrew DAR, and volunteers from both organizations, as well as Library staff, will be on hand to answer questions and help with research.

The library's Ivy Room for Genealogy and Local History contains almost 2,000 books and 300 rolls of microfilm.

Senior Center plans Valentine gala dance

The Oconee County Senior Center will host a Valentine Gala Dinner and Dance at 6 p.m. Feb. 11 at the Oconee County Civic Center.

The Classic City Jazz Band will provide music, and dinner will be hosted by Sweet Delights. The cost is $20 per person, and people are asked to reserve a set by Feb. 8. The attire is formal to semiformal for women and coat-and-tie for men. For more information, call (706) 769-3979.

'A Taste of Oconee' on menu this month

The Oconee County Middle School Band and Chorus Boosters are hosting the fourth annual "A Taste of Oconee" at 5 p.m. Jan. 30 at the Oconee County Civic Center. The event provides an opportunity to sample fare from more than 20 local restaurants and vendors.

Participating in the fundraiser are Barberitos, Big Easy Café, Brett's casual American restaurant, Buffalo's Southwest Café, Chick-fil-A at Epps Bridge, Chops & Hops, Coca-Cola, Creative Cookies and Creamery, Edible Arrangements, Fox's Pizza Den, Girasoles, Gnat's Landing, Gourmet BBQ and Catering, Jittery Joe's, La Parilla, Mirko Pasta, Miss Gail's Southern Cooking, Scoops, The Granary, The Yesterday Café and Zaxby's.

A raffle that includes donations from local artists and authors will be held, along with performances by the Oconee County Middle School band and Chorus students.

The event is sponsored by Athens First Bank and Trust, Barron's Rental Center, Classic City Orthodontics, Matthew N. Padgett esq., attorney at law, Memory at Work, Oconee State Bank, Thompson Electrical Inc., Walton Electric Membership Corp. and Zaxby's.

Proceeds enhance the school's band and chorus programs. Tickets cost $20 in advance and $25 at the door. They can be purchased at OCMS, the Oconee County Chamber of Commerce and the Civic Center.

For more information, visit www.atasteofoconee.com or contact Julie Walters at (706) 769.8681.

Auditions lined up for 'Children of Eden'

Oconee Youth Playhouse will hold auditions for its next production, "Children of Eden," starting today with group auditions for first- through eighth-graders. A second audition will be held Jan. 27 at Oconee Youth School of Performance, 1050 Jamestown Blvd. No advance preparation is necessary.

Auditions are scheduled for 4:30-5:15 p.m. for first- through third-graders and 5:30-6:30 p.m. for fourth- through eighth-graders.

Individual auditions for eighth grade and older will be held Sunday. Auditioners should come with a one-minute song and sheet music. An accompanist will be provided.

All auditioners should sign up in advance at the school or call (706) 769-2677.

"Children of Eden" will be presented April 16-18 at the Oconee County Civic Center.

Chamber banquet set for Civic Center

The Oconee Chamber of Commerce will host its 34th annual members banquet at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 28 at the Oconee County Civic Center. Members are asked to reserve a place by Friday. The cost