Wednesday, Nov. 6

On Wednesday, Nov. 6, at noon, the Friends of the Lafayette-walker County Library will present a framed Johnny Cash poster, signed by the son of Johnny Cash, to Sheriff Steve Wilson. The poster will later hang in the Ralph Jones Training Center on Probasco Street in Lafayette. Sheriff Ralph Jones’ son Terry Jones will be in attendance. Local officials, the Friends of the Lafayette-walker County Library, library staff and the Lafayette Woman’s Club will be in attendance. The public is invited to attend the presentation. The posters were designed to commemorate the anniversary of the concert Johnny Cash played in Lafayette in 1970. The concert was in appreciation for Sheriff Jones. Cash was arrested in Lafayette in 1967 for prowling, public intoxication, and a variety of drug charges. Sheriff Jones ordered the charges against Cash be thrown out after a face-to-face talk with the country music singer. Johnny Cash credited Jones with turning his life around. Johnny Cash posters and Ralph Jones guitar photos will be available for purchase after the presentation. For more information, contact Rachel Oesch Willeford at 706-200-8099 or racheloeschwilleford@gmail.com.

To show respect and express its thanks for the nation’s active duty, retired and veteran military members, many of whom have put their lives on the line to protect this country. “We believe that an order of our thick, fluffy Sweet Cakes pancakes is a nice way to share a token of appreciation and thank them for their service,” says Huddle House. When: Veterans Day Weekend (Friday, Nov. 8 through Monday, Nov. 11). Where: Chickamauga Huddle House, 14 Bushrod Johnson Ave. How: Just show a valid military ID.

Saturday, Nov. 9

The 12th annual Turkey Shoot/pancake Breakfast to raise funds for camper scholarships will be held Saturday, Nov. 9, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Camp New Dawn, 245 S. Cedar Lane, Chickamauga (in scenic Mclemore Cove). Bring the whole family and enjoy fun activities for children, a silent auction, live music and lunch as well as the shoot, which is open to youth and adults. For more information, call 706-539-2235 or check the Facebook page.

Tuesday, Nov. 12

Northwest Georgia Council of the Blind will meet Tuesday, Nov. 12, at 1 p.m. at the Lafayette-walker County Library.

Local artists are needed for an art show and sale at The Colonnade, or religion. This event features Pastor Victor Styrsky is a nationally soughtafter speaker on Israel and the issues facing the Jewish people. As CUFI’S National Outreach director and Eastern Regional coordinator, Pastor Styrsky has been a pastor, music director, and proisrael activist for more than 25 years. He is the author of “Honest to God — Christian Zionists Confront 10 Questions Jews Need Answered.” He has been a frequent speaker at college campuses, churches, synagogues, AIPAC, and for other pro-israel organizations across the nation. Additionally, special music will be provided by the Ringgold First Baptist Church’s Men’s Ensemble directed by Allen Goodwin. Rev. Eric Purser is minister of music at Ringgold First Baptist Church and sings with the group.

The staff of Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park will commemorate the 156th anniversary of the Battles for Chattanooga with a series of special programs taking place in and around the city from Saturday through Monday, Nov. 23-25. By November 1863, months of besiegement culminated with a series of battles throughout the Chattanooga area. By the time the smoke cleared, Orchard Knob, Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge were strewn with the wreckage of war, and the Confederate Army of Tennessee was in full retreat. It was, as one Confederate later wrote, the “Death Knell of the Confederacy.” Throughout the weekend, the park will offer a variety of special programs marking the anniversary of the battles, including historical hikes and tours on Moccasin Bend, Orchard Knob, Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge. The historic Cravens House on Lookout Mountain will also be open on Saturday, Nov. 23, and Sunday, Nov. 24.

Let’s Make A Difference will sponsor a Feast of Thanksgiving on Saturday, Nov. 23, at 3 p.m. at the Lafayette Housing Authority, gogues, AIPAC, and for other pro-israel organizations across the nation. Additionally Michael Dzik, executive director of the Jewish Federation of Greater Chattanooga and Amit Matityau, the Federation’s Israeli Emissary, will provide insight, knowledge, and personal reflections on life in Israel. Special music will be provided by Battlefield Parkway Church of the Nazarene Praise Team led by Pastor Rhonda Frye. For more information about this program and local Christians United for Israel activities, contact Margaret Bean 423-6451552 or email her at mrbean1@ catt.com.

By volunteering, you can offer help to those in need in the community. You can make a difference in someone’s life and provide the opportunity for students to develop new skills or build on existing experience or knowledge. Volunteers should have a high school diploma or GED diploma and have a strong commitment to help others. Hours are flexible to volunteer. Volunteers can work several hours a day or as little as two hours per week. Adult Education courses are offered morning, afternoon and evening. Contact Carla Hyde at 706-295-6976 or cahyde@gntc.edu to volunteer.

BE A VOLUNTEER Reading Buddies is an effort on the part of volunteers in Catoosa Christmas wishes will come County to support elementary true at the Lafayette-walkschool teachers, er County Library when especially teachers of K-3 students. Cocoa with Santa returns. On This initiative is supported Monday, Dec. 2, from 5-7 p.m. by the Catoosa County Santa and Mrs. Claus will Early Literacy Task Force. be available for pictures. Volunteers are aware of the Bring your camera to capture challenges of teaching elementary the magical moments. The school students to children will enjoy cookies, read. They are also aware that candy canes and cocoa and elementary students must get their pictures made with be proficient readers by the Santa and Mrs. Claus. Cocoa third grade when they take with Santa costs $5 per family. their first Milestone assessment. The event is sponsored by By supporting teachers the Friends of the Lafayettewalker and students, Reading County Library. For Buddies volunteers believe more information about events they can make a difference sponsored by the Friends of in the lives of children and the Lafayette-walker County students in Catoosa County. Library contact Rachel Oesch Reading Buddies volunteers Willeford at 706-200-8099 agree to work with at least or send an email to racheloeschwilleford@gmail.com. one student for 30 minutes one time per week. They also agree to participate in an orientation offered by Catoosa County Schools and undergo a background check. There is no expense to the volunteer. The volunteer is paired with a teacher and the teacher provides instruction and resources for the volunteer. This usually involves helping the child to learn their sight words, spelling words, reading aloud to the child or having the child read aloud. Anyone interested in volunteering to be a Reading Buddy should contact Patti Long by email at pattilong0708@gmail.com.

MEETINGS Georgia Transparency Coalition meets the third Thursday of each month. Location and guest speakers announced on our Facebook page each month. GTC is a non-partisan watchdog group committed to fostering transparency, accountability, accessibility, integrity and the highest ethical standards in government,

Monday, Dec. 2 Friday, Dec. 6

The Lafayette Christmas Parade is Friday, Dec. 6 and the theme this year is “Winter Wonderland.” Sign up now if you would like to enter a float in the parade. Cash prizes will be awarded to the first and second place best-decorated floats. Categories are Individual, Church, Civic/schools, and Business/ Government Groups. You can sign up online at http://mycityoflafayettega.org/resi…/ events/christmas_parade.

Sunday, Dec. 15

The “Messiah” Community Sing-along