Around Oconee: AARP tax help available

AARP will offer tax assistance to all adults at the Oconee County Library on Mondays from 1 to 4:30 p.m. from February through early April.

The service is free regardless of age or AARP affiliation. For more information, call (706) 769-3950 or visit www.clarke.public.lib.ga.us/oconee/.

Clean out the closet

The Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation is seeking new or used items for its annual thrift sale.

The organization is looking for surplus usable furniture, toys, clothing, books, tools, electronics, small appliances, vehicles, lawn and garden supplies, antiques and other items.

Proceeds will benefit art and art education offered by the foundation. All donations are tax deductible. Drop off items on Thursdays from 2 to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Rocket Hall.

For dropoffs during the week or to schedule a pickup, call (706) 769-4565 or e-mail info@ocaf.com. Donations will be accepted through March 7. The sale is March 12-13.

Class for searching the past

The Oconee County Library will offer Genealogy 101: The Basics at 3 p.m. Feb. 6 and again at 4 p.m. Feb. 11.

The class offers instruction on starting genealogy research, including vital records and formats for recording information.

Genealogy 102: Census Records Online, limited to four people, will be held at 3 p.m. Feb. 23. The class offers instruction on navigating the online genealogy databases. Registration is required for both classes. Call (706) 769-3950.

Residents to attend Kettle Creek event

Several Oconee residents will participate in this year's Revolutionary Days observance of the Battle of Kettle Creek planned for Feb. 12-14 in Washington.

The event includes a parade and colonial life demonstrations.

The historic battle took place in 1779 in Willkes County, where Georgia and South Carolina militia defeated the British Loyalist.

The Oconee residents, who are members of the Georgia Sons of the American Revolution, are Col. Robert Towns, who is in charge of the War Hill wreath-laying and is a past state president of the organization; Robert Hale, recorder for War Hill and past president of the Athens Chapter Sons of the American Revolution; Jim Hubert, a minuteman for War Hill and past president of the Athens Chapter Sons of the American Revolution; Charlie Newcomer, a Elijah Clarke re-enactor for Revolutionary Days and past state president; and Jay Guest, state commander of the Elijah Clarke Militia and president of the Athens Chapter Sons of the American Revolution.

The event also features a re-enactment of the famous battle at Fort Washington Park behind the Wilkes County Courthouse.

Registration opens for spring sports

The Oconee County Parks and Recreation Department will begin its registration for spring sports beginning Monday. People can register for soccer, volleyball, baton, sticks for kids golf, Start Smart baseball, Start Smart soccer, adult softball and soccer leagues.

Register online at www.oconeecounty.com or visit the office at Oconee Veterans Park or Herman C. Michael Park. For more information call (706) 769-3965.

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.

Chamber banquet set for Civic Center

The Oconee Chamber of Commerce will host its 34th annual members banquet at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Oconee County Civic Center. The cost is $45 per person or a table of eight for $320.

The guest speaker is Dara Barwick, director of existing industry and regional recruitment for the Georgia Department of Economic Development.

For more information, contact Zoe Gattie at zgattie@oconeechamber.org.

OCAF hosts show for black history

The Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation is hosting the "Heart & Soul" art exhibit in observan