THOMAS THE TANK ENGINE: Thomas the Tank Engine is coming to Calera April 4-6. A 15-ton replica of Thomas the Tank Engine will be on hand to give kids and their parents a ride at the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum. The event will feature arts and crafts, a petting zoo and an inflatable maze. Tickets are $18 for ages 2 and up. Info: http://www.hodrrm.org or (800) 943-4490.

YOUTH ART EXHIBIT: The Shelby County Arts Council will exhibit artwork created by students participating in the Take It To The Schools program at an opening reception April 3 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Shelby County Arts Council in Columbiana. Artist instructors will also display their own work inspired by Creekview student work. Info: Susan Dennis, 669-0044.

AUCTION FUNDRAISER: SafeHouse of Shelby County will have an evening of food, wine and entertainment to benefit their shelter, The Caroline E. Jackson Center for Women and Children. The event will be held on Thursday, April 3 at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center. A Preview Party with a silent auction will begin at 6 p.m. and a seated dinner with a live auction will begin at 7 p.m. Mistress of Ceremonies for the evening will be Aundrea Lindenburg of NBC 13 and the Auctioneer will be Jeff “JT” Tyson of Magic 96 FM. Table sponsorships begin at $1200 and individual tickets are available for $150. Info: Lisa Dunn, mailto:lisa@safehouse.org or 669-1856.

COLUMBIANA YARD SALE: The Columbiana Merchants and Professionals Association will sponsor its spring citywide yard sale April 5 from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. on North Main Street. Info: Georgiann, 670-5563 or 669-0530.

YARD, BAKE, CRAFT SALE: Lakeview Estates Assisted Living Home will be holding a yard, bake and crafts sale on April 5 beginning at 7:30 a.m. to benefit mission

trips being sponsored by Westwood Baptist Church. Lakeview Estates is

located on Valleydale Road.

BOY SCOUTS YARD SALE: Helena Boy Scouts Troop 2 will hold a yard sale April 5 from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the back parking lot of Helena United Methodist Church on Highway 58. There will be toys, clothes, furniture, small goods, equipment and more. Donated items may also be brought to the church April 4 from 5-7 p.m.

PUBLIC AUCTION: There will be a Public Auction on April 9 for materials no longer of value to the school system. Auction will be held at the Facilities and Maintenance building at 125 Industrial Park, Columbiana. Info: Tommy Gamble, 682-7106.

GUEST SPEAKER: The Shelby County Public Library and the Shelby County Commission will host a discussion with Dolores Hydock on of “Footprints in the Sky: Voices from Chandler Mountain” on April 9 at Westover City Hall. Info: Becky Brasher, 669-3910.

UM SILENT AUCTION: The University of Montevallo Junior Board of Directors will host “Bids, Bands, and Beverages” silent auction for all alumni and friends on April 10 from 6-9 p.m. at The Wine Loft in Birmingham. Free admission and hors d’oeuvres, featuring the Hunter Lawley Band. Proceeds benefit the University of Montevallo. Info and R.S.V.P.: Racheal Banks, mailto:banksrb@montevallo.edu or 665-6215.

ARTS ALFRESCO: Aldridge Botanical Gardens will host “Dishing the Dirt: Stories About Gardens” the one-woman show by award-winning actress and story performer Dolores Hydock April 10, 7:30 p.m. Cost is $10 and can be paid at the gate. Info: Beverly Bates, 682-8019.

HOME LAWNS 101: The Shelby County Extension Office will host a Home Lawns 101 Regional Workshop April 10 at 1 p.m. Speakers include Taylor Hatchet, Regional Extension Agent – Home lawn selection, maintenance and care; Tony Glover, Regional Extension Agent – water wise landscaping; Dr. Austin Hagan, Extension Plant Pathologist – home lawn diseases; Nelson D. Wynn, Regional Extension Agent – home lawn weed control.

Info: 669-6763.

MONTEVALLO ARTS FEST: The Montevallo Arts Council will sponsor the second annual Arts Fest on April 11-12 at Orr Park in Montevallo. The two-day event is centered on an art show and sale by area and regional artists and begins at 3:30 p.m. on Friday. Families are encouraged to bring folding chairs and blankets and spend the day enjoying great art, food and music. Info: http://www.montevalloartscouncil.org.

MONTEVALLO YARD SALE: Montevallo Centrala Garden Club is sponsoring a yard sale April 12 from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Highway 25 in front of Lucky’s.

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS: Calera Chamber of Commerce will host “Business After Hours” on April 15 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Vizzini Farms Winery in Calera. Heavy Hors d’oeuvres will be served. R.S.V.P. requested, not required. Info: 668-3023 or mailto:dprivett@calerachamber.org.

UM HONORS DAY: The University of Montevallo will host its annual Honors Day convocations April 16 at 3:30 p.m. on the UM campus. Scholarship recipients, various honor society initiates, students achieving highest honors in their class divisions and other outstanding scholars will be recognized. Individual colleges will hold their respective convocations with receptions following.

UM LITERARY FESTIVAL: The University of Montevallo will host the fifth annual Montevallo Literary Festival April 18 and 19 in Comer Hall on the UM campus. The opening session begins at 1 p.m. April 18. Readings, scheduled throughout both days, are free and open to the public. Authors, poets and artists this year include keynote reader Barry Hannah; workshop leaders Claudia Emerson, Steve Harper and Inman Majors; as well as Chad Davidson, Todd Dills, Susannah Felts, Wayne Greenhaw, Tina Harris, Pete McCommons, Aaron Parrett, Chelsea Rathburn, Philip Shirley and Jeff Weddle. Detailed schedule and info: http://www.montevallo.edu/english/mlf.shtm.

CAJUN DINNER: A Relay for Life Fund Raiser at Shelby Shores will be Saturday, April 19 at 6 p.m. Menu includes gumbo, jambalaya, red beans and rice and more. Suggested donation is $15. Info: 669-7765.

FAMILY FUN DAY: There will be a Family Fun Day at Orr Park on Saturday, April 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Day includes lots of games, food and entertainment. Entertainment includes the Montevallo FFA String Band, Montevallo High School Jazz Band and more. Sponsored by Wilton Baptist Church.

PELHAM BLOOD DRIVES: The American Red Cross will be hosting two blood drives in Pelham for the month of April: Heart of Dixie Harley Davidson, April 19 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Pelham High School, April 24 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

VOLUNTEER DRIVERS NEEDED: NetWorks is looking for drivers to assist seniors in Shelby County by transporting them to the doctor and or pharmacy. Free training will be held at First Baptist Church of Alabaster on April 23 and 24 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., refreshments will be served. Drivers must be over the age of 21, have liability insurance, and have a valid driver’s license. Info: Ashley Pittman, NetWorks Coordinator, 670-5770 or 866-570-2998.

PARADE OF POETRY: Montevallo Middle School Gifted Education Classes will host the Parade of Poetry April 24 at Parnell Memorial Library at 6 p.m. The event will feature readings of original poetry by Montevallo Elementary and Middle School students, and performances by the Poetry Posse of Montevallo High School and the Poetry Players of Shelby county schools. The evening will wrap up with “Last Poet Standing,” a poetry reading elimination competition between students and faculty from the University of Montevallo. Admission is $3 and proceeds benefit the Montevallo Middle School GRC program. Info: Audra Edwards, mailto:A2edwards@shelbyed.k12.al.us.

SBMC BOOK SALE: The Shelby Baptist Medical Center auxiliary will hold its book sale April 24-25 from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m. The sale will be held in the Women’s Center lobby and will include all types of books and other gift items. Proceeds will go to hospital requests and special projects.

COOKING CONTEST: The Shelby County Farmers Federation Women’s Committee will host a cooking contest April 25 at 1:30 p.m. at the Alfa Insurance Building in Columbiana. The contest category is soups. Participants are asked to bring soup in plastic or throw away containers. Monetary prizes will be awarded and the winner will represent Shelby County Women’s Division at the 2008 Heritage Cooking Contest Sept. 4 in Montgomery. Info: Karen Wyatt, mailto:wyattrt@bellsouth.net or 256-378-5259.

ALUMNI REUNION BAND: The department of music at the University of Montevallo will host the UM Alumni Reunion Band April 26 beginning at 9 a.m. and closing with a concert at 7:30 p.m. in Palmer Auditorium. Spencer Shaw, director of the UM Wind ensemble from 1975 to 1988, will be the conductor. Any Montevallo alumnus who has ever participated in UM’s Wind Ensemble is encouraged to attend. Registration or info: email mailto:music@montevallo.edu or call 205-665-6670.

RELAY FOR LIFE PAGEANT: There will be a Miss Relay for Life of West Shelby County pageant on April 26 at 4 p.m. in the Calera High School Auditorium. Attire is Sunday dress or pageant dress. Proceeds go to the American Cancer Society. Entry fee is $30 if received by April 19, $35 after. Entry forms are available at Calera City Hall, Calera Library, and online at http://www.CityofCalera.org. Info: 368-8332 or 617-7976.

PELHAM PRIDE DAY: This year’s Pelham Pride Day is set for April 26 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. All ages are invited to participate and will be divided into teams. Following the cleanup, the participants enjoy an appreciation celebration at City Park Pavilion complete with free t-shirts, food and prizes. Info: Donna Treslar, Pelham City Hall, 620-6402.

PLANT AND BAKE SALE: The Fine Arts Club of Wilsonville is holding a Plant and Bake Sale on Saturday, May 3, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the corner of Highway 25 and Highway 61 in Wilsonville. There will be plants, garden items, hand-painted pottery, and much more. The proceeds will benefit the Wilsonville Volunteer Fire Department and Southeast Shelby Rescue. Info: Barbara Lowe, 669-4904.

PAGEANT FUNDRAISER: The Island Princess Pageant will be held at the Pelham Civic Complex May 4 at 2 p.m. The pageant is open to all girls from birth to 5th grade. Dress is casual/sundress, no pageant dresses. Entry fee is $40 with an optional $10 entry for Photogenic. Admission is $5, free for children under 12. The event will be hosted by a North Shelby Relay For Life team for the American Cancer Society. Info: 663-0571.

AUCTION FUNDRAISER: There will be an auction fundraiser to benefit the Children’s Miracle Network at Concord Baptist Church on May 10 at 6 p.m. Items donated and purchased are tax deductible. The fundraiser is a part of Miss Jacksonville State University and Calera-native Lauryn Moon’s upcoming Miss Alabama platform.

Reunions

THS CLASS OF ’83: Thompson High School’s Class of 1983 is planning its 25th reunion. Info: 612-0216 or email Kim.Steele@BHSALA.com.

Meetings

TOWN HALL MEETING: A “Stop Underage Drinking” meeting will be held April 3 from 8:30-10:30 a.m. at the Family Connection’s Community Counseling Center. Special guest speaker is Attorney General Troy King. Panelists include Sheriff Chris Curry, Bill Bostick, Judge Jim Kramer, Mike Reese, DeLaune’ Carlson and Randy Fuller. Pam Huff will serve as moderator. Info: Susan Johnston, 663-6301 ext. 201.

DEMOCRAT MEETING: The monthly meeting for Shelby County Democrats will be on Thursday, April 3 at 6 p.m. at the Fish Market Restaurant near Greystone. Info: Dick Bell, 205-980-4322.

DEALING WITH GRIEF: Family Comfort Hospice of Alabaster will sponsor the Hospice Foundation of America’s “Living With Grief: Children and Adolescents” teleconference April 16, from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Shelby Baptist Medical Center. The teleconference will focus on the experience of grieving children and adolescents. Info: Lance Lee, Family Comfort Hospice chaplain, 663-5614.

UDC SHELBY IRON WORKS: The next scheduled meeting of the United Daughters of the Confederacy Shelby Iron Works Chapter will be held April 5 at 10:30 a.m. at Dale’s Southern Grill in Riverchase.

4-H MEETING: There will be a 4-H 101 meeting to learn more about Alabama 4-H and the programs it has to offer on April 15 from 5-6 p.m. at the Shelby County Extension Office in Columbiana. R.S.V.P. to 669-6763 by April 11.

Regular Meetings

SOCK MONKEYS: Sock Monkey Ministries meets every Wednesday morning from 10-12 p.m. at Lakeview Pelham’s First United Methodist Church on Highway 11. Volunteers gather to make handmade sock monkeys for cancer and AIDS patients, soldiers and anyone in need. Info: 663-3309.

WESTOVER SENIORS: The Westover Senior Center meets Wednesdays at 10 a.m. for activities and a potluck lunch. Info: 678-7335.

COLUMBIANA LIBRARY: The Columbiana Friends of the Library meet the second Tuesday of every month at 2 p.m. Info: 669-5812.

TOASTMASTERS CLUB: The Toastmasters Club No. 7864 meets Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The meetings are designed to help participants succeed in public speaking and leadership roles and to provide an environment for friendly and constructive criticism and input. Info: Bridget Wright, 664-7725 (office) or 515-5773 (cell).

HOOVER SERVICE CLUB: The Hoover Service Club meets the second Thursday of each month at 10 a.m. at the Hoover Country Club. Info: Nance Kohnen, 987-0750.

BUCK CREEK CIVITANS: The Buck Creek Civitans meet each Tuesday night at Incahoots in Helena for socializing and a speaker. Meetings begin at 6 p.m. and are open to anyone in Alabaster, Helena or Pelham.

MONTEVALLO CIVITANS: Montevallo Civitans meet every second and fourth Monday at 5:30 p.m. at the Catholic Student Building located on the corner of Moody and Highland in Montevallo.

WILSONVILLE CIVITANS: Wilsonville Civitans meet for a covered dish dinner at 7 p.m. at the United Methodist Church’s Family Life Center on the first and third Thursday of the month.

COLUMBIANA KIWANIS: The Kiwanis Club of Columbiana meets each Thursday at 6:30 p.m. The third meeting of the month is Family Night and is held at Antioch Baptist Church. All other meetings are at the Columbiana United Methodist Church.

HELENA KIWANIS: The Kiwanis Club of Helena meets every Tuesday at 7 a.m. at Incahoots Restaurant in Old Town Helena.

INVERNESS KIWANIS: The Inverness Kiwanis Club meets every Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 42 Inverness Center Parkway. Info: Janet Collum, 992-6100.

ADOPTIVE PARENT GROUPS: Alabama Post Adoption Connections (APAC) sponsors an Adoptive Parent Group in Shelby County. The group meets the first Tuesday of each month from 6:30-8 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Alabaster. Info: 949-2722 or (866) 803-2722.

SBMC TOUCH: Shelby Baptist Medical Center sponsors its TOUCH Meeting on the last Wednesday of every month at noon. TOUCH stands for Today Our Understanding of Cancer is Hope. It is an American Cancer Society program for young patients, their families and friends to help understand and cope with cancer. Info: Chaplin Gary Yarbrough, 620-8947.

SBMC GRIEF SUPPORT: Grief Support Group of Shelby Baptist Medical Center meets the second Wednesday of each month at noon in the cafeteria conference room. Meetings are facilitated by SBMC Pastoral Care. Info: 620-8947.

NEW BEACON GRIEF SUPPORT: New Beacon Hospice provides a Grief Support Group that meets on the third Wednesday of each month. The group meets from 1-2 p.m. in the New Beacon office at 122 Seventh Ave. N.E. Suite D in Alabaster, on the second floor in the Shelby Medical Arts Building. Info: 620-3508.

VOCAL SUPPORT GROUP: Victims of Crime and Leniency (VOCAL) meets the second Saturday of every month at 2 p.m. in the Owens House on Highway 25 in Columbiana. VOCAL provides support for victims of crime and their families and educates the local community about the criminal justice system and victims’ rights. Info: Johnnie Page, 669-4238.

COLUMBIANA AL-ANON: Alcoholics Anonymous meets at First Baptist Church of Columbiana Recreation Center at 7 p.m. every Sunday and Thursday. Please use office entrance in rear of building.

SHELBY COUNTY AL-ANON: Shelby County Al-Anon, a support group for family and friends of alcoholics, meets at 7 p.m. every Monday at 240 Wilson Drive in Montevallo. Info: 322-1500.

VALLEYDALE AL-ANON: Valleydale Al-Anon, a support group for family and friends of alcoholics, meets at 8 p.m. at 4887 Valleydale Road (Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church) every Monday.

Workshops

SPRING ART CLASSES: The Shelby County Arts Council will offer the following classes in the spring: Pencils to Paint, Spark Your Creativity for Seniors, Mudslingers, Photography for Homeschoolers, Home School Picassos, Art Exploration, Basic Digital Photography for Kids, painting classes for adults, Voice and Piano, Handbells and Violin lessons. Please visit the website at http://www.shelbycountyartscouncil.com for detailed list. Info: Beth Blottin or Susan Dennis, 669-0044.

GRIEF SEMINAR: Community Grief Support Service (CGSS) and Ridout’s Funeral Service are sponsoring two free seminars for the Birmingham community by noted grief psychologist, author and grief counselor Dr. Alan Wolfelt on April 29 and April 30.

CGSS provides, free of charge, grief counseling, grief support groups and grief education for those who have lost loved ones through death. Registration begins at 6:30 p.m. on April 29 and at 8:30 p.m. on April 30. Schedule, locations and other info: CGSS office, 205-870-8667.

Driving Class: AARP will host a driver safety class at the North Shelby Library, 5521 Cahaba Valley Road (Highway 119), on April 24-25 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost is $10. Attendance on both days is required to receive a certificate that may entitle the participant to an insurance discount. Pre-registration is required. Info: Gail Hahn, 678-8592.

Seniors

MOVIE FRIDAYS: ON the first Friday of every month, starting April 4, there will be “Free Movie Fridays” for individuals 60 and up at Chelsea Centre (the old Chelsea Church of God building) from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Info: 678-6603.

SENIOR PICNIC: The annual Shelby County Senior Picnic will be on May 15 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum in Calera. There will be complimentary Entertainment, food, vendor booths, train rides, door prizes and more. Make reservation by May 9, for seniors age 55 and older (no children please). Info: 205-670-5770.

Church

First Baptist Church of Alabaster will host celebration worship speakers, including Lifeway Christian Resource’s Dr. Barry Campbell on March 26, Dr. Robert Smith of Beeson Divinity School on April 30 and Scott Dawson of Scott Dawson Evangelistic Association on May 21.

First Baptist Church of Columbiana is sponsoring its springtime event, Jellybean Jamboree, April 5 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the sports complex in Columbiana. The event will feature inflatables, crafts and games for children ages preschool to fifth grade.

Goodhope United Methodist Church will host a spring craft and yard sale on April 5 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Goodhope is located on Hwy. 61 in Columbiana.

Bethel Baptist Church’s women’s ministry will host a free brunch and spa day on April 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Bethel Baptist Church in Columbiana. Enjoy spa services such as manicures, massage therapy, facials, make up artist, color analysis, hair cut and style, and spa door prizes. Special guest: Corrie Clay. Info: Kim, 966-8678.

Adger Church of God, located at 7336 Bessemer-Johns Rd in will host it’s monthly Motorcycle Outreach Ministry (Riders for the King) Sunday April 6th. Participants will enjoy a Bible Study & refreshments starting at 8:30 a.m. at the church and will leave for a group ride at 09:30AM.

All types of motorcyles welcome. Info: Pastor David Warren, 205-568-4821 or http://www.SpiritLifeWorship.com.

First Baptist Church of Alabaster is offering a free seminar series entitled “Caregiving for Aging Loved Ones” from 4:45-5:50 p.m. on Sundays through April 6 in the church’s fellowship hall. Specific topics will be addressed each week. Free childcare is available for participants. Info: Jeanie McLean, mailto:Jeanmclean2000@yahoo.com or 663-6919.

Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Wilton will host a Spring Revival on April 9-11, lectures beginning at 6 p.m. and sermon at 7 p.m. Guest speaker will be the Rev. Jasmin Sculark of York, Pa.

First Christian Church will host a special exhibit April 11 at 7:30 p.m. featuring Ken Jenkins’ photography and his Christian testimony. Jenkins is a natural history photographer, Christian author, lecturer, and outdoor adventurer. Info: Mary Pat or Ed Spencer, http://www.fcc-bham.org or 205-991-5000.

Morningstar United Methodist Church will hold its M.U.M.S. Spring Consignment Sale on April 12 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The cost to consign is $5. Drop off times and other info: Vickie McCarthy, 678-6505.

Shelby County Aglow Meeting will be on April 14 at Shelby Woods Club House in Columbiana. Refreshments start at 6:30 p.m. and the meeting begins at 7 p.m. Speaker: Danette Lindsey.

The Vincent Revival Center will host guest speaker David Ring on April 15 at 7 p.m. Info: 205-672-7488.

Goodhope United Methodist Church will host guest singers “Surrendered” April 19 at 7 p.m. on Highway 61 in the Kingwood community.

Goodhope United Methodist Church will host a Williams Benefit Singing on Sunday, April 27 at 1 p.m. Goodhope is located on Hwy. 61 in Columbiana.

Ebenezer United Methodist Church will have its annual Homecoming on Sunday, May 4. The Strait Way Quartet will be guest singers for the day. The program will begin at 10 a.m., lunch at noon, and singing with The Strait Way Quartet will continue at 1 p.m. The church is located off Highway 119 south on County Highway 24 between Montevallo and Alabaster.

First Christian Church will offer “Summer Adventure Days” this summer for children ages 4 through those completing 5th grade. Registration will be limited and can be arranged by calling the church office. There is a $10 non-refundable registration fee for each child. Info: 991-5000.

First Christian Church will hold a “Summer Performing Arts Camp” for children ages 6 through those completing 8th-grade July 28 through Aug. 1 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. All needed supplies and snacks will be provided daily. Cost is $65 per child. A $25 non-refundable registration fee will be applied to the tuition fee. Spaces are limited and reservations will be accepted on first-come, first-served basis. Info: 991-5000.

Columbiana Baptist is holding registration for its fall kindergarten program for ages 2 through 5K. Info: 669-2473 between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Liberty Baptist Church in Alabaster is now a host site for Angel Food Ministry. Info: http://www.lbcalabaster.org.

The Apostolic Truth Center in Columbiana plans to begin offering an outreach program to those with alcohol and drug dependency. The program originated with the Spirit of Freedom Ministries in New Orleans, La. in 1978. Pastor Gary Beane and members of the church went through training to provide the program to those in the court system or those who seek help themselves. Info: 669-0075.

Elevation Church, located at Big Mountain Coffee Company in Helena, has set up boxes decorated by children at the church to collect goodies to send to a group of soldiers overseas. The church is looking for donations of items like crackers, cards, wet wipes, travel-sized toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo and lotion, as well as other snacks and small games to pack in boxes. The church hopes to send the boxes in April.

Notices

RECOVERY VOLUNTEERS: The American Cancer Society has started a new program called Road to Recovery, a service where volunteer drivers transport cancer patients to treatment free of charge. Drivers are needed in the Jefferson and Shelby County area. There will be a training session for volunteers March 11 from 9 a.m. to noon. Info: Lori Langner or Christen Ridley, 930-8860.

ALABAMA WILDLIFE VOLUNTEERS: Volunteers are needed at the Alabama Wildlife Center to care for injured and orphaned wildlife. The next training sessions will be April 5 and April 26 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Info: http://www.awrc.org or 663-7930.

HONOREE BIRTHDAY: John R. Gates, retired Shelby County Veterinarian, is being honored with 90th birthday celebration April 6 from 2-4 p.m. at the Calera Community Center. A request is made for no gifts.

PUBLIC HOUSING: The Columbiana Housing Authority will take applications for public housing April 17 at 9 a.m. and again at 2 p.m. The office is located at 111 Alabama Ave., Columbiana. Info: 669-6921.

MISS SHELBY COUNTY: The Miss Shelby County Pageant is seeking contestants to participate in the 2008 Miss Shelby County Pageant to be held June 20. The deadline for sign up is June 1. Info: http://www.missshelbycounty.org.

MILITARY CARE PACKAGES: Lt. Col. Moore from Vincent High School’s Junior ROTC program is accepting donations to help send care packages to former Shelby County students in the military. Donated items are needed as well as monetary donations to cover postage and handling. Info: 682-7353.

HUMANE SOCIETY DRIVERS: The Shelby Humane Society needs volunteer drivers to transport dogs to shelters in New Hampshire. Interested individuals should be at least 21 years old with clean driving records and have experience handling dogs. Info: http://www.shelbyhumane.org.

DISCOUNT SPAY/NEUTER: Quick Fix, a low-cost spay/neuter initiative from Shelby Humane Society, will offer discounted surgeries through a transport program. Animals will be dropped-off and picked-up at central locations throughout Shelby County each Tuesday from 6-6:45 a.m. and 5-6 p.m. The surgeries will be as low as $15 for qualifying residents of Shelby County. Info: Whitney Roberts, 205-643-FIXX (3499) or http://www.shelbyhumane.org.

SPECIAL EQUESTRIANS: Special Equestrians Inc., a therapeutic horseback-riding program for people who are physically, mentally or emotionally challenged, is looking for 100 volunteers to assist each week. No experience is necessary, but volunteers must be 14 years old or older. Info: 987-WHOA.

PROJECT SAFE PLACE: Family Connection is looking for volunteers to help with Project Safe Place, a program for youths in need of immediate help and safety. Info: Carol Williams, 663-6301.

YARD SALE DONATIONS: The Columbiana Public Library will be participating in the City Wide Yard Sale April 5. Donations are requested. Info: 669-5812.