Need to Know
Make an appointment
AARP reports that you can no longer just walk into a Social Security office to get an issue resolved. Since January, those wanting a face-to-face appointment will have to call their local office or the SSA’s national number (800-772-1213) to schedule an appointment, including for Social Security card requests. Many issues can be resolved online at ssa.gov/onlineservices.
Military personnel, people with terminal illnesses and individuals requiring immediate attention can still walk in for service at field offices.
The Athens office is at 1650 Prince Ave. and their phone number is 866-964-3294.
Hard to recycle items
Got stuff you don’t know what to do with? Turn to CHaRM, the ACC Center for Hard to Recycle Materials at 1005 College Ave. They take almost everything from scrap metal (broken appliances) to plastic bags and Styrofoam, weird liquids (paints, solvents, etc) and things that turn on and their parts (computers, batteries), plus mattresses, tires, and more! There are small fees for some items. See the website for a complete list of accepted items and fees – accgov.com/CHaRM.
March for Meals
More than 40 local seniors are waiting to get on the list to receive Meals on Wheels and safety checks. Over the next three months, the Athens Community Council on Aging (ACCA) will be working to eliminate their waiting list completely through a radio and social media campaign to “End the Wait.” Consider an early donation at www.accaging.org to help build momentum.
ACC from A to Z Guide
The 2025 revised and updated edition of the Athens-Clarke County guide to the local government and community services is now available in both print and electronic formats. It contains contact information and descriptions for over 700 entries. Arranged alphabetically by subject, the guide is based largely on the kinds of questions the communications office regularly receives.
Printed copies are available at the Multimodal Transportation Center, City Hall, the courthouse and downtown publication racks as well as digitally at accgov.com/atoz.
Good to Know
State parks pioneer inclusive outdoor experiences
Along with all-terrain wheelchairs available free at 19 state parks, many parks also feature ADA cabins, complete with accessible showers, doorways and ramps, and park rangers offer adaptive guided tours, including Braille materials, sign language interpretation and auditory aids. Nearby Hard Labor Creek has ADA kayak launches,
All the hoopla
Libraries are no longer just for books. Patrons of the Athens Regional Library System can instantly read, watch, and listen to more than a million titles through the hoopla website and hoopla digital app. Patrons get five loans a month from a vast digital collection, including audiobooks, eBooks, comics and manga, music, movies, TV, and more, all for free with a library card.
Content can be streamed from a computer, Smart TV, or a mobile device by downloading the hoopla Digital app. Visit athenslibrary.org/borrowing/digital-content to get started.
Volunteer of the year
Wheels of Hope, which provides transportation to individuals who are disabled, chronically ill or elderly and no longer able to drive, recently recognized Jennifer Nicholson as 2024 Volunteer of the Year.
“She has been providing rides, companionship, kindness and a reassuring presence to those who need it most,” said Joe James, board chairman. Wheels of Hope relies on volunteers to fulfill its mission. To get involved, visit wheelsofhopegeorgia.org or call 706-765-8332.
Georgia Conflict Center marks 15th year
GCC will celebrate 15 years as a restorative justice center for schools, churches, jails and individuals who want to work through conflict without violence at their annual Spring Community Celebration on Sunday, April 27 at Terrapin Beer Company, 265 Newton Bridge Road. Activities will include a silent auction, food truck, and music. For more information, contact jo.barnes@gaconflict.org.
Fun to Do
Piedmont Garden Tour features five gardens in and around Five Points
The 32nd Tour of Gardens, presented by The Piedmont Gardeners, is perfect for those who enjoy a special opportunity to visit a variety of private gardens in Athens. The tour will be held Saturday, April 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine.
If you enjoy exploring wooded trails the Alhadeffs’ hidden treasure, a five-acre property on the Middle Oconee River, will surprise and delight you. The Fontaine home boasts of having the “Tallest Crepe Myrtle in Georgia”.
The Hayes have successfully integrated their Japanese-inspired home and gardens into the Five Points aesthetic style, with a pristine lawn, while diversity best describes the Kuykendall’s garden. Durwood Pepper’s whimsical garden displays many unique pots, and a variety of plants nestled among more traditional shrubs.
Proceeds fund the Piedmont Gardeners Scholarships for UGA Horticulture and Landscape Architecture students as well as Athens Technical College Horticulture students. Advance Tickets to the tour will be $20 from the vendors, $10 students with ID, or $25 online and at the gardens on tour day. Children may attend at no cost. To see the vendor-partner locations, visit piedmontgardeners.org.
Free chamber concert
The Athens Chamber Singers will perform a variety of Celtic Folksongs from the Isle of Man on Saturday, April 26 at 4 p.m. It’s a free concert at Friendship Presbyterian Church, 8531 Macon Highway.
Petanque Tournament
The Classic City Petanque club is hosting the S.E. Region Mixed Triples Tournament on Saturday and Sunday, April 5 – 6 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Lay Park Petanque Terrain, 297 Hoyt St. Twenty-four triples teams will compete for medals and cash prizes. Players include national champions; bring a chair!
Retro Prom rolls around
The Athen Community Council on Aging hosts the most happening throwback party of the year on Friday, May 2, at Athens Cotton Press, beginning at 8 p.m.
Every ticket purchased powers ACCA’s mission to support our older neighbors with meals, transportation, social activities and wellness classes. Get your tickets at accaging.org.
