News you can use

­Activities and entertainment events scheduled for this week include:

• Photos

TODAY

CHRISTMAS ASSISTANCE: The Salvation Army will hold a make-up day for families who have not received Christmas assistance from the Salvation Army. Assistance will be offered from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Army's Christmas Toy Shop, 1509-B North Leg Road. To qualify, applicants must provide a photo ID, Social Security cards for all family members, proof of birth for all children, and proof of income and expenses. For more information, call 826-7933.

THURSDAY

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: Christmas in Hopelands will be from 6 to 9 p.m. nightly through Monday at Hopeland Gardens, off Whiskey Road and Dupree Place in Aiken. There will be walking tours of holiday lights and decorations, tours of the Doll House and Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and a variety of holiday concerts. The event is free. For more information, call (803) 642-7631.

FRIDAY

CONCERTS WITH A CAUSE: December's Concerts With a Cause will be at 10:30 p.m. at St. John United Methodist Church, 736 Greene St. The Christmas Eve concert will feature Lessons and Carols with St. John's choirs and orchestra. Proceeds from the concert will benefit Heritage Academy. The concert is free, but a love offering will be accepted. For more information, call 724-9641.

Today in regional history:

DEC. 22, 1919

Big-time vaudeville opens in Augusta today at the Imperial, formerly the Wells Theater. Augustans are going to have the opportunity of witnessing just as high-class vaudeville as Washington, Philadelphia or any other city.

Man a ger Frank Miller announces it will be a top notcher.

Augusta has not been known as a vaudeville city. We should have all the year-round vaudeville just the same as any city that pretends to be a real city.

PET CARE TIPS

- If your pet lives outside, provide hay, straw or old blankets for it to cuddle up on to keep warm.

- Hang something over the opening of the doghouse such as a towel or burlap sack to keep the wind out.

- Put the pet in the garage, if possible.

- Keep the pet dry and out of the wind.

- If your pet has short hair, consider buying it a sweater.

- Limit the pet's time outdoors.

- Make sure your outdoor pet has a water supply that doesn't freeze.

TO SUGGEST an event listing for Around Town, send an e-mail to announcements@augusta chronicle.com or send a fax to 722-7403. Briefly describe the event and include the day, place and time, plus a contact name and number for more information.

To suggest a photo, call 823-3230 or send e-mail to rob.carr@augustachronicle.com.

TO SUGGEST an idea for News You Can Use, contact Metro Editor Bill Kirby at 823-3344 or bill.kirby@augustachronicle.com.