It almost never fails that someone will ask about my Irish background when they learn my last name. Sadly, I never have an answer. The name came from my paternal grandfather, a light-skinned, gray-eyed man who died when I was very young and whose background I don't know much about. Perhaps I should inquire about it, though, so I'll have answers for my curious acquaintances. He is the missing link to who knows what Irish ancestor! Maybe even St. Patrick himself - who actually wasn't from Ireland but lived there for a while. It would take one heck of a genealogist to make that connection, though, because history says St. Patrick was born before A.D. 400.
Celebrating St. Patrick's Day on Thursday is my pick this week, and there are a few events to choose from.
And, by the way, if you find any of my Irish ancestors at these festivities, let me know.
Read on for my other picks.
TODAY
TAX TALK
Whether you're a business owner or a regular Joe, you probably have concerns about the special purpose local option sales tax. If so, go to the West Augusta Alliance meeting held by neighborhood associations from the 30904, 30907 and 30909 ZIP codes. Augusta City Administrator Fred Russell and Commissioners Betty Beard, Tommy Boyles and Willie Mays will field questions on phase 5 of the sales tax at the 7 p.m. meeting, which will be held at Warren Road Community Center.
MONDAY AND TUESDAY
ON THE GREEN
The USC Aiken golf team, ranked No. 1 in NCAA Division II, will play host to a Cleveland Golf Collegiate Championship Series tournament at 7 p.m. Twelve teams will play 36 holes Monday and 18 Tuesday at Palmetto Golf Club in Aiken.
TUESDAY
GOVERNMENT MATTERS
At their 2 p.m. meeting at the municipal building, Augusta commissioners will consider the $51 million question: what to do about the leaky, molding law enforcement center. Columbia County commissioners will have their final reading of the county water ordinance at 6:30 p.m. in the Evans Government Center Auditorium.
NEW IDOL IN TOWN
Forget American Idol. Let's see who becomes idol of the Academy of Richmond County. The competition, held at 7 p.m. at the school auditorium, 910 Russell St., will include tunes from local favorite Pat Blanchard.
WEDNESDAY
BUSINESS SENSE
The seminar How to Buy and Sell a Business, put on by the South Carolina Region of the Service Corps of Retired Executives, might be helpful for business owners or anyone looking to be one. Topics include finding potential buyers and alternative financial sources. Call (803) 641-1111 to register. The seminar will run from 9 a.m. to noon at the Aiken Chamber of Commerce. The cost is $60 for chamber members and $75 for nonmembers.
THURSDAY-SATURDAY
MEETING OF THE MINDS
Current or future writers might be interested in the 30th annual Sandhills Writers Conference, featuring lectures, readings, writing workshops, lunch with authors and the keynote speaker, playwright Jim Grimsley. Registration will begin at 10 a.m. Thursday for the event, to be held at Augusta State University. Call 737-1500 for information.
SATURDAY
ROWING MACHINES
More than two dozen rowing teams from high schools and colleges throughout the East will compete for medals in 23 events at the Augusta Invitational Regatta. The 8 a.m. event is free for spectators. Call 722-8326 or 855-7483 or visit www.augustarowingclub.org for details.
SUNDAY
REASONS TO SING
Concerts With a Cause will feature a collage of the arts at 7 p.m. Palm Sunday at St. John United Methodist Church, 736 Greene St. Offerings will benefit Golden Harvest Food Bank. Call 724-9641 for details about the free event.
Reach C. Samantha McKevie at (706) 823-3552 or samantha.mckevie@augustachronicle.com.
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