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HOME SAFETY

The best home resolution that you can make in this new year is to keep your home safer for yourself and your family.

• Photos

Chris Thelen/Staff

An overcast sky is reflected in the Savannah River as George Washington University rower Greg Myhr glides up river.

- Check to make sure that smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are properly installed and in good working order. Test them regularly.

- Check major appliances for proper operation. Fuel-burning appliances should be properly vented to the exterior, and gas connections should be checked for leaks.

- Make sure that your electrical system is safe and in good working order. Flickering lights, burned fuses and popping breakers are signs of a problem.

- Make sure that handrails, grab bars and other safety devices are properly anchored.

- Consider hiring a home inspector for a more thorough report.

-- Associated Press

TODAY

SAND HILLS NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION MEETING: 5:30 p.m., Sand Hills Community Center, Wheeler Road; with Rob Sherman.

MORRIS MUSEUM OF ART STORY TIME: 4-5 p.m., Columbia County Library, 7022 Evans Town Center Blvd., Evans; story time and crafts based on the art of John Baeder; free; registration is required; call (706) 863-1946 and choose option 3.

IAAP MEETING: 5:30 p.m., Building A conference room, Columbia County Government Complex, Evans; monthly meeting of the Evans Towne Center Chapter of the International Association of Administrative Professionals; Beda Johnson, the executive director of the Columbia County Convention and Visitors Bureau, will be the speaker; call Rebecca Hicks at (706) 312-7512.

FENCING CLASS: Beginning foil fencing class for ages 14 and older, 6 p.m.; Augusta Fencers Club, 134 Ninth St.; 10-week course $150 with competitive gear provided; (706) 722-8878, www.augustafencers.com.

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY RELAY KICKOFF: 6 p.m., Simmons Hall at Warren Baptist Church; volunteers can join in the kickoff of the American Cancer Society Relay for Life; (706) 731-9900.

OPENING RECEPTION FOR PAINTINGS FROM GASCOGNE: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Sacred Heart Cultural Center Art Hall, 1301 Greene St.; by the Jim Gensheer Studio French study group; (706) 826-4700.

TODDLER THURSDAY: WHAT IS SCULPTURE?: 10 a.m., Morris Museum of Art, 1 10th St.; learn the difference between two-dimensional and three-dimensional objects, create a colorful abstract sculpture; for children 5 and younger; members free, $4 for others; no charge for chaperones and parents; register by calling (706) 828-3867.

LYNX HOCKEY: Florida Everblades 7:05 p.m. Thursday and Friday; James Brown Arena, 601 Seventh St.; www.augustalynx.com.

FRIDAY

FRIDAY NIGHT FILMS: 7 p.m., the Columbia County Performing Arts Center, 7022 Evans Town Center Blvd., Evans; Shrek the Third, rated PG; free admission; donations accepted.

LUIS CRUZ AZACETA OPENING RECEPTION AND GALLERY TALK: 6-8 p.m., Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art, 506 Telfair St.; nonmembers $5; (706) 722-5495, www.ghia.org.

SELF-DEFENSE CLASS FOR WOMEN: 6:30- 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday; Toyota of Augusta, 3069 Washington Road; taught by Kim Walker; free; to register, call (706) 396-5114.

SATURDAY

BRING ONE FOR THE CHIPPER: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., The Home Depot on Bobby Jones Expressway; event for Christmas tree recycling.

AMERICAN RED CROSS BABY-SITTING CLASS: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Columbia County Library, 7022 Evans Town Center Blvd., Evans; registration is required through the Red Cross office; cost is $30; call (706) 724-8481.