Christmas music

The Augusta State University Wind Ensemble and Fort Gordon's Signal Corps Band will perform a Christmas concert at 7 tonight at First Baptist Church of Augusta, 3500 Walton Way Extension.

Admission is free and the public is invited. For more information, call (706) 791-3113.

As part of the observation of World AIDS Day 2008, a Red Ribbon Ball will be held from 7 to 11 p.m. Friday at the Marion Hatcher Center, 519 Greene St.

There will be a silent auction, food, live music and dancing. Proceeds will benefit St. Stephen's Ministry of Augusta. Tickets are $25.

For more information, call (706) 722-7092.

The Richmond County All County Orchestra Christmas Concert will be held Monday at the Grover C. Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre at Augusta State University, 2500 Walton Way.

Beginner students will play at 6 p.m. and intermediate through high school students will perform at 7 p.m. The concert is free. Seating is limited.

For more information call (706) 667-4100.

Planning is under way for the 2009 Westobou Festival in Augusta. The primary performance disciplines are dance, music, visual arts and theater, although others will be considered.

Applicants seeking Westobou Festival endorsement and Porter Fleming Foundation funding have until Monday, Dec. 15, to submit their application and supporting materials.

The deadline for applicants seeking Westobou Festival Endorsement only is March 31.

Applications are available at www.westoboufestival.com.

For more information, contact Kathi Dimmock at (706) 755-2878 or kathi@westoboufestival.com.

Free choral concert

Choral students from Lucy C. Laney High School and East Augusta Middle School will give a free community holiday concert at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16, at East Augusta Middle School, 320 Kentucky Ave.

The public is invited. For more information call (706) 823-6960.

Students sought

The International Baccalaureate Program will be holding open houses for prospective students at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16, and Thursday, Jan. 8, in the media center at the Academy of Richmond County, 910 Russell St.

Applications for the program will be available and must be submitted by Friday, Jan. 30. Students who participate in the program may earn college credit.

For more information, call Charlie Tudor at (706) 737-7152 or visit arc.rcboe.org/home.aspx.

Area podiatrists are collecting new and used shoes for those in need in the community.

Donations may be taken to any Augusta podiatrist's office until Monday, Jan. 5. All types of shoes are needed, regardless of size or condition.

For more information, call Dr. Kent Kronowski at (706) 724-0586 or any local podiatrist.

The Augusta Rescue Mission is seeking donations of twin-size bed sheets, pillowcases and pillows for residents in its homeless ministry.

Other donations needed include lawn servicing equipment, clothes, household items and furniture, for their soon-to-be opened thrift store.

Take donations to Ministry Offices at 520 Walker St.

For donation or volunteer information, call (706) 722-2058.