-July 4/'Tea Party' brewing at Opi's Waterfront Grill. Rome's second local "tea party" begins at 10:30 a.m. with music by Leslie Gaddy. Opi's will have hamburgers and hot dogs for sale. The program begins at 11 a.m. with three or four speakers including keynoter Jonathan Krohn as well as Mel Funk, Opi's owner. Drawings for prizes as well as face painting for kids are planned as well. The party ends around 12:30 p.m. New: The group will be collecting non-perishable foods and toiletries for a homeless ministry. For more, contact Chair Layla Shipman at 706-853-9014 or e-mail rometeaparty@gmail.com.
-Hometown expands Facebook offerings with 'Hometown' identity> Click
-'Rome, Ga, Facebook Directory' at 1,700 members: The popular social media network has a booming group of users in Rome/Floyd County. Hometown Headlines has created a Rome directory group open to all. Add your name: Rome, Ga., Facebook Directory
-Join HometownHeadlines.com's Linked In group: We're forming a network of local professionals and other colleagues interested in community topics. The group is open to all. Click Hometown
Cave Spring prepares for 25th Independence Day Parade: One of our favorite July 4th traditions is the parade around the Cave Spring square each July 4th morning. This year marks the parade's 25th year. Organizer Christa Jackson says line up starts at 8 a.m. that Saturday morning with walkers, strollers, etc., at the Old Depot on Alabama Street. Vehicles with wheels meet at Perry Farm Road. Also, all children must be accompanied by an adult and the use of bicycles and roller skates by older children is discouraged. The parade leaves from the depot at 9 a.m. sharp with the prime viewing area remains on the square. Traditional extras are planned again, including homemade ice cream sales by the Methodist Church on Alabama Street about a block from the square. Other Cave Spring activities: Events.
-The patriotic program at First Baptist Church set for 6 p.m. (the eighth year).
More community Fourth of July events
-July 4/Rome: Parks & Rec holiday celebration, Ridge Ferry Park. Events begin 1 p.m., continue through 10:30 p.m.> Details
-July 4/Cartersville: Stars, Stripes & Cartersville: The day begins with the parade in downtown Cartersville at 9 a.m. and continues
with arts and crafts, a concert and fireworks> Details
-Calhoun: Star-spangled Celebration, beginning at 5 p.m., Cherokee Capital Fairgrounds. Free fireworks, live music> Details
-Photo: The fireworks at State Mutual Stadium from last season. Photo by Mills Fitzner. More of Mills' photos> Click
July 10/Movies on the Meadow features 'Some Like it Hot'> Campus
July 17/ Author of 'The Fixer Upper' helping with benefit for Free Clinic of Rome: On Tuesday, author Mary Kay Andrews' new book, The Fixer Upper, was released. She'll be in Rome July 17, starting at 6:30 p.m., for "A Fixer Upper for the Free Clinic," a benefit set for the DeSoto Theatre. For $40, patrons get a light supper, cocktails and hear Andrews share stories. Tickets are now on sale at RACA and the Convention and Visitors Bureau. Also under way: A book fair at Barnes & Noble where 10 percent of your purchase goes to the Free Clinic, now through Saturday> Details
-There's something about 'Mary,' reportsLike the Dew
Aug. 11/Sheriff's gang awareness, prevention seminar: The Floyd County Sheriff's Office presents the Gang Awareness & Violence Prevention Seminar beginning at 6 p.m. Aug. 11 at The Forum. Topics include the history of gangs, who joins and why, initiation practices and other updates. RSVP by calling Capt. Bobby Pearson at (706) 291-4111, ext 847.
Sept. 11-12/Rome International Film Festival> RIFF
Sept. 24-26/Registration begins for Southern Women Writers Conference> Berry
Sept. 25-27/Darlington's alumni weekend set for Sept. 25-27>Facebook
Area community service groups
Kiwanis Club meetings: Members meet Mondays at The Forum in the first floor ballroom from noon to 1 p.m. Click Kiwanis.
Noon Optimists' meetings: The Noon Optimist Club of Rome meets on Mondays at 11:45 a.m. at Opi's Waterfront. The public is welcome. For more information, please e-mail noonoptimists@comcast.net
Toastmasters meet twice a month: The Rome Toastmasters meet on the second and fourth Mondays of each month at 6 p.m. at the library. Web site E-mail
Rome Exchange Club: Meets at noon Friday, The Palladium.
Humane Society meets second Thursday of each month: The meetings begin at 7 p.m. at the office at 518 Broad St. Everyone is welcome. Also: The Humane Society needs volunteers. The all-volunteer staff has improved conditions for pets in our county for 15 years. Many opportunities exist. Please call 234-7979.
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