Wildlife and small pets are not always a good mix, and residents should take caution from recent coyote sightings in Columbia County.

Daniel Mayne, the county Animal Services operations manager, says the department has received a number of phone calls about coyote sightings from all across the county, primarily between Hereford Farm and Washington roads along Owens Road.

He says Animal Services also has gotten reports of coyote sightings in the Appling and Grovetown areas. Coyotes have been spotted in neighborhoods off of Furys Ferry Road such as West Lake and Wexford as well.

A West Lake resident lost her dog to a coyote, according to a West Lake Property Owners Association bulletin, and the neighborhood has set out traps for the animals.

“Coyotes are present the whole year, but we get more calls about them in the spring and summer. I think it’s because people are more active then,” says I.B. Parnell, senior wildlife biologist for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

Mayne and Parnell agree that coyotes pose little threat to human beings, but the animals are a danger to cats and small dogs.

“Coyotes don’t see people as a prey source, but they will attack small dogs and cats, especially cats,” Parnell says. “They might attack a small dog for food or as a threat to their territory. They won’t attack a person unless there is something wrong with them.”

Mayne cautions residents to be wary of a coyote that looks sick or lethargic because it could be a sign of rabies. He also advises residents to keep their pets’ rabies vaccinations up-to-date.

To discourage coyotes from coming into their yards, homeowners should keep garbage secured, refrain from putting out pet food for stray animals and eliminate water sources from their properties. Parnell also recommends that homeowners keep birdseed off of the ground because it attracts small mammals and rodents, which are a coyote’s main source of food.

“If you see a coyote in your yard, you can chase it off by spraying it with a water hose or by throwing a rock or a stick at it,” says Parnell. “Then the coyote won’t associate your yard as a safe place to be.”

Augusta Amusements is wrapping up its season this month with a quartet of performances that will appeal to all types of audiences. Whether a musician that tickles the ivories or a group of good old-fashioned gospel singers gets your toes tapping, these performers are sure to end the season on a high note.

Michael Kaeshammer — March 7

Toronto-based singer-songwriter and pianist Michael Kaeshammer will bring plenty of excitement to his local fans. Kaeshammer is known for putting on a chilling performance as he sings and plays boogie-woogie, blues, jazz and pop tunes on the piano. From 2001 through 2010, he was nominated for numerous awards, and he has been named West Coast Music Award’s Male Artist of the Year as well as Performer and Musician of the Year. Tickets are $30 and $35.

Blind Boys of Alabama — March 13

You may not have been around as long as this group has, but you most likely have heard of them. The Blind Boys of Alabama, formed in the late 1930s at the Alabama Institute for the Negro Blind in Talladega, have harmonized from the Jim Crow through the Civil Rights eras. If you need a refresher about the legendary group, then you should know that they have enjoyed some of their biggest successes in the last 10 years. The gospel group has won five Grammies and four Gospel Music Awards. The singers were honored with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009, and they have received multiple invitations to sing at the White House. Tickets are $59 and $64.

Jim Brickman — March 20

Not only is solo-pianist Jim Brickman known for his master piano skills. He also is known for his popular vocal collaborations with artists such as country songstress Martina McBride, singer Rebecca Lynn Howard and Columbia County’s own Lady Antebellum. During his career, Brickman has earned two Grammy Award nominations, a couple of SESAC Songwriter of the Year Awards, a Canadian Country Music Award, and a Dove Award, presented by the Gospel Music Association. Tickets are $57 and $62.

Al Stewart — March 28

If “Year of the Cat” rings a bell, then you know exactly who is coming to town. Singer-songwriter Al Stewart, who performed here last year, will return to Columbia County to dazzle audiences with his unmistakable style. Stewart was a key figure in British music, and his unique folk-rock sound spread to the United States. He has released 16 studio and three live albums since his debut album, Bedsitter Images. Tickets are $37.50 and $42.50.

All performances begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Jabez S. Hardin Performing Arts Center. For more information, call (706) 726-0366 or visit augustaamusements.com.

– Katlin Carter

The event has moved from Savannah Rapids Pavilion to the Columbia County Exhibition Center, and the festivities also will include Cuban influences with a “Havana Nights” theme.

“The menu will feature a variety of Cuban foods, and some of the entertainment will follow the ‘Havana Nights’ theme,” says Stacie Adkins, the county events manager.

Of course, anyone who has enjoyed Vegas-style casino games in the past still will be able to play blackjack, poker, roulette and craps. The gala also will feature a cash bar, raffle prizes and a Texas Hold ’Em tournament. Entertainment will include a DJ and a jazz band for an evening of dinner and dancing.

“The event gets bigger and better every year, and we hope to increase attendance by holding it in a larger venue,” Adkins says.

This year proceeds from the gala will benefit Columbia County Cares food pantry, the Columbia County Arts Development Fund and Columbia County Forward Foundation. Previous galas have generated more than $90,000 in donations for Columbia County charities.

“We want people to recognize these organizations and their causes,” Adkins says. “The goal is to raise as much money as we can for the three organizations.”

If You Go:
What: Columbia County Charity Gala “Havana Nights”
When: 7 p.m. – 11 p.m. Saturday, February 28
Where: Columbia County Exhibition Center, Grovetown
How Much: $80 per person; $150 per couple
More Info: (706) 312-7192 or columbiacountga.gov

Prepare to be bowled over by a popular community fundraiser when the 14th annual Empty Bowl takes place on Sunday, March 1. Although the event was held at Augusta Jewish Community Center in the past, it has been moved to the Legends Club this year to accommodate the growing number of people that attend.

“The new venue will give us a lot more space,” says Lynda Jaremski, the AJCC community programs director.

The event, which benefits AJCC and Golden Harvest Food Bank, typically attracts 400 to 500 people. Patrons can enjoy an all-you-can-eat soup kitchen-style buffet with soups, breads, beverages, desserts and kid friendly foods including hot dogs and macaroni and cheese. All foods are donated by area restaurants, caterers and food companies.

Each guest gets to take home a ceramic bowl made by an area school student or by a local artist. Patrons can purchase additional bowls for $10.

“They will be set up in a bowl room as a reminder that some people still have empty bowls,” Jaremski says.

Patrons also are encouraged to bring cans of food for Golden Harvest, and they will receive a raffle ticket to win a bicycle from Chain Reaction for each can that they donate. They can purchase additional raffle tickets for $1 each or six for $5. The fundraiser will include a silent auction and an interactive children’s event with a live storyteller as well.

If You Go:
What: Empty Bowl
When: 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Sunday, March 1
Where: Legends Club, Augusta
How Much: Advance tickets – $20 adults, $5 ages 2 – 10. At the door – $25 adults, $7.50 ages 2 – 10. Free for children under age 2. Tickets are available at Augusta Jewish Community Center, Golden Harvest Food Bank, Weinberger’s Furniture and WifeSaver in North Augusta.
More Info: (706) 228-3636 or augustajcc.org