Dale Carter, a retired NFL cornerback who played for 13 seasons, will be a guest speaker at "The Critical Hour" Family Conference at 6 p.m. on Friday at the Eastside High School Auditorium.

Led by Senior Pastor Carlton D. Mathis, the conference is primarily focused on the importance of supporting youth and education, and how the community can respond to the desperate cry of a wounded generation.

Carter, a four-time NFL Pro-Bowler, is scheduled to share his testimonial during the service.

Carter is a former Newton High School product, and graduated in 1988. He was a Class AAAA first team All-State football player for the Rams.

After graduating, Carter played at the University of Tennessee and was named first team All-America as a senior. He was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in '92 and earned Rookie of the Year honors.

Carter also played for the Denver Broncos, Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints and the Baltimore Ravens.

"The Critical Hour" is a two-day event, which will include testimonial services, praise and worship, break-away sessions and an award-winning stage play, among other things.

For more information, call Terry Cosby at (404) 288-2825.

PROJECT ADVENTURE

Volunteers still needed for Covington bike ride

The 19th Annual Covington Century Bike Ride will be held at 8 a.m. on Sunday at the Project Adventure Kids campus.

Last year, over 600 cyclists completed the bike ride, which has led it to becoming one of the fastest growing bike rides in Georgia. On Sunday, the event is expecting a turnout of over 700 cyclists.

The charity ride encompasses the rural counties of Newton, Jasper and Walton, and cyclists will travel through historic Social Circle, Newborn, Mansfield and other serene areas within these counties.

The cost of the ride is $35 due on the day of the event. All proceeds from the bike ride will go to Project Adventure Kids.

Registration begins at 7 a.m. followed by a riders meeting that will start at 7:45 a.m. There are multiple distance options of 30, 50, 75 and 100 miles.

However, the fundraiser is in great need of approximately 25 volunteers (adults) to help with the event.

Volunteers are needed for both Saturday and Sunday. From noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, help will be needed with loading the items into the truck and putting together SAG items for the rest stops.

From 5:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Sunday, at least five volunteers will be needed for parking (directing cars where to park). During the same time, at least six volunteers will be needed at the registration desk to assist with signups and handing out goodie bags.

From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, at least four volunteers will be needed in the dining hall to help prepare and serve the spaghetti dinner.

Project Adventure Kids is a non-profit organization located on a 130-acre campus in Covington that works as a residential program for displaced and homeless Georgia youth. Last year, it worked with 942 kids. The program combines adventure, academics and counseling in a fundamental group environment that helps neglected and at risk youth overcome the barriers they encounter in life.

For additional information, call Donna Auchenbach at (770) 490-8817 or send e-mail to auchenbach@comcast.net or visit the Web site at www.projectadventurekids.org.

FISHING

Annual Castings Kids Fishing Derby is Saturday

The Metro Atlanta Hawg Hunters Bass Club presents the 11th Annual Castings Kids Fishing Derby from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday at the Georgia State fishery in Social Circle.

The event is catch and release, although some fish will be harvested.

A casting contest will be held from 11 a.m. to noon prior to a lunch that will be served between noon and 1 p.m. Prizes and awards will be given to the winners from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. during a special presentation.

All children will be supervised by club members and guardians, while the rules for the derby will be enforced. In addition, it is required that everyone registers and signs a release form.

Participants are not required to bring any fishing equipment or bait for the contest. However, it is highly recommended that everyone brings a hat due to the summer heat.

For more details, call Darrell Anders at (678) 471-2925.