The Diego Figueiredo Trio to play Milledgeville

MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. — Lively, colorful trio, Diego Figueiredo will perform at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27 in Allen’s Market. Figueiredo joined with special guest vocalist Chiara Izzi and pianist Tyrone Jackson to form the trio. Figueiredo is considered one of the most talented guitar players in the world today. He is the winner of several important competitions including the Montreux Jazz Competition and the VISA Prize. His music is a fusion between Jazz, Bossa Nova and Classical. Diego’s unique interpretations, along with his phenomenal technique and emotion, has created an explosion of adoring fans and concert goers. He has performed in more than 40 countries around the world. For several years, he played in several different groups including Banda Gênese and Squema Seis from Brasília. He has studied classical guitar, Brazilian popular music and jazz in several different conservatories including Franca, Ribeirão Preto, Tatuí and Berklee College of Music.

 

Live Christmas tree/recycling event planned for Saturday

DALTON, Ga. — Whitfield County residents are invited to drop off live, natural Christmas trees and used electronic devices for recycling at the community’s annual Christmas Tree and Electronics Recycling event on Saturday. Keep Dalton-Whitfield Beautiful volunteers will be collecting live, natural, undecorated Christmas trees and electronic devices from 8 a.m. to noon at the Home Depot parking lot at 875 Shugart Road in Dalton. There is no charge for dropping off live, natural Christmas trees. Trees must be free of ornaments, nails, hooks, wire, tinsel, lights and other decorations. Only natural, live, real trees will be accepted — no artificial trees, please. Trees will be recycled on site into mulch that will be used for beautification projects throughout Whitfield County. Please note that there is a $10 fee for CRT (cathode ray tube) television sets and computer monitors. Cash only, please. However, other electronics can be dropped off for free. These devices include computer consoles, digital cameras, video cameras, cellphones, gaming systems and components, MP3 players, scanners, flat screens, eBook readers, tablets and laptops.

 

Red Cross in need of blood in South Georgia 

VALDOSTA, Ga. — The American Red Cross has issued an emergency call for blood and platelet donations to offset a severe winter blood shortage. The American Red Cross has a severe winter blood shortage and is issuing an emergency call for blood and platelet donors to make a donation appointment now and help save patient lives, according to a press release. Hectic holiday schedules for many regular blood donors contributed to about 37,000 fewer donations in November and December than what was needed, according to Red Cross officials. Snowstorms and severe weather have also impacted donations. Nearly 100 blood drives were forced to cancel nationwide in December, resulting in more than 3,100 blood donations going uncollected. People can find a blood donation opportunity and schedule an appointment to donate by using the free Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). The Red Cross is extending hours at many donation sites for more donors to give blood or platelets. Overall, the Red Cross has added nearly 200 hours to blood donation centers and community blood drives across the country during the next few weeks, according to the press release. Donation appointments and completion of a RapidPass online health history questionnaire are encouraged to help speed up the donation process. 

Upcoming blood donation opportunities: 

– 7 a.m. – 2 p.m., Jan. 7: Valdosta Blood Donation Center, 2517 Bemiss Road, Suite A.

– 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Jan. 9, 10: Valdosta Blood Donation Center, 2517 Bemiss Road, Suite A.

– Noon-7 p.m., Jan. 11: Valdosta Blood Donation Center, 2517 Bemiss Road, Suite A.

– 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Jan. 12, 13: Valdosta Blood Donation Center, 2517 Bemiss Road, Suite A.

– 7 a.m.-2 p.m., Jan. 14: Valdosta Blood Donation Center, 2517 Bemiss Road, Suite A. 

– 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Jan. 16, 17: Valdosta Blood Donation Center, 2517 Bemiss Road, Suite A.

– Noon-7 p.m., Jan. 18: Valdosta Blood Donation Center, 2517 Bemiss Road, Suite A. 

– 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Jan. 19, 20: Valdosta Blood Donation Center, 2517 Bemiss Road, Suite A. 

• 7 a.m.-2 p.m., Jan. 21: Valdosta Blood Donation Center, 2517 Bemiss Road, Suite A.

 

Moultrie officer spots kidnapping suspect at nightclub

MOULTRIE, Ga. — A Moultrie man wanted on assault and kidnapping charges was arrested while celebrating New Year’s Eve at a nightclub after a police officer working security recognized him. According to Moultrie police, Dontarius Nathaniel Wright pulled the hood of his sweatshirt over his face when he saw an officer at about 2:04 a.m. Sunday in the crowded 50 Yard Line club. Wright then pushed his way through the crowd and exited the building at 300 Second Ave. N.E., police said. When the officer followed, Wright ran just after he got outside. A second officer pursued Wright, while the original officer went around the building to cut him off. After the two officers subdued the suspect they found a prescription pill bottle inside the pocket of his jeans. Inside the bottle, police said, officers found a small amount of suspected marijuana and three white pills that police said contain codeine. Police charged Wright, 25, with obstruction of an officer, possession of marijuana and possession of a Schedule 2 drug. At the time of the arrest Wright was wanted on charges connected with a May 23 domestic violence case that included kidnapping, aggravated assault, false imprisonment and battery.

 

White Springs Folk Club is back Jan. 14

WHITE SPRINGS, Fla. — The White Springs Folk Club is back on Saturday, Jan. 14 at 7 p.m. at the White Springs Methodist Church. The church is located at 16580 Spring Street, White Springs. The featured performer is internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter Ellen Bukstel. 

Chances are that Ellen will sing about something that will really resonate with you. From menopause to marijuana, from peace to politics, from poignant to provocative Ellen Bukstel writes and sings about it all.  The audience will experience many things: a beautiful voice, a powerful stage presence and a mesmerizing entertainer that will move you from laughter to tears and back again, and she is a staunch supporter of music and the arts, including The White Springs Folk Club. Give a listen to Ellen’s award winning song, “ Be My Silence” and you will see and hear the power of Ellen Bukstel’s voice and songwriting talent. Reservations are strongly suggested. Contact Walter McKenzie at 386-303-1394 or mckenziew@windstream.net for reservations, directions and admission price, which includes refreshments during intermission.