Boys and Girls Clubs planning Day for Kids

MOULTRIE, Ga. — The Boys and Girls Clubs of Moultrie/Colquitt County is gearing up to celebrate its annual Day for Kids to highlight the critical needs of kids and teens in the community.  “Today, too many youth are facing serious issues that can deprive them of a happy, healthy childhood and negatively impact their future,” said the club in a press release. “Day for Kids celebrates the life-changing work taking place at Boys & Girls Clubs each day by encouraging adults to spend meaningful time with young people and engage in fun and active play.” Parents and kids will celebrate the Day for Kids with games and food 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Moultrie/Colquitt County, 420 W. Central Ave. BGC of Moultrie/Colquitt County is one of hundreds of Day for Kids events planned nationwide (all events are open to the public).  For more details, contact Program Director Joel Jenkins at (229) 890-8600 or (786) 503-3699.

 

I-75 lane closures expected in Catoosa County Tuesday evening

RINGGOLD, Ga. — The Georgia Department of Transportation is advising motorists on I-75 in northwest Georgia of night lane closures at exit 345 in Catoosa County, scheduled for Tuesday. The two right lanes of I-75 South between mile posts 345.1 and 345 will be closed from 6 p.m. until 6 a.m. for work on repairing a concrete slab on the bridge at that location. This maintenance operation and the lane closures it necessitates are weather permitting and subject to change. Motorists are advised to expect delays, exercise caution and reduce their speed while traveling through work zones. Before heading out, get real-time information on work status and traffic conditions by calling 511, visiting 511ga.org or downloading the Georgia 511 app.

 

Georgia College to host educational symposium for Middle Georgia schools

MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. — The first annual “State of Middle Georgia Schools Symposium,” a forum for superintendents to spread the good news of what’s happening locally, will be at 6 p.m. Thursday in the Magnolia Ballroom at Georgia College’s Student Activities Center. 

The panel discussion will allow educators to share encouraging news, discuss national trends impacting their communities and pinpoint ways their districts prepare students for success after graduation. As an example, Harrison pointed to one innovative initiative in Putnam County, where high school students are preparing for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) drone license test. Resourceful tools like these show promise for the future, he said. Putnam Superintendent Eric Arena will attend the symposium, along with other county superintendents: Dr. Noris Price from Baldwin, Dr. Mike Newton from Jasper, Dr. Aaron Geter from Wilkinson and Dr. Donna Hinton from Washington. The moderator will be Dr. Hayward Cordy, director of Oconee R.E.S.A. (Regional Education Service Agency). The public and students are invited at no cost. The symposium will last an hour and 15 minutes, and there will be refreshments. Members of the audience can write questions for the panel on cards available at the door.

 

Swingtown, Southern Burn to perform at music park

LIVE OAK, Fla. — The Swingtown Band and the Southern Burn Band will be the attractions at a big weekend at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park on Friday and Saturday. Swington, a top tribute show to the legendary Steve Miller Band, will be in the house playing all the great Steve Miller Band hits that fans love to hear on Saturday. Kicking the week off Friday is Southern Burn Band of Gainesville. Southern Burn Band is a country, Southern rock and classic rock band with members Heather Laxton (vocals), Dixon Boatwright (percussion), William King (lead guitar/vocals), Fritz Knaggs (bass guitar/vocals) and Adam Carlise (keyboard). The band has played the Spirit of the Suwannee many times and brings with it an excitement of a party band with guests singing along and dancing throughout the evening. Doors to the Music Hall open at 6 p.m. Friday for dinner with the band taking the stage at 8 p.m. Saturday will be a full house with deliriously good blues/rock music. Swingtown, a Florida band that honors blues/rock legend Steve Miller’s music, will be in the house. The first two tribute shows to other artists have been a sell-out so get your tickets early.  Members Pat Flynn, John Davis, Jeff Rickert and Danny Grundhoefer will make you think you are hearing and seeing the legend Steve Miller himself. It will be a fantastic evening with dynamic music and performance while reliving your blues/rock memories. Doors to the Music Hall open at 7 p.m. Saturday for dinner. Swingtown takes the stage at 9 p.m.  Tickets are $15 in advance at the park’s main office, 386-364-1683, spirit@musicliveshere.com or at the door.

 

ABAC students sponsor barrel race to benefit Alzheimer’s Association

TIFTON, Ga. — Riders and horses will compete in a “Race for a Cure” Barrel Race on Sept. 30 at the rodeo arena at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College to raise funds for the Tifton Alzheimer’s Association. Sponsored by the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity at ABAC, the event begins at 10 a.m. All proceeds from entry fees will benefit the Tifton Alzheimer’s Association.  This event is free of charge for spectators. The exhibition phase will run from 10 a.m.-12:45 p.m. followed by the Jackpot at 1 p.m.  There is a fee of $5 for riders to participate in the exhibition round and a fee of $25 for the Jackpot. There will be a poles’ round available at the end of the Jackpot if enough riders show interest. Participants can register at the event. For more information regarding the race, interested persons can contact Zack Oliveira at (904) 501-6442 or via e-mail at zoliveir@stallions.abac.edu.

 

Bishop concert slated 

VALDOSTA, Ga.  — A South Georgia church hosts a concert this weekend with Meg Bishop.  Bishop will be in concert 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 24, fellowship hall of Park Avenue United Methodist Church, 200 E. Park Ave., according to a press release. The public is invited. A love offering will be taken with proceeds going to missions, according to organizers. Bishop grew up in Albany, where she graduated from Albany High School. She and her husband, Hale, married in September 1986. They have two daughters, Taylor and Abi, and a son-in-law, Brian Deal, who is stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska. Meg Bishop is a ninth-grade teacher at Valdosta High School, according to the press release. She has been teaching 11 years. She received her bachelor’s degree in special education from Armstrong Atlantic State University.  She said she felt this was the path for her to help others and take an active role in making a difference in the lives of young people, according to the press release.  “I love helping students overcome difficulties in learning as well as struggles they may face in life,” Bishop said. “It is amazingly rewarding to build relationships with them and track their academic progress as they work towards reaching their personal goals. It is also a wonderful blessing to be able to have a chance to speak love, victory and life into hearts of young people who may not always see the positive. Many simply need an adult to care for them and challenge them.” She recently completed her master’s of education in curriculum and instruction from Valdosta State University. She is now dual-certified in general curriculum, English and has obtained her reading endorsement. Bishop said she grew up singing in the church and was fortunate as a teenager to be trained as a soprano. After the birth of her daughters, she said she realized the Lord decided she should be an alto, and she has found that role more fun.  She has performed at many venues, special occasions, family reunions and portrayed Patsy Cline in a production of “Always, Patsy Cline.” She said she finds Cline’s strength, confidence, perseverance and stamina a true inspiration.  Bishop said she considers her life extremely fortunate and her joy of music has landed in her top five blessings.