‘Messiah’ returns 

VALDOSTA, Ga. — Several South Georgia churches have teamed up to present the Christmas portion of George Frideric Handel’s classic “Messiah” this weekend. Trinity Presbyterian Church, St. John Catholic Church, First Christian Church, Park Avenue United Methodist Church, Unitarian Universalist Church, Christ Episcopal Church and First United Methodist Church are participating, said John-Alan Gourdine, Trinity Presbyterian director of music. St. John’s Catholic Youth Choir, with Donna Farwell, director, Makinsey Rossser, assistant director, Ann Hilgert, accompanist, will also participate, he said. About 30 singers will be featured with a small chamber orchestra. The concert will be performed at First United Methodist Church under the direction of Kenji Bolden, Gourdine said. The “Messiah” tradition has come and gone a few times in South Georgia. The latest one started last year, Gourdine said. There is no admission fee for the concert; however, donations will be accepted to help Puerto Rico in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. The churches are scheduled to present the Christmas portion of the composition.  Though “Messiah” is often viewed as a seasonal Christmas piece, given the birth of Jesus in the first part, or “first act,” as Handel referred to his composition’s movements, it may have been intended more as an Easter piece given the drama of the second act.  Handel debuted “Messiah” for an Eastertime/spring audience in April of 1742. Yet, it became a favorite for audiences at Christmas through the decades. “Messiah” is scheduled to be performed 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 26, First United Methodist Church, Downtown Valdosta.

 

‘A Historic Dalton Christmas’ holiday tour set for Dec. 1-3

DALTON, Ga. — The Whitfield-Murray Historical Society’s “A Historic Dalton Christmas” will feature special displays at the Blunt House, the Hamilton House, the Huff House and Crown Gardens & Archives on Friday, Dec. 1, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on Saturday, Dec. 2, and Sunday, Dec. 3, from 1 to 4 p.m. Seldom-seen items, special collections and recent acquisitions will be displayed. Tickets may be purchased in advance at the archives or at the door of any property during the event. Admission is $25 for adults and $10 for youth (ages 6-16). Visitors may start at any site and visit in any order they choose. Tickets will be good at all properties during the three days. Refreshments will be served at the archives. For more information, call the society at (706) 278-0217, go to www.whitfield-murrayhistoricalsociety.org or see its Facebook page.

 

Library to host homesteading presentation

LIVE OAK, Fla. — Ellen Mitidieri plans to share her homesteading knowledge and experience at the Live Oak Public Library next month. Mitidieri, who owns 80 acres near Luraville, will give a homesteading presentation at noon Dec. 7 as part of the library’s continuing Pioneer Life Lunch & Learn Series. Homesteading is a lifestyle of self-sufficiency, characterized by subsistence agriculture and home food preservation. The presentation will cover financial savings that come with adopting a homesteading lifestyle and the satisfaction that comes with that style of living. Health benefits will also be discussed. For more information, please call the library at 386-362-2317.