GA-FL At a Glance

Published 10:41 am Wednesday, November 29, 2017

North Georgia man charged in three-vehicle collision

DALTON, Ga. — An 88-year-old man has been charged with failure to maintain lane in connection with a three-vehicle crash Monday that sent him and two other people to the hospital, Georgia State Patrol Cpl. E. Tommy Bonaparte said Tuesday. Bonaparte said he did not expect further charges against Richard Baron, a Cohutta resident. Trooper Michael Best, who investigated the wreck, said Monday that Baron was driving a Toyota Rav4 south on Cleveland Highway approaching Dawnville Road when the Rav4 crossed into the center turn lane. The vehicle struck a gray Honda Civic driven by Araceli Lara, 38, of Dalton, who was in the center lane waiting to turn onto Victory Parkway.  Best said the impact flipped the Rav4 over the Civic and pushed the Civic backward into oncoming northbound traffic where it was struck by a box truck driven by Leonard Gaither, 48, of Rossville. Gaither was uninjured. Lara, Baron and Baron’s wife were taken to Hamilton Medical Center.  Bonaparte said he had no update on the condition of any of those three. Officials with the State Patrol said Monday the three were alert and conscious and did not suffer life-threatening injuries. 

Alumnus jazzes up VSU

VALDOSTA, Ga. — “He was a very talented student when he was here,” said David Springfield, VSU jazz ensemble director. “It’s been really satisfying for me to see how he’s developed since he was a student.” Springfield is referring to the guest saxophonist, Stantawn Kendrick, who will be performing with the Valdosta State University Jazz Ensemble 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec/ 1 at Whitehead Auditorium, VSU Fine Arts Building, corner of Oak and Brookwood. The 2004 VSU graduate will be performing at the free event with the ensemble through six of the eight featured pieces. Springfield taught Kendrick in several jazz courses and said “he had a lot of promise and capabilities.” With Kendrick recently releasing his debut record, “No Longer Bound,” Springfield said he thinks the former jazz student returning to his alma mater is “really special.” “To see what he’s done and releasing his recording, and the people he’s worked with,” he said, “we’re very proud of him. We’re very excited to hear how he’s playing now.” According to a press release, Kendrick has performed or studied with Mulgrew Miller, Eric Reed, David Demsey, Kenny Garrett and Wynton Marsalis’ Jazz at Lincoln Center. He currently teaches for the Phil Ramone Orchestra for Children in New York, according to the press release. The program will feature selections from artists such as Duke Ellington, Bronislau Kaper, Nathaniel Banton, Anita Baker and Johnny Hodges to list a few. Aside from the general public, about 100 high school students are also expected to attend. The students will participate in the State Band Clinic and will perform 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3. During the clinic, various directors will group several students together and prepare them for their upcoming jazz concert. Kendrick will teach a master class for the students, as well, according to the press release. Whitehead Auditorium can be found on the first floor of the VSU Fine Arts building. Contact Springfield at (229) 333-5805 for more information.

Harlem Globetrotters returning to FGC

LAKE CITY, Fla. — The Harlem Globetrotters will be making an encore performance.

The Globetrotters are returning to the Howard Center at Florida Gateway College on Dec. 7 after performing for a sold-out crowd at the college on Feb. 28. In their more than 90-year history, the Globetrotters have showcased their talents in more than 120 countries and territories on six continents and are famous worldwide for their incredible displays of ball-handling wizardry.

The game will begin at 7 p.m. and will feature a thrilling combination world-class athleticism, amazing trick shots, and family-friendly comedy. General admission tickets are available online for $20 ($15 for FGC students/faculty/staff and children 12 and younger). Purchase online at fgc.thundertix.com or over the phone at 386-754-4340. The interactive pre-game Magic Pass experience will also be offered. A limited number of Magic Pass/general admission bundles are available for $35.

Adel-Cook County chamber names Moultrian its new president

MOULTRIE, Ga. — A longtime employee of the Moultrie-Colquitt County Chamber of Commerce is taking a big step in her career. Heather Green, vice president of administration for the local business group, has been hired as president of the Adel-Cook County Chamber. Green, who has been with the Moultrie chamber 16 years, will begin her new job Dec. 11. “We’re very saddened to lose her,” said Tommie Beth Willis, president of the Moultrie chamber. “It’s a great opportunity for her.” Willis said a reception is planned for 4-6 p.m. Dec. 7 at the chamber, 116 First Ave., so local people can visit with Green and wish her well in her new position.

Boston Christmas set for Saturday

BOSTON — Santa Claus will travel down Main Street in Boston on Saturday. Santa will be escorted into town by colorfully-decorated golf carts, horses, youngsters and the young-at-heart. 

Festivities begin at 6:30 p.m. After the parade, children will have a chance to share their Christmas secret wish lists with Santa, and there will be entertainment in Watt Park. Rick and Bethany McDonnell will present a musical program and lead the crowd in carols. The winner of the golf cart-decorating contest will be announced and awarded a $100 prize. Winners of the decorating competition also will be announced. Decorating categories include homes, churches and businesses. For contest details, call Danny Groover at (229) 224-6201. Many Boston shops will be open, and restaurants will feature special holiday fare. At Boston Baptist Church at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, a live nativity program will be presented. Outdoor seating will be available. Saturday’s event is sponsored by the City of Boston. To register for the parade or for other information, call (229) 498-6743 or visit www.bostonga.com.