Man honored for volunteer work by state Emergency Management Association

DALTON, Ga. — Jim McDonald of Whitfield County has been named Volunteer/Citizen of the Year by the Emergency Management Association of Georgia (EMAG). McDonald, who was nominated by the Whitfield County EMA, received the award on Nov. 6 in Young Harris at Brasstown Valley Resort during the 60th annual Business Meeting of EMAG. McDonald has volunteered his time for Whitfield County’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) since 2013. “During his tenure with our program, Jim has been a dedicated member of the team,” said Claude Craig, Whitfield EMA director. “He volunteers his time without hesitation and goes above and beyond time and time again. Jim’s smiling face is present at numerous CERT trainings, public relations events and deployments. He is a reminder of the spirit of volunteerism!” McDonald, who was named the local 2017 Responder of the Year, will take on any task asked of him — without complaint, Craig said. Last year, McDonald volunteered 35 hours with the CERT program, giving him a total of 214 volunteer hours since 2013.

TeddyMac Elvis and Friends Country Christmas Show upcoming

LIVE OAK, Fla. — Christmas will soon be here. When it’s Christmas time, all TeddyMac Elvis fans know it is time for the annual TeddyMac Elvis and Friends Country Christmas Show at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park.

This year’s show is set for Dec. 7-8.

The spectacular event features Ted “TeddyMac Elvis” McMullen and his Legends friends. The beautiful weekend of country and Elvis music usually packs the SOSMP’s Music Hall both nights. Artists performing in this year’s Christmas show along with TeddyMac Elvis are Keith Thrift as Conway Twitty, Dale Bennett as Loretta Lynn, Penny Hannah as Wynonna Judd, Calvin Smart as Johnny Cash, Leamon Nipper as Merle Haggard, Texanna as Patsy Cline, Diane Johnston as Lorrie Morgan, Bobby Long as Willie Nelson, Trese Hill as Tammy Wynette, Kathy Stafford as Shania Twain and the newcomer to the group, Anthony O’Neal, as John Anderson.

Tickets are on sale at the SOSMP’s main office, by calling 386-364-1683 or emailing spirit@musicliveshere.com. Advance tickets are $17 and includes both nights or you may purchase tickets at the door if available at $11 each night.

TeddyMac will emcee both nights. Saturday evening, he will also bring his own Elvis Country Christmas Show to end this beautiful evening. As always, TeddyMac will sing his special song last while the audience will rise and sing with him to end the evening.

Friday, Dec. 7, is the Pre-Party from 7–10 p.m. Dancing encouraged this night only. Artists perform in casual attire and put on a wonderful, warm pre-show having fun with the audience as they get ready for the big night Saturday, Dec. 8. Saturday night all performers will be dressed in show attire the artists they pay tribute to would wear for this Country Christmas finale. Show is from 6–10 p.m. Doors open at 5 p.m. both nights for dinner.