North Georgia’s Craig to lead state Emergency Management Association

DALTON, Ga. — After starting his public safety career 44 years ago as a deputy at the Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office, Claude Craig has worked his way to the top — again. Craig, who has been director of Whitfield Emergency Services for the past eight years, recently earned statewide recognition when he was sworn in as president of the Emergency Management Association of Georgia (EMAG) for the second time. Craig was also president in 2015-16. Craig began his two-year term as chief executive officer of the association this time after being sworn in at the 60th annual Business Meeting of EMAG on Nov. 6 at Brasstown Valley Resort in Young Harris. During his term, Craig said he plans to help EMAG continue to be an advisory group to GEMA, advance professionalism in emergency management, influence legislation and policy, increase membership, recognize excellence in emergency management and foster internal and external relationships to achieve desired goals. Craig will also be working with Association County Commissioners of Georgia on upcoming legislation concerning public safety. EMAG assists its 350 members in their efforts to save lives and protect property from the effects of disasters, provides a forum for professionals to discuss current issues in the emergency management field, and serves as a policy advisory board both to local emergency management agencies and to the Georgia Emergency Management Agency.

Boston ready for holiday open house

BOSTON, Ga. — Thanksgiving 2018 is in the books, leftovers devoured or distributed and it’s time to start hanging those Christmas stockings! Come to Boston on Saturday, December 1 to enjoy a Holiday Open House sponsored by the Boston Business Association. All of the specialty shops will be open for your shopping convenience and the restaurants welcome you for lunch! In addition to unique shopping opportunities, there will be entertainment in Watt Park, weather permitting. Popular DJ Raymond Porter will be set up from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. You will hear some of your favorite Christmas music. At 1 p.m., Greg and Jay and The Country Boys take the stage. Playing a wide variety of Christmas music, including classic country, new country, blues, gospel, R&B, and southern rock, Jay Farlow says they may have a special guest — an Elvis impersonator who will sing all your favorite Elvis Christmas. All members of the band are seasoned musicians. Jay, who is Jay Farlow, grew up in Boston from age 6 and has fond memories of playing music at a young age in his mother’s café. Farlow has played with various bands over the years and performed with many iconic musicians, including The Drifters, Percy Sledge, and Tom T. Hall. Greg Haire hails from Fort Lauderdale; he is a great guitarist and vocalist. Haire has played in clubs all around Florida and also at the Grand Ole Opry. You have a special invitation to enjoy a great day in Boston, find unique gifts for your holiday shopping and enjoy the live entertainment. In case the weather doesn’t cooperate, the entertainment will be moved to Boston Community Center, directly across the street from Watt Park. Check out the website, www.bostonga.com or call Donna Davis, president of BBA, at 229-413-1626.

McAlpin Community Center hosting Christmas party

McALPIN, Fla. — Santa Claus will be visiting the McAlpin Community Center for a Christmas party on Dec. 10.

The community center’s Christmas party is set to begin at 6 p.m. with a meal before Santa arrives. Those wishing to attend are asked to bring a covered dish and a Christmas “goodie.”

Santa is scheduled to arrive on a fire truck between 7-7:15 p.m. Children will be able to get their pictures taken with Santa, who also will be giving each child a stocking.

Christmas music will be played throughout the evening.