College plans spring shows

TIFTON, Ga. — The ABAC Presents! Performing Arts Series will offer a wide variety of entertainment beginning with The National Players production “The Grapes of Wrath” by John Steinbeck on Feb. 2 at 7 p.m. in Howard Auditorium, followed by pianist Read Gainsford on Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. in Howard Auditorium, the Albany Symphony Orchestra on March 26 at 3 p.m. in the Tift County High School Performing Arts Center; and trumpeter Terell Stafford with the ABAC Jazz Band on April 20. Tickets are required for each of these arts series events and can be purchased by phone at (229) 391-4895. The Baldwin Players will present a series of one-act plays Feb. 16-17 at 7 p.m. in the Chapel of All Faiths. Their spring production of “Little Foxes” will take place on March 9-11 at 7 p.m. at the Georgia Museum of Agriculture. Tickets are $7 and can be purchased online at www.purplepass.com/abac.

Ballet to present evening of music, dance and art

THOMASVILLE, Ga. — South Georgia Ballet will present “Fuse: Iconic, An Evening of Music, Dance and Art” at 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27, at Thomasville Center for the Arts and at 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, at Colquitt County Arts Center. It will feature live music with Dana King and Gypsy Cotton. Tickets are available at www.southgeorgiaballet.org.

Georgia College receives two environmental awards for sustainability

MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. —Georgia College was recognized as a leader in environmental protection with two awards from the University System of Georgia. The Environmental Stewardship Award for Sustainability applauds the university’s multiple efforts to protect the ecosystem, conserve energy and preserve historical integrity. The Distinguished Service Award honors Susan Daniels, assistant director of ground facilities, for her community service. The university’s successful Green Initiative helped secure the awards, Strawder said. The ongoing effort started in 2009, incorporating principals of sustainability and environmental planning with other campus activities — like alternative transportation, building and landscape design, energy efficiency, materials recovery, recycling, organics, composting and water conservation. The university’s greatest contributions — which helped gain the award — came from technical innovations like installation of high-performance fume hoods on buildings and resourceful management of its energy, water, recycling and waste, Strawder said. Susan Daniels’ efforts enhanced the look of campus during her 22 years at Georgia College. She received her award for serving as a member of the Milledgeville Tree Board, Lockerly Arboretum Grounds Committee and Pilot Club. She’s been a guest speaker at the local garden clubs and teaches horticulture in Georgia College’s continuing education program. Daniels has also co-authored multiple articles in horticultural publications. Georgia College continually explores ways to change behavior and improve environmental well-being through responsible management of its 160-acre campus. A mandatory $5 student fee, initiated in 2010, supports green initiatives and the Office of Sustainability, which monitors, analyzes and promotes educational projects that lead to conservation campus-wide and in the community.

North Georgia man charged with child molestation

CHATSWORTH, Ga. — A Murray County man was charged Tuesday with child molestation after what law enforcement officials called a pattern of abuse over four years that started when the victim was a 5-year-old. Richard Scott Brehm, 28, of 1178 Highway 225 S.-32, Chatsworth, was arrested on Tuesday and released on Wednesday on a $10,000 bond. Detective Brett Morrison with the sheriff’s office said the abuse was reported by a family member and the investigation took around 10 days to complete. “It looks like it had begun several years ago,” Morrison said.

Tunes for Tots slated 

VALDOSTA, Va. — Have a child interested in learning more about a particular musical instrument? Or a youngster who shows interest in music? Tunes for Tots this weekend may be just the ticket for you and your young Mozart, according to organizers. Sponsored by the Valdosta Symphony Guild, Valdosta Symphony Orchestra musicians demonstrate how various instruments work and sound then allow youngsters a hands-on demonstration with the “Instrument Petting Zoo.” The South Georgia String Project, a group composed of young area musicians, is scheduled to perform during the event. The musicians range in ages from 8-year-olds to adults. While no reservations are required and admission is free, children must be accompanied by an adult for Tunes for Tots, according to organizers. The Valdosta Symphony Guild, which provides support for the Valdosta Symphony Orchestra and its educational programs, sponsors the annual event. Cookies and juice will be available for the children in attendance.