Dalton-Whitfield County Joint Development Authority receives award for Deal of the Year 

DALTON, Ga. — The Georgia Economic Developers Association (GEDA) recognized the Dalton-Whitfield County Joint Development Authority (JDA) for “outstanding achievement in the location/expansion of business in Georgia” at its November awards luncheon. The JDA was recognized for the Hanwha Q Cells project that was announced on May 30. Pat Wilson, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, presented the award to Carl Campbell, executive director of the JDA, and officials with Hanwha Q Cells, along with a number of other Dalton and Whitfield County officials. Earlier in the day, Gov. Nathan Deal welcomed the group to his office to congratulate them. The Hanwha Q Cells project will create more than 500 jobs and invest $150 million in a new solar module manufacturing facility in Dalton. Having a graded site in a Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development Sites Program (GRAD)-certified park was key to allowing Dalton-Whitfield to be part of the discussion to begin with, officials said, and its ability to move fast and keep the company on track regarding permitting and construction helped it prevail. This is now the twelfth year that GEDA has recognized the major projects from the previous year.

Altrusa’s annual Christmas Tour of Homes set for Saturday

LIVE OAK, Fla. — This weekend’s 16th annual Altrusa Christmas Tour of Homes will provide inspiration for holiday decorating, or at least, the chance to see some beautiful homes. The tour will begin at the Live Oak Garden Club at noon Saturday, where tour participants may register, receive their maps and enjoy some homemade refreshments. From the Garden Club, participants may venture out into the community and tour four seasonally-decorated homes in Live Oak. The Crapps Mansion at Heritage Parks and Gardens is also included in the tour. The tours end at 5 p.m. “I am excited about the homes this year,” President Millie Schneider said. “They are really beautiful.” Tickets to the event are $12 each purchased in advance or $15 at the door. There will be homemade cakes for sale and raffle tickets for sale for a Barbecue Basket and a Spa Basket. Schneider invites everyone to come out and tour homes Saturday. She had an early preview of the decorations and said they are decorated beautifully this year. Altrusa International Inc. of Live Oak is a local civic organization comprised of altruistic women who share the organization’s overarching goal of literacy promotion and the desire to contribute to the community. All proceeds from the Altrusa Christmas Tour of Homes fund community projects for the upcoming year, which are Vivid Visions, Pregnancy Care Center, The ARC North Florida and the Suwannee County school to promote literacy. Tickets can be purchased in advanced by calling Millie Schneider at 386-590-7086, Carol Hingson at 386-208-5856 or Glenda Williams at 386-362-2616.

‘The Best Ever Christmas Pageant’ opens Friday

THOMASVILLE, Ga. — Thomasville On Stage & Co. will introduce Barbara Robinson’s “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” to the theatrical organization’s stage at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday. Preview performances are scheduled during Victorian Christmas, with full-length shows at 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 16. With a cast of 50 adults and children and a lively storyline, the show promises fast-moving entertainment. Cast members’ ages range from five to over 80, resulting in laughter every minute. Barbara Robinson’s story began as a popular children’s book. It was adapted as a movie starring Loretta Swit before becoming a stage play. The story is about the dirtiest, meanest children deciding they belong in the church Christmas pageant while townspeople think the youngsters should be  in the local jail. Performances are at the Storefront Theater, 117 S. Broad St. Call 229-226-0863 or go to www.tosac.com for tickets. Adults tickets are $15. Students are $12. The Sunday matinee on Dec. 16 is $5 less with the donation of a new unwrapped gift for a child.

Leonard to be Inducted into National Hall of Fame

TIFTON, Ga. — Woody Leonard, the former band director at Tift County High School (TCHS) and Director of Bands at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC), will be inducted into the National High School Band Directors Hall of Fame at 7 p.m. on Dec. 10 in Valdosta. Leonard’s induction into the Hall of Fame will be a part of the Azalea Winds Christmas Concert to be held at the Valdosta-Lowndes Parks and Recreation Authority Senior Center located at 1360 East Park Ave., in Valdosta. Leonard is a member of the Azalea Winds and will conduct one of the numbers during the concert. There is no charge for admission. Leonard, served as the band director at TCHS from 1986-2005, Dalton High School from 1980-81, and Cook Middle School from 2008-15. He was also the assistant band director at Lowndes High School in 1976-79 and 1981-86 as well as serving as a graduate assistant with the Auburn University band program from 1979-80. His tenure at ABAC was from 2007-12.