Community

Jon Pardi

Jon Pardi

Pardi bringing the party to Athens

News Staff
Thursday, July 23, 2026
Multi-platinum country music star Jon Pardi will bring his signature sound and trademark blend of "high-energy country with just enough rock and roll" (Rolling Stone) to Athens on Oct. 24 when his "Gamblin' Man" Tour stops at Akins Ford Arena.
L-R: Songs & Drives for Lives performers include producer and songwriter Corey Crowder with songwriters Ray Fulcher and Ben Williams. CONTRIBUTED

L-R: Songs & Drives for Lives performers include producer and songwriter Corey Crowder with songwriters Ray Fulcher and Ben Williams. CONTRIBUTED

Songs & Drives for Lives coming to Cuscowilla

News Staff
Thursday, July 23, 2026
The Spencer Bradley Foundation for Mental Health announced last week that tickets, sponsorships, and golf team registrations are now on sale for the inaugural Songs & Drives for Lives, a two-day fundraising event presented by The Oconee Cellar Sept.
Harbor Club resident Ken McPherson transformed a roadside patch of weed-infested grassland into an inviting wildflower garden for neighbors and visitors to enjoy. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Harbor Club resident Ken McPherson transformed a roadside patch of weed-infested grassland into an inviting wildflower garden for neighbors and visitors to enjoy. IAN TOCHER/Staff

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Wildflowers take root to replace weeds

Ian Tocher
Thursday, July 23, 2026
What was once an overgrown patch of roadside weeds and neglected grass has become one of the most colorful spots at Harbor Club, thanks to one resident's vision, hard work and a little help from nature.
Lisa Conner speaks to the audience last Sunday at STMA in rural Buckhead. LEIGH LOFGREN/Staff

Lisa Conner speaks to the audience last Sunday at STMA in rural Buckhead. LEIGH LOFGREN/Staff

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Steffen Thomas Museum celebrates Founders’ Day

Leigh Lofgren
Thursday, July 23, 2026
The Steffen Thomas Museum of Art (STMA) held its annual Founders’ Day Sunday to honor the life of founder Sara Douglass Thomas and to present the Charlie Bonner Award for Advancing Art Education.
Ronda Rich/Columnist

Ronda Rich/Columnist

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Rich: A piece of my past

Ronda Rich
Thursday, July 16, 2026
A Texas newspaper story began with the words, “Faded country music star Johnny Rodriguez …”Faded.That hurt my heart. It sounded so brutal.From the age of 12 to the edge of 15, Johnny Rodriguez was my girlhood crush.
Happy families enjoyed the Reach 2 Teach Back-to-School Bash and Community Health Fair, held last Saturday at Putnam County Elementary School. CONTRIBUTED

Happy families enjoyed the Reach 2 Teach Back-to-School Bash and Community Health Fair, held last Saturday at Putnam County Elementary School. CONTRIBUTED

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Reach 2 Teach Back-to-School Bash a success

Lance McCurley
Thursday, July 16, 2026
Putnam County families gathered last Saturday for the Reach 2 Teach Back-to-School Bash and Community Health Fair, a free event designed to help students and families prepare for the upcoming school year.
Blue Hydrangeas, 8x8, Acrylic on Cradled Wooden Panel

Blue Hydrangeas, 8x8, Acrylic on Cradled Wooden Panel

MAG presents new local artist exhibition

News Staff
Thursday, July 16, 2026
The Madison Artists Guild (MAG) recently announced it will present a special exhibition of paintings by former Madison resident Trish Jones, a self-taught artist known for a style that feels both familiar and fresh.
Many of the sets for Shrek the Musical were relatively simple but very effective in creating humorous or dramatic atmospheres as required for the action on stage. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Many of the sets for Shrek the Musical were relatively simple but very effective in creating humorous or dramatic atmospheres as required for the action on stage. IAN TOCHER/Staff

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Broadway-caliber ‘Shrek’ impresses at The Plaza

Ian Tocher
Thursday, July 16, 2026
In one of the venue’s most ambitious productions to date, The Plaza Arts Center’s Broadway Intensive production of Shrek the Musical proves that community theater can deliver professional-level dancing and singing, elaborate staging, and impressive technical work.
Nearly 70 children attended Victory Train Summer Camp at First Baptist Church of Greensboro. CONTRIBUTED

Nearly 70 children attended Victory Train Summer Camp at First Baptist Church of Greensboro. CONTRIBUTED

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Victory Train announces partnership with Walker Church

Skyla Morris
Thursday, July 9, 2026
The Victory Train, an early childhood education nonprofit based in Greene County, has partnered with Walker United Methodist Church to expand its outreach and volunteer efforts.
Robert Gwaltney

Robert Gwaltney

GWM to welcome best-selling author Gwaltney

Robert Gwaltney
Thursday, July 9, 2026
The Georgia Writers Museum has announced that award-winning, bestselling author Robert Gwaltney will be its Meet the Author presenter in August.According to Southern Literary Review: “Gwaltney undoubtedly has one of the most stunning imaginations of any author now writing.
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