The Rockettes perform “Christmas in New York” as part of The Radio City Christmas Spectacular now playing at The Fox Theatre in Atlanta. Photo/Special.

For more than three quarters of a century, the Radio City Rockettes, the world’s most famous precision dance troupe, have been a legendary force in entertainment with a rich history of skill and dedication to their craft. From their memorable USO Tours during WWII, to show-stopping Super Bowl half-time appearances, to the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade performances, to Presidential Inauguration Ceremonies, the Rockettes are recognized as a national treasure: the epitome of glamour, excitement, joy and optimism.

Josh Gracin, left and Blake Shelton, right.

Atlanta Braves pitcher Tim Hudson and his wife, Kim, formed the Hudson Family Foundation so that they could help make a positive impact on the lives of children and their families that need assistance. The Hudsons are thankful for their many blessings and their foundation is a way for them to give back to those in need.

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Jim Carrey generally makes good films, whether playing Stanley Ipkiss in “The Mask” or Count Olaf in “A Series of Unfortunate Events.” When it comes to classic stories however (i.e. “The Grinch” or “Horton Hears a Who!”), Carrey lets his own unique brand of humor overwhelm the audience and therefore ruin the original story. This is not the case in Disney’s “A Christmas Carol.”

What better way to get in the holiday spirit than to enjoy an evening of beautiful Christmas music, while having the opportunity to do a little gift shopping as well! The community is invited to do both on Tuesday, Dec. 1, when the Starr’s Mill High School Choral Department presents its 13th Annual Candlelight Processional and Silent Auction.

Sharks are such fascinating creatures that Discovery Channel dedicates a full week to them each summer. Now, the Georgia Aquarium enhances the learning experience for their patrons with the exhibit, “Planet Shark: Predator or Prey.”

Atlanta audiences are the first to experience the most comprehensive and innovative “out of water” shark exhibition to tour the world.  Planet Shark: Predator or Prey complements the existing collection of more than 70 live sharks, representing 14 different species.  The interactive and engaging exhibition will explore some of the unique relationships humans have forged with one of the world’s most feared predators - the shark.

Shoppers at the Kedron Kroger in Peachtree City will be treated to live orchestra music courtesy of the McIntosh High School Orchestra on Saturday, November 14 and Sunday, November 15.  These young, talented musicians will perform while tickets are sold for their second annual Cajun Thanksgiving Dinner giveaway. 

The Fayette County Historical Society invites you to be with them this Sunday, Nov. 15 at 3 p.m.

The United States Constitution is the world's oldest existing Constitution still in use today, as well as being the shortest. If you would like to learn what makes it so great, come to the meeting and join with the James Waldrop Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution and its members, Betty Harrah and Ann Eldredge. They will travel back to the year 1787 and the Constitutional Convention. Learn more about the history behind this document and the Georgia men who helped make it happen.

Atlanta vendor replaces Ticketmaster

The Fred has built its reputation through the years on small town values that have extended in part to providing superior customer service to a loyal and passionate customer base. Being accessible and friendly is often cited by these customers as the reason the 2,500 seat venue is chosen over others to attend summer concerts under the stars.

The United Daughters of the Confederacy, Frankie Lyle Chapter No. 2074, announce the observance of Veteran's Day by saluting local veterans.

The BarlowGirl Superchick Live Tour sponsored by J93.3 is coming to The Fred for one night only. This will be their only tour date in the Atlanta area so this is a must see event.

BarlowGirl's most recent album, Love & War, was released on Sept. 8 and recently peaked at #4 on Billboards Top Christian Albums Chart. BarlowGirl’s style includes three-part harmony mixed with rock guitars. Their songs range from ballads to guitar rock.

The Echostage theatre program (East Coweta High School On Stage) is having a huge auction Saturday, Nov. 7 at 7 p.m.. The “Raise the Curtain” auction will be held in East Coweta High School’s cafeteria. There are 200 items to be auctioned, including a brand new 2010 Toyota Camry LE from Toyota of Newnan, vacation getaways, sports tickets (Falcons, Thrashers, Hawks), Canongate golf packages, autographed music and sports items, jewelry, cosmetics, musical instruments, and lots of local gift cards and baskets for restaurants, party/entertainment venues, and services. A complete listing of items can be found at www.echostagefriends.com. Tickets are $5 at the door and will include desserts, beverages, and entertainment.

    November 7th, Dolce Atlanta- Peachtree in Peachtree City plans to be another boot Stompin' fun Cattle Barons' Ball.  Scott and Charlie of Fun 101 will emcee the evening with Miss Georgia making a Guest appearance.  Every year locals support the western style ball to support the Southern Crescent Chapter of the American Cancer Society.

The Line Creek Civitan Club will host the Great Chili Challenge at Shakerag Knoll in Peachtree City from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 31. Shakerag Knoll is located at 191 McIntosh Trail, Peachtree City, Georgia (between Peachtree Parkway and Highway 74).

(Union City, GA) October 23, 2009 ? Christian City is hosting our annual Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, November 7 from 8-10 am in the parking lot behind the Welcome Center at Christian City. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased in advance at The Children’s Village or at the event. This will be a fun event for people of all ages! All of the proceeds will support our ministry of providing shelter, food, education, and care to the children who live at The Children’s Village.

TOGA! TOGA! TOGA! The mayor of Peachtree City and members of the city council were recently presented togas by three of the planners for the 2nd Annual Toga Trot 5K fundraiser race. The Toga Trot is the jointly produced by the Rotary Clubs of Peachtree City and the Atlanta Southern Crescent Alumnae Panhellenic Association (ASCAPA). The 5K race will start at 8:30am on Halloween morning at the Dolce Atlanta Peachtree Hotel & Resort, which is the race's title sponsor. There will be a one-mile walk/fun run immediately following the start of the 5K race. The Center of Integrative Manual Therapy (Center - IMT) is the presenting sponsor and they will have several of their clients participating in the race again this year. Last year, everyone was impressed and sincerely moved at the sight of Center IMT clients who'd been told they'd never walk again crossing the finish line (as shown in the other photo).

Youth ages 7 - 13, mark your calendars because The Twilight Theatre is holding auditions for Babes in Toyland, a one-act musical based on the classic play by Victor Herbert. The show is a production of Twilight’s Apprentice Company, a group of middle-school and high-school age youth who have been selected to become apprentices based on their experience, referrals, and interview. The Apprentice Company provides hands-on opportunities for youth to learn more about all aspects of theatre.

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If you have been reading other papers lately, you may have noticed that “Where the Wild Things Are” has gotten a boatload of good reviews. DON’T BELIEVE THEM. The film is too scary (or boring) for small children, and if you put a suicidal human in there, he would probably kill himself when Max (the main character) gets to the island. The film is depressing and will drain you of all your happiness by the end of it. It was so bad I’m having a hard time thinking of anything funny to say -I’m kind of ashamed for the director, Spike Jonze. Depressing, boring; good grief; I kept thinking-will you just eat the kid and get it over with?? Please- just do it!!!!

The Southern Crescent Symphony will present a free concert on Sunday, October 25th at 3:00 p.m. at the Fayetteville First United Methodist Church.

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I’m not surprised that Kevin didn’t care for “Where the Wild Things Are.” I think there are a lot of people, both young and old, who have been conditioned to expect another type of movie entirely when presented with a film “based on a beloved tale for children.” If you have only seen Seuss adaptations starring comedians or Potter films that try to translate the book to film as closely as possible, a movie like this feels entirely too strange. Consider the fact that the book “Where the Wild Things Are” is only a few sentences long and yet the film is over an hour and a half. The makers of this movie have added a lot to the film, but nothing that could be considered commercial or irreverent. “Where the Wild Things Are” is an art house movie and that is something that a lot of kids and their parents aren’t ready for and weren’t planning on.

Roy Smith has announced that the last Grantville Depot Gospel Sing for 2009 will be held on Saturday, Oct. 24 beginning at 7 p.m.

Halloween isn’t just about ghosts and goblins! The Frederick Brown Amphitheater will host the “Not so Frightful” Storytelling and Halloween party on October 24 and even Pete the Cat promises to show up and provide fun for children of all ages! The party is scheduled to begin at 4 pm and is a free event.

The McIntosh Players of McIntosh High School will present the one act play, SHOES ALONG THE HIGHWAY , by Maureen Brady Johnson in the high school auditorium on Thursday, Oct. 22 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 23 at 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets will be available at the door for only $5 per person.

Golden Knights, Harriers & Warbirds join forces to provide affordable family fun.

Above, a P-51 Mustang. Photo/Special.

Precision parachuting, gravity-defying jets, thundering jet trucks and vintage warbirds mark the 12 edition of The Great Georgia Airshow (GGAS) to be held at Falcon Field Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 10 and 11. The aviation festival, presented by the Kiwanis Club of Peachtree City and the Commemorative Air Force’s (CAF), Dixie Wing, will again showcase modern and historic military aircraft, thrilling aerobatics and activities for the entire family.

From left are Maddie Mateer, Benjamin Peacock, Paige McCauley, Brent Davis and Austin Monk. Photo/Special.

The Legacy Theater will open “Children’s Letters to God” this Friday. The show, based on the popular book by Stuart Hample, features music by David Evans and lyrics from Douglas Cohen. It opened off Broadway in 2004 and has found a lot of success in regional productions. The show, originally performed by children, has featured adults in other productions, but the Legacy has cast it with young actors, several of whom are from the area.

Fayetteville Main Street is excited to host another excuse for local workers to take an extended lunch break this Friday with the final Lunch on the Lawn event this year. From 11:30am – 1:30pm, everyone is encouraged to take their lunch break at the newly landscaped, historic courthouse lawn in downtown Fayetteville. PiesOn Pizza will again be selling pizza lunch combos for $5, but people can bring their own lunch as well. Also available for dessert is Italian Ice.

The Freedom Fund Banquet Committee is planning its 12th Annual Freedom Fund Banquet, Nov. 7, at 6 p.m. at the Wyndham Peachtree Conference Center.  This year's banquet theme is “Celebrating and Building on 100 Years of Achievement."  The Centennial Achievement Awards for Civil Rights will be presented to deserving recipients. The Fayette County Community is invited to attend, ticket price is $75.00; however, there is a discount for purchasing a table of 10 for $700.00. This discount is available through Oct. 12th. For tickets and more information, please email ffb@fcnaacp.org or call 770-460-9934.

Peachtree City Karate for Kids, located at 416 Crosstown Road, in the Braelinn Village Shopping Center (next to Kmart), will be holding a free child safety seminar for children and parents. The seminar will be held Saturday, Oct. 10 from 12-2 p.m.

Beloved musical now playing at Fairburn
theater

Dianne Mitchell and Tommy McDaniel as Marian Paroo and Harold Hill in “The Music Man.” Photo/Special.

Confidence man Harold Hill (Tommy McDaniel) arrives at staid River City intending to cheat the community. Hill’s standard scam involves offering to equip and train a boy’s marching band, then he skips town with the money.

Things go awry when he falls for a librarian, Marian Paroo, (Dianne Mitchell) he tries to divert from exposing him while he inadvertently enriches the town with a love of music.

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It seems that many computer-animated films get bad raps because they only use childish humor and are advertised as such, but this new film, “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” is different. It has some symbolism in it that children may not recognize, but will send parents laughing to death. Some of the actors are Anna Faris as a weather girl and female love interest and Mr. T (“Rocky 3”) as a cop with gymnastic skills. The cop is not the protagonist, however, Flint Lockwood is. Mr. Zachary Smola, my English teacher, has obviously been giving me too much literature homework (one of the reasons I haven’t had time to write reviews). Let’s get back to the forecast.

October

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The Alzheimer’s Memory Walk will take place at Shakerag Knoll from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Also in October, the Peachtree City Classic Road Race will take place Oct. 17 at Shakerag Knoll from 8:50 a.m.-noon.