Need ideas to see out 2023 or ring in the New Year? 11 things to do this week

That’s it! Before you could blink, 2023 is over. If you’re looking for ways to see the old year out, or welcome in the new, we’ve got some options. And remember, if you need a ride home New Years Eve consider ride shares, taxis, or use TriMet or C-Tran, both of which will run extended service on some lines and provide FREE rides across the systems after 8 p.m. Dec. 31. Read more here: trimet.org/2023.

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The Fab Four – The Ultimate Tribute Concert (Salem)

The 2023 tour promises an all-new show with a performance of The Beatles’ “Rubber Soul” in its entirety, as well as the Beatles’ greatest hits. This Emmy Award-winning band is renowned for its precise attention to detail, uncanny note-for-note live renditions of Beatles classics and for a lively show that brings the music of a generation alive for today’s audiences.

7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 30, Elsinore Theater, 170 High St. S.E., Salem; tickets start at $34.50, elsinoretheatre.com/events.

A&E best bets

The Oregon Symphony offers a concert to see in the new year.Image courtesy of Oregon Symphony

Oregon Symphony New Year’s Eve concert

Finish off 2023 with a symphony concert featuring the grandeur of Beethoven’s monumental Ninth Symphony. The concert also includes vocals by the Ode to Joy chorus, Portland State University Chamber Choir, and the Oregon Repertory Singers. Deanna Tham conducts.

7:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 30-31, Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 S.W. Broadway; tickets start at $35; tickets.orsymphony.org.

“12 Days of Christmas in the East”

Cappella Romana celebrates the season in a joyful program of chants, hymns, and carols of Christmastide from the Eastern Orthodox tradition. The program includes medieval Byzantine chant and new choral works by contemporary composers.

8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 30, St. Mary’s Cathedral,1739 N.W. Couch St.; tickets start at $33; cappellaromana.my.salesforce-sites.com.

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Kids’ New Year’s Eve at the Reser

If celebrating the new year with the youngest family members is your goal, the Reser Arts Center in Beaverton is offering a party in the middle of the day aimed at families with kids 10 or younger. Ring in the New Year with live musical performances by Arietta Ward and Mo Phillips on the main stage, traditional West African rhythm, dance and song with Sebe Kan Youth African Drum and Dance, fun family activities in the lobby, and prize drawings (including a PlayStation 5). Portland Trailblazers’ DJ OG ONE will be the master of ceremonies.

11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31, at the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts, 12625 S.W. Crescent St., Beaverton; tickets $10-$20; thereser.org/event/kids-new-years-eve.

People's Courts grand opening

The People’s Courts opening to the public in August of 2023, and offers a venue for public pickleball, ping pong, disc golf and more. Oregonian file photo. Maddie Stellingwerf/The Oregonian

“Glam Slam” New Year’s Eve Party

Sure, you could dance all night. But what about endless rounds of pickleball? If that’s your jam, join like-minded enthusiasts at The People’s Courts for a night of cornhole, ping-pong, bocce, disc golf and of course pickleball. Admission includes the equipment needed to play. You can glam up your attire all you want, but athletic shoes are required on all the courts. The venue is usually all ages, but for the New Year’s Eve party it’s limited to 21 and older. There’s a DJ dance party and Champagne toast at midnight.

8 p.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31, The People’s Courts, 2700 N.E. 82nd Ave.; tickets $35; eventbrite.com/e/the-peoples-courts.

Oaks Park NYE skate

All ages are welcome to Oaks Park’s annual New Year’s Eve skate.Image courtesy of Oaks Park

Oaks Park Roller Rink’s annual all-ages New Year’s Eve skate party

Each year, skating fans roll out the new year at Oaks Park with a night-long skating party featuring a live DJ. The event is family-friendly, but new this year is the option of toasting at midnight (for guests 21 and older). Admission includes a standard skate rental. This event often sells out, so get your tickets asap.

7 p.m.-1 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 31, at the rink at Oaks Amusement Park, 7805 S.E. Oaks Park Way; skate only tickets $23, Champagne toast $28; spectator-only tickets are for adults 18 and older who are accompanying a skater; oakspark.com/nyeskate.

McMenamins New Year’s Eve Celebrations

McMenamins wants to make sure you see in the new year and hosts a variety of free and ticketed bashes across the Portland metro area and at properties around Oregon. All listed events are on Dec. 31. Ticket prices vary, some events are free. Here’s a sampling: (check mcmenamins.com for a complete list)

  • Kennedy School (Northeast Portland) – Kennedy School will be kicking it up a notch this year with live music by Outer Orbit featuring Arietta Ward and other bands, a sparkling wine toast, and a midnight balloon drop.
  • Crystal Hotel (West Portland) – Al’s Den offers Shelly Sings Sinatra offering a swingin’ New Year’s Eve and the Crystal Ballroom welcomes the Bridge City Sinners.
  • Edgefield (Troutdale) – The Winery has How Long Jug Band; the Loading Dock features Cedar Teeth & Family Worship Center; Blackberry Hall welcomes My Siamese Twin.
  • Grand Lodge (Forest Grove) – Garage Door welcomes Linn Street Din, The Newport Nightengales and Smut City Jellyroll Society.

“Rage at the Rose – An Opulent Affair”

The Saloon Ensemble joins forces with Izhonny & Pink Lady DiAnn’s The Cat’s Meow for a live soul/funk/jazz dance party and burlesque performance. It’s a partially-seated show so there will be room to dance. 21 and older only.

10 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31, Alberta Rose Theatre, 3000, N. Alberta St.; $40 advance; event.etix.com/ticket.

Champoeg State Park

Enjoy a hike in Champoeg State Park during the “First Day” hiking event Jan. 1, 2024. Oregonian file photo. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

First Day Hikes

Oregon Parks and Recreation wants you to start the new year outdoors. Choose from 34 hikes in 31 parks across the state. All hikes are guided by a park ranger who will share stories about the park’s history, geology, wildlife and flora during the annual First Day Hikes event. All hikes are free, and no day-use parking fees are charged (Jan. 1 only). Some hikes require registrations. Portland-area hikes include Champoeg State Park, L.L. Stub Stewart, and Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail.

Various times Monday, Jan. 1. Hikers can register for specific hikes online here: stateparks.oregon.gov.

A&E best bets

“Cygnus” by Yune Wild will be one of the pieces offered at the “Small Works Show” in Hillsboro during the month of January.Image courtesy of Yune Wild

Small Works Show

The Walters Cultural Arts Center in Hillsboro welcomes the public to its annual shows of small artwork with a reception on Tuesday evening. The show highlights more than 150 artworks by 50 area artists and all works are available for purchase. A portion of the proceeds go to the Hillsboro Arts & Culture Endowment. Works are sized 10X10 inches or smaller and are all priced at $150 or less.

Reception 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 2, Walters Cultural Arts Center, 527 E. Main St., Hillsboro; free admission. The show remains on view through Jan 26. Details: Hillsboro-Oregon.gov/ArtWalk.

The Africa Fashion exhibit at The Portland Art Museum

The Africa Fashion exhibit at The Portland Art Museum. Mark Graves/The OregonianMark Graves/The Oregonian

Portland Art Museum return of Free First Thursdays

Beginning in January, the Portland Art Museum will once again offer free admission on First Thursdays. Take this opportunity to check out the current exhibitions including “Africa Fashion” and “Black Artists of Oregon.” The museum has also announced new hours for 2024: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday.

First Thursday 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 4, Portland Art Museum, 1219 S.W. Park Ave.; reserve free tickets online in advance; portlandartmuseum.org/tickets.

– If you have events you’d like to see highlighted at OregonLive.com or in the weekly printed A&E section of The Oregonian, please email submissions to events@oregonian.com at least three weeks prior to the start of your event. Digital images or links to videos are helpful.

— Rosemarie Stein

503-221-4376, events@oregonian.com; @trafficportland

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RankTribe™ Black Business Directory News – Arts & Entertainment

Arts and Entertainment in 2023: Commemorating, Celebrating Change, Making a Mark

From Rihanna wowing crowds at the Super Bowl to hip-hop celebrating its 50th birthday, multiple allegations against Sean Combs, and several major exhibitions highlighting Black life and culture, 2023 was an exciting, and at moments controversial, time for the entertainment world.

  • 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop
    • The Smithsonian celebrated 50 years of hip-hop with a star-studded concert on the mall, interactive activities and a specialty food court based on important milestones in hip-hop.
  • Gladys Knight/ Betsch Cole National Medals 
    • Before getting National Medals in Arts and Humanities legends Gladys Knight and Dr. Johnnetta Betsch Cole talked to The Informer about the importance of empowering women.
  • Rihanna Super Bowl 
    • After a seven-year hiatus, Rihanna headlined the Super Bowl Halftime Show, wowing crowds with some of her hit songs and revealing her second pregnancy. In May, Billboard announced Rihanna’s performance became the most-watched halftime show of all time, attracting more than 121 million viewers.    
  • Beyoncé’s Renaissance Tour 
    • All around the globe, people flocked to see Beyonce’s Renaissance World Tour, which according to the New York Times, generated about $4.5 billion for the American economy. She recently released a film version that made $21 million at the box office in its first week.
  • Juvenile Celebrates ‘Back That Thang Up’ 25th  Anniversary 
    • A tune that has surpassed its promise “to take over for the 99 and 2000s,” Juvenile’s hit song “Back That Thang Up,” has proven to be a musical treasure for more than two decades. The Louisiana rapper, along with producer Mannie Fresh, were honored with congressional proclamations for the song’s contribution to music and culture. 
  • Local Sign Interpreters Shine at  Roots Picnic 
    • An entire group of American Sign Language interpreters from the DMV region served as the official ASL team for performances during The Roots Picnic in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
  • Hana Sharif
    • Hana Sharif is the new artistic director of Arena Stage. Coming to D.C. from an artistic director position in St. Louis, Sharif told The Informer she has big plans to add to Arena’s 75-year history. 
  • Anacostia High School Students Co-Author Environmental Poetry Book
    • Anacostia High School students co-authored the book “Through My Anacostia Eyes: Environmental Problems and Possibilities.”
  • Milk & Honey Founder Chef Sammy Davis Jr.
    • Thompson Restaurants, owner of Milk & Honey in the DMV and other restaurants around the country, is expanding. Chef Sammy Davis Jr., who originally started Milk & Honey and still serves in leadership with Thompson Restaurants 
  • 30th Anniversary of Bad Boy as Sean Combs Faces Sexual Assault Charges
    • Bad Boy Entertainment, one of the most significant labels in hip-hop history, celebrated 30 years in 2023. However, the four sexual assault suits against founder Sean “Diddy” Combs cast a pall over the company and threaten to end Combs’ illustrious career.

Top 10 Exhibits of 2023

The DMV was blessed with many significant exhibitions with works from Black and   African American artists. There was photography, statues, paintings and paper designs.

RankTribe™ Black Business Directory News – Arts & Entertainment

MGM’s acclaimed new movie American Fiction tells story of African-American writer who jokingly pens book filled with black stereotypes that’s lauded by powerful white liberals

A new MGM film forcing white liberals to confront their own hypocrisy in Hollywood and beyond is receiving critical acclaim from the same people it skewers.

Cord Jefferson’s ‘American Fiction’ is a commentary on the way the establishment tends to favor reductive portraits of blackness in the name of diversity and inclusion, often at the expense of quality.

The movie tells the story of a black professor, Thelonious ‘Monk’ Ellison played by Jeffrey Wright, who is fed up with his snowflake students and struggling to get any critical interest in his work, so jokingly pens a novel littered with racial stereotypes only for it to become an overnight success. 

The biting satire pokes fun at powerful white liberals in the publishing world and later Hollywood who lap up the outlandish parody, entitled ‘My Pafology’ and later renamed to just ‘F***’.

And now in an ironic twist, the film has been earning stellar reviews from left-leaning publications keen to make it known they are in on the joke.

American Fiction stars Jeffrey Wright as frustrated professor Monk Ellison, who jokingly resorts to writing a novel based on black stereotypes in a bid to gain commercial success

American Fiction stars Jeffrey Wright as frustrated professor Monk Ellison, who jokingly resorts to writing a novel based on black stereotypes in a bid to gain commercial success

American Fiction stars Jeffrey Wright as frustrated professor Monk Ellison, who jokingly resorts to writing a novel based on black stereotypes in a bid to gain commercial success

Ellison is stunned when his poverty-porn book, 'My Pafology' becomes an overnight success, proving that white liberals are only interested in certain portrayals of blackness

Ellison is stunned when his poverty-porn book, 'My Pafology' becomes an overnight success, proving that white liberals are only interested in certain portrayals of blackness

Ellison is stunned when his poverty-porn book, ‘My Pafology’ becomes an overnight success, proving that white liberals are only interested in certain portrayals of blackness

The Washington Post states the movie is, ‘Racial parody rooted in wincingly familiar honesty.’

Salon declares that American Fiction ‘reframes what black success means for writers.’

While Rolling Stone brands the flick ‘an absolute triumph’ for the way it ‘deconstructs how white guilt stifles black creatives.’

In the movie, Jeffrey Wright’s middle-class Monk only finds commercial success when he ignores his privilege and writes a ‘hood’ novel under the pseudonym of on-the-lam con Stagg R. Leigh.

Prior to his six-figure book deal, an exasperated Monk is seen arguing with publishers who believe his Classics-based work should be categorized under African American literature due to their fixation on race.

He is advised to write something ‘blacker’ and ultimately inspired to do so after witnessing the success of fellow author Sintara Golden (Issa Rae), an Oberlin-educated writer who is praised for her ‘urgent’ and ‘raw’ poverty-porn novel, ‘We’s Lives in Da Ghetto’.

But by combining this plot point with an exploration into Monk’s personal and family life including his struggle to connect with siblings played by Tracee Ellis Ross and Sterling K Brown, the film seeks to highlight how absurd the fixation solely on race has become. 

‘The important question that needs to be asked, the question I’m asking now, is: Why is this stuff being made to the omission of everything else?’ Jefferson told Rolling Stone.

The film seeks to skewer white liberals who have designated themselves the arbiters of black art. Pictured: Sterling K. Brown as Monk's brother

The film seeks to skewer white liberals who have designated themselves the arbiters of black art. Pictured: Sterling K. Brown as Monk's brother

The film seeks to skewer white liberals who have designated themselves the arbiters of black art. Pictured: Sterling K. Brown as Monk’s brother 

By combining this plot point with an exploration into Monk's personal and family life including his struggle to connect with siblings played by Tracee Ellis Ross and Sterling K Brown, the film seeks to highlight how absurd the fixation solely on race has become

By combining this plot point with an exploration into Monk's personal and family life including his struggle to connect with siblings played by Tracee Ellis Ross and Sterling K Brown, the film seeks to highlight how absurd the fixation solely on race has become

By combining this plot point with an exploration into Monk’s personal and family life including his struggle to connect with siblings played by Tracee Ellis Ross and Sterling K Brown, the film seeks to highlight how absurd the fixation solely on race has become 

The film is the directorial debut of Cord Jefferson who seeks to ask 'what it means to be a black writer and a black creative'

The film is the directorial debut of Cord Jefferson who seeks to ask 'what it means to be a black writer and a black creative'

The film is the directorial debut of Cord Jefferson who seeks to ask ‘what it means to be a black writer and a black creative’

‘Why is it always the tragedy and the misery? Abuse and violence, cross burnings and lynchings, shootings and murder and death and drugs — why has black life become reduced to just onscreen? To me, it suggests an inability to see black people as complex and nuanced and full of interiority in the same way as everybody else.’

Hollywood itself does not escape unscathed in American Fiction. 

A major target in the movie is a pseudo-woke filmmaker played by Adam Brody, who insists on referring to Monk as ‘brother.’

The character’s latest film is a horror featuring a couple who get married on a plantation only to be haunted by the ghosts of slaves – a pointed reference to the wedding of Ryan Reynolds and Blake Likely that took place in such circumstances.

With the film earning rave reviews with glowing articles entitled: ‘How Cord Jefferson Took on Hollywood and Won’ per Rolling Stone, it has sparked speculation that Hollywood could be moving away from ‘wokeness’.

‘Look, movies like 12 Years a Slave are important. I love New Jack City and Django Unchained. ‘Oh, Boyz n the Hood is on? Let’s watch it,’ Jefferson told the outlet.

But he added his film is an expression of ‘what it means to be a black writer and a black creative, and the expectations that people have for what black artists should make.’

Babee Greens Unveils Eco-Friendly Wool and Cashmere Longies to Keep Babies Cozy in the New Year’s Winter Season

Babee Greens Unveils Eco-Friendly Wool and Cashmere Longies to Keep Babies Cozy in the New Year’s Winter Season – African American News Today – EIN Presswire

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RankTribe™ Black Business Directory News – Arts & Entertainment

Rare Telephones, Gold Coins & Silver Lead At White’s

The sale’s highest price, $23,180, was paid for a very rare, early telephone. Made from 1878 to 1880, just a couple of years after the first phone, this one was known as the Phelps double crown phone.

Review & Onsite Photos By Rick Russack; Catalog Photos Courtesy White’s Auctions

MIDDLEBOROUGH, MASS. — During a discussion with John White before White’s Auctions’ December 10 sale, he said, “I used to just be John — now I’m called the ‘telephone guy.’” That’s because since his April 2023 sale, John and his wife, Kathy Black, have been dispersing a collection of extremely rare and early telephones. At that sale, two phones each sold for more than $40,000, and at their June sale, one exceeded $18,000. In his December 10 sale, one earned $23,180, and another earned $15,680; three of the sale’s four highest prices were earned by telephones. All have come from one collection assembled over decades by a collector who worked in the telephone industry and is now being dispersed by his son. White said, “We don’t claim to be experts on early phones. But we’ve taken a lot of photographs of each one, adding the information when we can on the names of the makers and the patent dates. Kathy and I believe in low estimates, and letting the buyers make their own decisions as to value.” That approach had obviously been successful, and White said there will be more phones from this collection in upcoming sales.

The phone that sold for $23,180 was a Phelps double crown example, made of hard rubber, brass and steel. They were apparently made for just a short period of time, 1878 to 1880, by the Western Union Company. According to www.telegraph-history.org, the Phelps “Crown” phones were made in both single and double configurations. It was invented by George Phelps, who was active in early research on telegraph instruments and who also made patent models for Thomas Edison’s early phones. The website says, “His prominence in the US as a telegraph inventor during this era has earned him a place in the Smithsonian,” and, indeed, the Smithsonian owns one of these phones; another example in Harvard’s collection of historical scientific instruments.

Known as a Bell Telephone Company long distance telephone transmitter, this was another from the collection of early phones that White’s has been dispersing over their last few sales. It realized $15,680.

From the same collection, there was also a Bell Telephone Company long-distance telephone transmitter. This was the first form of a commercial long-distance transmitter and earned $15,680. This type of phone was designed to solve the problems associated with transmitting signals over long distances and this example probably dates to about 1892. The sale included a circa 1892 Berliner Edison transmitter in a wooden case, which brought $2,684. A lot with four “butterstamp” receivers earned $1,464. These are hand-held receivers and resemble wooden butter stamps.

White’s sales usually include a wide selection of gold and silver coins, along with proof sets. Two gold coins each sold for $2,318. One was a circa 1986 one ounce $50 gold piece and the other was a 1947 50-peso Mexican coin. White’s catalog clearly states that they do not grade coins, which means that if you are interested, you almost have to come to their previews and examine the lots. Many of the coin lots are quite large. One lot, listed as “182 items of proof sets etc” weighed 48 pounds and realized $519. Details of each of the proof sets were included in the catalog listing. A complete set of 306 Lincoln head pennies made between 1909 and 2011 that were in a Dansco album sold for $1,830; a complete set of 58 Indian head pennies in a Whitman album sold for $1,708. Since coins and jewelry almost require personal inspection, nearly all are sold to buyers in the gallery.

There was far more than phones and coins. Two sterling flatware sets finished among the higher prices of the day. A cased Wallace Silversmith Company flatware service for 12, in the Grand Baroque pattern, featured 94 pieces and brought $2,806. Another cased Wallace service for 12, in a repousse pattern, with 87 pieces brought $2,196. This set weighed about 31 pounds with the case.

One of two sterling silver flatware services for 12, both made by the Wallace Silversmith Company, were included in the sale. This one, with 94 pieces and a case, sold for $2,806.

There were numerous watercolors and other paintings, including a group of works by Florida artists, one of which was Kathy Black’s favorite items in the sale. It was one of a group of Sam Newton (American, b 1948) paintings in the sale. A colorful Florida landscape dated 2000 brought $2,196. Newton was a founding member of The Florida Highwaymen, a group of African American artists. Two other works by the same artist brought just about the same amount. A landscape with palm trees, water, birds and sky by James Gibson (American, 1938-2017), another member of the group, earned $2,074. Although pop artist Romero Britto (b 1963) was born in Brazil, he was part of the same group, and an acrylic he did that depicted a large bright orange dog against a blue background, titled “The German Dog” and dated 1990, reached $2,318.

Perhaps overlooked was a lot that included six binders of research notes and transcripts relating to the Nixon Watergate Congressional hearings. They had belonged to Stephen Lynch, who served as associate counsel and research assistant to the Congressional committee conducting the hearings on Nixon’s involvement in Watergate. There were also transcripts relating to Henry Petersen and Earl Silbert leaking information on Nixon, Haldeman and Dean to the committee. They were key investigators concerning G. Gordon Liddy and the break-in. The lot, which sold for $305, may have been a very good buy. White said, “The lot was brought in to us by a local person and went to a buyer in Washington DC.”

Kathy Black selected one of the Sam Newton Florida paintings as her favorite item in the sale, commenting “it’s hard to pick just one.”

After the sale, both Kathy Black and John White said they were very pleased with the sale. “We totaled $230,000 and we were glad to see the continuing interest in paintings, especially the group that we had by Florida painters. We’ve developed a reliable, strong following for coins, and those buyers keep coming back. And of course, we’re now known for the phones. That’s the fun of this business, we never know what will be coming next.”

Prices quoted include the buyer’s premium as reported by the auction house. For additional information, 508-947-9281 or www.whitesauctions.com.

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RankTribe™ Black Business Directory News – Arts & Entertainment

2023…year in review

January 4, 2023

On Thursday, December 29, a reception was held at Durden Banking Company in Swainsboro to celebrate the retirement of two long-term employees. Jan Lamb, a 35-year veteran and Peggy Hurst, a 32-year veteran, retired in December. Judy Price was also recognized for having 50 years of service in banking.

January 11, 2023

Stevens was promoted to Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 (CW5); however, his exceptionally meritorious career began 20 years ago in 2002 when he joined the U.S. Army. In 2003, Stevens attended Warrant Officer Candidate School and flight training until 2004 when he joined the Third Armored Cavalry Regiment (ACR) at Fort Carson, Colorado. Stevens’s badges and awards include: the Meritorious Service medal, Air medal (3x), Army Commendation medal (3x), Army Achievement medal, National Defense service medal, Iraq Campaign medal (2x), Operation Inherent Resolve medal, Global War on Terrorism Service medal, Army Service rib-bon, Overseas Service ribbon (3x), Georgia National Guard State Active- Duty ribbon, Georgia National Guard Counter Narcotics ribbon, Combat Action badge and the Army Master Aviator badge. His Sikorsky Awards are 500 Hours Incident/Accident Free, 1000 Hours Incident/Accident Free, 500 Hours Combat, 2000 Hours Incident/Accident Free, and the Sikorsky Rescue Award.

January 18, 2023

The legendary Swainsboro Raceway made history on Friday, January 13, when longtime owners, Paul and Debra Purvis, passed their torch over to new owners, J.J. and Dana Williams, who purchased the South Georgia landmark on Thursday, January 12. The Purvis’ purchased Swainsboro Raceway 22 years ago and since that moment, it has played an essential part in the thrills that Emanuel County has to offer for the Southeastern United States.

January 25, 2023

Newly elected Emanuel County Commissioners, Timmy Oliver of District 5 and Jim Sherrod of District 4, were sworn into office for terms beginning January 1, 2023, and ending December 31, 2026. Oaths were administered at the Probate Court on December 22, 2022, by Emanuel County Probate Judge Don Wilkes.

February 1, 2023

The Swainsboro-Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce hosted its 68th Annual Membership Meeting and Awards Banquet on Thursday, January 26, at Swainsboro Golf and Country Club. As always, the event was held to honor and recognize those who made Emanuel County a wonderful place to call home during the year of 2022. David Emanuel Academy’s 2022-2023 STAR Student is Senior, Peyton Free; Emanuel County Institutes 2022-2023 STAR Student is Senior, Karly Olliff; Emanuel County Institutes, 2022-2023 STAR Teacher, Frank Wimberly; Swainsboro High Schools 2022-2023 STAR Student is Senior, Manuel Fernandez; Swainsboro High Schools 2022-2023 STAR Teacher, Joseph O’Neal; Leanna’s named Business of the Year; Porter named Citizen of the Year. After STAR Students and Teachers were given their awards, Bertoch then announced the County-wide winner as ECI STAR Student, Karly Olliff and her teacher Frank Wimberly.

February 8, 2023

A long-awaited project that will enhance industrial growth in Emanuel County is about to be-come a reality. Later this month, officials are expected to announce the completion of the rehabilitation and reopening of a formerly inactive rail line from Swainsboro to Vidalia. The culmination of this project is the result of nearly two decades of work from a dedicated but unsung group of state politicians, local mayors, development authority and county commission members and interested local citizens.

February 15, 2023

Two Swainsboro High School senior football players recently signed letters of intent to attend college on athletic scholarships. During the early signing period in December, Ty Adams signed with the University of North Carolina of Chapel Hill, North Carolina. In the February signing period, Jonorian Foots signed with Georgia Institute of Technology of Atlanta, Georgia. Both young men have been integral members of the Tigers football team for the past four years.

February 22, 2023

East Georgia State College (EGSC) is proud to announce that Harley Strickland Smith has been named the new Vice President for Institutional Advancement at EGSC. In this role, Smith will provide leadership and strategic focus to further the college’s development, alumni relations, marketing communications, and engagement. She will work with the EGSC Foundation and its members to implement strategies to increase private funding for college programs and capital needs, as well as secure gifts from private foundations and government sources.

March 1, 2023

East Georgia State College (EGSC) is excited to celebrate its 50th anniversary with a panel discussion on Tuesday, March 7. The Golden Anniversary Panel Discussion will begin at 6 p.m. in the Luck Gambrell Building Auditorium on the campus of EGSC.

March 8, 2023

The Kalmanson Gallery of Emanuel Arts Council will feature artwork from the African American community of Emanuel County with an opening reception on March 16, from 5 to 7 p.m. called “Black Art Inspires: Honor, History, Culture,” the exhibition will include various hand-made quilts, sketches, and paintings. Refreshments will be provided by the TLC CASA organization.

March 15, 2023

One of Swainsboro and Emanuel County’s most caring and philanthropic daughters was honored on Wednesday of last week by Georgia Women of Achievement. Luck Flanders Gambrell was among the four exceptional Georgia women of history chosen by the Board of Selections for induction into the 2023 GWA Hall of Fame.

March 22, 2023

BauerFinancial, Inc., the Nation’s Premier Bank Rating Firm, is proud to announce that Citizens Bank of Swainsboro has once again earned its Top (5-Star) Rating for financial strength and stability. Having earned Bauer’s 5-Star rating for 40 (or more) consecutive quarters, Citizens Bank of Swainsboro has earned an even higher designation as an “Exceptional Performance Bank”. This marks Citizens Bank of Swainsboro’s 43rd consecutive 5-Star rating.

March 29, 2023

On Friday, March 24, 2023, Emanuel County Senior Center Director Beth Gibson, was joined by the Emanuel County Board of Commissioners and the Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the ribbon cutting and grand opening of Swainsboro’s newly renovated facility located off Highway 56 North in Swainsboro.

April 5, 2023

East Georgia State College (EGSC) recently appointed Jennifer Fields as the Director of Admissions at the college. Fields will lead the department and oversee recruitment and processing.

April 12, 2023

Every nurse was drawn to nursing because of a desire to care, serve, or help. This was the driving force for Ogeechee OBGYN’s newest Nurse Practitioner, Denise Peebles, who has over 22 years of experience in the medical field.

April 19, 2023

2023 Swainsboro Exchange Club Youth of the Year recipients: Peyton Free DEA, Jason Brown SHS, Marti Woodward ECI, Racyn Faircloth DEA, 2nd place, Lawson Wade Mercer ECI and 1st place, Anna Donaldson SHS.

April 26, 2023

The Bulldog program has captured its first boy’s and girl’s tennis titles in program history. Following a string of unprecedented success over the previous two seasons, the current crop of players led by seniors, Landen Canady, and Jacey Allen, have continued to build on this tradition of growth.

The Lady Dawgs not only captured their first region title, but also, their first playoff appearance in program history.

May 3, 2023

Newly elected Emanuel County Commissioner, Ricky Thompson of District 2, was sworn into office for the unexpired term ending December 31, 2026. The oath was administered at the Probate Court on Tuesday, April 25, by Emanuel County Probate Judge Don Wilkes.

May 10, 2023

This year’s honoree and recipient of the green Jacket is a lifelong resident of Swainsboro. He is a 1960 graduate of Swainsboro High School and holds degrees from Georgia Military College and Brenau University. Dess Smith III has dedicated countless hours toward the betterment of the community through various organizations including the Swainsboro-Emanuel County Fes-tival Foundation for the past several years.

May 17, 2023

Trent Smoyer of Twin City, successfully completed four years of challenging academic, physical and professional military training, graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree in Quantitative Economics and a commission as a U.S. Marine Corps 2nd Lt. He is a graduate of Emanuel County Institute.

May 24, 2023

Casey Fountain was recently named the Director of Institutional Advancement at East Georgia State College (EGSC). In this role, she will oversee facility reservations, coordinate event requests, assist with communication strategies, and oversee alumni relations.

May 31, 2023

The River Rats have toured the Ogeechee once again. On Friday, April 21, 34 boats carrying 70 citizens who call themselves the River Rats, set off at the Bull Hole in Jenkins County to make their annual tour of the Ogeechee River. The monetary response has always been overwhelming, but this year topped them all with the River Rats making history through their annual fundraiser and raising a substantial $52,000, which was donated to the Greenville Shriner’s Hospital on May 23.

June 7, 2023

The Forest-Blade has proudly served the Emanuel County community for more than 160 years, and we believe that everyone in the community should have access to the community newspaper. With the recent closing of the Crossroads Chronicle, The Blade is offering Chronicle subscribers a way to continue receiving their community news.

June 14, 2023

The original 14 U.S. Flag poles at the Veterans and First Responders Memorial Park were installed in August 2021 using PVC pipes. The Veterans at the Library felt like the flag poles needed to be replaced with permanent metal poles. All a veteran has to do is put the word out in need and a Patriot Company will come to the rescue. The Central Fence Company located in Swainsboro, is just such a company. The park needed 14 black 10’ metal poles with metal attachments and the Dixons at Central Fence Company provided them with the supplies at no cost to the Veterans or Park. Thanks so much Andy, Teresa, Chesley and Bridget Dixon.

June 21, 2023

After getting knocked out of the Second Round of the State Playoffs the Swainsboro Baseball team received the news that their Head Coach Ashley Hooks was resigning from the job. He will be missed dearly, but the search was on to find the next Head Coach of the Swainsboro Tigers. They needed a guy who can develop talent on the field as well as good men off the field. After searching long and hard they found the right guy for the job in Billy Marchman, Burke County’s Head Coach.

June 28, 2023

Deputy Jamey Chalker graduated from the Georgia Public Safety Training Center’s Police Academy at the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office on Friday, June 23. He was elected president of his class and awarded the top marksman award. Deputy Chalker was honored to be given the “225th Guide On” flag for his leadership abilities. He is now a certified law enforcement officer entrusted with protecting life and property.

July 5, 2023

Twin City Mayor Matt Donaldson received the prestigious Certificate of Distinction award from the Harold F. Holtz Municipal Training Institute during the Georgia Municipal Associa-tion’s (GMA) Annual Convention in Savannah on June 26.

July 12, 2023

Hyundai Motor Group, Metaplant along with several other senior level officers of Hyundai signed an agreement this week to partner with Southeastern Technical College in a broad, new training program.

July 19, 2023

The Forest-Blade recently presented a contribution to Emanuel Medical Center through the Georgia HEART Program. Georgia HEART allows businesses and individuals to direct their Georgia income tax dollars to qualifying rural hospitals, such as Emanuel Medical Center.

July 26, 2023

Franklin Memorial Library is thrilled to present the Our Home Town movie filmed in 1947. This movie gives viewers the unique opportunity to see what life in Swainsboro was like during that era. The library has been given a photocopy of the original Swainsboro Forest Blade article from June 12, 1947, that first announced the making of this 20-minute-long historical film. The article states that Sol Landsman and Arthur Loevin shot the reels for the movie in the several days that they were visiting Swainsboro.

August 2, 2023

East Georgia State College (EGSC) recently named Malanie Freeman the new Sudie A. Fulford Community Learning Center Coordinator. Freeman will oversee the day-to-day operations of the center and organize the programming the Fulford Center will offer.

August 9, 2023

The dream of having first run movies and live performances in a downtown theater in Swainsboro is once again back on track. The firm of BAK Builders has been in town for the past two weeks beginning the next phase of renovation and restoration of the Karrh Theater. When the project is completed, the theater will once again host the latest movie releases in an elegant and updated state-of-the-art setting that will also serve as a venue for a variety of live productions.

August 16, 2023

Swainsboro High School DeMello Jones has been selected as a 2023 AJC Super 11. DeMello is a senior at Swainsboro High School. The Super 11 is one of Georgia’s most prestigious statewide awards for high school athletes. Swainsboro has had countless outstanding football players, but DeMello is only the second player to receive this recognition.

August 23, 2023

The U.S. Department of Justices’ Bureau of Justice Assistance, through Justice & Security Strategies, Inc. announced that it will award Swainsboro Police Department a micro-grant for body-worn cameras. This is part of a group of awards being made to 265 small, rural, and tribal law enforcement agencies for body-worn cameras.

August 30, 2023

The City of Adrian held their ribbon cutting for the grand opening of the new City Hall on Wednesday, August 23. Mayor Wynola Smith welcomed City Council members and community with a speech and gave a tour of the new facility.

September 6, 2023

The One Fore One Challenge, a concept assembled by Joe and Christy Holaway, owners of local favorite Ware’s Bar-B-Q, golfers are tested on their ability to adapt and overcome. By stretching the rules one hole at a time and providing players with a fun alternative to the game of golf, the Holaways are transforming one life at a time at The Refuge; a domestic violence shelter and sexual assault center.

September 13, 2023

The two-year aftermath of a local shooting came to reckoning in Emanuel County Superior Court Friday, September 8, with the sentencing of Dallas Raymond Clark, 31, of Twin City. A jury found Clark guilty of voluntary manslaughter, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during commission of a crime. In court documents, the combined sentence handed down called for a total of 65 years with the first 30 years to be served in confinement, and the remainder to be served on probation. The trial brought a conclusion to events that transpired in the early morning hours of Saturday, July 3, 2021, in the death of Jamichael Kirkland, 30, of Swainsboro.

September 20, 2023

To commemorate the 22nd anniversary of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, East Georgia State College (EGSC) held a ceremony to honor the victims and heroes of that tragic day. Several local public safety and service agencies, veterans’ groups, faculty and staff, and students attended the ceremony.

September 27, 2023

Dr. Denise Warnock recognized the following teachers: Cassie Way – Swainsboro Primary; Amber Street – Swainsboro Elementary; Kristy Wimberly – Swainsboro Middle School; Lucy McNeely – Swainsboro High School; Sonya Rountree – Twin City Elementary; Meagan Simmons – ECI

October 4, 2023

Willie Bush, Sons of the American Legion Commander and Henry Thompson, Adjutant installing four more pavers at Pine Brook Veterans Memorial Park.

October 11, 2023

The ECI Lady Dawgs softball team captured their third consecutive region championship last week, entering the state playoffs as a number one seed from region three. This marks the eighth regional championship in the last ten years for the Lady Dawgs softball program.

October 18, 2023

Renovation work continues to move forward downtown at the Barbara and Tobe Karrh Cultural Arts Center. Framing going up inside of the historic theater is reshaping the interior spaces both at the lobby entrance, the snack bar and in the upper floor spaces. The Theater Foundation members are looking forward to more “coming attractions” and appreciate the continuing support of all donors as well as the City of Swainsboro and the Fox Theater Foundation.

October 25, 2023

East Georgia State College (EGSC) recently received a $399,117 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women. The grant was awarded as part of the Grants to Reduce Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking on Campus Program (Campus Program).

November 8, 2023

Chief Magistrate Judge Dawn Braddy has announced she will retire effective December 29, 2023, due to health issues.

November 15, 2023

It’s rare today for individuals to remain in the same industry for their entire career, and even rarer with the same company. This is not the case for three Pineland employees who are reaching a new career milestone. Sidney Rhoney, Jim Sherrod, and Ken Scott are retiring this month, with a combined total of 103 years of dedication and service at Pineland.

November 22, 2023

This time of the year we hear a lot about UGA Bulldog pride, but this week Bulldog pride has a very special meaning for Swainsboro. University of Georgia President Jere Morehead announced on Monday that following a nationwide search, Emanuel County’s own Jill Stephens Walton has been named vice president for Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) and Executive Director for the University of Georgia Foundation for UGA.

November 29, 2023

The Swainsboro Tigers are headed back to the Final Four after their 34-28 win over the Elbert County Blue Devils. This is the third straight year the Tigers have made it this far, which is one of the hardest things to do in the sport.

December 6, 2023

On a chilly night in Quitman, Georgia, the Swainsboro Tigers clinched their second straight State Title berth with their 24-17 win over Brooks County, a heavyweight in the state of Geor-gia. The game will take place this year at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the home of the Atlanta Falcons on December 11, at 1 p.m. Show up and show out! Go Tigers!

December 13, 2023

The Swainsboro Tigers, along with their faithful fans, headed up to Atlanta this past Monday to take on Prince Avenue Christian in the State Championship game. This was an outstanding game between the two best A-D1 teams in the state, played in the biggest non-collegiate foot-ball stadium in the state, Mercedes-Benz stadium. Prince Avenue Christian went down and added one more score with two minutes left to make it a 49-32 ballgame, and as time expired, the Tigers left the field having battled through four remarkable quarters.

December 20, 2023

The Lazarus Project Food Pantry officially opened in Swainsboro this week from a $50,000 grant from Aetna Better Health of Georgia and Beacon of Home Church of God. The food pantry is the result of a community-driven effort in collaboration with Aetna’s Emanuel County Community Health Council to identify the unique needs of the area and harnessing collective, local resources to create a lasting impact on the health and well-being of the community.

December 27, 2023

Swainsboro’s own Demello Jones signed a letter of intent to play football for the University of Georgia Bulldogs Wednesday, December 20. Jones was recruited by over 20 of college foot-ball’s top programs over the last two years including Tennessee, Alabama, Texas A&M, University of Florida, Vanderbilt, Ohio State, Auburn, Ole Miss, and Notre Dame.

RankTribe™ Black Business Directory News – Arts & Entertainment

Private American military company in discussions with the Central African Republic

The American private military company Bancroft Global Development is in discussions with the Central African Republic, it told AFP, while the Russian mercenary group Wagner, established in the country in 2018, is in the process of reorganization.

Responding to a question from AFP, Bancroft’s communications service denied having deployed to Bangui but admitted contacts with the regime of President Faustin Archange Touadéra.

“Starting in July, Bancroft agreed to a framework to discuss possible future activities with the government of the Central African Republic. That’s it,” the group said in an email.

On December 23, Radio Ndeke Luka broadcast a recording in which the presidential spokesperson, Albert Yaloké Mokpème, explained that the Central African Republic (CAR) was carrying out “work to diversify its relations” in terms of security.

“As part of the reconstruction of the national army (…), we called on partners including the Russian Federation, Angola, Morocco, Guinea (…) who are helping us to train our soldiers,” he added. “The United States is also offering to the Central African Republic to train its soldiers, both on Central African soil and on American soil. ”

Asked Tuesday by AFP about the already effective presence of Bancroft, Mr. Mokpème did not confirm it. “The training of our army remains our priority,” he said. But “the substance of the matter, I am not in a position to talk about it”.

Hundreds of mercenaries from the Russian paramilitary group Wagner arrived in the Central African Republic in 2018, officially to train the army, according to Moscow. At the end of 2020, the system was reinforced to curb a rebel offensive on Bangui.

The rise of Russian power in the CAR was accompanied by the disgrace of France , a former colonial power, against a backdrop of growing anti-French sentiment. Wagner has established itself as one of the government’s main security partners and the last French soldiers left the country in December 2022.

The sulphurous Russian group, however, has today entered a phase of recomposition since its aborted mutiny in Russia in June and the death of its founder Evgeni Prigojine in August.

According to the French daily Le Monde , Washington offered the CAR a security agreement at the end of 2022 for President Touadéra in exchange for distancing itself from Wagner. Neither Washington nor Bangui have confirmed.

In his communication with AFP, Bancroft for his part dissociated himself from the American authorities. “There are articles that confuse Bancroft and the policies of the United States government in CAR. They are (…) erroneous. “

On its website, the group specifies that “the largest contributor to Bancroft’s activities is the US Department of State”.