Christmas Canteen returns to the Aurora Theatre for its 30th season, running from November 28 to December 31. Under the direction of Katie Erin Chambers, choreography by Kari Twyman, and musical direction by Ann-Carol Pence, this year’s production promises a swinging holiday celebration with a special twist: a featured horn section joining them for the first time.
Christmas Canteen features sketches and stunning musical moments. Audiences—whether longtime patrons or first-time attendees—will leave singing, laughing, and filled with holiday cheer.
This season is particularly poignant, as it marks the final Christmas Canteen under the musical direction of Aurora Theatre’s co-founder and producing artistic director, Ann-Carol Pence. Since the show’s inception in 1996 as a 1940s holiday tribute honoring World War II veterans, Ann-Carol has performed over 1,000 songs from the piano bench, shaping the show into the cherished holiday tradition it is today.
Reflecting on her departure, Ann-Carol says: “Christmas Canteen has been an amazing gift—an experience that brought me the deepest happiness, sitting behind a piano, wrapped in music, community, and joy. After 30 incredible years, I’m excited to finally enjoy the holidays from the other side of the rehearsal room, with eggnog by the fire, enjoying the show from the audience’s perspective for a change.”
From its origins celebrating the Big Band era and honoring military service, to its evolution into a revue that blends contemporary carols, comedic parodies, and authentic storytelling, Christmas Canteen has become a multigenerational holiday tradition. This year’s edition is no exception, offering something for everyone: heartfelt moments, laugh-out-loud comedy, and music that bridges generations.
Tickets for Christmas Canteen 2025 are on sale now. Celebrate the holidays with Aurora Theatre and experience the music, laughter, and joy that has made this production a cherished tradition for three decades.
- For tickets and more information: auroratheatre.com.
Jackson EMC supporting food assistance groups
Jackson Electric Membership Corporation (EMC) is investing $90,000 to support three food assistance organizations serving families across northeast Georgia, reflecting its continued commitment to community well-being.
Chip Jakins, Jackson EMC President and CEO, says: “Jackson EMC believes in neighbors helping neighbors. Our local food banks and community partners are on the front lines of serving families in need.”
As part of ongoing community outreach efforts, Jackson EMC is sponsoring 40 truckloads of food to support families facing food insecurity. Both the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia and the Georgia Mountain Food Bank will receive 20 truckloads each to help replenish shelves and provide thousands of nutritious meals to families in need across Jackson EMC’s 10-county service area.
In addition to food truck sponsorships, Jackson EMC has awarded $20,000 to each of the following organizations to strengthen operations and improve energy efficiency:
- The Georgia Mountain Food Bank received $20,000 to replace its facility lighting with new energy-efficient fixtures.
- The Food Bank of Northeast Georgia received $20,000 to purchase new electric forklifts, which will enhance warehouse efficiency and reduce energy consumption.
- StreetWise Georgia, based in Gwinnett County, received $20,000 for its food distribution program.
Rowen announces its Convergence Center
On Oct. 13, Rowen’s mission came to life at the 2025 Convergence Summit. More than 200 scientists, artists, educators, and business leaders came together to celebrate the convergence of art and science—exploring ideas that spanned neuro-arts, technology, conservation and the evolving relationship between humanity and the digital world.
Driven by a strategic partnership between the Rowen Foundation and Gwinnett County, the Rowen knowledge community activates as a collaborative learning and transformative thinking hub for tomorrow’s leaders of industry.
This spirit of exploration and collaboration will become manifest in the Rowen Convergence Center, announced at the event. Designed as the epicenter of our knowledge community, the Center will break ground in mid-2026 and will welcome the next generation of innovators, dreamers, and creators to work side by side under one roof.
The Convergence Center marks a milestone for Rowen, transforming the interdisciplinary vision into lasting infrastructure. It will empower leading minds across the agriculture, medical, environmental, and technology sectors to gather and focus on solutions that enhance human well-being.
Walton EMC linemen participate in rodeo
Walton EMC apprentice line workers pitted their expertise against the industry’s best and returned home winners from last weekend’s 41st Annual International Lineman’s Rodeo.
The electric cooperative’s team dominated the apprentice division for electric cooperatives, garnering three of the top five awards. In all, Walton EMC linemen picked up six awards for top finishes among a field of 750 elite competitors.
Local linemen earning outstanding scores and honors in the prestigious contest include:
- Harry Ruiz led the team with three, top-five awards. He was named fourth-place finisher overall among apprentice linemen and second place in the electric cooperative division. Points earned for his fourth-place score in the written test event elevated him to the highest finish among the Walton EMC team.
- Nate Howell turned in the team’s best individual performance, earning second place overall in a timed event involving a “mystery” task revealed before he competed.
- Mason Tolbert earned third place in the co-op division for his combined score in four individual events.
- Hollis Lucas was named fourth place in the co-op division based on his scores in individual events.
