2017 Winter Features

Heart of the Invisible

What began in 1978 as a small community orchestra of 45 to 50 instrumentalists, has now transformed into an orchestra of 125 volunteer vocalists  and 82 musicians who dedicate their time, passion and commitment to continue the tradition that Albert Ligotti envisioned 40 years ago.  Ligotti, a former professor in the Department of Music at the University of Georgia, also served as the former conductor of the Athens Symphony, and he had a dream to form something special for the city of Athens to call their own. Thus, on one spring day in April of 1979,  he watched as the townspeople first gathered in Clarke Central High School's Mell Auditorium to witness his idea of creating a community orchestra come to fruition.  It was something new, something almost groundbreaking, and his dream has since endured for four decades.  To keep reading, click here

Georgia's Historic Homes

To walk into a historic home is to be surrounded by the past. And older sense of aesthetics - somehow deliciously nostalgic and foreign at the same time - stirs the imagination.  We marvel at the lives of those who came before us, their struggles and accomplishments.  We ponder life before our familiar social norms and technology.  What was it like to live here? Click here for the full story. 

Second Chances

Is it time to add a furry addition to your family? Skip the pet stores and the breeders, and instead, take a look at your local rescue organization.  According to the Humane Society of the United States, about six to eight million animals end up in shelters every year.  These shelters aren't limited to cats and dogs, either; you can also find birds, small animals, horses and even livestock.  If you're in the market to adopt an animal, check out these rescue organizations around Georgia.  For more info & to continue reading, click here

Q & A: Nancy Denson

When busy is your middle name, your first name is Nancy.  For Nancy B. Denson, mayor of Athens-Clarke County (ACC), juggling the priorities of a major Georgia city, creating jobs and livelihoods for its residents, while never skimping on personal family time is an Olympic sport.  And the best part of all this, she loves every second and wouldn't have it any other way.  At 77, Denson has served on the Athens City Council multiple years, spent 25 years as tax commissioner, and now leads The Classic City through 2018. Click here for the full article.