About The Eatonton messenger. (Eatonton, Ga.) 18??-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 28, 2025)
Community Thursday August 28, 2025 The Eatonton Messenger PCHS partners with Fox Theatre Fox Gives, the philan thropic arm of Atlanta’s historic Fox Theatre, announced Aug. 7, Putnam County High School (PCHS) has been selected for an educa tional initiative through its 2025-26 All-Access Pass program. The school-year-long program is designed to introduce high school students to vocational careers in the arts and entertainment industries. Joining PCHS as newcomers to the Fox nonprofit program are Dalton High School and Pebblebrook High School, as well as Hart County High School, returning as part of the Fox’s multiyear preservation grant. PCHS students are expected to make their first visit to The Fox in September. “This incredible year long initiative will provide our students with unique opportunities to explore careers in the arts and entertainment industry; from lighting and sound design to stage and venue management,” PCHS Theatre Director Anna Walker said. “Through hands-on workshops, backstage tours, and mentorship experiences, they’ll gain valuable insight into the behind-the-scenes magic of live performance.” To help deepen that exploration, student participants attend Regions Bank Broadway in Atlanta performances at the Fox Theatre, take part in interactive discus sions that explore the inner workings of the entertainment industry, and engage in hands-on workshops and backstage tours, as well as expe rience inspiring career mentorship. “All-Access Pass shines a light on the multitude of diverse entertainment careers that help bring stories and stages to life,” Fox Theatre Director of Community Partner ships Leigh Burns said. “It inspires curiosity, broadens perspective, and helps students recognize their potential in spaces they never imagined for themselves.” As part of the All-Ac cess Pass experience, PCHS students will participate in a hands-on Fox Gives Shadowing Day. Through guided rotations, students will explore several depart ments at the Fox Theatre, including ticketing, programming, resto ration, event services, and marketing to learn more about the many essential roles that support every aspect of an on-stage production. “We’re so proud of our students and educators for embracing this oppor tunity, and we’re excited to see how this part nership will shape their futures,” Walker said. Fox Gives selects schools for the program through a competitive application process open to public, Title I high schools within a 150-mile radius of the downtown Atlanta theater. For more information about The Fox Theatre, visit foxthe- |atre.org| — Contributed N CONTRIBUTED Putnam County High School students work on set pieces in the school's Black Box Theatre. Several students will be exposed to potential vocational careers in the arts and entertainment industries through a joint program with Atlanta's famous Fox Theatre this school year. Cast+Blast returns to honor wounded vets The Georgia Chapter of Safari Club International (GA SCI), in partnership with Glasslined Technologies and Lake Oconee Elks Lodge No. 2849, will host its 3rd annual Wounded Veterans Cast+Blast event Sept. 11-13. Throughout all three days, the Cast+Blast event will celebrate and honor wounded veterans from across Georgia through outdoor activities, fellowship, and heartfelt recognition of their service. The 2025 Cast+Blast event continues its mission to uplift and support veterans, many of whom are Purple Heart recip ients. In appreciation of their sacrifice and service, all partic ipating veterans enjoy meals, accommodations, and all activi ties free of charge. “The Georgia Chapter of SCI is committed to supporting our men and women in uniform,” GA SCI Vice President and Chair of Wounded Veterans Events Dick Caillouet stated. “This event gives back to these heroes and shows them that their sacri fices do not go unnoticed.” UTNA COUNT CONTRIBUTED The Putnam County Fire Department participated in last year's Wounded Veterans Cast+Blast event and is expected to make a return appearance Sept. 13 during this year's 11-mile Veterans Honor Ride through Greene and Putnam counties. The weekend begins with check-in on Thursday at Rock Eagle and a lakeside dinner at the Pavilion. On Friday, veterans head out for a guided fishing experience on Lake Oconee followed by an evening clay shoot at Old Hudson’s. On Saturday, the commu nityjoins together again for the highlight of the weekend: the Veterans Honor Ride, which invites and encourages community participation and support. The 11-mile escorted ride will begin at 10 a.m. at The Home Depot in Greensboro and will travel down Hwy. 44 until reaching Lake Oconee Elks Lodge No. 2849 at 871 Harmony Rd., Eatonton. Local law enforcement will escort participating riders along the route, while various fire trucks will display oversized American flags in tribute. Spec tators are also encouraged to line the streets with flags and signs, or to join the ride on motorcycles to show their appreciation for these heroes. “This event honors the heroes who sacrifice for our freedom,” said James Lakeman, Glasslined Technologies CEO and chairman of the joint SCI/Elks organizing committee. “Seeing the community come together to support these veterans is truly inspiring. The experience leaves a lasting impact on both veterans and residents, fostering unity, gratitude, and shared 99 purpose. Those interested in supporting the 2025 Cast+Blast can reach Lakeman at james@glasslined. us. Contributions — monetary or otherwise — are welcome and deeply appreciated to help ensure the continued success of this meaningful event. — Contributed Larry Dunn Scholarships awarded at URGC For more than 15 years, the Larry Dunn Scholarship has been dedicated to providing aspiring and communi ty-minded students with the opportunity to pursue higher education goals. The scholarship golf tour nament is held each year on the first Saturday in April at Eatonton’s historic Uncle Remus Golf Course. Thanks to the success of the Larry Dunn Scholar ship Golf Tournament, and the scholarship’s generous sponsors, the committee was able to raise enough funds to support two deserving young people in continuing their education. On July 27, Larry Dunn presented Bryce Brabham and Lauren Oliver with the 2025 Larry Dunn Scholarships. Members of the scholar ship committee attended the scholarship presentations, along with several family members and friends of the two recipients, including (l-r): Larry Dunn, 2024 recipient Bryant Ruff, Julia Dunn, Kilee Reid (kneeling), Faye Swain, Rev. Janet Sands, 2025 Recipient Bryce Brabham, Susie Brundage, Willie Frank Thompkins, 2025 Recipient Lauren Oliver, Forester Waller, Candace Little, Willie Oliver, William Reid, Queen Oliver, Raponzel Farley, and Baylen Yarbrough. — Contributed Sh Dr. Meigan Miller ] • 706 485 9031 • H COMMUNITY PROUD TO BE SERVING AND CARING FOR YOUR FAMILY’S SMILES 706.485.9031 • WWW.DRMEIGANMILLER.COM • 104 N. LAFAYETTE STREET • EATONTON
