About The Eatonton messenger. (Eatonton, Ga.) 18??-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 4, 2025)
» Your hometown newspaper since 1861 The Eatonton Alessenger THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2025 | C3 Award-winning author Curry returning to GWM “Fear can hold you prisoner; hope can set you free.” That was a memorable line from “The Shawshank Redemption,” among the best-loved movies of all time. We are drawn to films and books about the triumphant survival of underdogs we admire. In that same spirit comes Carolyn Curry’s new book, Trudy’s Awak ening, and Georgia Writers Museum (GWM) is excited to announce that Curry will be its next “Meet the Author” presenter on Tuesday, Oct. 7. Trudy’s Awakening is a historical novel set in the latter half of 19th-century Georgia, telling the story of three women whose lives intermingled as they worked to overcome soci etal barriers to their prog ress and success. Gertrude (Trudy) Thomas grew up in a life of wealth and privilege; however, she lost every thing to the aftermath of the Civil War. Amanda Mae, along with her mother Lurany, were enslaved to Gertrude’s family and yearned for freedom. Lizzie Jeter is a young, middle-class woman who dreamed of being a professional artist. All three faced tremen dous obstacles in a world that sought to limit and suppress their talents. “Curry’s inspiring and Carolyn Curry highly readable novel tells a little-known story of ordinary Southern women who endured tragedy, turmoil, and loss, yet found the strength and courage to carve out new lives for themselves in a fast-changing world,” writes Marie Bostwick, the bestselling author of The Book Club for Troublesome Women. Curry relied upon her deep research for the award-winning biography, Suffer and Grow Strong: The Life of Ella Gertrude Clanton Thomas, 1834- 1907, to imagine the way each of these women’s widely divergent paths crossed in their fight for freedom, civil rights, and successful careers. As their lives intersect, they form close bonds and become friends. Readers will encounter the history of Atlanta and Georgia in the difficult years after the Civil War and learn how women coped and succeeded in that changing world. “More than anything, I want women to know that when bad things happen, and they always do, they can find a way through to a better place with their love and commitment to one another,” Curry said. An award-winning author, historian, and founder of the non-profit Women Alone Together, which she directed for 22 years, Curry also holds a BA in English from Agnes Scott College and an MA and Ph.D. in history from Georgia State University. Her 2014 book, Suffer and Grow Strong, was selected as One of the Books all Georgians Should Read by the Georgia Center for the Book, and in 2015, Curry received Georgia Author of the Year recognition from the Georgia Writers Asso ciation. She also authored the murder mystery, Sudden Death. Call Georgia Writers Museum at georgiawrit- ersmuseum.org to register for Curry’s presentation and to pre-order a copy of Trudy’s Awakening. Her Oct. 7 presentation at the museum will begin at 7 p.m. after doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $40 each or $35 each for two or more and include free drinks and a themed meal by Chef Brent. — Contributed A1A brings Buffett tribute back to The Plaza The Plaza Arts Center is bringing the islands back to Eatonton with AIA - The Official and Original Jimmy Buffett Tribute Band performing outside beneath the stars Sept. 20 on The Plaza stage. Founded in 1991 by Atlan ta’s Jeff Pike, and personally recognized and supported by Buffett before his Sept. 1, 2023 passing, A1A has been spreading good vibes and tropical tunes across the country for more than 30 years. Its show is packed with all the classics Parrot Heads know by heart, along with plenty of energy to keep fans dancing all night long. “This is going to be a night of music, fun, and that easy-going Margaritaville spirit,” said Taylor Surman, marketing director for The Plaza. “We want folks to bring their friends, bring their lawn chairs, and just relax like they’re on island time.” General admission tickets are $25 and VIP tickets are $50. With general admission tickets, guests can bring your own chairs, blankets, etc and set up early. For VIP ticket holders, each ticket reserves a table seat on the concrete with nothing for you to bring except your dancing shoes. Music starts at 7:30, but gates will open early. This show is BYOB and there will not be a cash bar, however, there will be food trucks. For tickets and info, visit plazacenter.org or call 706-540-8656. Please note, Plaza members get free tickets to this show. — Contributed 1 . y 4 Ye FRIT CONTRIBUTED The OPAS Winter Ball committee includes (front, l-r) Laura Strickler and Riezl Baker, and (back, l-r) Karyn Alexander, Tim Green, Chris Griffith, Leslie Flint, and Karyn Scott, with (not pictured) Kim Chronos and Christa Hyatt. OPAS Winter Ball scheduled for new year The Oconee Performing Arts Society (OPAS) has announced its premier fundraiser, the OPAS Winter Ball, will take place Saturday, Jan. 31, at the Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee. This formal event will feature an elegant dinner, silent and live auctions, and a surprise musical performance. The Winter Ball marks a fresh chapter in the OPAS Soiree tradition of bringing the community together for an evening of elegance, entertainment, and purpose. Proceeds from the event will support the OPAS mission to enrich its local commu nity through world-class performances, arts education, and cultural programming. “This is going to be the event of the year,” OPAS Artistic Director Doug LaBrecque declared. “This year’s Soiree will be an elegant Winter Ball that will showcase the best of OPAS and our commit ment to arts education, as well as our passion for creating unforgettable • 99 experiences. “The Winter Ball Committee is already hard at work crafting a night to remember,” OPAS Board Chair Barry Selvidge added. “From the setting to the enter tainment, every detail is being planned to blow your socks off. Mark your calendars for an evening you won’t want to miss.” Sponsorship oppor tunities are available, offering exclusive benefits and visibility for local and regional businesses. For more information, call OPAS at 706-467-2000. — Contributed Pets of the Week LAKE OCONEE HUMANE SOCIETY MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN A LIFE Sonya McKinley Sonya: Found in a barn with her kittens, Sonya is ready for a home to call her own. She’s a bit shy at first, but all she really wants is a cozy lap and a kind heart. If you're looking for gentle love and peaceful companionship, Sonya’s your girl. McKinley: Recently rescued from a hoarding situation, McKinley is puppy with big plans for his future. He’s rambunctious, full of energy, and ready to explore the world by your side. 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