As I sit here writing to you dear reader, I’m bundled up in an assortment of blankets and comforters, an ensemble only completed by the long-sleeve shirt/ hoodie combo and knee socks underneath. Winter is upon us with a vengeance, chilly winds and flying leaves intact. The holidays are encroaching, and shoppers everywhere are checking the papers for the deals that only happen on the busiest shopping day of the year; the two words that can strike terror into the heart of the most seasoned retail worker: Black Friday. (Incidentally, there’s a couponing class on Saturday in Smyrna if you’d like to get to know the in and out of this understated art before the fun begins.)
Before I go off on a detailed description of the horrors that day holds for retail workers everywhere, all I ask of you is this: please be gracious and courteous to your sales people.
My advice to those who are working that fateful day? Relax and unwind beforehand. There are tons of exciting events this weekend that can help replace the internal countdown ticking in your brain. Take a free seminar on how to break into the film industry hosted by Georgia Film and TV Production Initiative, or go to a luncheon on how to become a successful entrepreneur or professional at Ruby Tuesday. The Center for the Puppetry Arts and the Alliance theatre in Atlanta are both showing Christmas themed plays, and Stone Mountain is decked out in five football fields’ worth of snowy goodness while the ice rink opens its doors this Friday.
If you’re a staunch believer in the fact that Thanksgiving shouldn’t be overshadowed by Christmas, never fear! There are a few local events that will make your inner turkey smile. The Covington-Conyers Cotton Boll Quilters Charity will be throwing a benefit on Saturday, with the proceeds going towards a good cause. If you’re in the mood to proactively burn off that third helping of mashed potatoes that we’re both going to have on Thanksgiving, Elks Aidmore Turkey Trot 5K is happening this Saturday, and all funds raised will support programs for children that are in foster care- most of which are victims of domestic abuse. Get out of the house after Thanksgiving for the Aubrae Gunderson Memorial Scholarship 5K/1M/High Heel race fundraiser on Saturday morning, Nov. 29, at Heritage High, in memory of cross country runner Aubrae Gunderson, who was killed while running along the side of Ga. Highway 138.
Sophia's Coupon Class (Smyrna)
Saturday, November 22, 2014 from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM
Cost: $20
This class is all about the little mentioned art of couponing. If you’d like to learn how to save with these newspaper gold nuggets, this class offers the tools you’ll need. The fee covers a coupon book, access to the Facebook discussion page, and you’re automatically entered into a raffle to win a basket of goodies. The instructor offers this in-depth 2 ½ hour class that will be a step by step process that will set you on the right track to start saving by spending smarter! For more info, click the link below.
http://www.eventbrite.com/e/sophias-coupon-class-tickets-10033182519?aff=es2&rank=4
Film and TV (Breaking Into the Industry) Seminar (Atlanta)
Saturday, November 22, 2014 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Cost: Free
If you’ve dreamed of someday becoming the next Ron Howard or Steven Spielberg, this seminar is a must! The Georgia Film and TV Production Initiative (GFTPI) are gracious enough to host this event for free, and the amount of information they offer is staggering. Not only will you be walked through the entire process of making a TV show start to finish, but you’ll also be given the tools to make steps towards a career in entertainment; resources and all. At the end of the event, you’ll also be able to sign up for an opportunity to be on that set of an upcoming film! For more info, click the link below.
Entrepreneurs Unite Lunch & Learn Connection (Conyers)
Saturday, November 22, 2014 from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM (EST)
Cost: Free
This lunch and learn is completely free: however, you are responsible for buying your own lunch. This monthly club meeting is free for all to attend, and has valuable information about how to manage your money and duplicate it. Ms. Natasha Davis is the Key-note speaker, while Ms. Janice M. Laws and Mrs. Sebrena Sumrah-Kelly will support and coach as well. An excerpt from the website says this about this life changing seminar: “Every attendee will be given the applicable tools & principles to ‘Be Unleashed’ for 2015 and see the Dare to Dream presentation. The presentation is filled with resourceful and valuable techniques that have helped entrepreneurs and professionals successfully shift their mindset to generate millions.” For more info, click the link below.
http://www.meetup.com/EntrepreneursUniteClub/events/218713683/
RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER® (Atlanta)
Now-Sunday, December 28th 2014
Cost: Member - $9.25 Non-Member - $16.50
One of the most beloved holiday characters comes to the stage at the Center for Puppetry Arts. Relive your childhood as Hermey, Yukon Cornelius, and the Abominable Snowman go on a fated journey with Rudolph once again. Harrowing twists, an island of misfit toys that just might melt your frozen self from the brutal winds outside, and of course the pride of watching Rudolph lead his fellow reindeer safely around the globe for another year. For more info, click the link below.
http://www.atlanta.net/events/detail/rudolph-the-red-nosed-reindeer-/91088/
A Christmas Carol (Atlanta)
Event Dates: Friday, November 21st -December 24th
Cost: $17.50-$55
Get ready to scowl and say Bah-Humbug! This Christmas classic comes to the Alliance theatre this Friday. Our favorite grump Mr. Scrooge is visited by the spirits of Past, Present, and Future and once again we are reminded through this ornery old man that it’s never too late to change for the better. For more info, click the link below.
http://www.alliancetheatre.org/production/christmas-carol-1
Snow Mountain (Stone Mountain)
Saturday, November 22nd -February 22nd 2015
Cost: $28
No need for another Snowpocalypse to douse Atlanta to go sledding, Stone Mountain has transformed into a snow paradise! Go tubing with friends down Avalance Alley, or take a solo trek down Tube Runners. There’s something for guests of all ages to enjoy, as they not only have an area dedicated to the little angels in your life, as well as a place to roast s’mores for the not so daring. While the price is steep, the fun you’ll have riding down these frosted hills makes it all worth it. For more details, check out the link below.
http://www.stonemountainpark.com/events/Snow-Mountain.aspx?icid=snowmountain-brand-hp-hero-2
Have an Ice Day: Skating Rink (Conyers)
Friday, November 21st-February 8th
Cost: $8 admission, $2 skate rental
The local ice rink will begin its season this Friday. Doors are opening at 5p.m., and you can skate the night away until 11 p.m. that night. Regular hours begin on Saturday, when you can skate your heart out as early as 11a.m. Be sure to bring your coat and hat, as the rink itself is partially out in the open to give a more versatile feel. If you’re feeling a little Elsa-ish, there is a snack bar where you can warm up with a steaming cup of hot chocolate. For more info, click the link below.
Annual Elks Aidmore Turkey Trot 5K
Saturday, November 22, 8 a.m.
Cost: Adults $20-25, Children $8-10
The Annual Cross Country Turkey Trot will begin at 9 a.m. this Saturday. All funds raised will support programs for children that are in foster care- most of which are victims of domestic abuse. Come out and support this great cause! If you’d like to support but aren’t a morning person, you can still give! Simply register as a ‘ghost runner’ and you’ll receive a shirt to raise awareness while still being able to sleep in. For more information, click the link below.
http://elksaidmore.com/news-and-events/upcoming-events/
Aubrae Gunderson Memorial Scholarship 5K/1M/High Heel race fundraiser
Saturday, November 29, 7:30 a.m. registration
Cost: $16-21
The 10th annual 5k walk will be next Saturday to support the Aubrae Gunderson Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship was established to reward top student athletes in the area for college. Registration begins at 7:15 a.m. for all of the races, which include the 1 Mile Fun Run, the ever popular High Heel Hustle, and the traditional 5K Walk/ Run. If you’re still recovering from Thanksgiving and can barely walk much less run, you can register as a Phantom runner and support this fantastic local cause from the comfort of your couch. For more information, click the link below.
