Friends of Hardman Farm State Historic site, in partnership with Piedmont University’s North Georgia Theatre, will present Valley Voices, an outdoor drama at Hardman Farm, June 1-3 and 8-10, 2023.
Written by local author and playwright, Emory Jones, Valley Voices tells the stories of the families who lived, worked, and loved in Nacoochee Valley throughout the centuries. This realistic and historically accurate play features authentic costumes, live horses, and even an antique car.
Jones says: “Several of us locals, along with Department of Natural Resources officials, have wanted to see an outdoor drama come to North Georgia for years. That finally happened when Valley Voices made its premiere in June of 2022 to sellout audiences. Hopefully, this outdoor drama will continue to grow and become an annual event at Hardman Farm.”
Sarah Summers, Hardman Farm Assistant Manager, says having Piedmont University’s Kathy Blandin direct the play and Bill Gabelhausen be the acting coach and play the role of Calvin Hunnicutt, will make this performance special. “The two have assembled an amazing amount of talented actors and musicians to play the various roles,” says Summers, who teasingly adds, “Folks attending may be surprised to find out which former Georgia Governor, Nathan Deal, is playing the role of former governor, Dr. Lamartine Hardman.”
Tom Johnson, the play’s producer, says he’s pleased with the amount of community backing he’s seen for Valley Voices. “We have had tremendous support, financial and otherwise, from the White County Board of Commissioners, the Chamber and Historical Society, the Helen Convention and Visitors Bureau and many other local businesses and individuals.”
This year’s event will host a trifecta of performances beginning with live music from Joe and Debbielee Whelchel at 5:30 p.m. and continuing with a musical performance by singer Katie Deal. The Valley Voices presentation kicks off at 7:30 p.m.
Gates open at 5 p.m. Guests are encouraged to come early, bring their own lawn chair or blanket. Food and drink will be available, and viewers can have a picnic on the grounds. The site’s 19 outbuildings, including the impressive 100-plus-year-old dairy barn, will be open, and guests can interact with the actors prior to their performance.
Tickets are $25 plus taxes and fees. To learn more, visit: valleyvoicesplay.com. Proceeds go towards future events and restoration projects at the historic Hardman Farm.
Lawrenceville singled out by Georgia City Solutions
From left are Marlene Taylor-Crawford, council member; Chuck Warbington, city manager; John Mullin, chief of police; Glenn Martin, council member; Mayor David Still; Austin Thompson, council member; Jen Young, Impact46 executive director; Victoria Jones, council member; Jasmine Billings, community development manager; Marcus Thorne, ReCAST program manager; and Melissa Hardegree, communications officer.
The City of Lawrenceville has been named one of three cities honored by Georgia City Solutions at the inaugural Community Impact Awards hosted at the Porsche Experience Center in Atlanta recently.
Lawrenceville was recognized for its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiative, Lawrenceville Legacy Leaders youth council, Summer of Impact youth internship program, and Love Lawrenceville Day. In addition, Lawrenceville was honored for its community engagement efforts with high-risk youth, improving access to mental health services for families, strengthening community relations, and increasing diverse voices in government.
The cities of Dublin and Valdosta were also honored with awards.
DiFranco to head Gwinnett Chamber Foundation
DiFranco
Jason DiFranco is the new vice president of the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce Foundation. DiFranco will spearhead funding and grant programs that advance equitable and inclusive business opportunities for underserved businesses. Objectives that he will address in this new role include reducing and/or removing financial barriers, providing technical assistance, offering educational opportunities, addressing skills gaps, and expanding business networks for qualified participants to grow and scale their operations.
Previously on the staff of the Gwinnett County Public Library, DiFranco led efforts to create bylaws and procedures for the library Foundation, established partnerships for major gifts and fundraising platforms, and created and implemented the Hooper-Renwick Comprehensive Campaign to support the new Black history-themed library currently under construction in downtown Lawrenceville. Prior to his role with the library, DiFranco held key business-centric roles with Boy Scouts of America, The Cleveland Clinic-Hillcrest Hospital in Ohio, and Athens Regional Medical Center.
DiFranco started his role with the Gwinnett Chamber Foundation on May 15. He and his wife, Amelia, reside in Buford. He is a native of Seven Hills, Ohio, and is a graduate of Baldwin Wallace College.
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