NEWS BRIEFS: Aurora Theatre’s The Gods of Comedy starts March 20

What do you do when you lose the most important ancient manuscript in existence? Well, if you’re in Ken Ludwig’s The Gods of Comedy, you call on the Greek gods for help—and immediately regret that decision. Aurora Theatre is bringing the legendary playwright’s latest farce to the stage from March 20 – April 13, and if history (or mythology) is any indicator, audiences are in for an epically funny night at the theatre.

Ludwig has once again crafted a rollercoaster of a comedy, where high-stakes academia collides with divine intervention—because what could possibly go wrong when ancient deities meddle in modern problems? (Spoiler alert: everything.)

Directed by David deVries, a three-time Suzi Award nominee in directing, and a winner for I’m Not Rappaport at Aurora, this laugh-out-loud spectacle follows an unlucky classics professor and his panicked protégé as they attempt to retrieve a lost manuscript with the help of some very unhelpful Olympian gods.

If you loved Aurora’s past Ludwig hits—Lend Me a Tenor (2002), Moon Over Buffalo (2004), and The Fox on the Fairway (2012)—you know exactly what to expect: razor-sharp wit, absurd misunderstandings, and an escalating chaos that would make even Zeus shake his head.

Aurora Theatre Co-Founder and Artistic Director Ann-Carol Pence says:: “The Gods of Comedy is my favorite kind of theatre; larger-than-life characters and brilliant humor. At Aurora, we are committed to telling stories that bring people together, and in a time when joy is more important than ever, Ken Ludwig is the perfect channel to lift spirits and celebrate the power of laughter.”

GGC economics professor explains possible recession

As fears of recession dominate the national conversation, Dr. Philip Vinson, assistant professor of economics at Georgia Gwinnett College, explains the complexities of recessions and outlines how individuals can prepare for potential economic challenges.

Vinson

Vinson emphasized that recessions are not simply cyclical events, but rather the result of specific precipitating factors. 

“All recessions are unique because they are caused by different triggers, whether it’s political uncertainty, technological disruptions, or economic policies like tariffs,” he said. “It’s misleading to think of the economy as following a predictable cycle, as recessions often arise from specific, unpredictable events.”

In the current climate, Vinson identified several factors contributing to the potential recession, including tariffs, global political instability, and the possible burst of the AI bubble. These issues create uncertainty that could negatively impact the global economy and spark a contraction.

As the economy starts to slow down, Vinson pointed to several common indicators of a recession. 

“Once a recession begins, we typically see sales decline, which leads to reduced production and investment. This often results in layoffs and, consequently, a rise in unemployment,” he said. 

Additionally, Vinson acknowledged the stock market’s role in signaling the onset of a downturn, with market declines often occurring before broader economic changes.

Inflation is another key concern, especially in the current environment where tariffs could drive prices up despite an overall drop in demand, he said 

“This creates a real challenge for the Federal Reserve, which would typically lower interest rates to stimulate the economy,” Vinson said. “However, doing so could exacerbate inflation, leaving policymakers in a difficult position with no easy solution.”

Vinson advises individuals to prepare for a potential recession by ensuring they have adequate savings to cover potential periods of unemployment. 

“It’s crucial to have a financial cushion during uncertain times,” he said. “And while it can be tempting to sell off stocks in a downturn, that’s generally not the best approach. If you have savings to spare, this might actually be an opportunity to buy assets at a lower price and benefit in the long term when the market recovers.”

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Fort Pain is unique obstacle course in Peachtree Corners

One of the obstacles at Fort Pain. Provided

Nestled in the heart of Peachtree Corners, Georgia, Fort Pain stands as a one-of-a-kind outdoor obstacle course for adults. Located at the Peachtree Corners Town Green, this fitness haven offers an exhilarating and challenging experience that merges physical endurance with the thrill of competition. Unlike traditional gyms, Fort Pain provides an immersive, open-air workout. 

The concept for Fort Pain originated from Peachtree Corners City Councilman Alex Wright and City Manager Brian Johnson, who sought to bring an elite-level fitness experience to the community. Initially introduced as the Path to Fitness, Fort Pain officially opened in 2021 with 10 fitness stations. Over time, it has evolved into a 26 station obstacle course, featuring challenges inspired by renowned competitions such as Spartan Races, American Ninja Warrior, and the Ranger School at Fort Moore, Ga.

Drawing from their experiences at the U.S. Army’s Ranger School, Wright and Johnson envisioned Fort Pain as more than just an exercise area—it was designed to be a grueling yet rewarding space that encourages individuals to push their limits. Constructed with durable wooden structures and steel equipment, the course provides a functional and effective way to develop full-body strength, endurance, and resilience.

Fort Pain is far from a typical playground; rather, it is a challenging space designed for those who seek an intense and engaging fitness experience. Whether participants are athletes, fitness enthusiasts, or military personnel, the course offers an array of obstacles that test different aspects of physical fitness.

The beauty of Fort Pain lies in its accessibility. Open seven days a week, it allows visitors to train at their own pace, embrace the outdoors, and break free from the confines of a conventional gym.

To keep the spirit of competition alive, the City of Peachtree Corners hosts two annual events at Fort Pain, inviting participants. 

Fort Pain stands as a premier outdoor fitness destination, combining elements of military training, functional fitness, and competitive sports into one thrilling experience. Its expansive obstacle course, annual competitions, and community-driven spirit make it a standout attraction in Peachtree Corners.

Whether you’re training for a Spartan Race, improving overall fitness, or simply looking for a new challenge, Fort Pain offers an unmatched combination of intensity, fun, and camaraderie. So, gear up, test your limits, and take on the challenge of Fort Pain.

Weaver gets promotion at Jackson EMC

Weaver

Jonathan Weaver has been named vice president of engineering and power supply at Jackson EMC. He was most recently the director of systems engineering, a position he’s held since 2016. While director, Jonathan led or contributed to several implementation teams including Grid Automation, NISC, SCADA selection, PrePay, Renewables Energy Strategy, and Demand Response. He also contributed to the creation of the company’s engineering training class.

In his new role , he will continue to oversee Jackson EMC’s Systems Engineering area, which is responsible for system planning, management of wholesale power cost, mapping and metering. He will now also oversee Operational Technology, led by Jay Tooke. This area implements technology and communications for field devices. As Vice President, Weaver is also responsible for Facilities, led by Mark Reynolds, which provide safe, comfortable, and welcoming spaces for our members and employees.

Chip Jakins, Jackson EMC President and CEO, says:  “Jonathan’s knowledge and expertise will serve him well in his new role. Jonathan will continue to serve our members through innovative investments in a strong, reliable distribution system, delivering affordable power well into the future.” 

Weaver joined Jackson EMC in 2002 as a project engineer. He started his career at Jackson EMC as a youth apprentice in the engineering department while attending Jackson County High School. He graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology with a bachelor of science in Electrical Engineering and holds a degree from Berry College. He has a master of business administration from Auburn University. He completed the University of Georgia Management Development Program.

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