We’re going into July 4th head on with more activities than we can possibly participate. The celebrating of the founding of our country begins at 6 p.m. today with Plains, Trains and Fireworks on Main Street in downtown Plains.
The event is presented by the Plains’ Better Hometown Program that is coming back by popular request because it has been a huge success for the past two years. There is something for everyone from toddlers to seniors to enjoy in the way of food, drink, and fun games including the popular band, the Vibrations of Macon. Of course, the icing on the proverbial cake is the fireworks that will light up the sky at sunset.
So, bring your folding chairs and join us tonight in Plains.
And it’s also time to save the date for the 2018-2019 season of live theater performances offered by the Friends of the Rylander presented on stage at the historic Rylander.
Heather Stanley, managing director, has again scheduled exceptional shows that will please everyone of all ages.
Save the date of Friday, Sept. 14 for “Rumours: A Fleetwood Mac Tribute.” The Rumours band captures the energy of Fleetwood Mac at the top of their career by blending harmonies, instrumentation and a visually engaging stage show.
Moving into the holiday season on Friday, Nov. 30 is “Broadway’s Next Hit Musical.” This should be a hilarious show that has audience involvement. These musical improvisers gather made up, hit song suggestions from the audience and create a spontaneous evening of music, humor and laughter. The audience votes for its favorite song and watches as the cast turns it into a full-blown improvised musical complete with memorable characters, witty dialogue and plot twists along the way.
Let’s kick off the New Year on Saturday, Jan. 19 with the “Forever Young.” Five friends relive their past in a basement hangout and the fun begins. These powerhouse singers and dancers take the audience on a sentimental journey through the soundtrack of life with the pop, rock, and country music featuring the music of Van Morrison, John Cougar Mellencamp, Billy Joel, Barry White, The Black Crowes, Queen, Brooks & Dunn and many more.
Then on Feb. 15 is “Malpass Brothers,” regulars on the TV show “Larry’s Country Diner” and the favored opening act for Merle Haggard for a number of years.
Several more live performances will be added to round out the season and all promise to be family friendly.
So be sure to mark your calendars now and save the date.
Meanwhile, Brenton and Kathryn Moore celebrated their second wedding anniversary with a lovely weekend in Atlanta. They attended the Tim McGraw and Faith Hill concert, played Topgolf and visited with her aunt and Anne Markette and Bill Lee.
Then Anne Barrett spent a fabulous week in Paris. She traveled with Ellen Hanson who was there on business and while Ellen worked during the day, Anne explored the City of Lights on bike, foot and water, enjoying a Bateaux Mouches cruise on the Seine and toured Versailles near Paris, which she thought was awesome. It is indeed.
Tanya White is home after a delightful trip last week. She joined more than 30 others on a Faith of Love trip to Creation Museum in Petersburg, Kentucky, that she said brought Bible history to life. That evening the group boarded an old-fashioned paddle boat for a dinner cruise on the Ohio River. Then it was on to Williamsburg, Kentucky, for an awesome excursion of the Ark Museum. Others on the trip from here were Donna Oliver of Ellaville, Doris Usry and her sister, Mary, John and Wenola Dickerson and Linda Williamson of Oglethorpe.
And smile and say hello to visitors Zaidi and Shermeen Asfar of Houston, Texas, and daughters Eeman, Malaika and Haya who are visiting Zaidi’s sister and family, Yasmin and Dr. Baquar Husnain, Zoya and Zayd Husnain.
Ross Chambliss is recuperating from hip replacement surgery, while celebrating birthdays this week are Casey Shivers, and daughter, Jeanna Kate Shivers, who turns 13 Thursday.

Leila Sisson Case lives in Americus