'SHARED SPIRIT'

WHERE: Thomson Church of God, Wrens Highway

WHEN: 6 p.m. Sunday

DETAILS: Aaron Dixon and Bob Corbitt will present a piano concert. Everyone is welcome.

THANKSGIVING CLOSINGS

WHERE: City of Thomson government offices

WHEN: Thursday and Friday

DETAILS: Residents are reminded not to place their garbage or recycle containers at curbside today and Friday. Those collections were made Wednesday. Emergency calls can be addressed by calling (706) 595-2145 or (706) 595-6133 to arrange repairs of utility (water, sewer, natural gas) services. Police and fire departments will be on the job as usual.

COMMUNITY 'MESSIAH'

WHAT: The 25th annual presentation of the Christmas classic

WHERE: First Baptist Church of Thomson

WHEN: 7 p.m. Sunday

DETAILS: The Thomson/McDuffie Community Chorus and Orchestra will present the Christmas portion of Messiah, an oratorio by George Frederic Handel. Featured soloists are: Allegra Whitney, soprano; Natalie Greenwald Pirkle, alto; James Isom, tenor; and Ben O. Howell Jr., bass. The Rev. Mark Bowers is conductor. A love offering will be taken to assist in funding this event.

MORE INFO: To make a contribution to the Community Choir, contact Mark Bowers or Sharon Pirkle at First Baptist Church, (706) 595-4252.

BENEFIT FOR KAMARION A. KEMP

WHERE: Thomson Depot and Annex

WHEN: 3 p.m. Sunday

DETAILS: Come out and enjoy karaoke, face painting, gospel music, a live gospel band, local steppers and performers, a silent auction, food, Augusta Chapter Sororities and much more. Banquet tickets are $10 and will be available at Ivery's Restaurant or Thomson Funeral Systems. Seating is limited. Contact Sheila Hill at (706) 986-8754.

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11TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS AT CEDAR ROCK

WHERE: Macedonia United Methodist Church

WHEN: 6:30-9 p.m. Dec. 8-10

DETAILS: Enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas with a complementary hayride through lights and displays, then experience the Life of Christ beginning with a live Nativity scene. Roast marshmallows over an open fire and enjoy the animals in the petting zoo. Buy a hot dog meal with all the trimmings, including homemade dessert. Talk to Santa (bring your own camera). Visit the kids only shop - children 12 and under can purchase gifts for family and friends for $1 each, gift wrap included. Browse the General Store for handmade crafts, homemade baked goods, preserves and jams, jewelry, gift baskets, home décor and holiday items, all reasonably priced. Don't forget to get some boiled peanuts before you leave. Handicapped accessible and hayride with seats available.

MORE INFO: Call (706) 465-9607.

TOUR HICKORY HILL

WHERE: 502 Hickory Hill Drive, Thomson

WHEN: 6:45 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 9 and 10

DETAILS: Tours feature a look at Christmas from the perspective of the Gilded Age servants who worked for the Thomas E. Watson family at Hickory Hill. Each tour begins with a reception and an opportunity to browse the gift shop offerings for stocking stuffers. The tour lasts about 45 minutes and costs $5 per person, reservations required. Tour space is limited. For reservations, call (706) 595-7777. Visit www.hickory-hill.org.

Helping kids

WHERE: The McDuffie Mirror

WHEN: Business hours until Dec. 5

DETAILS: The Thomson Kiwanis Club is holding its White Christmas Bag fund for needy children. Anyone interested in contributing may drop off socks, underwear, undershirts, gloves or hats to The McDuffie Mirror.

PARENT TEEN SUPPORT GROUP

WHERE: McDuffie County Partners for Success office, 1121 White Oak Road

WHEN: 3:30 p.m. first and third Wednesdays of each month.

DETAILS: The McDuffie County Parent Teen Support group is open to teen mothers and fathers or teenagers who are expecting a child.

MORE INFO: Call (706) 595-3112.