Janice C. McCord-Burgess: Sycamore Ridge is good project

Not too late for an advent wreath
This year's season of Advent - a religious countdown to Christmas - began Nov. 29, but it's not too late to make an Advent wreath. The wreath surrounds four candles; light the first on the first Sunday of Advent, and then one more is added on each subsequent Sunday until, on the last Sunday of Advent, all four candles are blazing.

Curley Maple to get feet dancing for Saturday event
As a fiddler since the age of 9, David Blackmon has spent his fair share of time at old-fashioned barn dances.

Nearly century-old oak tree binds Colham Ferry third-graders
Diane Parr found herself drawn into an unusual project last year, with roots literally dating close to a century. A third-grade teacher at Colham Ferry Elementary School, Parr has organized school efforts to preserve a tree that has been towering over the grounds for generations.

Janice C. McCord-Burgess: Sycamore Ridge is good project
Near the end of my nearly 30 years of public school teaching, I find myself the case manager for a small group of high school students, most with autism spectrum disorder. They have some of the most amazing skills - physical, academic, general perception of things we don't even notice or care about in our lives - and an overwhelming sense of humor. Their main concerns are about how they can live independently, and being accepted by their peers, which is a particular challenge.

Tree trust donation has got the university covered
A charity started by a Bishop tree farm will donate $1 million worth of trees to replenish the University of Georgia's decimated tree canopy, battered by years of bad weather and construction.

Smith: The old oak tree the most exciting place to be
AUGUSTA - The big tree which stands between the clubhouse and the first tee is said to be at least 150 years old.

Stroll explores mysteries of trees
Some of the trees in Harris Shoals Park in Watkinsville are twisted into fanciful shapes or have bulbous growths, gaping holes or zigzag pairings with other trees.

Cicero: Real maple syrup in recipe for pie
Barbara of Dexter, N.Y. asked if anyone had a recipe for maple cream pie, made with real maple syrup. Elinor Bradt Posey of Madison, Ala., happily could help. "This recipe, Marshall's Vermont Maple Cream Pie, is from Marshall Faye, the former executive pastry chef at Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, Vt. It is delicious and was often served in the Tea Room there."