Augusta Locally Grown has been recognized by Bank of America as a Neighborhood Champion for providing access to healthy food and nutrition education.

The nonprofit organization is receiving a $50,000 grant over two years, which will support the opening of a new Agricultural Innovation and Education Center where it can expand current programming and improve services.

Augusta Locally Grown supports small farms and gardeners by making their all-natural, locally-grown, sustainably-grown fresh foods available for sale in the local community.

Pictured front row, from left: Diane Kerekanich, Augusta Locally Grown development director; Rebecca van Loenen, Augusta Locally Grown executive director; and Marissa Smith, Bank of America Aiken/Augusta senior vice president. Back row: Mick Ankrom, Bank of America Aiken/Augusta executive market sponsor and global compliance and operational risk executive; Ora Parish, Bank of America Aiken/Augusta president.

Augusta Symphony will continue the celebration of its 70th anniversary season with its gala, A Night at the Opera, on Saturday, January 25.

From Rossini to Puccini, librettos will be presented by acclaimed opera performers Indra Thomas, Timothi Williams, Gennard Lombardozzi, Jeremiah Sanders and Sarah Lawrence, who will serve as the master of ceremonies for the evening.

The black-tie affair begins at 6:30 p.m. with champagne, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Conducted by Maestro Dirk Meyer, the performance begins at 7:30 p.m.

Afterward, concert-goers are invited to stay for an open bar, coffee and desserts at the Encore Gala Celebration. In addition, they can dance the night away in the Knox Music Institute and continue the fun with photo opportunities and other activities in the arcade and theater.

As the sole fundraising event of the year, the gala plays a vital role in sustaining the Symphony’s mission.

All tickets, which range in price from $145 to $200, include tiered seating, light hors d’oeuvres, the Encore Gala Celebration, dessert and coffee, and a commemorative program.

A pre-concert VIP reception will feature live music, an artist meet and greet, heavy hors d’oeuvres, food stations, open bar, specialty cocktails and valet parking.

For more information, visit augustasymphony.com.

If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to get fit (and really, who doesn’t have that on their to-do list?), then a good way to get started is to run in a 5K or 10K like a gator is chasing after you.

Phinizy Swamp Nature Park will hold its Later Gator 5K/10K Race in its natural ecosystem from 9 a.m. until noon on Saturday, January 25. Medals and shirts will be available while the supply lasts.

Group rates are available for 10-plus runners, and ages 9 and under can run the 5K for free if they are accompanied by an adult who is registered for the race.

Costs vary per age group and race. For more information, visit phinizycenter.com.