Thumbs Up! April 10, 2017

Malcom Mitchell recently spent time reading to Northside Primary School in Tifton. The book Mitchell read was that of his own writing, “The Magician’s Hat.” Mitchell is a native of Valdosta who discovered the world of reading while a student at the University of Georgia. Realizing he must improve his reading skills to succeed in college, Malcolm began reading anything he came across. From there came the roots of his “Read with Malcom, a Lifetime of Learning” program. Mitchell spends much of his free time in the elementary schools across the state sharing his love for reading. Who is Malcom Mitchell? He is a passionate reader and wide receiver for the Super Bowl-champion New England Patriots.

Last week, officials of Albany and Dougherty County took time to say thank you to the many hands that were on deck for the Dougherty County Emergency Management Agency to work through the January storms. Following a noontime meal, Mayor Dorothy Hubbard spoke briefly to those gathered in the Candy Room. Aside from thanking those gathered, Hubbard also expressed gratitude to the families of the workers for understanding the long hours and sacrifice to family time. Dougherty County Commission Chairman Chris Cohilas echoed Hubbard’s comments of appreciation. Cohilas also spoke of how well the components within the city and county governments came together and focused all the resources toward those suffering from loss. He described the EMA as having brains, strong backs and big hearts. To Hubbard and Cohilas, as well as others who made the lunch possible, thank you for taking time to say thank you.

Lee County Code Enforcement, under Chief Jim Wright and a host of citizen volunteers, have worked for a number of years now keeping the waterways in the county clear of debris.Citizens show a pride in the Muckalee and Kinchafonee creeks, a pride that is obvious in the pristine appearance of both. Annual Rivers Alive cleanups gather less and less debris because there is simply less to to gather. In its initial year, 2007, volunteers pulled 66,460 pounds of debris from the banks and water. By last year, that weight was down to 2,040 pounds. For the dedication and hard work, the Lee Code Enforcement office has been tapped for the 2016 Government Partner Award. Wright declared the award to belong to all of Lee County. “It’s the community’s attitude toward Rivers Alive that makes it possible and makes it successful.” Well done, one and all.

Although most people in South Georgia would prefer to never hear the words “storm recovery” ever again, those same people know that the work is a long way from over. The assistance that has lead the way has arrived from the individual, non-profit agencies, churches, businesses and strangers. It has come in the form of a meal, a check, food, clothing, water, chainsaws, tarps, school uniforms and more. Each year the Albany Board of Realtors holds a formal banquet but such was not the case for 2017. Instead of entertaining in a big way, the ABOR held a small luncheon and gave the budgeted banquet dollars to the Albany Area Disaster Relief Fund. Moves such as this are indicative of the unselfish hearts that will eventually remove those two dreaded words from everyday conversation.