Thumbs Up! Aug. 22, 2016

Civic club work often remains unknown to most people unless they’re involved in the club itself or the beneficiary of the club’s work, regardless of how important it may be. Yes, most organizations meet weekly and most, but not all, do so around the lunch hour. Usually there is a guest speaker to inform members about one thing or another. In the Albany-Dougherty area, there are numerous such groups doing much unheralded work. During the first meeting this month, one such action was taken by the Dougherty County Rotary Club. A check was presented to the Dougherty County Sheriff’s Office in the amount of $1,728 which will cover the cost of three new bullet-proof vests. One might think, especially in this day and time, that all officers are equipped with such lifesaving body armor, but that is simply not true. The cost per officer to be protected with such vests is about $575 each, a small price for the life of an officer doing what he or she can to protect the community. Thank you, Rotarians, for seeing the need and taking action.

The Dougherty County Commission has just pumped nearly $200,000 into the Albany economy and another $58,000 into Lee County. Bids from Sunbelt Ford Town and Flint Ag and Turf were submitted and accepted for eight county replacement vehicles and a John Deere tractor respectively. Many have harped “local preference ” for years, a notion that, quite frankly, makes good sense. In these cases, the bids were the lowest “responsive and responsible” as well as from Southwest Georgia, the best of both worlds. At least two other bids were submitted for the replacement vehicles but were disqualified for not including required equipment. Therein lies the “responsible” portion of the bid. Congratulations to the local businesses and thank you , commissioners, for wearing your thinking caps to the table.

A very valuable workshop is coming to the Microbusiness Enterprise Center at 230 S. Jackson Street next Monday and Tuesday. From 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., a home-ownership workshop is planned. Topics will include how to prepare for buying a home, building good credit and the responsibilities of owning a home. Information will be available concerning down payment assistance and programs particularly created for first-time buyers. A pre-registration fee of $25 is required and must be received by Friday. Home-ownership has long been a large part of the American dream and here’s a chance to find out just how close that dream can be to reality. Got questions? Call (229)317-4745 or (229) 349-4746.

Law enforcement officers have had a tough time nationwide in 2016. Within the first six months of the year, 70 officers left their homes for work and never returned. That is 70 too many. Back the Blue signs have been popping up for some time now, a simple way to show support for the men and women who go to work so citizens can rest safely. The job involves 24 hours each day and 365 days a year. For every football game, family supper, church event, holiday and night’s sleep, there are officers who are not enjoying any of those activities. Last month, a family in Worth County wanted to show gratitude in a more personal way. Eddie and Fran Miles, along with their two daughters, Abby and Tiffany, and Fran’s sister Donna Taylor and her son, Charles Jr., visited the Sylvester Police Department and the Worth County Sheriff’s Office to personally deliver a thank you card to each and every officer. Inside each card was written: “Thank you for your service. Thank you for risking your life to protect my family. We pray for you, may God bless you!” This, friends and neighbors, is a truly thankful family.