Thumbs Up! Aug. 28, 2017

For those feeling the need to own a handgun, and many do, the Albany Police Department has a class planned for the less experienced armed citizen. The class, scheduled for Sept. 16, is free. Attendees will be informed about all the issues and responsibilities associated with the ownership of a gun. District Attorney Greg Edwards will provide information on the legal details, such as current laws and self defense. Also on the agenda is firearm safety, covering topics such as storing a gun and ammunition, how to handle a gun and more. Finally, there will be the opportunity to target practice in a safe, supervised and secure environment. All participants should pre-register and must sign a release for a background check, bring his or her own weapon, ammunition, ear and eye protection, and a baseball cap. Seats are limited. Call (229) 483-6298 for more information.

Worth County High School is helping their students learn now how to prepare for the workforce. The goal is to teach students how to fill out job applications, interviewing for a job, how to keep a job by following expectations such as promptness, attendance, following directions and more. The most tangible, and perhaps the most practical, lesson being taught is how to dress for an interview and the job itself. To attain that goal, WCHS is opening a Career Closet. Students can select appropriate business attire from the donated clothing and “practice” before the actual interviews begin. The closet needs slacks, pants, button-up skirts, blouses, dresses, skirts, ties, belts, shoes and more. In addition to attire, personal hygiene items such as deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, combs and brushes are needed. Donations can be dropped off at the school or at Snipes Piggly Wiggly in Sylvester. Arrangements can also be made for donations to be picked up. Preparing students for the workplace is something that will allow the students to think beyond graduation well before that time arrives.

Albany Technical College, led by President Anthony Parker, has launched a new President’s Leadership Institute. Students will participate in workshops, develop knowledge of local government and, among other activities, participate in community service projects. Parker stands firm on his belief that everyone has the potential to be a leader in his or her own community. In the words of Parker, the institute “will render rewards that will last a lifetime.” If any room remains, put yet another feather in the president’s cap.

The Albany Herald had the privilege of breaking the news that the official 2017 Easter Seals Christmas ornament will feature Albany High School. A tradition started 25 year ago, the ornaments have become iconic collectibles, both locally and beyond. All proceeds from the sales will go toward the operating expenses of the new Megan’s House, a respite care facility for children, scheduled to open in the late fall. Although the design has yet to be finalized, nearly 200 ornaments sold in the first two days after the newspaper revealed the plans. Pre-order your ornament today at es.easterseals.com/site/calendar. With 60 years of service to Albany, Easter Seals remains strong and vital to the needs of Southwest Georgia. Thumbs up!