Thumbs Up! Feb. 12, 2018

If asked, most people would say they care about the welfare of others. Some, though, not only “say” they care but prove it. Such is the case with Tift County Commissioner Melissa Hughes. For the sixth consecutive year, Hughes has been collecting socks. White socks, toe socks, girls socks, boys socks, and any other kind of socks imaginable have become a mission close to the commissioner’s heart. Hughes observed children walking to school one day with no socks. That was all it took to put her in action. Hughes’ view on the “Sock It to ‘em with Love” sock drive is, “Socks may not seem like a necessity, unless you don’t have them.” Such a simple act of kindness shows a true heart for the welfare of others. The distribution took place on Saturday and was manned by volunteers, including students wishing for community service activities to add to their college applications. Thank you, Commissioner Hughes and to all the donors and volunteers.

Being tapped as Employee of the Year is a great honor, regardless of the workplace. At the Dougherty County Sheriff’s Office, two employees are named as Employee of the Month by his or her supervisor, one from the sheriff’s office and one from the jail. At year’s end and from the monthly distinguished employees, the yearly awards go out. What is a bit different at the DCSO than at many private businesses is that the voting is handed over to all employees to pick the best of the best. To be recognized and selected as Employee of the Year based on what peers see in your work is indeed an extra large pat on the back. Congratulations to Cpl. Laura Gilbert, office manager in the DCSO at the judicial building, and to Detention Officer Kimberly Ash from the Dougherty County Jail, the newest Employee(s) of the Year for the DCSO.

Ameris Bank recently made a donation to Northside Elementary School, a school the institution has long been partners in excellence with. The funds will go toward reinforcing positive behavior, including good attendance. Currently the school uses a program called Positive Behavior Intervention Support, which teaches students behavior expectations. PBIS is part of the daily routine at Northside and its expectations are learned by being present in the classroom. The school will use the Ameris Bank donation, in part, to have attendance celebrations. Children who are sick should not go to school and attendance need not be perfect to celebrate. Thank you, Ameris Bank, for supporting the students and staff at Northside.

It was 20 years ago almost to the day when the first senior citizen with moderate income moved into Albany Heights. Several million dollars were spent to renovate the New Albany Hotel, which first opened in 1924. Fast-forward two decades, and another renovation has been completed to the point where new residents have decided to call the historic building home. The Flats at 229 welcomed its first occupants a year after developer Pace Burt purchased the property and began massive renovations. In places, the walls were taken down to the studs. Age, neglect and mildew were not kind to the New Albany Hotel/Albany Heights. Burt and his team cut no corners, regardless of the unexpected increase in costs. Soon the bottom floor will be ready for retailers, and more residents will move in. Rent prices on the totally renovated 80-plus-year-old building are about the same as they were in 1998 for seniors on a moderate income. A man of his word, Burt has accomplished what he set out to do and done it well. Thumbs Up!