Thumbs Up! Feb. 19, 2017

Congratulations are in order for the most recent graduates of Southern Regional Technical College’s Practical Nursing program. All 22 graduates passed the National Council of State Boards of Nursing exam on their first attempt. Nationally, first-time test-takers have an 84 percent pass rate. Overall, SRTC nursing students have a 90.7 percent pass rate for first-time testing. Good job!

The Exchange Club of Albany has for many years recognized Officers of the Year. On Feb. 10, the club continued this tradition. From the Albany Police Department, Investigator Nicovian Price was recognized. Price, a member of the department since 2007, has a 100 percent clearance rate for homicides as lead investigator. Detective Sgt. David McVey from the Dougherty County Police Department was honored for his work in difficult cases, including those requiring conflict resolution. Bailiff Emmett Williams Jr. of the Dougherty County Sheriff’s Office received the top officer award for his hard work, dependability, leadership and dedication. The Georgia State Patrol tapped Trooper First Class II Robert Patrick Corbin for his exemplary work on the roadways. Sgt. Wayne Baltzell of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office was named Officer of the Year for stopping an attempted suicide. Ranger First Class Jessie Harrison of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources was described by his commanding as one of the best Ranger Game Wardens he has ever worked with.

When Pace Burt gave his proposal to purchase and rehab the Albany Heights building on Pine Avenue, he also made a promise to began development within 30 days of closing on the property. It did not, however, take nearly that long for work to begin. Less than a day after the deal was sealed, a new security system was being installed. At the same time, a demolition crew tore out old doors, appliances and fixtures. Plans are for the old building to glisten again with 64 loft-style apartments and three retail tenants, including a restaurant. At this point, there is certainly no reason to think otherwise.

Two weeks before the then-named Agrirama opened in Tifton on July 4, 1976, Ferol Cosper went to work there. Now, more than four decades later, she is still working at what is now called the Georgia Museum of Agriculture and Historic Village at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. In today’s mobile society, Cosper’s longevity on the job is worth noting. What is even more impressive is that Cosper plans to continue on her job until she can no longer see and/or drive. She can still see and she does still drive, even though she celebrated her 100th birthday last October.

A group that meets once a month is one many may be unaware of. The Alzheimer’s Support Group gathers the first Wednesday of each month at Central Baptist Church. Lunch is provided, and no reservations are required to join the group from noon until 1 p.m. Support groups are just that. Members can share experiences, offer advice to one another or simply lend a listening ear. For anyone involved in the care of an Alzheimer’s patient or a family member needing guidance, give this group a try. Finding friends that understand the difficulties associated with this horrible disease can be a great time of unity as well as a sanity preserver.

Debbie Blanton has been named to fill the gigantic shoes of Kay Hind as executive director of the SOWEGA Council on Aging. Hind joined the Council on Aging in 1967 and was the linchpin in the building of perhaps the nicest senior center anywhere in the nation. Such a person cannot be replaced, but Blanton is a good choice to continue the work Hind has so diligently put into the care and lives of senior citizens in 14 Southwest Georgia counties. As Blanton moves up to the top role, Development Director Izzie Sadler will replace Blanton as associate director. The plan is for Sadler to move into the executive director’s position after two years. Hind can rest easy, if she ever slows down, knowing that two great people are in place at the Kay Hind Senior Life Enrichment Center.