Thumbs Up! March 13, 2016

One of the highlights of springtime all across the country is the Relay for Life movement. Communities come together to honor cancer survivors as well as remember those who lost the battle. Raising money comes from many sources, from individual donations to yard sales, bake sales, luminary purchases, raffles and more. Businesses, schools and churches often work all year raising money for the annual event. Dougherty and Lee counties join together for the event, which will be held this year on April 29 at Darton State College. Relay for Life is a family-oriented, safe event and everyone is welcome to attend. There will be walkers, games, face-painting, music and most of all, fellowship. It is a time to put all else aside and join forces against the fight against cancer. In years past the event has lasted all night. Many, probably most, people find it difficult to stay through the night. So, this year Relay for Life will kick off at 6 p.m. and wrap up at 1:00 a.m. Support for this event has and continues to change lives. In 2015, four million people participated at 6,000 events worldwide. Come see for yourself just what Relay for Life is all about.

The news concerning a new restaurant and a six-story hotel along Nottingham Way is good news indeed. Pending final Albany City Commission approval of rezoning and variances requests, the deal will bring jobs as well as tax dollars to the area. One head in a bed equals a meal or two, gasoline, shopping and more. There simply is no downside to the multiplying effect of new business in the community.

Wanda Thomas is not likely a person known to our readers but her story is too good not to tell. At just under 5-feet tall, Thomas took a job driving a school bus for Glynn County (Brunswick) when he son started school. Unable to reach the floor pedals, she strapped a wooden block to her foot and off she drove. As buses improved, the block was tossed and Thomas kept on driving. Now, at age 76, Thomas has 50 years behind the wheel and not one fender bender on her record. What a great legacy.

Candidate qualifying for the local May 24 Democratic and Republican general primary elections lasted throughout last week. It was a busy time as numerous candidates tossed in his or her hat for a chance to serve in various public service positions. Some candidates have held their seats for quite a few years. Others are new to politics. Still others have served, left for one reason or another and wish to return. The candidates are in place. It is now up to the voters to listen to each and decide who can and will best serve the needs of the community and cast a vote. It’s what democracy is all about and it works best when everyone participates.

The Snickers Marathon and the Mardi Gras street festival were great successes this year. An abundance of volunteers made the marathon a memorable experience for the runners. Vendors for the festival were carefully selected. The weather was wonderful. Security was good. By Monday morning, the streets were clean and the portable toilets were rolling out of downtown. An enormous effort by an untold number of people was needed to pull off the day. To each and every participant, volunteer, sponsor and guest, thank you for a wonderful day. See you next year!