Thumbs Up! Oct. 23, 2017

Job fairs are designed to give employers and those seeking employment a chance to cross paths. Job seekers have the opportunity to hand out resumes and get a genuine look at what is available within the community. In an age where a large number of the unemployed search for work online while wearing their pajamas, job fairs are extremely valuable. The employer must set up a display and have representatives on hand to speak about the business and what positions they are seeking to fill. The job hunter must, or at least should, take a shower, dress appropriately, put on shoes and comb his or her hair. So successful was the 19th annual Fall Career Fair last week at Albany Tech that there was not enough room for everyone. Thank you, ATC, for hosting the event and to businesses in and around Albany, here’s hoping you found the employees you were searching for. And to the job seeker, here’s hoping you found one.

In a effort to stop a wrong, Javis Walker lost his life. He was trying to protect a cashier at the Dollar General in the midst of a robbery.”No, no, no, don’t do that” are the words that cost the 31-year-old with the mind of a 13-year-old his life. Donna Urick at Mission:Change has pledged to make sure that Walker has a proper burial and that his life was not lost in vain. If you would like to help, call (229) 886-6653 or visit www.missionchange.com.

Another Albany State University homecoming weekend has come and gone. The great number of visitors in the city for the parade, tailgating, cookouts, football game and fellowship bring an economic boost to hotels, shops, gas stations and restaurants. To those who made it to town for the celebration, come again next year. For any that missed it, we will see you next October.

Eight-year-old Kayden Rogers of Tifton has a complicated genetic disorder called Marfan syndrome. The defect affects his eyes, lungs, heart and feet. Last month the youngster was facing heart surgery to correct just one of the many health complications associated with Marfan syndrome. Indeed this child has a lot of health problems but he also has hopes and dreams for the future, just like all other kids. Kayden’s biggest dream is to one day be a police officer. On Sept. 29, Tift County Sheriff Gene Scarborough did everything possible to make that dream come true. In front of his family and in a reverent ceremony, Scarborough swore in Kayden then pinned a honorary badge on his shirt. To make sure everyone knew about the county’s newest deputy, he was presented as Deputy Kayden Rogers to the Tift County Sheriff’s Office.

For parents or grandparents or babysitters of little ones ages 2 and younger, the Dougherty County Central Library has the perfect way to celebrate Halloween. On Friday at 10:15 a.m., there will be a story time with movement and activities. Dubbed “Itty Bitty Halloween,” the children can wear a costume if so desired. Each child’s adult must stay for the fun. Expect to hear simple stories and music especially selected for the infant and toddler. There will nothing to frighten the children and it will be over before lunch and nap time … perfect for preventing itty-bitties from turning into “little monsters.”