Thumbs Up! Sept. 18, 2017

People from Southwest Georgia have, for more than two decades, grown accustomed to hearing about “Swamp Gravy.” Richard Geer, co-founder and first director of the theater group, went around the town of Colquitt in Miller County to pitch the idea of a homegrown theater production. Geer’s reception was positive. After two years of story-gathering and organization, the first play was held at the high school auditorium to a sold-out crowd. The search began for a permanent home, which was found in an old cotton warehouse. Dubbed Cotton Hall, “Swamp Gravy” will perform its 25th anniversary production beginning on Oct. 6. From dirt floors that had to be sprinkled with hoses to keep down the dust and hay bale seats, the success of Swamp Gravy has allowed for much-needed renovations at the venue without the loss of authenticity. The stories told are about real events and real people, acted out by people who attend church, football games and funerals together. “Swampers” have taken their stories all over Georgia, to 17 other states and three other countries.

Albany-Dougherty County did a thorough job preparing for what turned into Tropical Storm Irma. The Albany Civic Center was opened as an American Red Cross shelter in advance of the storm’s arrival. Frequent press conferences were held. The Salvation Army was ready, preparing and serving 1,350 meals to close to 400 mostly local and regional residents who evacuated from mobile homes or had lost power at their houses. Volunteer shelter workers, some from as far away as New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Michigan, offered comfort, served meals, and provided snacks and drinks. Many of the lessons learned during and following the storms of January were learned the hard way, but learned they were. Here’s hoping these lessons will not soon be needed again, yet never forgotten.

The noun “hero” is used freely in America, describing everybody from a person who saves a child from a burning building to animated characters. Webster’s New World College Dictionary, Fourth Edition, gives the following definition: “The central figure in any important event or period, honored for outstanding qualities.” Given that usage, it is appropriate to call the linemen (and women) of Albany Utilities, Georgia Power and the Georgia Electric Membership Cooperatives heroes. Sure these folks get paid and paid well. Sure restoration of power is part of the job. Just as surely, the job is dangerous and can be extremely uncomfortable either in the wet, hot or cold weather. As customers sit home in the dark, restoration of power is always an outside job and runs 24 hours a day when needed. Some locations remain without electricity, now a week following damage from Irma, primarily because workers have been unable to get into certain areas. The more-than-half-full glass version of the story is that by 10 p.m. on Thursday, power was back on for 920,000 Georgia Power customers and by 5 a.m. Friday, some 550,000 EMC customers woke up to a lighted residence. Thumbs up!

River Pointe Golf Club held a charity tournament Friday. Avid golfers rarely turn down a chance to hit a few balls and are notorious for supporting admirable causes. All the funds raised by the tournament will go to help fund hunting excursions for wounded veterans. Multiple hunting opportunities are planned on Albany and surrounding area plantations the second weekend in December. In addition, there will be a concert at the Exchange Club Fairgrounds in conjunction with the December hunt. Tickets for Stars, Bars & Guitars will go on sale in October. Wounded Veterans Outdoor Network of Southwest Georgia offers events for enjoyment, adventure, camaraderie and appreciation to the men and women whose lives have been forever changed while defending this country … an admirable cause indeed.