Thumbs Up! Sept. 3, 2017

Upon the wrath of the Jan. 2 storm, the Albany Museum of Art was forced to close its doors. On Aug. 26, the museum hosted its first Family Day this calender year. Anyone thinking ‘out of sight, out of mind’ was wrong, wrong, wrong. Before the museum could open its doors that day, people were already waiting in the parking lot. At the grand reopening and reception just a couple of days earlier, the response was much the same. Renowned wildlife artist David Lanier, also an AMA board member, said, “The place is beautiful, and the galleries are better than ever. We had a great turnout tonight, and I hope the community missed us.” Judging from the first two events, it is safe to say the museum, and all it has to offer, was indeed missed by many.

Schools.com has released its list of the top 10 four-year colleges in Georgia. At the No. 7 slot is Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton, followed by No. 8 Georgia Southwestern State University in Americus. Schools.com gathered data from the National Center for Education Statistics as well as other U.S. Department of Education sources. More than 50 schools were analyzed using such criteria as affordability, retention rates, learning environment, distance learning, student loan repayment and more. To make the list is no easy task and South Georgia can be proud to hold two of the elite 10 spots.

It will be a short ballot for the Nov. 7 municipal election in Albany. The seat for Ward II Albany City Commission should, however, prove to be an interesting one. Currently held by Bobby Coleman, who has qualified for re-election, there are now four others hoping to replace him. Coleman unseated Rev. Ivey Hines four years ago, but Hines is running to recover his place on the commission. Haryl Dabney, Matt Fuller and CaMia Hopkins are seeking a place at the commission table for the first time. The good news is that five residents of one city ward care enough about the municipal government and their constituents to throw their hats in the ring, knowing only one will come away victorious.

Albany’s Tractor Supply on Ledo Road plans to celebrate Pet Appreciation Week Sept. 13-17. Any leashed, friendly pet is invited to visit the store any of those days. The week will also feature the store’s biggest pet food and supply sale of the year. At the same time, a pet supply drive will be underway. Donations to benefit area animal rescues and shelters will be accepted. Suggested items include food, toys, leashes, bowls, scratching posts, treats and other new, sealed items. On Sept. 16, the store will host a pet adoption event. Bring the family, pets and all, for a fun, free event. If you are searching for a new pet, this will be a great opportunity for you and a previously unwanted animal.

Monday is the day that all of America celebrates the labor force of this country. Grumble as we may about going to work, the majority of the gainfully employed in the U.S. are glad to have that something to grumble about. As you enjoy the day away from work, go to the lake or beach, cook burgers and ribs on the grill, boil peanuts and make one last churn of ice cream, take a moment to be thankful for this holiday. After all, those without a job, whether by choice or circumstances, haven’t the same reasons to celebrate Labor Day.