At the 107th annual Convention of the Georgia Elks Association, it was another Albanian’s turn to be singled out. John Yost was installed as state president for the organization. Yost will travel around the state during his 2008-09 tenure leading more than 6,500 Georgia Elks who support and manage the Elks Aidmore Children’s Center in Conyers. The facility is a private, nonprofit residential facility for adolescent females who need a more structured environment than is available to them at home. The leadership of the Georgia Elks will most certainly be in good hands over the next year.
Platelets save lives. While a little more difficult and time consuming than a blood donation, each platelet donation can save two lives. People experiencing serious medical procedures such as transplants and chemotherapy often have to have a platelet donation simply to survive. The American Red Cross, always in need of blood and platelets, can and will answer any questions a perspective donor might have. Or, if you want to know how it works and what the experience of donating platelets involves, there is an expert right here in Albany. Hugh Watts just made a donation — his 300th since 1994. Thank you from all the people you have never met but whose lives you may have extended and saved!
For 33 years there has been a tennis tournament in Camilla during April. The event brings out some well-known tennis players and it is all for charity. The newspaper covers it from a sports’ viewpoint and tennis buffs follow the tournament news faithfully. This year when the dust had settled, something new happened. Eddie and Nan Williamson, founders of the annual Mitchell County Pro-Tennis Invitational, decided the businesses that contribute so much to the success of the event should be recognized in some way. A luncheon was held as a thank you and also as a way to let the community know just how much work and generosity is involved with the tournament. Already in 2008, $42,000 has been given to four primary charities with another $7,000 still available. The list of sponsors is long — too long to include here — but to each and every one, thank you for your continued support.
The newest class of Leadership Albany has identified a service project for its group. The turtles that are such a unique part of downtown are in need of a shell makeover. Chuck Darsey of the group has asked permission of the Albany City Commission (and it has been granted) for the class to take on the task of the shell-lifts. Let’s see ... something needs doing and someone volunteers to do it. Guess that’s why it’s called “Leadership” Albany.
— The Albany Herald Editorial Board