Archive for January, 2010

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A new ADICA?

– January 27, 2010Posted in: Jim Wilcox

It’s a new year, and looks like the city will be forming a new Albany-Dougherty Inner City Authority board.

As most have said for some time, the entire board needed to be replaced in order for the public to have any confidence at all in their actions.

We feel Jim Taylor, the interim downtown director, should remain in that position, until some real progress is made in a positive direction. There is no need to re-hire a replacement for Don Buie until we have a clear plan and something concrete to manage.

What has really changed now? The same two or three people own all the buildings downtown, holding out for a huge profit. Are there any real prospects who will locate downtown if we do produce available locations?

City leaders should hear loud and clear that there are many who do not want another penny spent downtown. That represents the level of distrust for what’s going on. They are correct to ask, “What’s in it for me? How is it going to move us forward?”

We agree there must be a vibrant downtown for our city to make progress.

But where is the renovated master plan for work downtown?

Where is the leadership, meeting with groups around town, rallying support for a new start? Until you get voter buy-in on why a downtown investment will work, you will not succeed.

Jim Wilcox1Written by Jim Wilcox, general manager of WALB.

Tags: ADICA, downtown
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Symphony to present ‘Baroque Germany’ on Feb. 20

– January 27, 2010Posted in: Events

Take a winter trip to “Baroque Germany” with the Albany Symphony Orchestra, Feb. 20, 2010. Enjoy the rare opportunity to hear all six of Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos. Each concerto features a varied group of soloists, which will showcase outstanding principal players from the ASO.

ASO Conductor Claire Fox Hillard joins the orchestra as violin soloist for this concert. In addition featured soloists from the orchestra include ASO Concertmaster Alexander Reshetnichenko, Principal 2nd Violin Gerome Stewart, Principal Viola Renate Falkner, Principal Cello Steven Thomas. Also featured are Principal Flute Elizabeth Goode, Principal Oboe Susan Brashier, Principal Bassoon Shannon Lowe, Principal French Horn Joshua Crook, Principal Trumpet Adam Hayes and Harpsichordist Marcia Hood.

“The 6 Brandenburg Concertos of Bach are masterpieces of the Baroque period.  As a group they are a summation of Bach’s mastery of instrumental writing,” said ASO Music Director, Claire Fox Hillard. He continues, “They also provide a wonderful opportunity for the Albany Symphony to showcase many of the extremely talented principal players in the orchestra.  I look forward to conducting and performing the marvelous compositions with my colleagues.”

The six Brandenburg Concertos by Johann Sebastian Bach concertos are considered both as a culmination of Bach’s talents as a composer – showcasing all the compositional tools he had at his disposal, and as a pinnacle of Baroque musical composition.

Each concerto in the set is written for a different combination of instruments. The works are concerti grossi, each with a group of soloists supported by a string orchestra and continuo.  Bach undoubtedly had in mind a string “orchestra” of one player per part, resulting in works with a distinctly chamber quality.

All concerts of the ASO’s Subscription Series begin at a new time this season, 7:30 p.m. Saturdays at the Albany Municipal Auditorium, 201 N. Jackson St. at Pine Ave. New this season:

    ·       All seating will be reserved.
    ·       All Concert attendees are invited to “Conversations with the Conductor” at the Albany Municipal Auditorium, 6:30 p.m.
    ·       Also new this season is the “Conductor’s Circle.” Take advantage of this membership opportunity for patrons at the Carnegie Library. The Conductor’s Circle will be open at intermission for drinks and snacks and after the concert for an opportunity to meet the evening’s guest artists and enjoy wine, coffee, cheese and desserts. Single concert memberships: $15 per person, Season Pass (5 performances including Fundraiser Pops): $50 per person.
    Contact the ASO office or go to www.albanysymphony.org for pricing and further information. Individual subscription concert tickets are $35 – $38 (senior/military $30 -  $33) depending on seat location. Students $8. Tickets are available at the door or in advance by calling 430-8933.
Tags: Events, music, symphony
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This Week’s What-Cha Say

– January 27, 2010Posted in: WhatCha-Say?

REGARDING THE NEW BUS station proposed for Albany, City Manager Alfred Lott talks out of both sides of his mouth. No wonder Albany is in the shape it’s in. He has the same mindset as our president – spend, spend and spend. Don’t worry where the money comes from. Lott, you need to stay focused. There is a huge payment due to one of the Albany Fire Department’s finest. Have those figures been posted on the books on what it’s going to cost to reinstate Mr. Pait? The taxpayers have a right to know.

THE CITY IS APPEALING the Pait decision, so he won’t get any money until the legal issues are dealt with.

THANK GOD FOR THE searchers, volunteer and professional, who put so much time into trying to find the people who were missing – the hunter, dear Mrs. Corley, and little Jyquez. You are a blessing to this community and world. Peace be with you.

WHATEVER HAPPENED TO THE Albany sign task farce?

REGARDING SAGGY PANTS, THERE are laws already in place to properly enforce these violations. As we all know, this is not a race- or gender-specific problem. As far as the suggestion to lock parents up for not raising their children right, come on guy and be serious. I guess if your child gets a DUI, then the parent needs to be locked up, also?

THE WHOLE STATE NEEDS to get a law against saggy pants on the books. It’s sick looking! It makes them look so stupid having to walk with their legs spread out just to hold their pants up! A lot of people say though that when you wear your pants down past your butt, it means you’re available. That’s how it got started in prisons.

I WISH TERRELL COUNTY schools would outlaw saggy pants. They let them go to school this way and get on the bus. The pants dragging down to the knees. The students run the Terrell County School System.

MR. LAWMAKER, WHILE YOU are at it, can you also ban middrift-baring shirts and please, please ban big fat people from wearing Spandex pants. It offends my sensibilities. And one more wish — please ban low cut blouses. And while you are at it, please, please ban bad comb-overs. Who do they think they are kidding? A bald head is beautiful.

IF YOU ARE TRYING to be funny, well, I’m not laughing. This is a real problem and if you want to bury your head in the sand with everybody else, go ahead. But don’t try and belittle the honorable commissioner Jack Stone.

WHILE IT PROBABLY WON’T be well-received … you GO, Jack Stone! Amen. You would think that common sense and human decency and home-training would prevent such behavior. It’s disgusting and vulgar. Do they think they look good like that?! Do they think the girls think it’s sexy? And HOW in the world do the pants stay up? (Or do we really want to know?!) They look SO stupid, and one day when they’re 40 they’ll realize it and feel like such idiots. I hope they will, anyway. And some people wonder why they get no respect.

RON WHITE SAYS IT best and says it often and it certainly applies to saggy pants: You can’t fix stupid.

THE PUNISHMENT FOR SAGGING should be mandatory nudity from the waist down. That’s right, make them walk around nude. If they had to walk around naked, then maybe the savages would appreciate clothes after a month or two. Seriously though, the police have more to do than to enforce wardrobe malfunctions. Idiots will do anything to gain attention and normal society has to look at dirty drawers.

WHY DON’T YOU PEOPLE just stop looking? No one cares how you feel about saggy pants. And you talk about all this Christianity and whatnot — are you serious? Well, how do you think people that aren’t Christians feel when they see you walking around with crosses and all this Jesus stuff on and going to church on Sundays, but they see you at the bar getting trashed on Friday nights. And people wonder what the world is coming to. There are more important things to spend money on than enforcing saggy pants laws. What about the people in Haiti? You think they care about saggy pants right about now? No. Now grow up and do something that matters.

DO YOU REALLY WANT your kids looking at saggy pants. If you have little children and you let your kids dress or look at this, then you should go to jail. Pants should be up around your waist. Thank you, Mr. Jack Stone. At least some one in our local government has Christian values and family values.

IT’S NOT ABOUT CRIMES; it’s about showing respect to others around you. Nobody wants to see your underwear, dummy! PUT THEM IN LOCKDOWN, Mr. Stone.

AS FAR AS THE saggy pants go, they can charge them with public indecency. The texting-while-driving can be handled by charging them with distracted driving after an accident. No need to put new laws on the books when they already exist.

THE POINT OF TEXT-MESSAGING legislation is to PREVENT crashes. There are existing laws that cover the concept of driving while distracted in the context of causing an accident. In fact, the legislation now considered in Atlanta is a joke because it only fines the driver $100. There need to be teeth in this law so that people will think twice before driving and texting so that people won’t have to be killed or seriously injured. It’s about prevention, not punishment.

Tags: saggy pants, What-Cha Say
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For the people … of Haiti

– January 27, 2010Posted in: Fair Response

As the devastation of Haiti unites the world, we must not forget the importance of love. For many years Haiti has been looked over. It amazes me that it takes tragedy in order for global powers to focus on the living conditions of people who live in poverty.

Now I am not trying to criticize any country, but Haiti has been needing the aid of the world for decades. I understand that many nations look down upon third-world countries like Haiti, but I thought we were all a part of the human race. There is an old saying, “Give people their flowers while they yet live.” This is said because when a person dies, they will not know how much you cared about them.

It should not have taken the death to thousands for the world to let Haiti know that we cared about this “small” country. The same is the case for New Orleans. Haiti deserves what she is receiving now, and she deserves even more in the future.

This is not a time to invest in buildings or business; now is the time to invest in the people of Haiti. Now is the time to feed them, clothe them and lift them up. Yet, my thoughts are not with just the now, but with the later. That is, when all the smoke clears, and the aid workers go home, and some of the buildings have been rebuilt, how much news will Haiti then render.

Will we only hear about Haiti when there is civil unrest or will we hear about the progression of Haiti in years to come?

What the world is doing now is great, but it is what the world does in the future that will render the most admiration. Haiti, a country that did not have much to begin with, now has nothing; yet, if measures are not taken, Haiti will go back into the injustice of poverty rather than the liberation of the true meaning of “change.” The Haitians are children of God; now it is time we treat them as such.

The devastation in Haiti was an awaking to the need of humanity to feed the sick, clothe the naked, and love each other. Haiti’s value to the world should not have just come to light, Haiti should have been just as important to the world as America and Europe.

For so much of the world is defined by wealth, and so little is defined by true humanity. As Haiti heals from this devastation, let us not forget that the great need of mankind, is not that of cars or clothes, but that of love. When we love, we never let those we love go without. So, from now on let us love Haiti, not just for these moments, but for the moments when Haiti is left to the Haitians.

Tags: haiti
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Albany Advocacy Resource Center: Selfless Service

– January 27, 2010Posted in: KK Snyder

While most of us run through our days trying to complete a never-ending to do list, chances are we have some free time in there somewhere. What we do with that free time, however, could be life changing, for ourselves and for others.

When Millie Turner retired from banking a couple of years ago, she knew sitting home day after day was not going to work for her. So when she was approached about serving as a volunteer with Albany Advocacy Resource Center (AARC), she knew that was her answer.

Today, she volunteers once a week, sometimes twice, at the Albany ARC Adult Day/Independent Living Program, helping people with disabilities tackle a variety of life skills, from balancing checkbooks and housekeeping tasks to personal hygiene and clothing care.

“I thought maybe I could give something back to the community this way,” said Turner. “Funny how God works; instead of me teaching them, they teach me love, understanding and patience.”

Turner said certain consumers, AARC’s name for the physically and mentally challenged people they serve, have specific goals during the time they spend at the center, and she is there to help them meet those goals. From working on math skills and learning to write checks to spelling and reading improvement, she is there to help.

“We do math and she helps us…we go one by one to do an answer. She’s a very good helper,” shared Rhonda Smith, a consumer.

And Turner is not alone. Others volunteer regularly at AARC as well, including April Everett, a hair professional with Fusion Salon & Spa, who began cutting ARC consumers’ hair over a year ago. Everett dedicates one Monday per month – her off day from the salon – to cutting hair free of charge for 10 to 20 consumers.

“I’ve always wanted to give back,” said Everett. “I’m blessed to have a great career. I can’t give all my clients free service, but I wanted to give back in some way.

“It’s an extreme blessing to be able to give to these consumers. They really appreciate it.”

The Day Center is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. Not only does it give the consumers somewhere to go and an opportunity to learn and interact with others, it also provides some relief for their caregivers, said Lou Johnson, community resource coordinator for AARC, who served for years as a volunteer before joining the staff a few years ago.

“It gives all these people a purpose and a wonderful life that they wouldn’t have without it,” she said regarding the center. “I live and breathe it.”

Today, AARC serves more than 1,000 consumers, about 50 of which attend the day program, enjoying leisure activities along with learning life skills such as grooming and cooking. Some arrive by city bus that drops them off just across a side street from the front door, and others are dropped off by their caregivers.

“They would be so miserable and bored,” without this program, said Kaycee Gilliard, director of the day program. “It’s very important for them. It teaches independence and living skills that enable them to live out on their own.”

Some AARC consumers live on their own in apartments, with financial assistance from the organization to meet their needs. Others live in one of five group homes and two apartment complexes operated by AARC. Additional housing is currently under construction to meet the growing needs, she added.

Many AARC consumers are active in Special Olympics, another area where volunteers are invaluable, said Gilliard. “With Special Olympics, we couldn’t do anything without our volunteers. And without the volunteers, many of our clients couldn’t get the services they enjoy. It’s the friendship they gain through our volunteers that is so special.”

AARC is headed by Annette Bowling, who began working with the organization in 1974, when few services were available in the Albany area for people with disabilities. Since then, working hand in hand with other providers, AARC has grown to offer a wide variety of services, including early intervention, pre-school, autism care and job placement programs. In addition, they offer services for parolees and a mental health court.

With the support of a strong board, as well as volunteers offering everything from time and money to clothing and furniture, the dedicated staff of AARC continues to serve this special population. For more information, call (229) 888-6852 or visit them online at www.albanyarc.org.

K.K. Snyder is a freelance writer and editor based in the Albany area. With over 20 years

in the industry, she writes for a number of magazines and newspapers around the country and

has published hundreds of articles, with topics ranging from travel and real estate to art

and personality profiles. In addition, she is the author of Frommer’s Atlanta travel guidebook,

which she rewrites every two years.

Tags: AARC, ARC, community, featured
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Letter to Editor: Can Sanford Bishop here us now?

– January 27, 2010Posted in: Politics

Letter to the Editor

“Can you hear me now?” All politicians had best pay close attention. In 2006 and 2008, the American people reminded the Republican Party that it had strayed from the values that brought the GOP into power in the first place.

Democrats seemed to take the 2008 elections as some kind of mandate for big government and big spending. Yesterday in Massachusetts, the people sent yet another message.

Scott Brown did not tout political party. He focused on service. Someone referred to the seat that “belonged” to Senator Kennedy. Scott Brown quickly replied that the seat did not “belong” to anyone except the people of Massachusetts.

Sanford Bishop has held office for nearly two decades. He betrayed us. In the past year, Southwest Georgians flooded his office with calls and showed up at his District offices pleading with him to represent them. He turned a deaf ear to his constituents. He chose instead to serve Nancy Pelosi and the liberal establishment.

Maybe Bishop has placed a false sense of security in the farmers who have traditionally supported him. That is a big mistake. Farmers have a rock solid foundation in the basic freedoms of Americans. They will not sell out those values for paltry peanut or cotton quotas.

Farmers are listening to their friends at church, civic clubs, out hunting, and over coffee and biscuits. They do not like what they are hearing. Bishop’s big problem now is that with Massachusetts, people in Southwest Georgia believe that they can elect a Republican.

In November, all across this country, incumbents will be giving the unthinkable concession speech. Americans will again be asking, “Can you hear me now?”

Donald E. Cole
Cordele

(Cole chairs the Georgia Republican Party’s Second Congressional District)

Tags: sanford bishop, scott brown
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Obituaries

– January 27, 2010Posted in: Obituaries

Eugene Alls Sr.

Eugene Alls Sr., 92, of Albany died on Monday, Jan. 18, 2010 at his home. Funeral services were held Tuesday at Piney Grove Baptist Church, 3210 W. Madison St., Albany. Interment was at Riverside Cemetery.

Meadows Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Donald Z. Cox

The graveside funeral service of Donald “Don” Z. Cox, 81, who died Friday, Jan. 22, 2010 at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, were conducted Monday at Crown Hill Cemetery. Rev. Mark Amsbaugh officiated. Mathews Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

A native of Greer, S.C., born to the late Zeb Cox and Ruth Cox, he lived in Albany since 1950. Mr. Cox retired as a master sergeant from the U.S. Air Force after 23 years and was a veteran of the Korean and Vietnam wars. After retiring from the Air Force, he was employed with the Lilliston Corp. for 16 years as a chief electrician.

Mr. Cox was a member of the American Legion Post 30 and a member of Spring Hill Baptist Church in Mitchell County. He had a passion for gardening and loved to share the fruits of his labor with friends.

Survivors include his wife, Irene Cox , of Lee County; a daughter, Doreen Sterling and her husband, Calvin, of Lee County; two brothers, Jimmy Cox of Murrells Inlet, S.C., and Arthur Cox of Charleston, S.C.; four sisters, Joyce Denilen of Brooksville, Fla., Martha LaFoy of Greer, S.C., Lala Caddell of Whispering Pines, N.C., and Nancy Lunn, Tequesta, Fla.; one grandson, Jason Andrew Sterling and his wife, Kelli, of Sebastian, Fla.; and three great grandchildren, Teagan, Cason and Bailey Sterling.

An online guestbook memorializing Mr. Cox is at www.mathewsfuneralhome.com.

Shirley Hatcher Hartsfield

The graveside funeral service of Shirley Hatcher Hartsfield, 72, of Leesburg, who died Thursday, Jan. 21, 2010 at her residence, was conducted Saturday at Crown Hill Cemetery. Rev. Bobby Moye officiated. Mathews Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

A native of Mitchell County, Mrs. Hartsfield resided in Leesburg most of her life. She was a clerk with U-Save-It Pharmacies and was of the Baptist faith. She was preceded in death by her husband, Troy Rayburn, and a daughter, Dianne Lynn Anglin.

Survivors include a grandson and his wife, Brian and Catherine Anglin of Knoxville, Tenn.; two brothers, Joe Hatcher and his wife, Frances, of Mitchell County, and Herman Hatcher of Raleigh, N.C.; and a sister and her husband, Elizabeth and Charles Taliaferro of Albany.

An online guestbook memorializing Mrs. Hartsfield is at www.mathewsfuneralhome.com.

Sara Mauldin

Sara Mauldin, 83, of Albany died Friday, Jan. 22, 2010 at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital. Her funeral service was held Tuesday at Kimbrell-Stern Funeral Directors. Dr. Matthew Nance officiated. Interment was in Leesburg Cemetery.

A native and lifelong resident of Albany, Mrs. Mauldin was born July 24, 1926 to the late James Davis McBride and Marie Daffin McBride. She was retired from the state Health Department as a dental hygienist, was a member of Byne Memorial Baptist Church for 35 years, and was a volunteer with the Easter Seal. Mrs. Mauldin loved gardening and cooking. She was preceded in death by her husband, Forrest Hill Mauldin, and a brother, James McBride.

Survivors include a son, Tommy Burnett of Leesburg; four stepdaughters Leisa Rehm of South Carolina, Dawn Gibbs of South Carolina; Brenda Mauldin and Hilda Pace; a sister, Gladys McBride Thrift of Leesburg; two grandchildren Tommy Burnett III of Albany; Brian Burnett of Albany two step-granddaughter’s and three great-grandchildren.

You may sign an online guestbook and share your own special thoughts with the family of Mrs. Mauldin by visiting Kimbrell-Stern’s website at www.kimbrellstern.com.

Debbie Moore

Mrs. Debbie Moore, 57, of Lee County died Monday, Jan. 18, 2010 at Palmyra Medical Centers. The funeral service was held Friday at Kimbrell-Stern Funeral Directors. Mr. Quinn Davis officiated.

A native of Thomaston, Ga., Mrs. Moore lived in the Albany area most of her life where she was a housewife. She was a member of Philema Road Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents Rilla Parks and John Bodrey.

Survivors include her husband Dave Moore of Leesburg; two sons Mike Mize and his wife Heather of Albany; Ricky Mize and his wife MaryAnn of Albany; six sisters Nita Hite and her husband Gil of South Carolina; Marsha Chatham and her husband Ronnie of Cartersville, GA; Dianne Enos and her husband Mark of Washington State; Sandra McManus and her husband Tim of Putney; Viviane Royals of Camilla; Marie Harrell and her husband Joel of Sylvester, GA; a brother Johnny Bodrey and his wife Dot of Albany; Grandchildren Courtney Mize of California, Melanie Mize, Chasity Mize, Mike Mize III, GaryGlen Mize; The twins Little Ricky and Marissa Mize all of Albany; and Victoria Dietzel. Several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Albany Humane Society, 1705 Oakridge Dr., Albany, GA 31707. You may sign the online guestbook and share your own special thoughts with the family of Mrs. Moore by visiting Kimbrell-Stern’s website at www.kimbrellstern.com.

Edna Laurie Morman O’Conner

Edna Laurie Morman O’Conner, 93, of Gillionville Road in Albany died Jan. 24, 2010 at her residence. Her body will be cremated with services at a later date.

A native of Monticello, NY and a longtime resident of Florida Mrs. O’Conner lived in Albany since 2007. Mrs. O’Conner was a member of the Rudolich Trowbridge Park #73 Auxiliary in Monticello and was retired Manager and Buyer for the former Hotel Concord Gift Shop.

She was born to the late Charles A. and Eloise Pelton Morman and widow to the late Martin J. O’Conner who died in 1992.

Survivors include her daughter, Maureen Kleiman of Okeechobee, FL, granddaughter, Karissa Burton of Margot, FL, nieces, Eloise Warfel of Hernando, MS and Marea Gold of Princeton, IL, nephew Charles A. Morman of Loch Sheldrake, NY, devoted friends, John and Dee Patton of Leesburg, GA.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Mary Carol O’Conner, brothers, Charles A. Morman, James Morman and a sister, Eleanor Grace.

You may sign the online guest book and share your own special thoughts with the family of Mrs. O’Conner by visiting Kimbrell-Stern’s website at www.kimbrellstern.com.

Marvin S. Singletary

Marvin S. Singletary, 68, of Albany, died Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2010. His funeral service was Saturday at Porterfield Memorial United Methodist Church with interment to at Crown Hill Cemetery. The Rev. Dr. Donald M. Kea and the Rev. Leigh Ann Raynor officiated.

Mr. Singletary was born in Cuthbert, GA. He graduated from Suwanee Military Academy, Suwanee, TN. He attended Emory University, and he graduated from the University of Georgia with a BBA degree in 1963. He was a member of the SAE Fraternity. Mr. Singletary was a partner of Singletary Farms in Blakely, GA as well as Chairman and director of the Bank of Early and One South Financial with banks in North Florida and Georgia. He was formerly Chairman and President of the Blakely Peanut Company, Blakely, GA.

Mr. Singletary was a Past Chairman of the National Peanut Council, Washington, DC, Past Chairman of the Southeastern Peanut Association, Albany, GA, Past Chairman of the Peanut Administrative Committee, Atlanta, GA, and Past President of the Georgia Crop Improvement Association, Athens, GA.

Mr. Singletary was a member of Porterfield Memorial United Methodist Church of Albany, GA. He was a Silver Beaver, District Award of Merit, Scout Master, and member of the Board of Directors of the Southwest Georgia Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Mr. Singletary was the proud father of three Eagle Scouts. He served on the Southwest Georgia Cancer Coalition from 2000-2006, on the Advisory Board of the Georgia Museum of History, as a Board Member of the Nature Conservancy of Georgia from 1993-1999, as a Past Vice President and Trustee of the Leadership Georgia Foundation, as a Director of the Georgians for Better Transportation, as Task Force Chairman and member of the Governor’s Growth Strategies Commission from 1987-1988, as Chairman of the Lower U.S. Highway 27 Development Committee, as Past Member of the Board of Directors of the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association, as Past President of the Early County (Georgia) Cattlemen’s Association, and as Past President and Director of the Blakely Early County Chamber of Commerce. He was Past President and Director of Rotary Club of Blakely, and was a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary Foundation of Rotary International.

He enjoyed archeology, conservation of natural resources, and hunting. He authored numerous articles and publications on these topics.

Mr. Singletary was preceded in death by his mother, Margaret Sparks Singletary and his brother, Raymond Clifford Singletary. He is survived by his wife: Henrietta McArthur Singletary, Albany; 3 sons: Marvin McArthur Singletary, St. Simons Island, GA, Raymond Quillian Singletary, Atlanta, GA, Henry Duncan Singletary, Macon, GA; father: Raymond Cook Singletary, Jr., Blakely, GA; sister: Anne Singletary Hammack and her husband James Albert Hammack, Dalton, GA; a cousin: James Steven Singletary, Blakely, GA.; and many other relatives.

Those desiring may send memorials to the Chehaw Council of Boy Scouts of America, P.O. Box 469, Albany, GA 31702. You may sign the online guestbook and share your memories with the family of Marvin S. Singletary by visiting Kimbrell-Stern’s website at www.kimbrellstern.com.

Drusilla Rauther Steward

Drusilla M. Rauther Steward, 82, of Sylvester, passed away Saturday, Jan. 23, 2009 at Sylvester Health Care. At her request her Mrs. Steward’s remains have been cremated and no services are planned. Hall and Hall Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

George A. Walker Jr.

George A. Walker Jr. 79, of Leslie Highway in Leesburg, died Jan. 21, 2010 at his residence. Funeral services were Monday at Kimbrell-Stern Funeral Directors. Rev. Raymond Smith officiated. Interment was in Crown Hill Cemetery.

A native of Bleckley County, Ga., Mr. Walker lived in Leesburg since 1970. He was of the Baptist faith. Mr. Walker served as the Chief of Police in Smithville, GA in the early 1960’s and was retired from the State of Georgia sign Department with 25 years of service. He will always be remembered for his love of drawing and his passion for art and especially the time and love he gave his granddaughters.

Survivors include his son, Norman Walker and his wife Laura of Sylvester, GA, granddaughters, Mallori Walker and Emily Walker both of Sylvester, GA

Mr. Walker was preceded in death by his beloved wife of over 48 years Peggy Walker.

You may sign the online guestbook and share your own special thoughts with the family of Mr. Walker by visiting Kimbrell-Stern’s website at www.kimbrellstern.com.

William Ray Wheeler

William Ray Wheeler, 79, of Baconton passed away Monday, Jan. 18, 2010 at Palmyra Medical Center. Services honoring the life of Mr. Wheeler were conducted Friday in the chapel of Hall and Hall Funeral Home with Bishop Phil Millerd officiating. Interment was in Andersonville National Cemetery with military honors.

Mr. Wheeler was born May 14, 1930 in Nashville, TN, son of the late James Walter Wheeler I and Bessie Turner Wheeler. Mr. Wheeler was a veteran in the United States Marine Corps, enjoyed fishing and was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints. He was very active in several organizations. He was President of the Park Avenue merchants association in Winter Park FL and was also Grand Marshall of their St. Patrick’s Day parade back in the 70′s. He was active in the local florist association in Orlando, FL, the Central Florida Florist Association where he served in almost every position, from Secretary to Vice President to President. He was also a past President of the Florida State florist association and was awarded their place in the Sun award in 1984. He helped establish the Florida State Florist Federal Credit Union. He was at one time on the board of directors and a field service director for FTD (Florist Trans-World Delivery) and also served as treasurer of FTD.

Survivors include his loving wife of twenty-eight years, Beverly Beck Wheeler of Baconton; sons, James Walter Wheeler III and his wife, Deborah and Robert E. Lee and his wife, Kelly; daughters, Rossanne Vigliano and Cynthia L. Derksen and her husband, Bernard; step-son, Michael J. Hodges; step-daughter, Tracy Lavine; sister, Elizabeth Ross Bennett; 9 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

Sara Page

Sara Page of Albany died Monday, Jan. 25, 2010 at her home. Her funeral service will be at 4 p.m. Thursday at Crown Hill Mausoleum Chapel with entombment to follow. Mr. Tommy Wright Jr. will officiate.

Mrs. Page was born in Fork, SC, and had lived in Dawson for 36 years prior to moving to Albany in 2009. She was a sales representative with Avon in Dawson.

Mrs. Page is survived by her husband: John Page, Albany; a daughter: Sandie Cercopely, Goose Creek, SC; 2 grandchildren: Karen Burlingame, N. Charleston, SC, Andrew Burlingame, Aspen, CO; 3 nieces: Mrs. Betty and Max Pickren, Sylvester, Mrs. Jackie and Scott Hemmings, Albany, Mrs. Esther and Charlie Black, Albany; a nephew: Mrs. Cynthia and Tommy Wright, Jr., Blakely; numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at Kimbrell-Stern today (Wednesday) from 6 to 8 p.m.

Those desiring may send memorials to the Albany Community Hospice, P.O. Box 1828, Albany, GA 31702. You may sign the online guestbook and share your memories with the family of Sara Page by visiting Kimbrell-Stern’s website at www.kimbrellstern.com.

Tags: Obituaries
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Best Webs of 2009

– January 27, 2010Posted in: Geek Speak

Here is my promised “Best Webs of 2009”. Let me define my use of the word “best”. I don’t necessarily mean the ones with the largest traffic counts or the ones that garnered the most design awards last year, but the ones that from my experience can be of the greatest use to my technically oriented readers; those that meet my standards for readability, usefulness and accuracy of content. If you want the top traffic sites, look to alexa.com for their top 50. Here goes, sort of in order!

The most important Website overall is Google, hands down the best search engine and so much more, a great, customizable Home Page for most anyone. The only rival to the features of Google is Yahoo and I do not consider them close. If you want an alternative search engine, try Bing or try WolframAlpha for computable information.

Second spot goes to Facebook because they are the premier social networking site, with due respect to MySpace and Twitter and the others.

Amazon is my top choice for online retailing in spite of the huge popularity of eBay. Amazon also makes it easy, pretty much does it right and covers a huge amount of stuff you might want to purchase. Amazon provides an immense interface for small retailers and individuals who want to sell new or used equipment and books.

YouTube has to be mentioned because of the huge number of visitors and the vast inventory of videos that are linked to their site. There is something for every taste and preference on YouTube and their offerings are always topical. Beware, there is no censor to keep offensive uploads off of YouTube.

My next site is not in Alexa’s top 50, but it is very useful to PC users. FileHippo is my choice for downloads for a couple of reasons: they are fast and clean and they don’t just put any old software on their site. If you look at their top downloads list you can get a sense of what might be useful to you.

For technical questions about computers or the Internet, I recommend Webopedia, even though traffic data might direct you to Wikipedia. Remember that Wikipedia definitions are reader generated and while many are accurate and trustworthy, some are subject to question. If you want to know how to do something, try eHow.com. For example there is an article at eHow that tells you how to use WolframAlpha.

Number seven, if you’re counting is cnet for technical news and for reviews of techie products. If you want to see what’s new or coming down the pike, here’s the spot. They can also give you reviews on anything from a camera to laptop or almost any techie toy.

My last top pick for 2009 is my favorite technical guru for those of us that are not real gurus. If you want to read one tip of the day or refer to one technical Website, select Kim Komando at Komando.com. She also has a weekly radio call in show on Saturday mornings in our market.

jimhallWritten by Jim Hall. Email your questions to geekspeak@mchsi.com . You can find Jim online at HallsTrainingSolutions.com

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ASU to hold Haiti concert

– January 27, 2010Posted in: Events

The tragic natural disaster that occurred in Haiti has prompted the students of Albany State University to hold a benefit concert at 6 p.m. Sunday, January 30th,  in HPER Gymnasium on the ASU campus. Doors will open at 5 p.m.

“The Hope for Haiti benefit concert is sure to be a success because we as a community are passionate about showing the love and support that we have for Haiti,” said Krystina Lowery, the ASU Student Government Association vice president of public relations. “With all that the citizens of Haiti have been through and all other donations that have been collected for Haiti, ASU students wanted to do their part by giving back, as well.”

ASU students and acts from the community will perform at the concert. Admission is a monetary donation for Haiti relief. Checks may be made payable to the ASU Foundation with “Haiti Relief” on the memo line. All donations will go to the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund.

The concert is sponsored by Albany State University and the ASU Student Government Association.

Tags: asu, charity, haiti, music
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The problem with America? Americans

– January 27, 2010Posted in: Tom Knighton

Every day, in any given media outlet, someone will tell you who’s to blame for the sorry state of our country. Liberals will shout from the roof tops that the problem lies at the feet of conservatives who favored going to war with Iraq and in stripping away civil liberties. Conservatives will point their wagging fingers at liberals who, they claim, want to support those who refuse to work with your money and are actively seeking to destroy the American family.

Both are wrong. As a Libertarian, I have the good fortune to be able to look at both sides and recently I realized one very important thing. Both have completely lost sight of what has really happened in this country. The problem with America is, unfortunately, that it’s full of Americans.

When I was a kid, welfare was in full swing, but there was a stigma attached. You didn’t brag about your “check”. You hid that fact as best you could. People were shameful of a government handout. The disabled didn’t so much hide it, because often they couldn’t, and the retired didn’t because no one viewed Social Security as a hand out. They had paid into it after all.

The American family was going strong, despite the climbing divorce rate, because people looked at family as a constant. You entered into marriage with the intent, at least, of it being for a lifetime. You married, had kids, and lived a long life together.

What happened to those days?

The conservatives and the liberals will each blame the other for what has happened, but that’s not true. You see, the liberals and conservatives forget that they can only do what the people of this nation allow them to do, and they’ve been allowed plenty. I’ve heard some pretty ridiculous things out and about in this town, and so far few have seen anything to indicate that the problem is that the culture of America has shifted.

Americans of today are softer, more used to getting their way than ever before. With the comforts that exist is just about every home in this nation, it’s little surprise. They expect things to happen and they expect only good to come of life. When it doesn’t, it’s somebody’s fault.

Take, for example, the recent housing crisis. It’s so recent, it’s still going on. How many times did you hear “predatory lending practices”? Plenty, right? Now ask yourself this: who made those people take out loans for houses they knew they couldn’t afford? The answer is no one. They did that themselves, but as with most Americans these days, they want to blame someone else.

The answer to a lot of this nation’s problems aren’t political, they’re cultural. People have lost sight of what we once were as a nation. They forget that our heroes of yesteryear suffered mightily and that their suffering helped forge them into the nation we have today. From Washington at Valley Forge, to Davy Crockett at the Alamo. Men, and women, dealt with hardship stoically. They didn’t whine about how unfair it was or how it was someone else’s fault.

Our culture has lost that toughness it seems. Not completely, as was evidenced after 9/11, but a lot of it. If we don’t get it back soon though, we may just lose it forever. And that would be a loss of a national treasure that is beyond measure.

tomknightonWritten by Tom Knighton. Read his blog at SWGA Politics.com.

A lifelong political junkie, Tom started out his adult life as a journalism major at Darton College before leaving school to serve his nation as a U.S. Navy Corpsman.

Through the years, he has watched government from outside and inside. A former Reagan supporter, then later a Democrat, Tom now finds himself quite comfortable as a card carrying Libertarian and all around smart-elec.

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