Former Marine, FBI agent named Mentor of the Month

MOULTRIE, Ga. — The Moultrie Junior Woman’s Club recently announced the September Mentor of the Month: Art Ellis. Ellis served his country for 14 years in the Marines and 20 years in the FBI, according to a press release from the club. After retirement, he became a YMCA mentor after a church member asked him about it. Ellis’ father was also in the Marines, which meant he was absent for long periods of time while performing his duties. This allowed Ellis to sympathize with what it felt like to have a dad who was not in the home, the Junior Woman’s Club said. In his six years working as a YMCA mentor, Ellis has had the pleasure of working with the same mentee, the club said. He started his journey at Sunset Elementary and has grown with his mentee to Colquitt County High School.

 

Whitfield County school board reschedules meetings

DALTON, Ga. —  The Whitfield Board of Education has rescheduled meetings that were canceled on Monday because of concerns about possible inclement weather. The board will have a called work session on Monday, Sept. 18, at 5:30 p.m. at the central office, 1306 S. Thornton Ave. The agenda includes an executive session (no subject is specified). The board will have its regular meeting at 6:30 p.m.

 

ABAC Family Weekend set for Sept. 29-30

TIFTON, Ga. – Students at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College will welcome family and friends to the campus on Sept. 29-30 during the college’s seventh annual Family Weekend. To purchase tickets for ABAC’s Family Weekend event, participants can go to http://www.purplepass.com/abacfamilyweekend. Tickets are $15 for students, $25 for friends and family, and children five and under free of charge.  The price includes refreshments, a t-shirt, and dinner on Sept. 30. The deadline to purchase tickets is Sept. 21. Dean of Students Bernice Hughes said ABAC faculty and staff can attend events at no charge if they wear ABAC colors to the events.  ABAC faculty and staff interested in attending the dinner should make their reservations with Hughes at bhughes@abac.edu or call (229) 391-5130. Hughes said check-in for families will take place on Sept. 29 from 4-6 p.m. in the ABAC Lakeside lobby.  Those arriving early can also take part in the Parade of Rooms from 4-6 p.m. at ABAC Lakeside and ABAC Place.  From 6-8 p.m., visitors can enjoy cake with the Campus Assistants at the new Thrash Wellness Center and Foundation Legacy Pool. For more information on ABAC’s Family Weekend, interested persons can contact Hughes at bhughes@abac.edu.

 

Valdosta Humane Society accepting Florida donations

VALDOSTA, Ga. – To help Florida pets in need after Hurricane Irma, the Humane Society of Valdosta will be collecting donations.  “A lot of the rescues in Florida were damaged,” said Operations Coordinator Sara Purser. “They’ve also been taking in a lot of animal that got out or from people whose homes were destroyed.” Items needed include dog food, puppy food, cat food, kitten food, cat litter, litter boxes, kennels, blankets, towels, paper towels, cleaning supplies, puppy pads, cat and dog treats and toys. The Humane Society also hopes to pull some of the animals they know do not have homes. Currently, staff and volunteers plan to make their first Florida trip this weekend with more to follow. Donations are being accepted at 1740 W. Gordon St. in Remerton and at Petsmart every Saturday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Purser that added even sharing the post on Facebook regarding donations can help the cause.