A rose to the employees of Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle for their efforts in helping provide fans for vulnerable people through Helping Hands. Employees raised $1,272 to aid Helping Hands’ annual Fan Drive, enough to purchase 70 fans. Employees also donated 11 box fans for the drive. Thanks to Military Hardware, Helping Hands can purchase a fan for $18. In addition to a discounted price, Military Hardware also delivers the fans to Helping Hands for distribution. Heat Waves such as the one we are currently experiencing can have deadly consequences, so these fans not only ease suffering, but in some cases may actually save lives. We applaud these Baptist employees and hope it will be an inspiration for others to donate fans or money to the drive as well by dropping off fans or donations at the Helping Hands office at 223 22nd St. N. or sending a check (write “fan drive” in the memo section) to: Helping Hands Ministries, P.O. Box 1241, Columbus, MS, 39703.
A rose to the Lowndes County School District Board of Trustees, who voted unanimously Friday to change Caledonia’s school nickname from “Confederates,” a name adopted in the 1950s. Students, faculty and alumni will work to come up with a new nickname within 60 days. The symbolism evoked by the Confederates nickname comes at a time when communities everywhere are taking a serious look at what is venerated in public spaces. As the Germans of the post-Nazi era understood, symbols are values made visible. We are pleased to note that Caledonia is seeking a symbol that better reflects our better values. The Confederate name is archaic and divisive and has been for many, many years. We consider the board’s decision a mark of real progress in the community.
A thorn to the Lowndes County Board of Supervisors for its decision to table a mask requirement proposal during Tuesday’s meeting. Board members justified the decision by saying that it wanted more information about the number of cases in the county before joining the city of Columbus in requiring masks in public facilities. We believe it is far better to be proactive than reactive, which is precisely what the Board chose to do in tabling the proposal. While board members said they advocate wearing masks, their failure to act not only has the potential to create confusion about where citizens are and are not to require masks, but undermines an important message: Wearing masks is a critical tool to stop the spread of the pandemic in our community. The Board’s action on this is unfortunate and misguided.
A rose to Megan Colvin, Karla Morgan, Tawnya Blalock and Anna Pantano — two licensed counselors and two life coaches — who are using their expertise to help people cope with the stresses and anxieties created by the COVID-19 in our community. Through Facebook posts and Zoom meetings, “A Gathering Place” provides coping strategies, encouragement and resources, at no charge, during this unsettling time. Often, just realizing that you are not alone in feelings you may be experiencing is a comfort. The Gathering Place provides professional advice, but it also serves as a chance for people to share, comfort and encourage each other. The next Zoom session is planned for Thursday at 3:30 p.m. A link to register will be posted on the Facebook page, facebook.com/groups/779058405954868/. We applaud these four professionals for creating the wonderful community resource.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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