A rose to Nancy Guerry, who stepped down as executive director of Helping Hands after 32 years, and to her successor Jennifer Garrard, for whom we are sure Guerry will continue to be an inspiration, role model and resource. In her more than three decades in running the day-to-day operations of Helping Hands, Guerry has come to embody all that the nonprofit does in the community from food and financial assistance to summertime fans and innumerable other ways, depending on what is needed. Guerry’s rapport and working relationship with other area charities helped Helping Hands meet the immediate needs of those who found themselves facing an unexpected need. When it seemed there was no one to turn to, there was always Guerry and Helping Hands. Although she has left her official duties behind her, we have little doubt that Guerry will continue to serve her community in some capacity. We thank Guerry for her service and wish Garrard every success in this important role.
A rose to our local elected officials for their efforts to bring a pair of rental/utility assistance clinics to Columbus. City council members Joseph Mickens and Stephen Jones, along with state senator Angela Turner Ford and state representative Kabir Karriem, collaborated to hold clinics on Sept. 11 at East Columbus Gym and Sept. 19 at Sim Scott Park. Low-income renters facing hardship can apply for rental and utility assistance for up to 15 months under a federal COVID relief program. Although Mississippi was provided $186 million in funds for the Rental Assistance for Mississippians Program (RAMP), only a fraction of those funds have made its way to renters. These clinics will offer qualified residents information on applying for these funds, as well as a separate program that will pay $50 per month toward broadband access. We applaud our elected officials for leading the way to make sure our residents have access to these important programs.
A rose to the return of college football. Saturday afternoon, Mississippi State kicked off the 2021 season at Davis Wade Stadium against Louisiana Tech while Alabama opened defense of its national title against Miami in Atlanta. On Monday, Ole Miss also opens its season in Atlanta, taking on Louisville. After last year’s truncated season, which saw teams play an abbreviated schedule before largely empty stadiums because of the pandemic, this year’s games will feature the big crowds and the electric atmosphere that goes with it. For those who attend games, we urge continued caution: The pandemic has not ended, even though attendance restrictions have. Wear your masks and try to maintain social distancing as best you can. For those of us less inclined to attend games, there’s always the recliner and the TV remote, which remains the safest way to enjoy the action.
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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