New Year Recipes              

Relatively Good Funding - Poor Results

Besides the poor testing results demonstrated on the chart to the right, an equally alarming case for Wilcox County may be the numbers which were reported to the State regarding school safety. Statistics that were released by the Wilcox County Public School System reported just 4 Assaults and 3 cases of students being caught with drugs for the entire 2003 school year. These numbers seem to seriously contradict local reports.
Studying the chart, one can deduct: the problems with the Wilcox County Public School system can not be blamed entirely on poor finances. To the contrary, Wilcox Schools spend more money per student than any of the other schools that are included in this diagram.
Still, Wilcox’s scores for the Standard Achievement Test (SAT), the American College Test (ACT) and the graduate exam are low.
Given the condition of the school system, many parents are outraged. Alfred Mack, who this week, announces his candidacy for the District 5 Board of education seat poses the question “What is the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) at Wilcox Central High School (WCHS) doing about the conditions of our schools?” he adds, “People should be outraged with things the way they are. I want better for my children and for the other children who I’ve worked with for years.” Mack’s sentiments are echoed throughout the county.
“The state department of education has to help us when we do try to help ourselves,” explained one member of the Concern Parents and Citizens Group of Wilcox County. “When letters and correspondences are sent to the state that have facts, not rumors; proof and not speculation, the state needs to do their part to help us rid our system of the ones who are not doing the right things for our children. Parents need to pack each Board of Education meeting and know for themselves what is hap

Reception For the Honorable Judge Marvin W. Wiggins
A reception for the Honorable Judge Marvin W. Wiggins will be held at the Perform-ing Arts Center, located at 1000 Selma Avenue in Selma, Alabama on Monday, March 22, 2004. The reception will begin at 4:30 pm. Wiggins is up for re-election as the Circuit Judge of Alabama’s Fourth Judicial Circuit, which includes Bibb, Dallas, Hale, Perry and Wilcox Counties. Your presence is requested at this reception. “Stickin’ with Wiggins!”  Election day is June 1, 2004.

Register to Vote!

AFRICAN AMERICANS RIGHT TO VOTE, IN JEOPARDY

(Editorial--By Kenyatta Ray Continued from the March 3rd Voting Rights Coverage)

The passing of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was powerful! Voter registration by African Americans increased dramatically! By 1968, nearly 60% of eligible African Americans were registered to vote in Mississippi. In other southern states, the numbers began to rise as well. Between 1965 and 1990, the number of black state legislators and members of Congress rose from two to 160.
The purpose of the 1965 Act was to restore the right to vote guaranteed by the 14th and 15th Amendments. Some say that the Voting Rights Act, itself, was the single most successful piece of civil rights legislation ever passed.
The Voting Rights Act was extended in 1970, 1975, and 1982. President Ronald Regan extended the Act for another 25 years in 1982. What this means is that in the year 2007, the extension by Regan will expire. At this time, whether or not Blacks retain the right to vote will depend upon current lawmakers and how they decide to vote concerning the renewal of this Act.
    You may be wondering, 'how is this possible?' Well, in 1965, when President Johnson signed the Act, it was just that, an Act, not a law. Therefore, it is subject to being extended or being made a law. In order to get the Act extended, 38 states would have to approve the extension. Not only should the extension be approved, but also it should be made into a law. Blacks' right to vote should no longer be up for discussion, review and/or evaluation. So what can be done about this?  First of all, unregistered Blacks who are eligible to vote, MUST register to vote. Our ancestors have died for us to have this privilege. It should not be taken lightly. There is power in votes; and we must usethat power for the betterment of ourselves and communities. Secondly, during elections, Blacks must ensure a strong delegate of African Americans in offices at the local, state and national levels, who will stand up for civil rights and stand up for what is morally right.
    Third, we must contact our Congresspersons, Senators, Alderpersons, and others to request that the Voter's Rights Act be made a law. We have a very important campaign season ahead of us presently, both locally and regionally. Elections are June 1, 2004. And if you have not noticed, there appears to be a concerted effort by the White community to delegate a candidate to oppose Black elected-officials, locally and regionally. If you realize the significance of this opposition, you will take this election seriously. Get up, get out and get registered to vote! It is that simple. Many have said and undoubtedly will say again, "My one vote ain't gone make no difference anyhow." This is a false statement. Your one, plus my one will make two…and so on. Great strides have been made, lives loss; yet the struggle for equality and fairness for African Americans continues. Our ancestors have done their part. They fought a glorious fight. It is up to us now. So ask yourself, "What am I going to do?" On June 1st, 2004, we must go to the polls by the busloads to make our voice heard and our vote count. One Vote! One Voice! Let yours be heard!

Spotlight on The Wilcox County Family Resource Center
The Voice’s Spotlight on Good Stuff in Wilcox County

The Family Resource Center is open Tuesday through Friday, and offers a wide range of activities including: adult education classes, 21st Century Leadership, BAMA Kids, technology programs, computer and internet access, after School tutoring, 4-H programs, an exercise room with equipment and African dance. The group works very diligently to expose their young participants to cultures outside of the borders of Wilcox County. The youth participate in numerous events throughout the year as well. The 21st Century Group, for instance, participated in the annual Jubilee Bridge Crossing Festivities in Selma, Alabama about three weeks ago. The group performed a step routine that they composed themselves and competed against well-known, professional step groups. They won 3rd place and brought back a HUGE trophy for their efforts. If you will like to find out how you can become a part of the goodness at the Resource Center, contact Jacqueline Hives at 334.682.5150 or Sheryl Threadgill at 334.682.1214. The Wilcox Voice salutes the 21st Century Leadership Group and their Coordinators for a job well done in this, their 10th year of providing services to children and families in Wilcox County.

Albert Turner, Jr to Run for US Congress in District 7

This week in Camden, residents will notice new signs for the United States Congressional Race. Albert Turner, has decided to run for the Seventh District seat currently occupied by Artur Davis. Turner, by profession is a county commissioner and is from Marion, Alabama.

Ashcroft, Released from Hospital

WASHINGTON DC-- U. S. Attorney General John Ashcroft was released from the hospital last week following surgery to remove his gallbladder. Ashcroft, 61, will continue to rest and have some leisure time at his Washington home, according to Mark Curallo, spokesperson for the Justice Department. Deputy Attorney General James Comey is in charge of the department in Ashcroft's absence.

CSAT to Continue Wilcox DREAMS

Starting April 6th, CSAT will continue the Wilcox DREAMS (Determining Realistic Expectations and Managing Self) program. Funded by the Department of Education, the program will soon come to fruition. Not to be confused with the 21st Century Leadership Group, the 21st Century Learning Center is a separate program. Both programs share a goal however, of exposing youth to cultural activities and enrichment. Wilcox DREAMS is a partnersip between the Wilcox County Board of Education, BAMA Kids, Inc. and the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service. Please Contact Ms. Carolyn Jones or Ms. Yolanda Smith-Nicholson for additional information at 334-682-4289

Pres Harris of Alabama Arise Speaks at Wilcox county

Family Resource Center

 Pres Harris, a staff member of Alabama Arise, a political lobbying organization, attended the Wilcox County Family Resource Council Meeting on Wednesday, March 10, 2004. At the meeting, Ms. Harris updated the group on Arise's activities, provided an overview of Lobby Day and thanked the group for its continued support of Arise.
Arise supports: Tax Reform, Transportation, Medicaid, Landlord-tenant bills (to protect families from the negligence of poor landlords), Death Penalty Moratorium For a complete listing of all bills Arise supports and how these bills are being decided upon, visit www.arisecitizens.org. Wilcox County has four groups who are members of Alabama Arise. For more information, you may contact Alabama Arise directly at www.alaarise.org or 800-832-9060. Or you may contact your local representatives: 1. Wilcox County Family Resource Council -- 682-5150/682-4998; 2. United Presbyterians of Wilcox - 334.242.2458; 3. Sisters of St. Joseph/East Wilcox County - 251.746.2476; 4. Partners in Progress - 251.746.2772

Teen Kills Deputy, Then Himself

On Friday, March 12, 2004, in Lenoir City, Tennessee, police was called to the home of Frank Harvey, Assistant District Attorney for Loudon County. Apparently, his teenage son, 16-year old Michael Harvey, had forced the Asst. DA’s wife out of their home. Mrs. Harvey fled to a neighbor's house for safety after Michael allegedly attacked her with a pipe for refusing to allow him to drive the car to school. Mrs. Harvey is said to have refused to let the teenager drive the car, because he had been drinking the night before. The first deputy to arrive was Deputy Jason Scott who was fatally shot the moment Scott stepped outside of his car. Scott was shot four times. A second officer had to retreat under the gunfire and was able to call for backup. Deputy Scott was only 24-years old. Scott's wife is pregnant with their first child. When the SWAT Team arrived, Michael had allegedly barricaded himself inside the home and was able to keep them at bay with semiautomatic weapons that he had inside. Four officers suffered minor injuries from debris when gun shots ricocheted off of a wood pile that they were taking cover behind. Authorities were unaware that there were guns inside the home. After a long standoff, firing tear gas into the house, and making other attempts to contact the teenager, authorities did not get a response. Michael was found in an upstairs bedroom on the following day, Saturday morning, with a gunshot wound to the head, apparently, self-inflicted. The teenager had been dead for 20 hours.
The boy's mother was treated at a local hospital and released.
 

Woman Charged with Murder for Refusing a C-section

After repeated warning by doctors that her babies lives were in jeopardy, Melissa Ann Rowland, 28, refused to have a cesarean section. Reportedly, Rowland did not want the scar that would be left behind after the surgery.
Rowland was pregnant with twins, but only one lived following delivery on January 13th. An autopsy revealed that the other baby died inside the womb two days prior to Rowland's labor date. According to doctors, both babies would have lived, had Rowlands had the c-section, which she had been encouraged to do since Christmas of 2003.
Reportedly, a nurse had told Rowlands that having a c-section would ruin her life, causing Rowlands to adamantly oppose the procedure, claiming that she'd rather lose one of the babies than be cut. Authorities have not found any evidence to suggest a motive other than this. If found guilty, Rowlands could face five years to life in prison. Currently, she is being detained in the Salt Lake City Jail under a $250,000 bail.
Documents reveal that Rowland went to the LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City in December to seek advice after realizing that she had not felt the babies move. On January 2, a doctor at LDS Hospital examined Rowland and recommended an immediate C-section based on an ultrasound and the babies' slowing heart rates. Rowland left against the doctor's orders and he later notified the authorities. After visiting two or three other hospitals, receiving the same advice, Rowland still did not change her mind and left all hospitals against the advice of the doctors.
In January, the State Supreme Court ruled that unborn children at all stages of development are covered under the state's criminal homicide statute. The law exempts the death of a fetus during an abortion. This law has been used to prosecute women who kill or seriously harm their babies through drug use. However, it has never been used in a case where a woman refused to follow her doctor's advice.

Man Charged With Family Slayings

Fresno, CA--Believed to have been a polygamist and involved in incest, Marcus Wesson, of Fresno, California is charged with the murders of nine family members. Wesson, age 57, is alleged to have fathered children with approximately four women, two of whom were his own daughters.  . When police arrested Wesson, he was covered with blood, yet he remained calm. The bodies of the victims were found under a pile of clothing. Identifying the victims and locating the next of kin became a gruesome task for the Fresno Police Department. Officers were called to the house Friday for a child custody dispute. Inside the home, police found 10 wooden coffins. It is reported that Wesson bought the coffins more than five years ago, stating that he'd planned to use the mahogany wood to refurbish a boat. After finding the ghastly scene, some officers were placed on administrative leave and are being given counseling. The victims were six females and three males, ranging in age from 1 to 24 and believed to be all Wesson's children and grandchildren.  The motive is unknown at this time and there are many unanswered questions. According to reports, Wesson’s son, Dorian, age 29, stated that his father was a good father, adding, "He wasn't abusive at all. I don't want to believe it. I want to give him the benefit of the doubt. But they're all dead." Even though Dorian had not seen his father in about a year, he was stunned by this turn of events. Neighbors indicated they knew very little about Wesson. It is believed that he had once lived with five women and appeared to have a romantic relationship with each. This report was made by an acquaintance of the family, Frank Muna. This is the largest mass killing ever in Fresno, a city of 440,000 people. Fresno is located about 190 miles southeast of San Francisco. Stuffed animals, balloons and flowers are being placed on the sidewalk in front of the single-story house, as people try to cope with this tragedy.
Bail for the accused has been set at six million dollars.

Horoscopes

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Watch what you say today. Someone is sure to twist your words around. Problems with a co-worker may be playing on your mind. Try to put your differences aside. The problems you are experiencing regarding work and career advancement may escalate today. Don't feel threatened or you will be admitting defeat.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19) You should get involved in something that will make a difference. You will meet someone who will influence you in a positive way. Offer your time. You will meet some interesting people if you contribute to something worthwhile. You could meet someone who is kind and giving. Your intuitive awareness will lead you in the right direction.

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20)Consider getting involved in a competitive sport or anything that challenges you today. You will have the gumption to stay ahead of whoever decides to give you a run for your money. You can discover interesting things that can change your direction and even your location should you wish to make alterations in your life. Do your research.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Put yourself in a position to help others and you will feel good by the end of the day. Moneymaking deals may surface, but be careful that they are valid. You may find yourself in a tight financial spot if you have loaned money to someone who is irresponsible. Check what legal recourse you might have. Cut your losses and move on.
GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Changes may be in order if you haven't been happy with the way things are going. Make a list of what it would take to improve your personal life and start the process of making it so. You may not like what you hear today, but don't let your temper get the better of you. If you have kept secrets, you may be to blame for the way you are being treated.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Take better care of yourself by changing some of your daily habits. Address any problems and seek help from an expert. It's time to focus on you for a change.
LEO (July 23-Aug 22) You must be a participant today if you want to take advantage of this glorious day. Consider who you like to spend time with and make a date to do so. Love, romance and a good time are in store. You'll gain popularity if you are accommodating and entertaining, but don't feel that you have to pay for others. In fact, you should be quite willing to let someone pay for you for a change.
VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) You may not be seeing your situation at home too clearly. Someone may be withholding information that is vital to a personal decision you have to make. Don't get backed into a corner. You may be trying to accomplish too much. Your lack of sympathy for someone in the past may come back to haunt you today. Trouble is brewing, so be careful how you handle the situation.
LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Your ability to see both sides of an issue will help you to help those around you. Your insight will be welcomed and should put you in good standing with people who can help you in return. The help you offer will go a long way. Travel will lead to new opportunities and a chance meeting with someone who will have a major impact on your life.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) You may be reminded of what it was you wanted to do with your life. If you have fallen short of your dreams, don't be dismayed. You can now start to reconsider the possibilities. Even if you have to work a little harder, it will be worth your while to get something off the ground that you believe in. Spend time developing your ideas, not making drastic changes.

SAGITTARIUS Dec. 23 -Dec. 21) Someone from your past is likely to surface, but don't let this confuse you. This person hasn't really changed. Don't give up something you already have for something that isn't likely to bring you happiness. Sound advice given over and over again is usually worth listening to. Don't lose out because you are too stubborn to admit that you may be wrong.
CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Short trips should bring you information you may have been lacking in order to make an important decision. Someone you trust may not be able to keep a secret. It may be time to deal with any secrets you've been keeping. They will be the very thing that will hold you back in the future, so rid yourself of them for good.

KITCHEN FLAVOR

Pork Stew
2 lbs each of pig feet, pig ears, pig tails
1/4 cup cider vinegar
1 onion (chopped)
1 pkg. onion soup mix
Crushed red pepper (optional)

Instructions:

Wash pig feet, ears, tails.
Place in a large pot, cover with cold water and add onion and vinegar. Bring contents to a boil and add onion soup mix. Cook on medium until tender, (about two hours).

When tender, cook in open pot to reduce liquid, (cook down). If desired, add a flour/water paste to thicken (make gravy). Serve with rice, greens, sweet potatos, and sweet cornbread.
Simmering Sausage Cabbage

Ingredients:

6 to 8 Slices of Bacon
3 Italian Sausages
Salt & Pepper
Cayenne Pepper
1/2 tablespoons Garlic
1 large Onion
1 large Cabbage
14 ounce can of
chicken broth

Instructions:

Fry several slices (6 to 8 slices) of bacon in a cast iron skillet. Remove bacon when crisp. Drain drippings so that one table spoon's worth remains in skillet. Remove sausage from casing and fry in bacon drippings for 4 min.
Insert one large chopped onion. Season with salt, pepper and chopped garlic. Sauté for about 10 min. Place shredded cabbage in skillet. Add cooked bacon strips. Season with cayenne to taste. Mix all ingredients in skillet. Add 14 ounce can of chicken broth, cover and bring to boil. Reduce to simmer until cabbage is wilted. Remove cover, simmer for about 45 min until broth is reduced. Serve hot.

THE HARD COLD TRUTH
BY J.L. CHESTNUT

Colin Powell decided not to run for president and he should have stayed out of government altogether. He had achieved a distinguished career in the military, and is respected and admired at home and abroad. It is no secret that powerful white Republican males helped Powell reach lofty goals, but he doesn't owe them a damn thing. Powell served these people and the country well; however, they are now misusing him and tainting his career and legacy.
Powell's misleading speech about weapons of mass destruction in Iraq and the imprecise almost implied connection between Saddam Hussein and terrorists was unworthy. Last week, the story put out by the state department and Powell that President Jean-Bertrand Aristide of Haiti voluntarily resigned equates with calling Richard Nixon's resignation voluntary. The Bush administration's racially motivated double standard toward Aristide and a nation of 8 million suffering black souls resembles the Bush brothers' approach to black voters in Florida. It is now beyond rational debate that the state department made clear to Aristide that the U.S. would not protect him or his people unless he resigned and left the country. Twenty armed U.S. marines forced the duly elected black president to leave his country without making a parting statement to his people or even a telephone call. If that is not a Coup D'etate (forced regime change) then neither is the recent bloodbath in Iraq.

Why would powerful white men in Washington and Paris be so intent on replacing the president of a small and impoverished black nation in the Caribbean? First, just forget about all the usual self-serving allegations about democracy, law and order and the protection of persons and property. Those claims are trotted out as reasons for every imperial misadventure ever indulged by Washington. They were postulated to some extent even as reasons for slavery and the destruction of native-Americans except Christianity was added to the mix. Months before the Coup in Haiti, Jesse Jackson and others warned that Andre Apaid, Jr., Amio Metayer and several other Haitian hustlers were trying to institute a bloodbath in the streets of Haiti as a pretext for intervention by the U.S. to depose Aristide. The U. S. had only agreed to return Aristide to power after assuming he would be grateful and protect American "interests." Why wouldn't a grateful Aristide bow to Washington? What interests in Haiti are so important that the Bush administration would secretly arm and train Haitian dissidents across the border in the Dominican Republic to attack their own government? There is no oil down there, and very few white folks. What is going on with this arrogant, white male crowd in Washington?

Here are some simple and straightforward facts. All over Central and South America, including Haiti, a native, rich, educated upper-class has been in "bed" with Washington for years. This class has traditionally helped foreigners exploit their own land and people for reasons of personal wealth and privilege. They are national "Uncle Toms" who oppose land reform, mass education, mass health care or any serious effort to address the widespread poverty in their Third World Nation. They often own as much as two-thirds of the acreage in the entire nation, and identify in every way with the influential white foreigners who manage multinational business concerns in their nation and pay starvation wages.
Aristide, a former priest, slowly turned away from this morally bankrupt class and all the concomitant "Uncle Toming." One influence is his wife, an American citizen and a brilliant lawyer. A white civil rights lawyer in Birmingham (of all places) wrote an article about reparations and the first Lady was moved to tears. She subsequently told the shocked French ambassador that his country owed reparations to the people of Haiti rather than arrogantly trying to collect $90 million allegedly for land "lost" when finally forced out of the country. Powerful, white male rulers in Paris and Washington do not take uppity interference even from white women, much less from a black First Lady in Haiti. Executives at Wal-Mart (a company that made $2.6 billion in Haiti in 1994 at the time of the first bloody Coup), Disney (a company that made $1.1 billion during the same period), Coca Cola and other corporate giants complained to their white, male Republican kindred in the Bush administration about the equalitarian views of the "uppity, radical and black first family" in Haiti. The U.S. and France began to arm and train Haitian misfits secretly. Aristide had to go.
Guy Phillip, was trained in the U.S. and he and Louis Jodel Chamblian, a former death squad leader in Haiti, moved easily, quickly and illegally into the Dominican Republic over a border guarded by 900 U.S. soldiers. On January 1, 2004, the Dominican border was magically opened wide to all former Haitian military people who became dissenters after Aristide disbanded the Haitian army. Apaid, the upper class "Uncle Tom," faced charges for illegal treatment of his sweatshop workers, is involved up to his "dishonest and hustling neck." These are some of the misfits causing bloody havoc in the streets of Haiti and from whom the U.S. government would not protect the duly elected president.
Bush wanted Aristied out for unworthy reasons, and he wanted no Nigger aliens from Haiti arriving at the shores of Florida who would later vote against him, his brother and Republicans generally. GOD please bless America by saving it from the Bush crowd and please bless Haiti too. Peace.

Obituary Notices

Homegoing Services were held for:

Rilla Rhodes
Sunrise: October 14, 1910
Sunset: March 3, 2004

Funeral services were held Saturday, March 13, 2004 at 12:00 noon in the Mt. Bethel Baptist Church of Franksville, Alabama. There were Interment Services at Mt. Bethel Cemetery

Azalene Crowder
Sunrise: April 21, 1943
Sunset: March 13, 2004

Funeral services were held Tuesday, March 16, 2004 at 1:30 p.m. at the New Hope #2 Baptist Church of Camden, Alabama. Interment Services took place at Sand Island.

Baby Boy Smith
Sunrise: March 11, 2004
Sunset: March 11, 2004

Graveside Services will be held, Wednesday, March 17, 2004 at 10:00 a.m. in the Union Grove Baptist Church of Camden, Alabama.

All final arrangements entrusted to:

Christian Memorial Funeral Home 515 CamdenBy-Pass
Camden, Alabama
 

Senate Sketches # 875

The rain was pouring as Saturday morning dawned on us. The rain tattooed the bedroom skylights and drummed the roof. These, however, were not joyful sounds on this occasion. “We are in trouble,” Faya Rose said. “No rain was predicted for today. The Jubilee has been going so great. We are not prepared for rain.”
The Bridge Crossing Jubilee had been going great. The Thursday night mass meeting drew a very good crowd and Rev. F. D. Reese spoke brilliantly on the key role he played in the Selma Voting Rights Movement. I brought greetings even though I was called without warning just as I walked in Tabernacle Baptist Church.
On Friday, no rain fell as well over a thousand youth and adults participated in the Invisible Giants Conference at Selma’s School of Discovery. The great grandson of Frederick Douglas, the great fighter for the abolishment of slavery, performed a play about his great grandfather. Congresswoman Maxine Waters spoke well as usual. So much had gone well.
On Friday night, the Miss Jubilee Pageant and Step Show were packed as the rain withheld itself. Over two thousand youth must have shared in the combined events. The mock trial had gone well with former Supreme Court Justice John England presiding over the following star witnesses: Congress woman Maxine Waters, Attorney J. L. Chestnut; Attorney Faya Ora Rose Toure’; Dr. David Hodo; Dorothy Weathers, Attorney Bruce Boynton, Attorney Kindaka Sanders; and others. An array of bright young lawyers prosecuted and defended on the issue, “Is Jim Crow dead?”
All these activities were in doors and proceeded without a speck or even a threat of rain. Now, as Saturday’s outdoor activities approached, the rain was pouring. It seemed a not so good twist of fate. Then our prayers were answered and the rain suddenly ceased. The sunlight burst forth. It was another twist of fate, this time wonderful.
The National Voting Rights Celebration continued with the Jubilee Parade, the Gospel stage, the Blues stage and numerous other events. The weather was wonderful as thousands participated on bright sunny Saturday.
On this Saturday, I also attended three events that were not official parts of the Jubilee or the National Voting Rights Celebration but part and parcel in spirit. One was the funeral of Chester Brown, a young man who was a community warrior and board member of the National Voting Rights Museum, the chief sponsoring organization of the Celebration. I made remarks at Chester’s funeral. I also made remarks at the Congressional Reception sponsored by Mayor James Perkins, Jr. of Selma. I attended the third event, a dedication of the initial Selma to Montgomery National Trail Interpretive Center in White Hall where Tent City was once located.
That night as the rain held back, I helped emcee the Freedom Flame Awards Program where Dr. Joseph Lowery and Mrs. Evelyn Lowery were honored for their work as a couple in the struggle. Other couples were also recognized. It was a wonderful lifting moment.
The beautiful weather continued on Sunday as I visited three churches: Brown Chapel with Reverend Jesse Jackson speaking; Second Baptist where Reverend Al Sharpton was scheduled to speak; and Tabernacle where Dr. C. T. Vivian spoke so brilliantly and beautifully. One person sitting beside me said, “Look at my arm. I have goose bumps. This is where we were supposed to be this Sunday morning.”
The delegation moving from church to church with me was Dr. Ester Hyatt, a psychologists and counselor in New York City; J. E. Franklin, a Play-Wright from New York City; Sharon Wheeler, the chief of staff for Senate Pro Tem Lowell Barron; and Ginger Avery Buckner, executive director of the Alabama Trial Lawyers Association.
That afternoon’s Bloody Sunday Rally and March found thousands reveling in the bright, sunny, beautiful weather. It was a great crowd that responded joyfully to the myriad of speeches before lining up and marching across the Edmund Pettus Bridge.
The rain continued to withhold on the other side of the Bridge, as a monument was erected to John Lewis, one of the leaders of the Bloody Sunday March who currently serves as congressman from Atlanta, Georgia. He continually helps others to stand on the history of the voting and civil rights struggles so they can see farther, reach higher, serve better and lift more.
Mrs. Evelyn Lowery was the moving force behind the monument for John Lewis as well as monuments for Hosea Williams, Albert Turner and James Orange. She also helps many, especially youth, stand on history so they can see farther, reach higher, serve better and lift more.
On Monday, the sun continued to shine brightly joining the withholding rain as cars and buses lined up at the foot of the Edmund Pettus Bridge for the Slow Ride to Montgomery. It shone brightly as we stopped at each place that those on the Selma to Montgomery March had stopped: the 92 mile marker near Southside High School; the 106 mile marker at Tent City in White Hall; the Viola Liuzzo Memorial at another mile marker; and the 117 mile marker at Canaan Hill Baptist Church. We some how skipped St. Jude in Montgomery, ending up at the federal Courthouse. At each stop, those who struggled for Voting Rights shared their stories, helping us to stand on our history so we can see farther, reach higher, serve better and lift more.
As bright as the sun was, our spirits were brighter. I am thankful for the weather. I am even more thankful for the spirit of history that lifts all who allow themselves to be lifted.
Now on to the Daily Diary. Saturday/Sunday – It was a jam-packed weeken with visits to the Friendship Baptist Church in Minter and the New Greater First Baptist Church in Thomasville, where I made remarks on Black History. I visited other places and did Radio Sunday School, Radio Education, Sunday School Review and attended Sunday School. I also worked on various matter in preparation for the National Voting Rights Celebration/Bridge Crossing Jubilee.

Monday/Tuesday – I continued working on several matters in preparation for the National Voting Rights Celebration. I also completed Sketches and traveled to Montgomery for a Senate Session and a series of meetings concerning state budgets and government reform. I found time for a pleasant dinner with the following: former Governor’s Chief of Staff, Paul Hamrick; Senate President Pro Tem, Lowell Barron; Senate Rules Chair, Jim Preuitt; and others.
Wednesday/Thursday – I was in Montgomery both days on meeting after meeting beginning at 7:30 in the morning and continuing into the evening. I also had the usual; a senate session; committee meetings; caucus meetings; leadership meetings; and etc. I even participated in a press conference for the National Voting Rights Celebration/Bridge Crossing Jubilee and met with many persons. I returned to Selma to make remarks at the opening event in the Bridge Crossing Jubilee, the mass meeting at Tabernacle Baptist Church. Friday – I began the day with an 8:00 a.m. meeting and continued throughout the day. I met with the Mayor of Selma, businessman Ted Henry and others on the Black Belt Community Foundation. I attended the Invisible Giants Conference and the Mock Trial, both events comprising parts of the National Voting Rights Celebration/ Bridge Crossing Jubilee. I brought greetings at a Statewide Conference of Teachers participating in the Southeastern Consortium of Science and Engineering at the Selma Convention Center and handled many other responsibilities. I talked with numerous leaders and citizens. EPILOGUE – The weather is powerful. It often influences what we do, what we wear, and how we feel. The weather is powerful but the spirit is so much more powerful. It causes us to do in spite of the weather, to go in spite of what we wear and to rise in spite of how we feel. The spirit is truly powerful.
 

Amazon Queen of Matamba

 WEST AFRICA (1582-1663)

A very good military leader who waged war against thesavage slave-hunting Europeans. This war lasted for more than thirty years. Nzingha was of Angoloan descent and is known as a symbol of inspiration for people everywhere. Queen Nzingha is also known by some as Jinga by others as Ginga. She was a member of the ethnic Jagas a militant group that formed a human shield against the Portuguese slave traders. As a visionary political leader, competent, and self sacrificing she was completely devoted to the resistance movement. She formed alliances with other foreign powers pitting them against one another to free

Angola of European influence. She possessed both masculine hardness and feminine charm and used them both depending on the situation. She even used religion as a political tool when it suited her. Her death on December 17, 1663 helped open the door for the massive Portuguese slave trade. Yet her struggle helped awaken others that followed her and forced them to mount offensives against the invaders. These include Madame Tinubu of Nigeria; Nandi, the mother of the great Zulu warrior Chaka; Kaipkire of the Herero people of South West Africa; and the female army that followed the Dahomian King, Behanzin Bowelle.

Did You Know?

 March 17 Norbert Rillieux, inventor, born, 1806
The Phoenix Society founded, 1833
Clark College granted charter, 1877
CB Scott, inventor, patents the street sweeper, 1896
Nat King Cole, singer and pianist, born, 1919
1776 British forces evacuated Boston during the Revolutionary War.
1963 Mount Agung on Bali erupted, killing 1,184 people.
1969 Golda Meir was sworn in as prime minister of Israel.
1998 The U.S team won the first Olympic gold medal for women's hockey at the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan.
March 19 TJ Boyd patents an apparatus for detaching horses from carriages, 1872
Jan Matzeliger invents the first machine to manufacture an entire shoe, 1883
March 20 Harriet Beecher Stowe, White abolitionist, publishes Uncle Tom's Cabin, 1852
Allan Rohan Crite, paintern, born, 1910
March 21 Selma Freedom March begins, 1965
March 22 Marcus Garvey, Black nationalist, arrives in America from Jamaica, 1916
March 23 National Urban League founded, 1910
March 24 Canada legally recognizes Black suffrage, 1837

The Passion of Christ

Still #1 at the Box Office, Passion, Setting Records
"The Passion of the Christ" was the top film for a third straight weekend, taking in $31.7 million and pushing its total beyond a quarter of a billion dollars. This film has reached $264 million in the U. S. and Canada after only 19 days in theaters, reports indicated on Sunday.
With solid receipts expected through Easter on April 11, "The Passion" is on track to gross between $350 million and $400 million, said Rob Schwartz, head of distribution for Newmarket Films, which handled the release. At the rate, The Passion can very well reach the records set by "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King," which took in another $2.05 million over the weekend to push its total to $371.2 million.
Johnny Depp's psychological horror tale "Secret Window," came in second place with $19 million.
The weekend's other two big releases had so-so openings. Frankie Muniz's spy caper "Agent Cody Banks: Destination London" was No. 5 with $8 million, barely half the $14.1 million opening weekend of "Agent Cody Banks" last year.
Premiering in narrower release, David Mamet's military thriller "Spartan," starring Val Kilmer and Derek Luke, finished in 10th place with $2 million. Before "The Passion" opened, Hollywood revenue

Dawn of the Dead
Starring: Sarah Polley, Ving Rhames, Mekhi Phifer, Michael Barry, Lindy Booth
Type: Suspense/Horror Rating: R (for strong horror violence and gore, language & sexuality)

As the United States is turned upside-down by a strange plague-like event in which millions of corpses walk the earth as blood-thirsty zombies (with the recently-deceased that the zombies kill usually returning as zombies themselves, multiplying their number), a small group of survivors of the onslaught, which include a nurse (Polley) and a police officer (Rhames), try to find shelter and protection within a massive shopping mall in the mid-sized city of Everett, WA.

Release Date: March 19, 2004.

 April 1, 2004 PGE Foundation Scholarship Awards. The Oregon Independent College Foundation’s ten member institution winners can earn up to $10,000 toward their educational expenses at some of America’s best independent colleges and universities in Oregon. You may apply for this scholarship if you plan to attend one of the following colleges: Concordia, Pacific, George Fox College, Reed College, Lewis & Clark College, University of Portland, Linfield, Warner Pacific, Marylhurst, or Willamette. Essay is required.

April 1, 2004 Asian American Journalists Association Scholarship. A $2000 scholarship will be awarded to an outstanding student who meets the following criteria.
Commitment to the field of journalism Sensitivity to Asian American issues as demonstrated by community involvement, Journalistic ability, Scholastic Ability, Financial need, Applications in the guidance office.

May 1, 2004 Wescon Scholarship. FOR JUNIORS ONLY Scholar- ship limited to students who will major in electronics engineering or an approved associated field at a four-year college or university. Essay required. Winners will be honored at the WESCON Awards Banquet in Anaheim, CA, on September 23, 2004.

April 15, 2004 Bill Herr Memorial Scholarship. $500 scholarship to any college or vocational school for the 2004-2005 academic year. Students must be a graduating senior from a high school served by the Third District Officials Association; must participate in an activity sponsored by the IHSAA or the OHSAA; demonstrate academic ability, citizenship and community involvement. Essay required.

April 30, 2004 2004 High School Essay Contest sponsored by the Oregon State Bar. This contest is open to all Oregon high school students, particularly juniors and seniors. Three awards will be given in the amounts of $500, $350, and $250. Contest rules and instructions are available in the guidance office.
May 1, 2004 Wapiti League Scholarship. An award of $500 will be made by the Wapiti League to one boy and one girl from a member school in the interest of encouraging excellence in scholarship and high standards of performance in all work undertaken by the individual student. Nyssa will nominate only one boy and one girl. Applications are due to the counseling office by April 1, 2004. Applications will be evaluated by a committee and one boy’s application and one girl’s application will be forwarded to the Wapiti league. Applications will be chosen according to how well they meet the criteria outlined for the scholarship.

April 1, 2004 Chinese Amer-ican Citizens Alliance Scholarship. Three scholarships will be awarded: One (1) $4000 scholarship awarded $1000 per year, renewable for four undergraduate years. Two (2) $1000 scholarships awarded at the freshman level. Other scholarships opportunities are posed on the web site: www.cacaportland.com

April 16, 2004 Delta Kappa Gamma Scholarship. This $ 500 scholarship goes to a deserving high school or community college student with a primary goal of entering the field of education. Applications in the guidance office.
ble, the student applicant must be enrolled currently, or anticipate enrollment, in the University of Oregon School of Business for the academic year 2004-2005. Applicants are judged on scholarship, leadership, and contributions to their school and community. Applications in the guidance office.

April 10, 2004 Iranian-American Professional Society of Oregon. Various scholarships offered for students of Iranian descent, students of all ethnic backgrounds interested in Iranian and Middle Eastern culture or aspiring to become a writer, students who love to play an Iranian musical instrument, or played on a varsity sport team at high school. More information in the guidance office. May 15, 2004 W.A. “Pete” Brooks Scholarship. Award: $2,500.To be eligible

CREEK INDIANS, FOSSILS, AND STEAMBOATS
OH MY !!!!!!!

Monroe County Heritage Museums is proud to present March 18-20th from 9am to 4pm, The Alabama River Festival.
Centered around Alabama River Museum, located at the Claiborne Lock and Dam, will be a collection of exhibits, storytelling, and living history demonstrations. See the traditions and lifestyles of the early inhabitants of Monroe County come to life with Native American dance, river music, flint knapping, and more. Go on a tour of the only museum located on the Alabama River in Monroe County and explore the prehistoric exhibits of early life captured in the fossils on display. See the steamboat exhibits recount the history of the riverboat towns. Admission is only $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for seniors and children. (Go ahead and bring Grandma and Grandpa along.) For more information call Monroe County Heritage Museums at (251)-575-7433 or email: MCHM@frontiernet.net .

Arlington Presbyterian Church Celebrates 100 years

The Arlington Presbyter-ian Church, USA was packed with well-wishers as the church celebrated its 100 year anniversary. The guest speaker for the day was the illustrious young Congressman, Artur Davis, of District 7. Davis spoke of being impressed by the efforts of the church members to continue seeking miracles through the years. Prior to his speech the congressman was treated to several soulful and stirring selections from the Wilcox Central High School Choir. The youth are led by Ms. Jacqueline Nettles. The Congress-man said to all who were present, "this is Wilcox Central," these amazing and talented children." The program included a G's Bend quilt presentation made to the Congressman by Ralph Ervin; a skit by Brenda Southall Mason that depicted one of the church elders recounting the history of the church and a performance by the Pine Hill music ensemble. There was a resolution for the event from the Wilcox County Commission included with the program. Rev. CJ Jones is pastor of the Annemanie Church.

Southwestern Artist Helps Community
Remember Past in Quilted Art

Preserving the past is more than pasting photographs in an album-it is creating art everyone can enjoy, according to Southwestern artist Christine Goetz. Using scraps of fabric, old photographs and buttons, Goetz is helping community members create their own artwork that captures family memories through a personal 'conversational' quilt.
A Catholic, Goetz is volunteering for two weeks with the Edmundite Missions' ministry in eastern Wilcox County to create a community and individual quilted pieces that bring together past and present through dozens of photographs and images that are placed on the quilt, along with buttons, jewelry and other items. "I believe each of us has memories of people in our past who have helped make us who we are," she said. "We can remember them through art; it's an invitation for conversation." "We're so happy to welcome Chris back to our community," said Sister Kathy Navarra, S.S.J., Edmundite Missions outreach worker. "Chris has helped our community see the value in old things. People have really enjoyed creating their own family quilts; each photograph and piece of art has a meaning and memory."
Goetz, who drove 1,500 miles from her home in Taos, to volunteer, created the "Grandmother's Garden" on the

Mack Convinces Council to Try for New Four -Way Stop on Bypass Camden-- Citycouncilman Eli Mack convinced the Council Monday that there should be a four-way stop on the Camden Bypass near Bones Grocery (T.L. Threadgill and the Bypass) because there are too many accidents at the location. The City will work with the Highway department to try and find out if either stop signs or a traffic light can be placed at the intersection.

Fighting on the Ice Leaves Player with Broken Neck 

 Last week, Vancouver Canucks player, Todd Bertuzzi delivered a blind-sided blow to Colorado Avalanche player, Steve Moore. Moore suffered two fractured vertebrae in his neck as a result and has been flown to Denver, Colorado where he will be treated for the injury. Moore also suffered a deep gash wound on his face and a concussion as result of the beating. Avalanche fans were outraged by the hit and are calling for the National Hockey League to take serious action against Bertuzzi. The league in response has suspended Bertuzzi for the remainder of the season and the playoffs, beyond that, Bertuzzi will have to apply to be reinstated for the next season, 2004-2005. Canucks fans feel that Bertuzzi's absence will hurt the team greatly and will lessen their ability to do well in the playoffs. Vancouver police are investigating the incident and civil charges may be filed against Bertuzzi. Colorado has hosted one home game since, versus the Phoenix Coyotes.

Police & FIRE

 Curtis Ellis, 43, male of Camden, arrested March 1, charged with Domestic Violence 3rd Harassment. Deputy Mitchell with the Wilcox County Sheriff s Office was the arresting officer.

Ronald Winters, 21, male of Pine Hill, arrested March 4, charged with Burglary, Theft of Property 2nd, Failure to Pay 3 counts. Officer Pettway & Chief Brown with the Pine Hill Police Department were the arresting officers.

Gregory Smith, 24, male of Camden, arrested March 4, charged with Disorderly Conduct & Resisting Arrest. Chief Deputy Evans with the Wilcox County Sheriffs Office was the arresting officer.

Sandar Pugh, 33, female of Lower Peachtree, arrested March 4, charged with Disorderly Conduct, Failure to Pay 2 counts. Deputy Nelson with the Wilcox County Sheriffs Office was the arresting officer.

William Wells, 50, male of Satsuma, arrested March 5, charged with Reckless Endangerment 7 Carrying Pistol Without Permit. Sgt. Dale & Officer Dale with the Camden Police Department were the arresting officers.

Lewis Brown Jr., 23, male of Pine Hill, arrested March 5, charged with Failure to pay 2 counts. Deputy Nelson with the Wilcox County Sheriffs Office was the arresting officer.

Darryl Bridges, 24, male of Catherine, arrested March 5, charged with Unlawful Possession of Control Substance Crack Cocaine and Possession of Marijuana 2nd. Deputy Moton with the Wilcox County Sheriffs Office and Agent Colston with the 4th Judicial Drug Task Force were the arresting officers.

Keith Dubose, 24, male of Catherine, arrested March 5, charged with Possession of Marijuana 2nd. Agent Colston with the 4th Judicial Drug Task Force and Deputy Moton with the Wilcox County Sheriffs Office were the arresting officers.

Harold Pugh, 48, male of Pine Hill, arrested March 5, charged with Failure to Appear. Deputy Nelson & Reserved Deputy Nickerson with the Wilcox County Sheriffs Office were the arresting officers.

Jerry McReath, 48, male of Thomasville, arrested March 5, charged with Driving Under Influence. Officer Bohannon & Officer Thompson with the Pine Hill Police Department were the arresting officers.

Donald Shamburger, 49, male of Grove Hill, arrested March 5, charged with Unlawful Possession of Control Substance. Deputy Nelson and Reserved Deputy Nicholson with the Wilcox County Sheriffs Office were the arresting officers.

Camilla Allen, 38, female of Pine Hill, arrested March 5, charged with Forgery 3rd. Deputy Nelson & Resv. Deputy Nicholson with the Wilcox County Sheriffs Office made the arrest.

William Lymon, 28, male of Pine Apple, arrested March 6, charged with Assault 3rd. Deputy Moton & Reserved Deputy Nicholson with the Wilcox County Sheriffs Office were the arresting officers.

John Campbell, 25, male of Lower Peachtree, arrested March 6, charged with Criminal Trespass. Deputy Moton & Reserved Deputy with the Wilcox County Sheriffs Office were the arresting officers.

Travis Lewis, 24, male of Catherine, arrested March 7, charged with Assault 1st, Domestic Violation Assault 2nd, and Escape 3rd. Deputy Moton with the Wilcox County Sheriffs Office was the arresting officer.

Ray Charles, 49, male of Pine Hill, arrested March 7, charged with Pistol without permit, Driving under influence, and Driving on wrong side of the road. Officer Gates and Officer Bohannon with the Pine Hill Police Department were the arresting officers.

John Stabler lll, 28, male of Lower Peachtree, arrested March 8, charged with Domestic Violence Assault 3rd. Deputy Mitchell with the Wilcox County Sheriffs Office was the arresting officer.

Lakesha Franklin, 20, female of Camden, arrested March 9, charged with Theft of Property 3rd. Chief Knight with the Camden Police Department was the arresting officer.

Michael Jones, 34, male of Thomasville, arrested March 9, charged with Domestic Violence Assault 2nd & Assault 3rd. Deputy Nelson with the Wilcox County Sheriffs Office was the arresting officer.

Jamie Maddox, 26, male of Warrior, arrested March 9, charged with Promoting Prison Contraband. Deputy Grady Coleman & Deputy Anissa Coleman with the Wilcox County Sheriffs Office were the arresting officers.

Jimmy Cochran, 48, male of Camden, arrested March 11, charged with Disorderly Conduct. Deputy Nelson with the Wilcox County Sheriffs Office was the arresting officer.

Michael Turner, 32, male arrested March 11, charged with Receiving Stolen Property. Deputy Grady Coleman with the Wilcox County Sheriffs Office was the arresting officer.

Stephanie Mason, 30, male of Pine Hill, arrested March 11, charged with Burglary 1st, Theft 2nd, Criminal Mischief 1st, & Speeding Wilcox and Linden. Sheriff Arnold & Chief Evans with the Wilcox County Sheriffs Office were the arresting officers.
 

Alfreda Mack Says he’s the Right Choice for District #5 BOE Seat

 Men and Women of Wilcox County, especially the people of District 5, my name is Rev. Alfred Mack, and I am a candidate for the Wilcox County Board of Education from District 5. If I'm elected I will do my best, with the help of God, to get a high school in the Pine Hill area. This will create more opportunities for all high school children who have to ride the buses each day. This will also eliminate them having to get up before dawn in order to catch the bus. I will work hard to see that all the unhealthy snack that are being sold to the children at school each day are done away with and replaced by more healthy snacks. I will make it my top priority to see to it that all children are in a safe and orderly environment each day at school and on the buses. I will support hiring security guards at all of ours school. I will also make sure that the P.T.O. is functional at each school, because I strongly believe that parents should be an integral part of their child's education. To both the Carter and the Kimbrough families, I blame the school's administration for the tragedy that cost both your families. I will fight to see that some type of memorial is created in the memory of late Ashley Carter. I will support the hiring of local people whenever the opportunity presents itself in our school system. I will work to ensure that all employees in our school system are treated fairly, and with respect, and that no favoritism be shown to anyone. I will work hard to see that only the best-qualified teachers are hired to teach our children. It also is a priority to make sure that all teachers are performing up to standards.

If I'm elected to the Board, I will go beyond football, basketball and band as extracurricular activities. I will work hard to support the High School having track, baseball, swimming, softball, volleyball, tennis, and debate teams. I will also see that drama is brought back into the school. By having these things it will help our students compete with students from other schools and it will ensure that they are exposed to a variety of positive activities. I'm a firm believer that our students can be great competitors in academics as well as athletics.

I will work diligently to ensure that all funds are used wisely and not wasted. I will see to it that Board of Education business is not decided at the Courthouse, but in a forum where the entire public can know what's going on.

Lastly, ladies and gentlemen of District 5, if I'm elected, I will support the Superintendent of Education in his efforts to remove any employee of the Board of Education because of their incompetency, corruption, or job poor performance.

So...on June 1st go to the pools and vote for Rev. Alfred Mack, Board of Education District #5. You will not regret it. May God Bless you all.

Greetings from the Camden Nursing Facility!
Shelby Ellington and I went to Demopolis on Thursday to a Region V meeting. Pam Pen land, who is in charge of the Best Practice Program, was the guest speaker. I've talked about this program before; it's a very exciting program for the nursing home industry. This program is ten years old this year. For the last ten years nursing felicities have submitted interventions that have improved they're nursing facilities. I know that I have used several of the idea that they have used and they have been wonderful improvements for us. We were one of the presenters in 2002 with our garden. We worked really hard to get the program together so that we could present it. When we got there we found out that one of our nursing facilities had "Elvis" as one of their entertainers and we had to follow him. Never did I think that I would be back up for Elvis. That was nerve wracking. It has been suggested that we enter again this year and use the newspaper articles as our best practice. I don't really know how we'd present this unless I read some of the article that Peggy, others and me has written over the years. Peggy Dailey was the example that I followed. Then I went my own way with it. Peggy was good, she used proper grammar. Some of my English teachers would not believe that a newspaper would print one of my articles. (I'd love to tell them but I think they're all dead.) I'm glad that I haven't said anything that cost me my job, almost, but I'm still here. There's a rumor that the Activity Director here started. She's so vain; sometimes she rereads and laughs until she cries. She's so vain. I've that the articles have been called hooky or hoagies, I'm not sure what that means, are they calling me a sandwich or what?
We've had another busy week. Along with the other things with the other thing going own around here we lost two of our residents. One went home to her Father and the other moved closer to his family. We'll miss them both. She had been here for more than five years and he had here for at least three I think. We knew her when should walk around and talk and then she couldn't.. She loved jewelry and bows for her hair. We hope that our friend that moved to be closer with his family is happy. (Not really, I'm saving his bed for him). He loved and thought me and thought I was beautiful and never fails to tell me. It helped that his eyesight was bad, but didn't care; he made me feel so special. They all find a place in hearts. Without the residents at CNF a lot of people would be waisting their talents. I see the love and respect for our Residents each day as I come to work. I don't know anyone that doesn't go the extra mile for our residents. Sometimes I don't think that they realize how special they are, they do things for the residents out of the goodness of their hearts and that's what nursing home care is all about.
Don't forget to be here Wednesday at 5:00 for the Family Council Meeting Mr. Clayton Davis; Attorney at Law will be here to talk about Medicaid Eligibility. His firm contracts to provide legal assistance to persons of all ages who have Medicare in thirty-eight counties in Alabama. Mr. Davis has spoken to thousands of legal, medical and social work professional and lay person concerning and social; concerns of the older population. You will not be disappointed if you attend this meeting. We hope to see you Wednesday, March 17th in the Dining Room of the Camden Nursing Facility.
I want to thank all the volunteer, Karen Pate. Her grandmother has been volunteering here for probably as long as Karen has been alive. It’s great to see another generation following in her footsteps. Thanks to the Camden Church of Christ for coming on Sunday and sharing their faith with us. Hope everyone has a great week. Until next week I'm still here!