Thank you, Phoebe Sumter
We, the Sumter County High School Class of 1967, would like to express our thanks and appreciation to the Phoebe Sumter Medical Center for allowing use to use the Wellness Center for our monthly meetings. The Class of 1967 is currently planning its 50th class reunion and cannot thank Phoebe Sumter enough for the accommodations it has provided our class.
The Sumter County High School Class of 1967 is very proud of Phoebe Sumter and its commitment to being collaborative partner to others in the community.
Again, we thank you Phoebe for your dedicated service to the community.
Beverly Brown
Chair, reunion planning committee
Sumter County High School Class of 1967

Inspired by work ethic of 8-year-old
Today began as a normal work day for the Quality Home Repair crew. They arrived on a site to complete a porch project. They unloaded their equipment and began on the porch repairs. That’s when the tenant and her son arrived. We introduced ourselves. That’s when the contractor asked the child would he like to assist with the job. He glanced at his mom as if he was asking if it was ok. His mom gave a resounding “Yes.” Jayden became ecstatic and overjoyed and immediately ran into the home to put away his things.
Jayden immediately rushed back outdoors and went to his mother’s car. He grabbed a hard hat and earplugs and put both on. I was so stunned at his work ethics and readiness to work that I gave him a pair of gloves. I have never seen anything like this in all my years of a contractor, especially from an 8-year-old autistic child.
This proved to me that if a child with autism can work, then anyone else can. I have no sympathy for people that beg on the streets because this young man has demonstrated that nothing in life can limit us, not even autism. I have learned more from an 8-year-old kid than any adult that I have worked with. He never complained or made excuses, two qualities that will take you far in life. I got more than my money was worth from working with Jayden. If more people in the world were like this 8-year-old boy, the world would be a better work atmosphere.
It was no coincidence that Jayden and I met that day. God wanted me to be there to experience the work ethics of an 8-year-old child with autism. Jayden could have been at school or I could have been on another job site. Through all the circumstances, God allowed Jayden and I to cross paths. I believe God made those with autism to be intellectual, inventors, and artists of the world. This brings patience, love, kindness, and lots of encouragement.
Jayden has made a lasting impression on my life and this is a moment that I will cherish forever.
Charles Wilkerson
Americus

Latest incident leaves bad taste
Congratulations to the Americus Police Department for apprehending the perpetrator who stole the woman’s purse at the local Walmart parking lot in Americus. The purse snatching occurred on April 27 while the apprehension happened 24 hours later. Great work guys. Thanks for protecting us.
Some may say if the police were doing their job that the incident would not have happened. Au contraire. Bad guys strike when the cops aren’t watching. They prey on innocent, unsuspecting victims because, like Alton Montel Dodson, they are cowards. Matthew 24:43: “But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into”.
Folks, be aware of your surroundings. Make a special effort to know who is around you and/or who is watching you. Make eye contact with people nearby. That way they know that you are aware of their presence and, if they mean harm, may think twice because they no longer have the element of surprise.
… We don’t want common thugs … in our city or county. I encourage our local law enforcement to continue to rid vermin … from our community.
… And one last thing. The victim is a personal friend of mine. If an inventory of all the nicest people in the world were compiled, her name would be at the top of the list. She didn’t deserve this. No one does.
Phil Hardy
Americus