March 23, 2023

ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Kirby McSwain has contacted the Waycross Public Library and is in the process of reinstalling The Freedom Shrine which was removed due to renovations. We hope that it will be up soon.
• Good news from Roger Collins! Ware County citizens should be seeing some tax relief due to actions by the 2023 Georgia General Assembly and Governor Kemp.
• Congratulations to Ely Adderly and Viran Desai who were recognized at Memorial Drive’s 3rd, Nine Week Honors Day. They were nominated by their teachers for the Waycross Exchange Club’s Young Citizenship Award for their continued hard work, amazing character, and being a leader amongst their peers. They are standing with Mrs. Hines, the Principal of Memorial Drive.

HANNAH KATE HOWELL MARCH YOUTH OF THE MONTH

It is with much enthusiasm that I introduce to you Hannah Kate Howell. Kate is the daughter of Gina Howell and the granddaughter of Rudy Hodges. Kate is ranked 22nd among 313 Ware County High School seniors. When asked what attributes to her academic success, Kate stated, “I attribute my success to my mom. She has always pushed me to be my best and work the hardest.”
Kate is a member of the following organizations at Ware County High School:

• Ware County Gator Softball
• FCA Leader
• Waycross Bank & Trust Junior Board serves as Vice-Chairman
• Student Council
• BETA
• National Honor Society
• Platinum Senior
• Southern Forest World Board

Kate’s awards and community involvement:

• 2022 Ware County High School Homecoming Queen
• All A’s Honor Rolls
• Received Georgia Certificate of Merit Award
• The Presbyterian College Fellows Award
• Volunteered with Feeding Programs
• Hospice House
• 5K events
• Children’s ministry at her church
• Local Elementary Schools
• Works part-time at the Ware County Recreation Department

After graduation, Kate plans to attend the University of Georgia and seek a degree in Communications.

LAURA DIXON /DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

The Downtown Waycross Development Authority was created by an act of the Georgia Legislature in 1974-75.
The purpose of the authority is the development of the downtown Waycross area. DWDA includes renovation and rehabilitation of existing buildings and the improvement of areas in downtown Waycross.
DWDA helps small businesses find locations and helps rehabilitate historic buildings.
DWDA will be offering a matching grant to businesses who will be renovating their façade by painting, new awning, etc.
There are many new businesses that have or will soon move in downtown. New furniture stores, hair salons, clothing, restaurants, etc. Recently a new Friendly Express was opened downtown to meet the needs of the many new residents who have moved into the Bunn Building and Ware Hotel.

REMEMBERING AL JACOBSON

Linda Hayes reminded the members that it has been a year since Exchange Club and the community he loved lost a great man. He was kind and loyal. He was married to his beloved Ann for sixty-nine years before she passed away in 2021. Although his heavy heart carried on after her death, he continued to champion the Waycross Blood Drive and steered it to be bigger and better each year as long as he was physically able.
Linda reminded us of the man who was funny, loyal, beloved, and tenacious. Telling of his protest at Walmart against a rival blood drive that sends all the blood collected in our community to Florida. The store had allowed their bus to park at the store and Al staged a one-man protest in the parking lot. The manager called the police.
Al was taken to jail for criminal trespassing. The presiding Judge took one look at Al and said, “get out of my court” and he walked out. End of story.