A rose to all the moms out there on Mother’s Day. If Mother’s Day isn’t the most sentimental of all of our holidays, it should be. Moms lead with the heart, as the saying goes. These days, there are options for everything, it seems. But there has yet to be a substitute for a mother’s love. So we salute our moms on their special day, for the sacrifices they make, the comfort they provide and, most of all, for the unique brand of love that only a mother can provide.
A rose to the graduates! The Mississippi University for Women and East Mississippi Community College held their commencement ceremonies this week. For some graduates, the weekend’s events marked their end of their formal education. For others, it is a milestone on their academic path. In either case, this should not be viewed as the end of the educational process. Learning should be a lifelong endeavor, and for this weekend’s graduates, what they have learned in the classroom represents a strong foundation for the future.
A rose to two notable participants in this weekend’s graduation exercises at the W — commencement speaker Malcolm White and honorary degree recipient Patti Carr-Black. White, founder of the famous Hal and Mal’s Restaurant in Jackson and currently the tourism director for the Mississippi Development Authority, and Carr-Black, whose long commitment to Mississippi’s art and history, make them a perfect reminder that while The W is rightfully honored for its outstanding nursing program, it is also an institution where a liberal arts education is valued. People such as White and Carr-Black, help keep our state’s remarkable tradition of excellence in the arts before the public eye.
A rose to Martin Andrews who shed the “interim” tag this week to become the permanent Chief for Columbus Fire & Rescue. Andrews succeeds Ken Moore, who retired in March after 30 years with the department, the last nine of them as chief. In choosing Andrews, the city council made the obvious choice. The affable Andrews is a Columbus native and has worked for the Department since 1987. He served as assistant chief prior to his promotion. His selection ensures a seamless transition of leadership for the department.
A rose to the vendors and patrons of the Hitching Lot Farmers’ Market, which held its official opening Saturday. The arrival of the vendors and their homegrown vegetables, homemade crafts and other items is always a pleasant reminder of the bountiful supply of fresh, local goods. It is also a reminder of the power of “buying local.” It’s a win-win situation. Consumers gets the best, freshest foods while keeping the money spent on these goods 100 percent in the local community. What’s not to like?
Send your suggestions for Roses and thorns to managing editor Slim Smith at [email protected].
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 43 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.