A rose to the organizers, volunteers, home-owners and visitors for another successful Columbus Pilgrimage, which wrapped up its 78th year over the weekend. The Pilgrimage continues to be the centerpiece of our tourism efforts as visitors flock to take in the wide array of offerings — everything from tours of homes and churches to art shows, runs, antique shows and, of course, the annual “Tales From the Crypt,” staged by history students at MSMS. The Pilgrimage is the culmination of months of planning and work each year. Visitors have historically given the event rave reviews, not only for the sights and events, but for the hospitality shown to them by the community. Good job, all-around.
A rose to the parents and kids of Caledonia Elementary School whose fundraising efforts will go a long way in correcting the drainage issues that have plagued the playground at the new school, which opened last year. Because the playground is located at where rainwater collects, the playground is unusable for days after a rain. To help remedy the problem, the school’s parent-teacher organization solicited the students’ help in a special run on Thursday as more than 400 students collected pledges for each lap they ran. The nine-day campaign collected more than $30,000, money the school will use with its own funds to begin correcting the problem. Without that effort, any solution to the problem may have had to wait. The fundraising should serve to remind us that strong schools have strong parental and community support.
A rose to Gary Chism (R, Columbus) as he recuperates for what was described as a “mild stroke” last week. Chism, an affable and outspoken legislator, has served in the state’s House of Representatives since 2000. We wish him a full and speedy recovery.
A rose to Tractor Supply Co., which has kicked off it’s annual “Paper Clover” fundraising campaign that runs through April 22. Customers can purchase a paper clover for a dollar each at Tractor Supply locations throughout the country to support local 4H programs. Since the campaign started, it has collected more than $13 million for 4H, including $1.8 million last year. The money goes to fund 4H scholarships which allow kids to attend camps and leadership conferences.
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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