There are some 115 angels remaining to be adopted to make this year’s Andalusia Community Christmas a success.
This year, more than 500 children are registered as “angels” for the annual event that provides Christmas presents to needy families. Com-munity Christmas works by having the community adopt the “angels” and then purchase gifts for them. It is recommended that about $60 be spent on each child.
“Time is sort of running out,” said ACC volunteer Judy Bryant, who is in charge of distributing the angels. “If these children aren’t adopted, then the organization has to buy for them. We have some money in reserve, but if we spend it now, there’ll be nothing to start with next year.”
Angels are available now at Andalusia city hall, JCPenney, Andalusia Regional Hospital, WAAO, Winn-Dixie and Walmart.
Also, those who’ve already adopted an angel should make plans to drop off their gifts this weekend.
Larry Avery, organizer, said volunteers will be manning the Kiwanis building on Saturday from 8 a.m. until noon and on Sunday from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. to accept the packages.
Instructions on how to package the items can be found on the back of the child’s “angel” card.
“But in general, the instructions are to place the items in a garbage bag, securely attach the angel to it and drop it off at Kiwanis building,” Avery said.
It costs an estimated $50,000 to purchase gifts for the children. When angels are not adopted, the Community Christmas volunteers must make the purchases – which is why donations are also important.
The donations are tax-deductible and should be mailed to Andalusia Community Christmas Inc., P.O. Box 1525, Andalusia, AL 36420.
-Stephanie Nelson
Local temperatures are expected to dip below freezing in the coming days as a cold front makes it way across the state.
According to the National Weather Service forecast, temperatures will be around 57 today, with west winds between 10 and 15 mph, but expect gusts as high as 20 mph.
Temperatures will dip to 35 with winds between 5 and 10 mph.
On Wednesday, the high will be near 59 and the wins will continue at 5 and 10 mph.
Wednesday temperatures are expected to drop to 28.
Thursday will be sunny and the high will increase to 63 and the winds are expected to die down.
Low will be around 31 on Thursday night.
Friday’s high will be 64 with a low of 33.
Saturday will be sunny with a high near 66 and low of 38.
When winter temperatures drop below normal, staying warm and safe can become a challenge.
Residents are reminded to take precautions to protect life and property during the winter weather, including checking on the elderly, taking care of pets and livestock, protecting plants and exposed plumbing.
The following are some tips to follow when preparing for the freezing temperatures.
• Protect people. Keep warm and stay inside if possible. If one must go out, dress in layers, wear hats, gloves and an appropriate coat.
• Observe heater safety. Never place a space heather on top of furniture or near water. Keep heat sources at least 3 feet from furniture and drapes. Never leave children unattended near a space heater.
• Protect pets. Bring pets inside, and move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas. Keep adequate food and water available.
• Protect pipes. Disconnect outdoor hoses, drain and store in protected place. Wrap exposed faucets and pipes – including those outside the house or in unheated crawl spaces, attics, garages and other areas.
• Protect plants. Bring potted plants inside or store in garage near interior wall to provide extra warmth and protection from wind.
• For cold-sensitive outdoor plants, put down extra mulch and consider covering with a cloth fabric of some kind to shield the plants from wind and frost.
• Protect from carbon monoxide poisoning. Install a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector and never use generators, grills, camp stoves or similar devices indoors.
• Prepare vehicles. It is recommended that cars be serviced and antifreeze added as needed.
Residents from around Andalusia will have the opportunity to gather together for two annual community Thanksgiving services tonight.
In Andalusia, this year’s event, sponsored by the Greater Andalusia Ministerial Association, will be held at First Baptist Church, with FBC pastor, Dr. Fred Karthaus, bringing the message.
Karthaus said choir members from all church are invited to sing in the area Thanksgiving choir, which will be led by FBC music minister Dwight Crigger.
In Babbie, a service will be held at Babbie Baptist Church at 7 p.m.
A new industry will locate in the Andalusia Industrial Park in the first quarter of 2012, employing a minimum of 50 people in a year, Mayor Earl Johnson announced in a speech to the Andalusia Rotary Club Thursday.
GreenSteel Homes, LLC, will locate in a previously unoccupied spec building in the park. The company builds architecturally-designed “green” steel homes with a completely wood-free recycled structure.
The homes are built to withstand hurricane and tornado-force winds up to 200 mph, and are engineered to withstand up to Zone 4 earthquakes.
Johnson said the city has 30 days to put together the contract and lease, and 60 days after that to get the property turned over to them.
“That should put it at about March 1,” he said.
Johnson said training will be provided for employees through the state by AIDT. Wages will average $15 per hour. The company will employ not less than 50 employees in the first year, and not less than 75 employees in their second year.
The mayor said the company looked at several communities before choosing to locate here.
“They told us there were other communities that had just as much to offer, but that they didn’t seem to have the spirit that they sensed here,” he said.
GreenSteel Homes estimates that 32 trees are saved and four recycled cars are used in one of its 1,200 square foot homes. The company offers plans ranging from 600 square feet to 2,500 square feet.
As part of its fundraising efforts for the 2012 Covington County campaign, PowerSouth’s Relay For Life team is sponsoring its first ever 5K Resolution Run/Walk on Sat., Jan. 7, 2012.
The race will start and finish at Andalusia City Hall. The road course will travel through several Andalusia neighborhoods surrounding Andalusia High School. Participants should be at the starting line at 8:45 a.m. for a 9 a.m. start.
“I think participants will be very pleased with the route selected for the race,” said Micheal Davis, PowerSouth employee and Resolution Race Chairman. “There are a few moderately steep hills along the course, but runners and walkers of all skill levels are welcome.”
Pre-registrations for the first ever Resolution Race/Walk will be accepted through Dec. 14. Registration forms are online at www.active.com and www.runningintheusa.com. Entry fees are $25 for participants 13 years or older and $20 for participants 12 and younger.
Race-day registrations will be accepted from 7:30 to 8:30 at Andalusia City Hall.
The race will be conducted rain or shine.
Participants have to pre-register by Dec. 14 to be assured a long-sleeve t-shirt. The overall male and female first place finishers will be awarded $50 prizes. Medals will go to the first place male and female in each age division.
For more information, contact Davis at (334) 427-3422.