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Page 2A - Pike County Journal Reporter - Wednesday, January 27, 2021 SUBMITTED PHOTOS Fisher Elzey (left) and Tybee Elzey took part in the first ever Winter Reading Program at the J. Joel Edwards Public Library. Winter Reading Program benefits local students Throughout the month of December, the J. Joel Edwards Public Library hosted its first annual Winter Reading Program. Children throughout Pike County were invited to pick up a reading log at the library and keep track of their reading time throughout the entire month with a goal of 15 hours. Once hours were logged at home, participants were encouraged to re-visit the library, have their reading time recorded, and receive prizes for their reading that included winter bubbles, a plush Yeti and a brand new book to add to their collec tions at home. “Our goal with the Winter Reading Program was to en courage as many kids as pos sible to keep reading even though they were out of school for a couple of weeks. Plus, we always have a great time rewarding kids for their hard work,” said assistant manager Alyssa Williams. The library will continue to offer frequent opportu nities for students to get involved in similar reading challenges and other pro grams such as free Take- and-Make craft kits that are available the first and third Wednesdays of each month. To stay up to date on what’s happening at the library, follow the J. Joel Edwards Public Library on Facebook or call and speak to a staff member at 770-567- 2014. Karter Brooks selected a book to take home after meeting his reading goal in the Winter Reading Pro gram at the J. Joel Edwards Public Library. County manager, commission honor employees for milestones of service PHOTOS BY RACHEL McDANIEL / PIKE COUNTY JOURNAL REPORTER Above left, Patricia Maxedon was honored for her 30 years of service in the tax commissioners office by county manager Brandon Rogers. Above right, Robert Snowden (center) was honored for his 15 years of service at the Pike County Sheriff’s Office by sheriff Jimmy Thomas (left) and Brandon Rogers. Two Pike employees were recognized by com missioners during the Jan. 13 meeting. Patricia Maxedon was recognized for her 30 years of service in Pike County at the tax com missioners office and she was presented with a 30- year certificate and pin. Tax commissioner Donna Chapman was unable to attend the meeting so a letter was read on her behalf. “It is with great regret that 1 cannot be there to celebrate Patti’s 30 years. She is dedicated, reli able, knows her stuff and displays a Christian en vironment are just a few things to describe this special lady. It is employ ees like Patti that make Pike County great,” wrote Chapman. “She is willing to go the extra mile for everybody. Over the past 24 years, 1 have come to know Patti and 1 love her like family. 1 cannot say enough of how thankful 1 am for her as a coworker, as well as a friend.” Robert Snowden was recognized for 15 years of service at the Pike County Sheriff’s Office and he was presented with a 15-year certificate and pin. Rogers noted that Snowden started working for the Sheriff’s Office after getting out of the U.S. Air Force and thanked him for his ser vice to Pike County. Sheriff Jimmy Thomas said several things come to mind about Robert including laughter, deter mination and justice. “The laughter comes from Robert usually being behind a prank that has them laughing, determination comes from when Robert has a case, he hangs in there with it, and justice, Rob ert works on some high profile cases from time to time and does a great job bringing those cases to the courtroom,” said sheriff Thomas. “Before Robert went into the mili tary he worked for the Sheriff’s Office and when he got out of the military, he came back to work at the Sheriff’s Office. Thank you for the job you do, we appreciate your years of service.” UPSON Regional Medical Center FREE COVID-19 Vaccine in Barnesville Upson Regional Medical Center Barnesville Medical Office Building (100 Hwy 18 W) Beginning January 21 The COVID-19 vaccine is now available for adults aged 65 and older, law enforcement officers, firefighters and first responders. People in the designated groups interested in getting the vaccine MUST have an appointment in order to receive admission. Please review the fact sheet on the vaccine and complete the consent form prior to appointment. These documents are available at urmc.org, onsite upon check in, and in the Upson Regional Medical Center Barnesville Medical Office Building lobby for you to pick up prior to your visit. To schedule your appointment beginning at 9:00 am January 18, call 770-872-5015.