In a program dedicated to the public service of the late Sen. Richard Russell, the annual leadership award was given to Rep. Calvin Smyre of Columbus. Smyre was elected to the Georgia House in 1974 and was its youngest member at age 26. He had chaired and continued to serve on the prestigious Rules Committee and as chair of the University System of Georgia Committee.

In attendance, representing the Effingham County Democratic Committee, was the chairwoman, Gussie Nease, and member Wilhemina Webb. They were guests at Congressman John Barrow’s table. The dinner was held in Macon on Aug. 4.

The keynote speaker for the event was state Rep. DuBose Porter from Dublin. Rep. Porter’s wife is the granddaughter of the late Kitty Futrelle of Guyton and was of particular interest to the local attendees. He is knowledgeable of Effingham County and has visited here frequently. He currently is the Democratic minority leader in the House.

“The Democratic Party is excited throughout Georgia about the upcoming elections on the national and state elections,” Nease said. “A lot of decisions are ahead for the voters. We feel, as the Democratic Party, that we are in the process of offering good choices of viable candidates for positions in various elections at all levels. Next year should be an exciting time as voters choose leadership throughout our levels of government. We would encourage everyone who has not registered to vote to do so soon.”

The registrar’s office is open during regular business hours of the county (five days a week from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.). The office is on the corner of Madison and Ash streets in Springfield, across from the Board of Education offices.