Congratulations

Anniston resident Peggy Grubbs was recently honored as the recipient of the “2008 Horizon Award” from the 20,500-member Alabama Retired State Employees’ Association during its annual convention in Guntersville.

The Horizon Award is presented to upcoming leaders within the organization who embody youthful vigor, energy, passion, enthusiasm and dedication.

“Peggy Grubbs may have retired from government service just a few years ago, but she has already begun to have a significant impact on our group” association president Bill Shoemaker of Tuscumbia said. “She truly embodies the spirit of this award through her hard work and determination.”

Grubbs is recognized as ARSEA’s key leader in the COLA efforts for the City of Anniston and currently sits on the ARSEA board of directors.

Grubbs retired in 2007 as the senior revenue officer for the City of Anniston and an University of Alabama alumnus. She is a former president of the Anniston Kiwanis Sunrisers Club, Altrusa Club of Anniston and the Alabama Municipal Revenue Officers Association as well as a former chairman of the RMC Foundation.

Grubbs is the Alabama division manager of Renewable Systems Inc. and the director of operations for PReMA Corp.

John Emmett Phillips turned 102 years old Oct 1. He has seen 17 different presidents and saw the country go from horse and buggy to space ships. He has had a good life. His wife of 60 years passed away in 1990, and he still lives in the old home place. He has seven children, one deceased, 20 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, one deceased, and six great-great-grandchildren.Emmett Phillips still enjoys a good laugh, and he enjoyed visiting with the many friends and family that came to see him on his birthday.

Jesse C. Heifner of Anniston has been recognized as a member of Sigma Alpha Lambda, National Leadership and Honors Organization at the University of Alabama. Sigma Alpha Lambda is a national leadership and honors organization dedicated to promoting and rewarding academic achievement and providing members with opportunities for community service, personal development, and lifelong professional fulfillment. She is the daughter of David and Rhonda Heifner and granddaughter of Ralph and Mary Vaughn and Billy and Frances Heifner.

The Alabama Department of Public Health sponsors an annual coloring book contest, open to kindergarten through sixth-grade students, which promotes seat belt and child restraint use.

“Appropriate car seats can reduce the risk of death for infants by 71 percent and for toddlers by 54 percent,” said Victoria Broussard, health educator. “We urge parents to ensure their children’s safety and booster seats are properly installed, especially during National Child Passenger Safety Week, Sept. 21-28. The Buckle-Up, Alabama! The contest is a wonderful way to help educate children and parents from across the state about the benefits of buckling up.”

Alabama law states that each front-seat occupant of a “passenger car” must have a safety belt properly fastened about his/her body any time the vehicle is in motion.

Local winners in the coloring book contest included, third grade, “Honorable Mention,” Jeremy McCants, Cobb Elementary School, and Zoe Thomas, Graham Elementary School, Talladega; fourth grade, “First Place,” Elaina Fernandez, Ohatchee Elementary School; fifth grade, “First Place,” Glen Nolte, Saks Middle School; “Honorable Mention,” Johnnie Dunn, Cobb Elementary School; sixth grade, “Honorable Mention,” Hanna Street, Graham Elementary School, Talladega.

Eva Lauren Almeshal of Anniston has recently become recognized as a member of Sigma Alpha Lambda, National Leadership and Honors Organization at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Jesse C. Heifner of Anniston has recently become recognized as a member of Sigma Alpha Lambda, National Leadership and Honors Organization at the University of Alabama.

Sigma Alpha Lambda is a national leadership and honors organization dedicated to promoting and rewarding academic achievement and providing members with opportunities for community service, personal development, and lifelong professional fulfillment.

She is the daughter of David and Rhonda Heifner and granddaughter of Ralph and Mary Vaughn and Billy and Frances Heifner.