Annual sMiles for Megan 5K is slated for May 6
Continuing Megan Kelley’s vision to help others, the Megan Kelley Smiles Foundation has expanded its coverage area and has partnered with Meredith’s Miracles.
The foundation was created two years ago. Donna Kelley said that while her daughter, Megan, received an outpouring of love and support from the community while battling cancer, she noticed that adult patients didn’t always receive the same attention as children and teens.
“In the foundation, we have decided to serve locals ages 18 to 26, who live within 90 miles of Andalusia,” Kelley said. “We have increased our distance.”
Additionally, Kelley said that the assistance from the Megan Smiles Foundation is not only for those who are battling cancer.
“We are going to pick-up where Meredith’s Miracles stops,” she said.
Meredith’s Miracles provides assistance for children birth through 18, who need to go outside of Andalusia for specialty care.
Meredith’s Miracles director Emily Yehling is handing the bookkeeping and distributing assistance for the organization.
To continue the foundation’s work, the organization is hosting is annual sMiles for Megan 5K and fun run on May 6. “Smiles for Megan is held in honor of Megan, who battled cancer for almost two years,” Kelley said. “During that time, her smile and positive attitude helped bring the message of Christ to others.”
The deadline to register for the run and receive a T-shirt is April 21 and the cost is $25. Late registration will cost $30.
The fun run entry fee is $15.
`To pre-register, visit www.mksmiles.org or forms are available at JM Jackson, First South Farm Credit and Harold’s Furniture.
This year, the foundation also is selling yard signs that can be printed in honor or memory of cancer patients. The signs are $25. For signage information, contact Kelley at .
Andalusia Star News
At 10:30 p.m. Thursday, Wyatt Sasser Construction was busy putting finishing touches on Clark Theatre, in preparation for today’s opening, mainly working on exterior lights. Below, Timmy Walker and Brian Ray install a foot rail in upstairs theater.
Today’s first movies will be a matinee at 1 p.m. scheduled specially for students who have Good Friday out of school. The theater opens with “Boss Baby” and “The Fate of the Furious.” Matinee tickets are $8.
Andalusia Star News
The 46th annual Coterie Club of Andalusia Storybook Festival is set for April 22.
Storybook Festival Publicity Chair Kelley Nolen said this year’s theme is “Journeys of Imagination.”
The event is free and will be held at Springdale Estate. “Balloons, face-painting and concessions will be available for a small charge,” she said.
Gates at Springdale will open at 9 a.m.
“The first set of stories begins at 9:30 a.m.,” Nolen said.
Nolen said children and their families will enjoy watching several stories come to life, as well as the opportunity to make a craft.
“Some of the featured stories include: “Where the Wild Things Are,” “The Interrupting Chicken,” and “Oh! The Places You Will Go!”
Each year hundreds of parents and children flock to the event.
The Coterie Club was formed in October 1948. It has established a long history of service to the children of the community and a reputation of concern for the welfare of the community as well.
Andalusia Star News
The newly-renovated Clark Theatres got rave reviews in its red-carpet rollout Tuesday night.
“It feels like you’re in a big city,” said Sue Franklin Taylor. “It was very much needed and appreciated.”
Mrs. Taylor visited the open house with her husband, Ward. The couple dated at the theater after meeting in college. The O’Neal family, who owned the theater building on the square for decades, donated it to the city in early 2016. In turn, the city completely remodeled it, and has a long-term lease in effect with Clarke Theatres. On hand for the ribbon cutting and open house were city and Chamber officials, along with Clark Theatres owner Mack Clark, and theater personnel. The building was completely gutted, and the facility now has three theaters with recliners and stadium seating, a brand-new snack bar, and new restroom facilities. It also has state-of-the-art equipment. With the changes, the facility is a far cry from the theater where brothers Alan and Eddie Williamson often spent their Saturday afternoons.
“Mr. Cassidy would walk up and down the aisles and make you put your feet down,” Alan recalled.
Eddie said, “He would come over the speaker, and you’d hear static, and he’d say, ‘Boys and girls, I’ve been begging and pleading with you to quieten down.’ ”
Alan said his favorite movie from “back in the day” was Jaws. Eddie said he loved all of the cowboy movies, but his favorite movie was Smokey and the Bandit. Alan saw American Graffiti there on his first date. Read More>
The preliminary estimate of funds raised at yesterday’s Andalusia Police Department’s Arrest-A-Friend is $12,278.
Brandy Hudson, wife of Chief Paul Hudson said that a few more hundred dollars are expected to come in today. Hudson said they set a goal of $7,500 and they far exceeded that.
In its ninth year, the fundraiser was held on the Court Square and funds go to Covington County Relay for Life.