Keeping It Topical

Whenever I sit down and prepare to write this column I’m often amazed at all the subjects I could cover.

One of the first rules I try to follow is to keep it topical and there are a lot of topics to choose from in any given week.

Those of you who have been reading these deliberations know I’m a tad bit superstitious. This being Friday the 13th and a full moon, I could write about this dubious day.

The Cotton Pickin’ Festival is this Saturday in Arbyrd.

The main focus of this event is music. This year they have a wide variety of talent ranging from Elvis tributes to Nashville Recording Artist Craig Campbell. Proceeds will benefit the upkeep of their Veteran’s Memorial Monument.

There’s the vaping controversy. Many have used these vaping products as a means to to quit smoking cigarettes. Harm reduction seems to be a benefit for smokers, but with kids vaping at an alarming rate and mysterious lung illnesses accompanying their use it seems like a closer look at these products is advised.

All these topics could fill a column.

Sometimes I write a column spotlighting an individual I’ve met that week.

In the past few weeks I’ve met some wonderful representatives of our community, including Delta Fair board members and food vendors, as well as Pastor Gary Mayes, who receives the title of Pastor Emeritus this Sunday at the First Christian Church in Kennett. Believe me, he is inspiring and a genuine delight to speak with.

I’ve shared my thoughts on many political issues and community projects in my column.

Now, at the forefront is the possibility of bringing a medical marijuana cultivating, processing and dispensary business to Kennett. This will quite probably fill a few columns in the near future.

While I am researching the pros and cons and health benefits as well as side effects of medical marijuana, I fear legalized recreational use will follow and that troubles me.

Economically for the area, statistics show these operations bring lots of financial benefits, but I refer back to the old adage of putting all of our eggs in one basket. I would hope there is a plan in place to attract other businesses, as well as retaining existing employers. If so, I would like to hear about it, as I believe others in the community would.

Lots of topics folks and I’ll be covering them all in the coming weeks.

Thanks so much for giving me the opportunity to share my thoughts with you on the issues and individuals that affect our area.

See you out there.