• Whereas, the year 2026, marks the 150th anniversary of Egypt Christian Church in Columbia, Kentucky, which was and continues to be dedicated to the service of God and humanity; and,


• Whereas, we give pause, honor, and praise for this year for the deep and abiding commitment of those who in faith began this work, and for all those who have given so unselfishly during these many years to assist our work grow and thrive, and provide valuable human services where the need was great; and,


• Whereas, our entire community has benefitted from the charity and influence that this church has exerted through the years, and the many facets of its outreach and practical assistance to the needy; and,


• Whereas, it is a pleasure to extend this expression of our esteem and best wishes to the members of this congregation on the memorable occasion of this 150th anniversary;


• Now, therefore, I, Pamela Hoots Mayor of the City of Columbia, Kentucky, urge all citizens of Columbia to join together in recognition and appreciation for the members, past and present, of the congregation of Egypt Christian Church for their commitment and Christian contributions to the community.


• In official recognition whereof, I hereby affix my signature this 29th day of March, 2026.

• Whereas, each year during the month of March, various towns, counties, and communities in the United States recognize women for their incredible contributions to our national and municipalities;


• Whereas, during this month we want to recognize the women in our community; especially Mrs. Ruth Richardson, Columbia's first female city councilor and her contributions to our city; We would also like to recognize other women that served our city council including Linda Waggener, June Parson, Louise Hutchison, Sharon Payne, Hannah Peck, Rhonda Loy, and Pamela Hoots;


• Whereas, the City would like to recognize all the women that have served our community in positions such as County Judge Executive, School Superintendent, Circuit Court Judge, County Attorney, Magistrate, County Clerk, and City Clerk;


• Whereas, the City would like to recognize all the incredible women that have served and continue to serve our City including Tiffany Collins, Jada Atwood, Sydney Strange, Pamela Hoots, and Kila Keen;


• Whereas, the month was designated to recognize women's history throughout the United States;


• Therefore, we proclaim-March, 2026, Women's History Month in our community.

Hilda Legg's well written article advocating the need to develop solar power makes sense. I read that many advances are being made in developing ways to access solar energy. Health care people and scientists are warning us about pollution caused by burning fossil fuels. Health issues result from polluted air and water.

'Nature magazines' alert us to damage done to our Earth Home already as a result of extracting and burning fossil fuels. Battles over extracting coal, oil, gas cause wars and destroy natural environments. I think we need to consider benefits of solar power and realize the harm fossil fuels are causing. We now have the 'know how' to extract power from our mighty solar source we rotate and revolve around. Let's do it!

My theory as to why the balconies disappeared, perhaps with the advent of air conditioning? Balconies were made so that people could get out of hot buildings and catch a breeze on hot summer days.