Bobbitt's Fotothing

Citizen and Lady of Year Honored in Vidalia



February 22-- Vidalia honored its citizen and lady of the year Thursday night. The lady of the year is Rebecca Smelser, probably best known for her role as director of the Vidalia Community Chorus. ""I appreciate this so very much. I came to Vidalia as a northerner, and stayed here so long that you have taken me into your hearts. I'm so overcome by this, you have honored me, and this is something I will never forget," she said in accepting the award.

The town's 59th citizen of the year is active in many roles, but is most recognized for his longtime devotion to the local Boy Scouts. Matt Oxley said "I thank you for this. In Boy Scouts we always try to leave the place where we camp or work a better place than we find it. If citizens took that attitude a lot of cities in the world would be better off. I think Vidalia has that attitude from the many projects I've worked on where people pitch in and do the work."