Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1324147
LOCAL BUZZ New electric bus route offers service to Coliseum Medical Centers MACON-BIBB COUNTY TRANSIT AUTHORITY has launched a new Second Street Corridor route serviced by "Sparky," one of MTA's two new K9S 35-foot, zero emission electric buses, manufactured by BYD. Sparky and her brother "Bolt" were unveiled in October. The Second Street Corridor project was the brainchild of Macon-Bibb County Mayor Robert Reichert. "I'm grateful to MTA for putting a new electric bus on the Second Street Corridor route. I think it will not only provide attractive transit services in the corridor, it will also be a positive reaffirmation of our community's commitment to the environment and clean energy," Reichert said. The new route includes service, for the first time, to the front steps of Coliseum Medical Centers on Hospital Drive, significantly increasing accessibility to the hospital and other buildings on the campus for healthcare workers, patients and their family members. "This is very exciting for us and we're so thankful to Macon-Bibb County Transit Authority for adding a regularly scheduled stop at Coliseum Medical Centers," said Stephen J. Daugherty, CEO of Coliseum Health System. "Our first priority is our patients, and improving access to the hospital for them and their loved ones is paramount. We want to make sure everyone who needs us can easily reach us, whether to visit our hospital or their physicians on our campus." – JAMI GAUDET AC PUP Love you can count on LIVING WELL. That thought definitely took on new meaning in 2020. With so many uncertainties about health, finance, jobs and isolation, everyone seemed to be searching for some sort of comfort and predictability in their lives. It's been a year where people and pets had to learn to shelter-in-place. Usually a shelter is not a pet's first choice of where he'd like to be, but during COVID-19 pets learned that sheltering-in-place with their families is exactly where they wanted to be. Being constantly together at home, pets and parents had time to enrich their bonds. As pets, during the pandemic we felt a heightened role to provide companionship and understanding of the many emotions our parents were experiencing during these strangely historic times. But honestly, we take that in stride. Pets are experts at helping people feel important, secure and loved. In fact, we can make our people feel like they are the greatest creatures that have ever walked on two feet. We can sense when our family needs extra hugs and snuggles, and for the past few months our people have needed that pretty regularly. As pets, we love it. It's what we do. It's our chance to show how much we can impact the lives of those we love. During the middle of the pandemic, Amanda Coleman felt like she wanted to add a kitty to her family, although she had never had a kitty before in her life. She felt that with the stress of the virus, the time was right for her to add a furry family member. Further, she felt strongly about getting the kitty from the local pound. Once Amanda's eyes met Lily's, there was an instant connection. Amanda knew she was not leaving the pound without that sweet kitty. As is the case with many pets at the pound, this kitty was terrified. But Amanda stayed with her an hour to help address her fears. Gradually, the kitty could sense she would be safe with Amanda. A few pets led to purring and Lily, as she was later named, began to feel more comfortable. Lily is now completely at home and comfortable with her new family. In fact, she is a cherished family member. She's the source of joy to the family at a time when we all need more joy. Want to really live well in spite of the turmoil and chaos 2020 has brought? Consider adopting a loving companion from the pound or any local rescue group. You won't be sorry because unconditional love is something that helps us all live well. – PATTI JONES AMANDA COLEMAN AND LILY 28 maconmagazine.com | DECEMBER/JANUARY 2021