"It started as a 4-H project for my daughter," said Lisa Dixon of Cochran.  Dixon came up with the idea of providing a free Thanksgiving meal for the needy six years ago when her daughter Cher was tasked with a community service project.

Three years ago, it was moved to Big B's BBQ on the Eastman Highway.  Dixon said owner James Bass approached her about combining efforts as he wanted to do something for the community.  So for the past three Thanksgivings, Dixon and others have volunteered at the restaurant.

Preparing plates, delevering plates, and being a greeter.  "Y'all just help yourselves" she yelled out to people coming in a little after 12.  Plates were delivered to the Bleckley LEC, PBC, Bryant Health and Rehab Center, Bleckley Memorial Hospital, and the Senior Center.

She estimated 400 people had been served at th restaurant. 

The Cochran campus of Promise of Hope will hold a fish fry from 3:30-6 pm behind the Bleckley courthouse.  Plates are $8.50 and include two pieces of fish, cole slaw, hush puppies, baked beans, and desert.  Proceeds will benefit the adminstrative building fund.  

Tickets can be purchased from the Hair Shop on Beech Street as well as First Baptist Church.  

For more information, call 478-934-0774.

For the past year or so, the former home of Mell and Dorothy Bland of Cochran has been their small business.  Mell Rose Cottage, a gift shop featuring arts, crafts and other knick-knacks.  He's a retired engineer from the PBS station on Salem Church Road.  She's a retirned BCHS teacher.

While both are glad for folks to come and buy a necklace or other item, they're also happy for people to stop and visit.  "We want it to be a social club," said Mell.  "Where people can come in, look and talk."  He understands that many people can't go to Macon or other places to shop.  So they want to have an easily accessable shop to give people "somewhere to go."

One of the things Mell was proud of was a recently installed handicap ramp.  He told a story about how soon after it was in place, a woman in a motorized wheelchair came and shopped for several hous.