Last winter, I received a call from Peachtree City resident Tom Hamall (past president of the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce) regarding an organization he was organizing for Fayette County. Tom called the new organization Enriching and Nurturing the Community by Offering Resources and Experience! Fayette (ENCORE! FAYETTE). My initial reaction was, “How did he get my phone number?”

That initial reaction radically changed during our first formal meeting last winter when this program took shape. This is a program where the retired citizens of Fayette County can make positive change happen; make significant contributions to the community; and see their talents and skills make a difference before their own eyes.

As we have read in this publication, Fayette County has over 15,000 age 65-plus seniors at present (13 percent of the population). Our senior population is projected to reach over 45,000 by 2030.

I think that I speak for a large number in this population when I say that we collectively possess skills to become community builders, problem solvers and change agents.

Sharing our life experiences in a meaningful way could make positive differences in lives, businesses, and even government in the early 21st century within Fayette County.

As an avid reader of this publication, and reading about so many of the challenges we face in the future, it became evident that it would enriching to this guy to be involved with a group with a broad spectrum of experience, knowledge and talents working on solutions to key challenges in Fayette County.

ENCORE! Fayette is seeking volunteers for the future. Volunteers will receive a 10-week, day-long course starting in January 2009. The course is designed to familiarize volunteers with facts regarding the county (this is especially helpful for newcomers to the community), and to allow the volunteer to determine where their skills, talents and experience best fit the needs.

The course will include an orientation of Fayette; history of the county, Fayetteville, Tyrone and Peachtree City governments; our judicial system and citizen involvement; the business community and economic development; education and lifelong learning; Fayette’s healthcare system; family and diversity; and arts and culture. There will be a nominal fee to cover lunches and some travel.

Do you really want to make a difference in your community? If the answer is “Yes,” then apply today by visiting www.encorefayette.org or call 770-716-2797. Applications can also be obtained at numerous locations throughout the county, including The Gathering Place, Fayette Senior Services, and Senior Helpers.

Folks, we can make a difference. Let us lend a hand.

Jack C. Wheeler

Fayetteville, Ga.

[Wheeler retired from the U.S. Army as a major general.]

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