The Bainbridge Pilot Club has received three nominations for their annual “Woman of the Year.” The winner will be announced on Thursday, January 22 at the Chamber of Commerce annual dinner meeting.

The second nominee is Vicki Bailey, who was nominated by Zack Parsons, who writes:

“I am writing to you for your consideration and nomination of Vicki Bailey as Decatur County’s Woman of the Year. I sincerely believe that her collective body of work in 2014 and the many preceding years earned a placement among such an honorable group of role models for our community.

In 2014, she played an important role in establishing the Historic Downtown Farmers’ Market, which provides a weekly venue for local entrepreneurs to showcase their startup businesses, products, and services to the general public. The event provides opportunities for anyone with an idea they believe in to test the market without the high risk of a “brick and mortar” location. This is an important asset for our community to develop and adapt to the ever-changing economic environment.

“Vicki also stepped up as interim director of the Decatur County Council of the Arts after the sitting director was forced to step down due to the unexpected illness of her spouse. The Council of the Arts was able to transition to these changes with little interruption, thanks in large part to her hard work.

She just completed her 8^th year as the programs and show chairman of the council as well. This position consists of organizing the annual Father/Daughter dance, Bizarre Bazaar, summer art camps and the semi-monthly “So-So-Van Gogh” classes. For many years, she also ran the children’s card design ministry called “Art Angels” while volunteering at the First Baptist Church of Bainbridge.

Vicki also assisted in the establishment of one of Decatur County’s newest churches, known locally as Wiregrass Church. She worked many hours building and painting the new youth building for the church, and the project is scheduled to finish in early 2015.

“The far more important (though less easily quantifiable) contributions to her community are by leading her family and friends by the example of her good works. A mother of four and quality friend to many, she shows everyone that you can always push yourself a little harder with a smile on your face. While working on her new small business, Artsy on the Square, she achieved so much for her community, while so many opt to relax at home and take it easy.

Her contributions deserve our recognition.”

Editor’s note. This is the second nomination of three to be published by The Post Searchlight. The final and last will be published in the Wednesday, January 21 edition.