We recently reported that Perry Wellness Center had become the supplies vendor for the Americus-Sumter Chamber of Commerce's first annual scarecrow display contest. After having supplied materials and frames for over 40 local entries, we turned our attention to our own entry in the contest.

Located at the south entrance of the market, our seven-member team of hand-in-hand scarecrow figures is astride a globe of the earth. Dressed in the attire of many cultures, the figures represent our wish for, in creator Jeff Williams' words, "the unifying spirit of care and concern for people suffering from mental illness and addictive disorders." The display's theme: "Working Together We Can Beat Mental Illness."

If wishes come true -- What a wonderful world it would be!

In the photo, left to right, are: Essie Furlow, Laurie Hildreth, Daisy Bell, Kaylon Holt, and Roderick Arnett.