Need a little good news these days? With a government shutdown, uncertainty about one of Brewton’s grocery stores and the upcoming closing of our Goodwill retail store, it’s easy to see things as a little glass-half-empty lately.
But after spending an hour listening to auditions Monday night for the upcoming Brewton Community Theater performance of “Annie,” I was reminded that things aren’t so bad after all.
One by one, folks of all ages — mostly youngsters a bit timid to try out — shared their voices in front of director Stephen Billy and stage manager Molly Ruzic.
One girl even claimed she “couldn’t sing” before belting out a tune that impressed the entire room.
Keep your calendar open in early December, because you won’t want to miss this show.
Those auditions came after a weekend of activities — including the cooking contest and 5K run to benefit the John L. Fisher Community Center and an open house at the Art Loft — that showcased how well-rounded our community is.
In October, we’ll have several new events, including Art in the Park and the Twin Creek Combine, both on Oct. 12 in our downtown parks.
We’ll also have some Halloween events — including a haunted trail — and in November is the Smoked barbecue contest sponsored by the Brewton Area Chamber of Commerce. And rehearsals have already begun for the community choir that will sing at a Thanksgiving service next month.
When negative news starts to pile up, it’s refreshing to remember just how many good things we have going in our community. We’re blessed to live in Brewton.

Kerry Whipple Bean is publisher of The Brewton Standard. She can be reached at kerry.bean@brewtonstandard.com.