Lavonia Marks Betty Vandiver Day

By MJ Kneiser, WLHR Radio, Lavonia

Georgia has a new special day in honor of a special lady from Lavonia.

The Georgia Municipal Association has proclaimed December 1st, Betty Vandiver Day in honor of the former First Lady of Georgia and longtime Lavonia resident.

Vandiver is being honored Statewide for her work establishing the Mayor’s Christmas motorcade.

On Sunday, a special reception was held for Mrs. Vandiver at the Lavonia Train Depot.

There local officials presented her with a proclamation tomorrow as Betty Vandiver Day in Lavonia.

Mayor Ralph Owens noted Vandiver’s tireless efforts on behalf of the cognitively and physically challenged.

“Betty visited the Central State Hospital in Milledgeville and became concerned by what she saw,” Owens said. “Betty came back to Atlanta to work. Because of her work, the Mayor’s Motorcade was established in 1959 and has grown every year since. I thank you, Mrs. Vandiver for all you do in our community and for all you have done in the past.”

City Manager Gary Fesperman then read a proclamation making Tuesday, December 1 Betty Vandiver Day in Lavonia.

Mrs. Vandiver told those in attendance she was surprised and thrilled with the honor.

Vandiver said much has changed in the state hospitals since 1959 – a change for the better that she credits her late husband, former Governor Ernest Vandiver with instituting.

“I’ve got to give Ernie the credit because he ended up cleaning house and bringing in all new people,” she explained. “He brought in doctors and experts from all over the country who knew how to deal with these sick people and it really made a difference in Milledgeville. Now it’s really all different with all new programs.”

Vandiver noted the Mayor’s Christmas Motorcade has also grown over the years and she thanked all municipalities and the City of Lavonia for making sure residents of state hospitals have gifts each Christmas.

“The City of Lavonia has always done such a good job helping,” Vandiver said. “I remember when we had a big pants factory and they gave away dozens and dozens of new khaki pants. All I can say is let’s keep going because there will always be those among us who need our help.”