Troy City Councilwoman Dejerilyn King Henderson held the second of what she calls “faith-based, town hall meetings” on Monday night at Southside Baptist Church.

The focus this time was on ways District 5 residents, and all of Troy, can take better care of themselves and the community.

Henderson invited Willie B. Willams to speak about the importance of life insurance and Shane Griffin with the City of Troy to discuss recycling.

“It’s one of the most important things to consider while we are healthy,” Williams said of life insurance.

While everyone has individualized needs, Williams explained the differences between term life and whole life policies.

“Whole life is just what it sounds like,” Williams said. “It’s good for your whole life.”

Whole life policies are also beneficial while policyholders are living because cash loans can be taken out against the policy in times of need.

Term life policies, Williams said, only last for a specific period – such as 10, 20 or 30 years. Then they expire.

“Age and health really plays a big part in what you choose,” Williams said. “Take out a policy while you are in good health and young.”

Griffin handed out blue recycle bags and spoke to the group gathered about how easy it is to recycle in Troy.

“There aren’t a whole lot of people in District 5 who recycle, but it is a good thing to do, and really simple,” Griffin said.

Griffin spoke about the types of materials residents can recycle – including junk mail, cans, books, magazines, cardboard and plastics labeled 1, 2, 5 and 4.

“If we don’t recycle, it’s going to the landfill,” Griffin said.

That means a heftier tipping fee to Coffee County’s landfill and more trips and gas spent traveling to an out of county landfill. The city takes trash to Coffee County because the Brundidge Landfill is closed.

Also at the meeting, Henderson took a few moments to discuss a letter she wrote to the editor of The Messenger and also sent to other outlets. She said her intent was to not only raise an issue she felt the city school system is dealing with, but to also spark conversation.

“I read every comment that was on the newspaper’s website,” Henderson said. “Not just the good or the bad, every comment.”

Henderson said she believes in democracy, and everyone is able to express themselves in a democracy.

“The letter was written to start a discussion,” Henderson said. “Just because we don’t like to talk about something doesn’t mean we can ignore it. The letter started people talking and thinking about what we need to address.”

Henderson thanked Southside Baptist Church for the use of space for the town hall meeting and encouraged everyone to attend Tuesday night’s city council meeting where a smoking ordinance will likely be voted on, and a reception held for a local civil rights leader.