June 29, 2009

At today's Kiwanis we honor George Givens on his receipt of the Hixon Award. We discussed the upcoming Police Awards and the Kiwanis sponsoring of the Chamber Of Commerce meeting July 16, 2009. That meeting will be catered by Market By The Bay and Ann Cunningham from Women's and Childrens Hospital will be the speaker. Kim Hastie (the 10 minute automobile tag lady) was supposed to be our speaker today, but she pulled a "no-show". This evening a firestation education meeting was held at the Civic Center to promote the need for a centrally located building which could serve the city for purposes of training, housing and EMS consolidation. This proposed project would be essentially funded by a grant and would be located at the corner of W. Lee and Kansas St. About 40 persons showed up and listened to Public Safety Director, Mike Reynolds, assisted by a power point video presentation.

June 28, 2009

After two days of patching, sanding, staining and painting, Deborah and I finally wrapped up our guest bedroom make-over. Climbing ladders and taping borders is now just a back-breaking memory. In fact, we had to miss the Southern Dulcimer Group at the First Baptist Church in order to finish today. I served as an usher at church today as well as readjusting the sound system for the choir, but I don't mind helping out when they need someone. Tomorrow I will send out company invoices and pay the bills I didn't get to today.

June 25, 2009

This afternoon was a lesson about remembering what you have been told. . . twice I started down Sutherland from Myrtlewood Ave. to run head-on into stopped traffic where Kansas dead-ends into Sutherland. I wasn't mad because I'm extremely pleased that the "potholes" will be filled and we will have a smooth street again. But it did require my backing up and taking a parallel street to avoid the trucks.
When I was at Lowe's later on this afternoon buying paint, I heard a young girl scream then collapse into tears. At that point, we became aware that the "King Of Pop", Micheal Jackson, had passed away from cardiac arrest. No matter what anyone says about his personal life, THRILLER was a amazing album to be reckoned with.
This evening the Commercial Board cancelled one application for a car wash and welcomed the proposed opening of a new restaurant "Mama Lewis Diner" to be located at 119 West Lee Street. Can't wait to try it out July 1st!

June 24, 2009

It was my duty today to inform a lady who wished to open a pawnshop in Chickasaw that a moritorium had been passed into law, giving the city 90 days to review such businesses. While the council decides these stipulations, our commercial board has a relatively sound idea about what new business and industry will "ramp-up" the attractive quality's of our city. My thanks to Representative Randy Davis for his generosity to University Of Mobile and the Chickasaw Chamber Of Commerce in helping us to promote summer concerts in the park. I neglected to provide a phone number in my last blog for those who would like to help support the Prichard United Concerned Citizens in their stand against Prichard Water selling out to a private operator instead of MAWS. That number is 457-8208. They will be having a meeting
featuring Vivian Figures at the St. James AME Church at 6:00 PM on July 2nd.(pictured is NOT the money for the July 4th concert, but the money you could be saving by insuring with Geico)

June 23,2009

This was a day for checking applications from people wanting to start a business in Chickasaw. It appears hopeful that we will be getting another restaurant in the building where Yesterdays used to operate. This one will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner serving a lighter fare such as salads, light sandwiches and free coffee for all seniors with a food order. We wish them success an hope they get their permit. January 29 will be a town hall gathering so the citizens of our city can offer their opinion about the design and grant contingencies concerning the new fire station, hopefully to be built at Kansas and Lee. Meeting is at the Civic Center and starts at 6:00 PM. Tonight's council meeting at City Hall dealt with several weed abatements and a visit from Prichard's Concerned Citizens Group who wanted to share with us the importance of Prichard's defunct Water and Sewer going with the Mobile Area Water and Sewer rather than a private concern. They assured us that the move toward Mobile Water would result in lower bills for Prichard AND Chickasaw.

June 22, 2009

Today at Kiwanis we voted to donate a book to the Chickasaw Library in honor of Ervin Dailey's mother who passed away yesterday morning in Camden, AL.
There was discussion about the Police Acheivment Quarterly Award and the Kiwanis sponsoring the Chamber Of Commerce lunch on July 16 and having a speaker for the occasion.
After the meeting, George Givens and I talked about introducing acoustic panels to his office and a quieter HVAC unit. I also met with a lady who is having a difficult time with City Hall concerning her garbage and sewer bill. The Code Inspector spent some time with me going over recently passed ordinances and tonight I attended a Chickasaw Civic Theatre Board meeting where we decided to have a wine tasting fund raiser to help keep up with the utilities the theatre is now paying.
We approved a new yearly budget which would require each board member to secure a minimum of $500. apiece in donations.

June 21, 2009

Father's Day for me. . .Deborah cooked my favorite breakfast and I received phone calls from my children. Nice gifts too! We went to church, came home to rest a little, then drove over to Eastern Shore where Deb took me to a new Italian restaurant named Guglielmo's (pronounced Guug-lee-elmo's). We had some fine mussels and calamari as appetizers and tasty Veal Marsala and Shrimp Napoletana for entrees. The prices are reasonable for such a handsome establishment and I would recommend it for anyone who likes Italian cuisine. Now if someone would be kind enough to come over and exercise for me.

June 20, 2009

I worked in the back yard cutting down vines and trimming crape myrtle trees. As I
went up to Saraland to the grocery store, I was amazed how many people had decided to get in their boats and take to the water at Brooks Park. The parking lots was almost completely full of cars and trailors. I noticed that one of Chickasaw's finest was there, either emptying the money box or checking to see that it hadn't been burglarized. A hot and happy Saturday.

June 19, 2009

I arranged today for the Chamber to make $500. available for a musical group to perform July 4th at Brooks Park. Money had been given to the Chamber of Commerce by Randy Davis earmarked for two park concerts. The festivities will
start 6:30 PM and last till after the fireworks at 9:00 PM. Bring your chairs, your cooler with food and beverage and your best behavior. Please remember
to use the waste receptacles for your refuse when you're at the park.

June 18, 2009

Todays big event was Chickasaw's "Citizen Of The Year" held at J.C. Davis Auditorium. This is an honor bestowed on a citizen who goes above and beyond, for their city. It is indeed an honor just to be nominated for this award. The three nominees were Leonard Bowman, Marilyn McPherson Jones and Barbara Pulliam. The honors went to Barbara Pulliam for all the work she does in our community. Our guest speaker was Atty. Gil Laden who has overcome a hearing handicap to become a successful lawyer and contributor to his fellow man. After the sound equipment was packed back up I needed to attend a Chickasaw Civic Theatre finance meeting. Then tonight, we head for a municipal dinner in Mobile. We had eight persons from Chickasaw at the dinner tonight sponsored by Mobile County. Mike Dean, Mobile commissioner spoke to us about the upcoming Air Force Tanker project that pits EAD in Mobile against Boeing. Ask your congressman to push for EAD/Northrup Grumman. Pictured is Deborah, Jennifer and Corrine at the dinner, then Tom and Barbara Pulliam and a look at the crowd today for Citizen Of Year.

June 17, 2009

Just got word this morning that one of our favorite people and also nominee for citizen of the year, Marilyn McPherson Jones had been taken to the hospital last night. We hope you are better, Marilyn, and can come home soon. This afternoon was spent putting out programs and
flowers on all the tables and setting up the sound system. The picture is dark, but the lights are not very bright in the auditorium. See you at "Citizen Of The Year" lunch.

June 16, 2009

The port Security Grants for individual companies has been extended to July 31, 2009. The Port Of Mobile has already been awarded $1,102,000. in grant money. This is to be used for Dept. Of Homeland Security necessities such as improved lighting of property, security cameras and recorders and fencing. Eventually the Port Of Chickasaw will have to fence in all the businesses with a central guard house. Anyone entering any of the properties will require a TWIC card for identification.
Had a late lunch with a friend and went by to help solder some connectors for a
sound system being installed.

June 15, 2009

At Kiwanis today we had an informative talk by Teresa Goolsby, our librarian and city Historian, extraordinaire. The State and Mobile County has prorated her funds about 10% which means she will be buying fewer books. This afternoon I went by to turn paperwork into the Code Inspector and to pick up addresses from our Maintenance Chief. There was a discussion engaged about informing the boating public that 2:00 PM July 4, 2009 the Brooks Park boat ramp and parking spaces would be closed for the picnic and fireworks display that night.
Later in the afternoon, being part of the committee for grant planning of a new firestation, I came up with some ideas for a building which would "fit" into our historical district decor. (see pictures) Later Deb and I visited our favorite sushi-man.

June 14, 2009

After church, our friends Charles and Margaret Czajkowski told us about their berry picking experience yesterday and gave us a 5 pound bag of blueberries. Yum! While Deborah left for work, I decided to wash the car and spend an afternoon at the Mobile Museum Of Art. There was an exhibition of ceramics by CG Woolwine which I thoroughly enjoyed and I always like to
see what's new in the gift shop.

June 13, 2009

Today is the big East Village Restoration Party. Ribs, dogs, burgers off the grill fit in nice with live music and some presentations by Byron Pittman and Teresa Goolsby to
a lady with a 1918 historic home. A great turn-out for a terrific cause. Facepainting
and an Icee stand with 21 flavors handled by councilwoman Jennifer White. There is
a lot of support in Chickasaw for the incredible work being done by the East Village.

June 12, 2009

Today is the last day of analog television. Just to test it, I got up this morning and turned on a little portable I have in my office and "Voila" no stations except 3 and 10 brodcasting a recorded message on why you're not getting any game shows. Surely I would have thought that everyone would have known well in advance, but I guess there are some who were not paying attention.
I dropped by Ed and Marilyn Jones to take her a plant she wanted and she gave me three to take home. What a beautiful yard! I picked up some mustard, catsup and pickles for the East Village Party tomorrow while I was shopping and clicked-off a picture of Tom and Leonard preparing for the occasion at Legg Park.

June 11, 2009

I had to pack up my soldering iron, snippers and XLR connectors to finish off a wall jack my church ran the wire for last week. The rest of the day was spent measuring and picking out paint colors for a guest bedroom that Deborah has assigned to my performance bond. This evening the Commercial Board met at City Hall to approve
another application for the initial start of a new business in town.I met my bride later for dinner after she returned from Eastern Shore with many packages.

June 10, 2009

This morning I met with Ed Baxley and picked up ten Citizen Of The Year tickets to take to city hall. From one oclock until about 3:30 PM I met with the City Grant Writer, The Public Safety Director, The Police Chief and two Chickasaw Firemen to
go over our needs for a new firestation to be built on West Lee. Saraland has just
moved into their new facility about 8 months ago, so I went up to Celeste Rd. to take a look. A very courteous Shayne Lovitte showed us the station and it is an impressive facility. The bays hold up to six medium trucks or three extremely long hook and ladders. There are dormitories for up to twenty-two persons and a great kitchen and video room. Late today I will fold, seal and mail 6o letters to Chamber Members.

June 9, 2009

A special Chamber board meeting was called for 10:30 AM to put together last minute preparations for the Citizen Of The Year event. It was productive and we made some inroads on protocol regarding confidentiality and presentation of the award. I had lunch with a friend and started work on mail-outs for last minute ticket sales. Tonight the council meeting was predominately concerned with homes cited for weed abatement statutes. Our good friend, Judge Don Davis was on hand to present some rare historical findings concerning the old drug store, incorporated in 1922 ,to Teresa Goolsby the city Librarian and Historical Society president.
The city grant writer updated the council and audience with projects in process for the fire dept.
One fine piece of legislative acumen was performed by Councilman Adam Bourne, who was able to push through a special exemption for immediate ordinance adoption. Both motions carried and the ordinance concerning pawn shop licensing was voted into law. Good work, Adam.

June 8, 2009

We had several visitors at Kiwanis this morning including Mike Sweet from the housing development board and Margaret Haywood from the University Of Western Alabama, invited to speak by Ervin Dailey. The University resides in Livingston, AL. and used to be known as Livingston College. Both Mike Sweet and Jim Trout, our treasurer, graduated from Livingston, and played football while they were there.
The University Of Western Alabama offers degrees in Business, Education, Nursing
and many other subjects and is one of the few reasonably priced schools of higher education, coming in at about $10,000. per year. We discussed the possibility of our Chapter offering a scholarship to the school. Tonight there was a meeting of the Historical Society at Iris Evans Home and a Board meeting of The Chickasaw Civic Theatre. The food serverd at the Evans house was great and the "really great" news is that the theatre board voted to accept the city lease, thus putting an end to the squabble that has been going on for months.

June 7, 2009

We attended the 8:30 AM mass this morning, then had a church breakfast and a Knights Of Columbus meeting where I was voted Deputy Grand Knight. Deborah and I changed clothes then picked up a couple of Crepe Myrtle bushes from Byron Pittmans back lot which he had given to us previously. After a lot of hard work planting and fertilizing them, we bathed again and attended the last performance of The Secret Garden at the Chickasaw Civic Theatre which was a complete sell-out. The music was excellent and as usual, we enjoyed the play. The Theatre Board will
meet tomorrow at 6:00 PM to decide the city offer.

June 6, 2009

Deborah and I drove to Pensacola today to see the four-master sailing ship: "Juan Sabastian Elcano", the third tallest ship, docked at the Port Of Pensacola. The impressive ship is there to help celebrate the city's 450th anniversary. While we were there we traversed the Historic District and marveled at all the beautifully restored homes. One of the ideas that impressed us was the murals on the sides of structures. Here is a painting of an old firestation on the side of an otherwise "non descript" brick building. While we were in the old shopping district, we stopped a The Mole Hole (gift shop) to browse. As Deb paid for her purchases, I commented that I had an old manual National Cash Register just like hers. It turns out she bought the antique from a market three years after I sold my restaurant and club in Atlanta.
She asked the name of my club and I said "The Bistro". She shreaked and said she used to go the my club when she was dating her husband. Small world, eh. . . to wind up in Pensacola forty years later talking to one of your customers.

June 5, 2009

Submitted a suggestion to our Mayor this afternoon for a proposed sitting park at the intersection of Hwy 43 and Viaduct Rd. It would give us the opportunity of displaying the old Worthington 1887 pump which used to pump water away from the East Village and Port business. We talked about the need for new ordinances to

cover certain types of businesses wishing to locate in Chickasaw. The Mayor divulged a preliminary flyer announcing the first Community Event to be held July 4, 2009 at Brooks Park. (see illustration) It would feature a fireworks demonstration and an occasion to bring lawn chairs, food and iced drinks. . . . sit around and enjoy the good folks of your town. The event would start at 6:30 PM.

Just received another picture of my grand daughter being inducted into the National Technical Honor Society. I think the girl's going to be alright!

June 3, 2009

This rainy morning was perfect for bill paying day. After hitting the Post Office I ran
downtown to check on getting my car serviced. Spoke with members of the Commercial Board about new businesses wanting to locate in Chickasaw and will suggest a couple of ordinances that need to mentioned to the council for their consideration. My daughter sent me pictures of my grand daughter's
prom which I will proudly share. . . she's gonna be a heartbreaker! (She's the one in red)

June 2, 2009

Yesterday was so busy, I forgot to blog. Kiwanis lunch was all about elections and perpetuating the Police award plaque presented every quarter. I had to check wire
installation at the church and give some (hopefully sage) advice to one of my studio clients in Atlanta. I was also presented with the sad news that my dear friend
(since 1969) passed away from lung cancer yesterday morning. Last night I took my bride to dinner and we tried to relax the remainder of the evening. Today was Garden Club with speaker Tom Darby from the Alabama Extension System. He's the coordinator for the Master Gardner Program. We listened to Ervin Dailey explain the profit balance from the Tomato Walk. Meanwhile, I went downtown to meet a
lawyer who is helping me probate my mother's will. That's a three hour chunk out
of my day. Deborah and I did some grocery shopping and returned home to feast upon the spoils.