Thursday, July 30, 2009

July 30, 2009


Between paying bills and answering the door for UPS and Fedex delivering audio equipment for J. C. Davis Auditorium, I managed to come up with a list of talking points for our Communications and Marketing Committee meeting tonight at City Hall. We detailed all the lines of communication our city can use to reveal plans to our citizens as well as to the media. It is not only important for that vital link to the community, but to also reach the surrounding towns with our goals and accomplishments. Chickasaw is becoming a city of forward moving people looking for new spirit in all we hope to achieve and the proof of that will be seen next Tuesday evening at the Commercial Board's summation of Phase I, looking for that
start-up of Phase II. Ephraim Stockdale will be there to tell us what we may expect and prepare us for the upcoming Auburn Urban Planning Team. Please mark your calendar for Aug 4th 7:00 PM.

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

July 29, 2009


Early trip to printer to get Aug. 4th Chickasaw Strategy Planning invitations finished and delivered to some of the churches and businesses. This meeting is not only for the "key stakeholders", but open to the general public as well. It will be Tues. at 7 PM at City Hall.
The Communications and Marketing Committee will also meet tomorrow at the Civic Center to finish up our report for Tuesday. Some of the ways to promote and market our city is through some of the events held here annually such as the Disc Golf Tournament, The 5K run and hopefully with an annual kayak race starting from Brooks Park. I spoke with the Mayor this afternoon about available buildings in our city for new industry and commerce.

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

July 28, 2009







Out of 7,000 applications, only 1,000 grants were approved and Chickasaw was one of the cities awarded with $129,000. over three years which will pay for an additional policeman for our community. This was fulfilled by the COPS grant, written by Sherrie Graham. Our neighbor, Prichard received a grant for two officers, which will please them, I'm sure. In keeping with our city expansion and growth, I was given permission to order an official pair of 36" ceremonial scissors out of the Commercial/ Industrial Board budget for our future "ribbon cuttings" done at new business openings. This evening we had a council meeting which honored our promoted policemen. Mike Reynolds, our new police chief, was officially sworn-in by Judge Don Davis. Mike, then promoted several officers and his new fire captain. Their proud wives and children pinned on their new badges.

Monday, July 27, 2009

July 27, 2009


We were fortunate to have Commissioner Susan Parker, of the Alabama Public Service Commission speak to us at Kiwanis today. Susan addressed the energy and carbon pollution problem with us, recommending we switch to all fluorescent bulbs in our lamps and have our homes tested for insulation deficiencies. Alabama is in a bad position, since all our power comes from coal fired, power generating stations. Even though she is a democrat, she is against the Cap and Trade Bill recently passed by the House, because it requires power companies to reduce their carbon footprint by 80% in the next 15 years. That would force Alabama Power to
purchase allowance credits from other manufacturers, driving up our individual power bills 40% or more. Alabama Power is consistantly trying to keep pace by installing lime sequestering injectors on the smoke stacks to reduce the gases, but the Cap and Trade legislation would place them in an unwinable situation. As it relates to wind-energy, it would take 31,000 acres of windmills, just to replace the output of Barry Steam Plant. Susan believes nuclear energy might be a salient solution for the SouthEast.

Sunday, July 26, 2009

July 26, 2009

After church today we stopped by Mama Lewis Diner for some brunch. Apparently some of our friends had the same idea. While we were there we had some pleasant conversation with two fellow Kiwanians, two councilpersons and their families and the city's accountant. Word about good food travels fast. Then the rains came and put an end to visiting the art galleries downtown.

Saturday, July 25, 2009

July 25, 2009







Tonight the Chickasaw Civic Theatre had their Annual Awards Banquet, election of officers and appointment of six new people to the Theatre Board. The event was held at Catfish Junction in Saraland and was attended by approximately 100 guests. Many awards were given out for each of the five plays during the 2008-09 season with final awards to the most important male and female contribution of the season. New officers named were President: Leonora Harrison, Vice President: Jeffrey Williamson, Secretary: Debbie Goff and Treasurer Steve Dawson. The new Board Members voted in tonight were: Charles Shaw, Janice Talbot, Jim Trout, Judy Van Norman, Steve Alsip and last, but not least, Ervin Dailey.

Friday, July 24, 2009

July 24, 2009


There will be a Strategic Planning Event open to key stakeholders and the general public on Tuesday August 4, 2009 at City Hall 7:00 PM. This will start Phase II in preparations for the Auburn Urban Design Team coming to Chickasaw to help with new city plans. You should mark your calendars and plan to attend.. Things are starting to happen fast in our community.
One of my friends from Florida emailed me today with one of the "hottest" songs sweeping the country. You can preview it yourself by going to: www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFzyYYZsvGc or googling LAS KETCHUP Interesting, No?

Thursday, July 23, 2009

July 23, 2009




The Commercial Development Board got a call to attend a meeting with the code inspector and the potential new owners of "Trappers", a restaurant/pub to be opened at 601 Highway 43 N on
the north end of the ChickasawBogue. The location would take advantage of the beautiful water view from the back and offer outdoor dock dining as well as gift shop facilities. The kitchen which is currently set up as a home would have to be fitted with commercial grill and hood.
Also the plumbing would require a grease trap and a second bathroom to meet commercial code.
There appears to be plenty of room for vehicles and the entrance is adorned with an embedded brick style driveway motif. It should turn out to be a fun place to visit.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

July 22, 2009







Today I delivered a "Member Of The Chickasaw Chamber Of Commerce" decal to our new reataurant and I correspondended with the Mayor. The Chamber salutes Rosebud Florists who were named Business Of The Month on our website. I was asked to stop by Lucinda Ray's Art School in Saraland. They are having a sale this Friday on contemporary canvasses with a large discount to patrons. I was struck by three paintings by two different artists. The highly detailed pencil drawing of an indian should belong to someone in Chickasaw. The other two had good texture and bright statement which would liven up any home or business. After sending a few faxes, I returned to my office just in time for the UPS delivery guy.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

July 21, 2009


I visited a few retailers here in town to keep my business in Chickasaw. First I had two watches repaired at Atkinson Jewelers, then I stopped for lunch at "Mama Lewis Diner" (Their hamburgers are immense) I conversed during the afternoon with some of the members of our Communications Committee for our Stategic Planning Board about having a meeting on July 30,
2009 at 6:30 PM to go over our plans. We will need to give a report to the Key Stakeholders on Aug. 4th at our Commercial Board Meeting at City Hall which is open to the public. I then dropped off a piece of equipment at "New 2 You" consignment on West Lee St. (pictured is Woody at New 2 You)

Monday, July 20, 2009

July 20, 2009


At our Kiwanis meeting, we decided to contribute $200. to buy school supplies for our returning students in the Chickasaw Schools. We also had a an exceptional speaker, Bill Silver from the Saraland School System who kept us glued to our seats with his stories of the mean-spirited behavior on the part of the Mobile School System when Saraland asked to withdraw to form it's own. After many years of struggle and the voting out of four council persons in Saraland, the pay-off is starting to happen. Property designated to the new Saraland School System has risen in price and people looking for homes are only interested if their kids can go to the new district schools. This was obviously a major coup for our neighbor to the north and it is a shame that Chickasaw couldn't have joined them.

Friday, July 17, 2009

July 17, 2009


Last night Deborah and I attended the Municipal Association dinner at the Municipal Building in Prichard. Dr. Mark Foley from the University Of Mobile gave a stirring talk about finding your "thin place", which is a triggered thought or location where you feel closest to God and can let Him assist you in seeking the right answers. The catering was by Rogers BarBQue and everyone
enjoyed themselves greatly. Today I spoke with the grant writer about our strategic planning meeting in August and with our Code Inspector about an interested person considering opening a upscale Bed & Breakfast. Since Deborah had to work late tonight, I patronized our new restaurant on Lee St.

Thursday, July 16, 2009

July 16, 2009




The Chamber Of Commerce luncheon was sponsored by Chickasaw Kiwanis Club and catered by "Market By The Bay" Our guest speaker was Carnes Craig, who enlightened us about the origin, purpose and goals of the organization. He reminded us that the Kiwanis motto is: "Children First, Priority One"
Since our Citizen Of The Year, Mrs. Barbara Pulliam had to relinquish her plaque in June for engraving, we were able to re-present her with the genuine finished product today. She says she has gotten many letters of congratulations and is enjoying her status as "special person" in the city. The Chamber recognized a guest, Donna Witherspoon, co-owner of our new restaurant,
Mama Lewis Diner located at 119 West Lee St. and door prizes were given out at the end of the event. In our board meeting prior to the lunch we voted on a $100. check for the East Village Restoration Society. A motion passed to secure business sponsors to donate school supplies for our three schools. Some of the school budgets have been cut back so far that there will not be enough crayons, pencils and paper to go around. Please call me or Cecilia Ann with supplies or money for them if you can help.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

July 15, 2009

Today was spent ordering equipment for several clients and working on the agenda for tomorrows Chamber Of Commerce meeting. I had the opportunity to communicate with one of our councilpersons about the Business License Ordinance and offer two or three opinions concerning its wording. I also spoke with our new restaurant owner who was worried about not having received her business license as of yet. I gave her our code inspectors cell number, who
told her not to worry; it was on its way. Our grant writer/consultant sent me pictures of the July 4th event to forward on to the Tri-City Review and our IT specialist added pictures to the Chamber Of Commerce website at www.chickasawchamber.com .

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

July 14, 2009


I attended the Planning Board meeting this morning where we discussed minimum size homes for new buildings in Zones R-1 and R-2. Also an ordinance for concrete or brick driveways and sidewalks for new homes was assigned to a committee. Afterward, I had lunch at Mama Lewis Diner with a friend. Tonight at council meeting, I nominated Nell Barnes to the city's Commercial Development Board and she was approved and voted onto the board. Safety Director Mike Reynolds was accepted as Police Chief and lauded for his fine job of handling the crowds at the July 4th event.
A plea was made by Tom Ray for additional control of juveniles at the East Village.

Monday, July 13, 2009

July 13, 2009







Mama Lewis Diner on West Lee Street is officially in business. At approximately 10:08 AM the Mayor of Chickasaw, Byron Pittman, cut the ribbon welcoming the restaurant into the community. After the ceremony, I presented, on behalf of the Chamber Of Commerce a welcoming gift to the ladies and invited them to join our Chamber as a new business. We have
already sampled their food from last weeks special lunch and expect they will do very well.

This afternoon at Kiwanis we voted in a new member, Ceclia Ann Dailey to our ranks. Cecilia Ann currently holds posts on the Library Board and is Executive Secretary of the Chamber Of Commerce. Our speaker today was Consultant Sherrie Graham who spoke on leaving the legacy of our good work along with a broad smile. Tonight the Historic Boeard meets at 6:30 PM.

Sunday, July 12, 2009




This morning early, eight of us from St. Thomas Catholic Church drove up to Prattville, AL. to attend a statewide Knights of Columbus and Ladies Auxiliary meeting. Deborah and I grabbed lunch at the luxurious Legends Hotel and Country Club where the meeting was held. Meetings and workshops were held from noon until 5:00 PM All of us enjoyed good fellowship and a learning experience.

Saturday, July 11, 2009

July 11, 2009




Last evening two of our Atlanta friends, Ben and Honey Vandekreke drove down from Atlanta on their way to a small New Orleans wedding (350 guests) and stopped over to spend the night
with us. We cooked out and talked into the wee hours about the business (they are large audio and video distributors) and about Founders Day here which equates to "Tucker Days" in NE Atlanta. Honey is the chairperson of that event, so I picked up some good ideas from her. This morning we all went to "Spot Of Tea" for breakfast and caught some of the high-spots of the city such as The Battle House, Cathedral Square, GM&O an Austal Shipbuilding before they had to head out for New Orleans. Deborah was with us, but taking the pictures.

Friday, July 10, 2009

July 10, 2009







Courtesy of Mama Lewis Diner, some of the council, commercial board, safety director and mayor met at noon for lunch at the new restaurant There will be a
grand opening tomorrow followed by a ribbon-cutting at 10 AM on Monday July 13. If you are not sure where it is located and want to come for the ceremony or just to eat, it is in the former "Yesterday's" building. You won't be dissapointed. We had a great time and the food was scrumptious. I had an opportunity to talk with two council persons as well as the mayor and safety director. Some grants, new business and what we can do to further the Chickasaw strategic plan were discussed. The mayor was delighted at the turn-out for the Fourth Of July party and he plans to continue it next year. If you had any part in the planning or execution, he wishes
to thank you for all your help.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

July 7, 2009







The Chickasaw Garden Club met this afternoon and we voted to fund the project of planting trees in the median of Hwy. 43 adjacent to Brooks Park. Marilyn Jones was appointed Chairperson of a committee to facilitate this project. I agreed to clean up the Mauvilla Forest subdivision signs and repaint, if necessary. Our featured speaker this afternoon was Vivian Helton, a birding specialist of "Wild Birds Unlimited", located on Airport Blvd at Hillcrest. She spoke about creating a natural habitat for birds in our own backyard. Tonight we had our Industrial Development Board meeting and our guest speaker was Ronnie Adair from the Emergency Management Agency. He addressed the importance of a city-wide and family plan for preparation in case of hurricanes, floods and terrorist attack. He suggested that Chickasaw participate in a disaster simulation held once a year for practice. Adam Bourne and Sherrie Graham were also welcome guests at this meeting.

Monday, July 6, 2009

July 6, 2009




At Kiwanis we presented the Chapters quarterly Police Award to Corporal Glen Wickle and Officer LaDonte Sullivan for their heroic saving of a distubed man bent
on suicide by running back and forth on southbound I-65. Officer Sullivan sucessfully stopped three lanes of traffic and called for back-up from Officer Wickle who tackled the man and led him to safety. The policemen then called the appropriate agency and had the man taken for treatment and counseling. This was clearly an act of bravery and skill from both officers. JoAnn McKnight from the Mobile Press was there to cover the story. Dr. Ervin Dailey also gave us a review of the National Kiwanis Convention held in Nashville over a week ago.

Sunday, July 5, 2009

July 5, 2009


This morning after church the Knights Of Columbus and the Ladies Auxilliary met in the Sullivan Center for the inauguration of officers for Chapter 13174. Woody Farrell from Mobile District performed the ritual for twelve of us and I officially became Deputy Grand Knight (notice medal (colors) around neck). After relaxing for awhile at the house where I promptly fell asleep, we later attended a dinner party with some friends. A good day for an old guy.

Saturday, July 4, 2009

July 4, 2009






















It's a day to celebrate our freedom and "fight for the right to party". Just remember these simple rules:
1. Don't light a giant firecracker and hold it in your hand for the count of 10.
2. Don't drink a six-pack then try to make it from one end of Lee St. to I-65 in 24
seconds.
3. Don't forget to come to Brooks Park for the Picnic and Fireworks tonight 6:30 PM

SEE YOU THERE!

Friday, July 3, 2009

July 3, 2009


Chapter two of the bedroom makeover saga unfolded this morning as we finished the second bedroom. Not quite as much work, but nonetheless tedious and somewhate expensive. Makes me sleepy just to think about it. Had coffee with a good friend then talked to a client in Atlanta who needs a portable digital recording system to do high-quality radio interviews. Tomorrow is firecracker day and our declaration of freedom as a country to worship, speak and care for our families in whatever legal way we wish. I join most of you in hoping it remains that way forever.

Thursday, July 2, 2009

July 2, 2009


Someone at City Hall must have been confused about what belongs to Chickasaw and what doesn't. I got two calls wanting to know the minimum age to get into ChickasawBogue Park. At first I thought they meant Brooks Park, but soon I realized these people wanted to take their kids swimming. I communicated with the Mayor about having a ribbon cutting for the new restaurant on Lee Street opening July 11,
2009. He gave the OK, so the Chamber will be there to welcome them into the city as well. I noticed that the signs have gone up warning boaters to have their craft out of the water by 2:00 PM on July 4th, so fireworks "peepers" can picnic and see the show. There is talk of a shuttle bus running from Chickasaw Math and Science School back and forth to Brooks Park that evening.