July 31, 2010

Tonight was the Chickasaw Civic Theatre Awards to the outstanding actors and actresses in the five plays featured this year. Busmans Honeymoon, Harvey, Funny Girl, Odd Couple and South Pacific. Deb and I got there in time to share the lavish layout of food and drink and shake a few hands. All of the directors read the nominees and handed out the awards. There were some awards given for just tolerating their directors without taking them outside and opening a can of whup-**s on them. Funny and enjoyable evening.

July 30, 2010

There is no better way to cool off than go to a cold airconditioned movie. Deb had the day off so after a trip to the bank and cleaners we headed off to see SALT, starring Angelina Jolie and Despicable Me. I didn't think I would like Despicable, but it was sorta cute. Of course we both enjoyed SALT very much. What an action-packed film. . . I give it a Triple Thumbs Up!

July 29, 2010

I was watering my patio plants this morning and this bad boy said: "Bring it on, I need some cool water too" Actually, it is not my close up, but it is a great picture. Then it was off to distribute Founders Day sponsor packages to some Chickasaw businesses and pick up Deborah's list from the drugstore. It's all

about being in an airconditioned house today.

July 28, 2010

Today I spent a little time with the police chief discussing the new in-vehicle video systems for the cruisers. With the onboard computers, this will really bring us up to "big time" technology in

our city force. Not only does it solve any (he said:she said) disputes, but it adds an edge of safety for the officer with the gathered material being automatically being uploaded to a wireless server. Tonight I traveled down to Pleasant Valley Rd. just off of Government to be part of a Grand Knight training for the Knights of Columbus held by the Supreme Deputy, our state deputy and two district appointees.

July 27, 2010

Had the opportunity to talk to the mayor today concerning our upcoming school system and the business possibilities we have before the commercial board. After paying my bills and doing some printing for Ed Baxley of documents for the Chamber, I visited my favorite coffee shop for an afternoon "stay awake" cup. Tonight I will attend the council meeting.

July 26, 2010

The Chickasaw Kiwanis met July 26, 2010 at the auditorium and our speaker was Janis Talbot.
Janis is an engineering school graduate with a colorful work history and an idea which has brought much happiness to some of the older widows or families in Chickasaw. Starting her career in Maryland, she worked for Martin Marietta on design and drafting parts for the Apollo Moon Project around 1966. She went on to become a landscape architect and worked in a a wine and deli shop in Belaire, MD. That stimulated an interest in the spirits business and she became a liquor distributor for eight years and finally opened a wine and deli shop in downtown
Baltimore. When Janis and her husband retired and moved to Mobile to be with their daughter, she decided she was not ready to sit around just yet, so they obtained their real estate license and have been a valuable asset to Chickasaw. Now to the idea she uses to bring comfort and a caring touch to the elderly citizens. . . she cuts flowers from her and neighbors yards to deliver (unexpectedly) to a person who may be reclusive or ill, just to show them they are important to the community and they have someone who cares. We could all learn a lesson from this selfless
act of "pay it forward" kindness.

July 25, 2010

This Sunday afternoon we were pleased to attend the recital of Carly Fulmer, a mezzo soprano with the Mobile Opera Company. Multi-talented, she went from Handel's

Messiah to Merrill's "Don't Rain On My Parade" with just a few sips from a water bottle

interlude. Definitely a sweet and spirited young lady, she was able to please a crowd ranging from the age of 22 to 80. She and her pianist, Phillip Jones, earned a standing ovation in the Fellowship Hall of First Baptist Church before we topped off the afternoon with cupcakes and coffee.

July 24, 2010

We had the opportunity to go to the 19th Chickasaw Reunion Luncheon sponsored by Ruby Moore and her husband, owners of the Spot Of Tea on Dauphin Street. What a great crowd; folks that grew up here who remember cutting grass for a dime so they could walk to Prichard and swim in the pool all day for ten cents. They gave prizes for the oldest male and female and all were treated to a great lunch. Some of our outstanding current residents were in attendance such as Henry Phillips, Teresa Goolsby and Patsy Lewis. I read them an invitation to our Chickasaw Founders Day celebration coming up on October 30, 2010 and a list of activities they could enjoy at the event.

July 23, 2010

Last night I attended a 2010 Founders Day Committee meeting where we decided on a $20. vendor fee to have a selling booth at the event. We approved several categories of activities including a walking tour of historic landmarks, a presentation of the smalltowns and downtowns plaque from Governor Riley accompanied by Azalea Maids, Silent Auction in the small room of the Civic Center, a raffle and Model Train display in the large room, many national and local performing artists on the Amphitheatre stage and inflatable rides and face painting for the children. Arts and crafts as well as food vendors still have access to some choice spots along Grant Street and Court Street which will be closed off to traffic.

July 22, 2010

With our Knights project finished, it was the day for my semi-annual doctors appointment downtown. I took a sidetrip out Dauphin Island Parkway and observed some of the Gulf traffic around Fowl River. Pictured is several barges delivering coal to McDuffie Island, where it is stored to supply Alabama Power Company and several other users upstream on the Mobile and Tombigbee River.

July 21, 2010

Today finishes up the set of handrails we installed for the elderly gentleman on 2nd Street. We did this work as a service project for the Knights Of Columbus at St. Thomas Church. The first photo shows Frank Coate cutting the support structures and the second photo shows our finished product. I enjoyed working with knowledgeable carpenter on this job.

July 20, 2010

We started work today on behalf of the Knights Of Columbus to install a set of banisters on a gentlemans home whose son is extremely well known in Chickasaw. Drilling through 40 year old concrete with an impact drill to mount anchors in 96 degree weather will wear out a young man, let alone a couple of old codgers like myself and Frank Coate. Will try to finish up tomorrow.

July 19, 2010

Our Kiwanis met this morning and part of the program was presenting the quarterly police award. This time, the plaque was given to Chief Mike Reynolds for his inspiration to the city and the positive morale he has imparted to his force. Mayor Byron Pittman introduced Chief Reynolds, tracing his career from Deputy 1 with the Mobile Sheriff's Dept, all the way to Captain. The Mayor applauded Mikes service and invited him to come forward to receive the honor from Kiwanis President, Carnes Craig. Also, as part of our charitable giving to the children, the club voted on a $300 school supply donation.

July 18, 2010

When Mass was over, Charles and Margaret Czajkowski invited me to go antique shopping in Daphne. The weather was sunny going over, then the heavens turned on the faucet. It rained off and on most of the afternoon, but didn't stop us from having a good time and a great lunch at Logans. Took the scenic route back and passed all the "brownfields" in Prichard where landlords defoliate their property with herbicides, rather than have to keep the overgrown grass cut.

July 17, 2010

Showed up at the Southeastern Regional Disc Golf Tournament held on four courses here in Mobile. Chickasaw was one of the four and a favorite to many. While rain sporadically threatened to slow down the play for several minutes at a time, all the players either ignored it or raised their umbrellas. Then it was off to see a potential client about sound proofing their conference room.

July 16, 2010

We attended the Municipal Dinner last evening which was held at the Prichard Municipal Center.

The speaker, Charles White, gave us an insight to Franklin Medical Groups care for south Alabama's insured and uninsured citizens. Several dignitaries, aside from the usual mayors and councilmen made an appearance including Brad Moser, winner of the Alabama Senate republican run-off and Representative Napoleon Glas of the 98th district. Pictured are Hayward, Phillips and Day from Chickasaw and Mayor Ron Davis and Charles White from Prichard. (seated)

July 14, 2010

As chairman of the commercial board, we got another call from Christine James who is buying a home in the mixed use area of Thompson Blvd. (102 Thompson) She wants to open a restaurant and has talked to Kendra Bell at the Mobile Co. Health about the necessary equipment she will need, including a stainless steel triple bay sink, a fire retardant range hood and grease trap. Mr. Carnes and I cautioned her about having the entire house checked for termites, since they actually ate a picture and frame off her wall last year. When she gets the home in order, we will come back and get her an application to apply for a city business license. I also checked out a home on 2nd Street that I hope to get the Knights of Columbus to erect stair banisters for the mans porch.

July 13, 2010

This was the annual Joint Chamber Of Commerce meeting between Chickasaw and Saraland. We met in the cafeteria of the brand new multimillion dollar Saraland High School and had a tasty lunch catered by Tyners. After we ate and several announcements later, we all gathered in the new auditorium where Joey Jones, the coach of the University of South Alabama spoke to us about commitment. He says he can watch a team practice baseball or football and tell if they are really giving their best. Toward the end of the meeting, Dr. Vickers, Saraland School Superintendent thanked us for coming and invited us to tour the school. Deborah had never seen the classrooms, so we went through the science labs, math labs and kitchen area. The High School employs many "smart" boards, Elmo projectors, and tons of computers in their curriculum. (pictured is Dr. Vickers)

July 12, 2010

This day at noon was our Kiwanis lunch. For today's program, Horace Allen (center in back row) had everyone tell us about something positive that has happened in their lives in the last two weeks. It was a successful program because all of us learned something about our fellow Kiwanians we did not know. We also finalized our police award quarterly program and authorized Ervin to pick up the plaque. We welcomed a guest Kiwanis member who had come by to visit with us. Tomorrow is the joint Chamber meeting at Saraland.

July 11, 2010

It was one of those 5:00 AM Sunday morning trips to Prattville, Alabama to learn how to be a successful Grand Knight with the Knights Of Columbus. The five of us rode up in Frank Coates van and made it with only 4 minutes to spare. The General meeting included the Ladies Auxiliary and our Mobile District Deputy, Woody McPhillips won an award. Then we broke off into two study groups to get the word. Finally when class was over, we headed to The Olive Garden for some sustenance and home to recover.

July 10, 2010

After a very busy day, Deborah and I decided to attend the Mobile Art-Walk near Cathedral Square. We had a leisurely dinner at Spot Of Tea, checked out Bradley Burne campaigning for the Repulican spot as Governor, and let Deb ogle over the original ladies wear being shown in the

rooms at the Art Council. While she befriends a model in the first photo, I am apparently catching a nap in the second shot, seeing that my eyes are closed.

July 9, 2010

We had a 2010 (Founders Day) meeting last night and decided to put the arts, crafts and food booths on Grant Street from Hwy 43 to Court St. and all of Court Street. We will check in with Adam on the band: Peak and see if he has made any headway in booking them. This evening the Industrial Board met at City Hall and voted on the Garbage Transfer Station. The vote was 4-2 against bringing them into Chickasaw and we will now pass the ballots over to the Council and Mayor for their decision.

July 8, 2010

At 10:00 AM we met at the Civic Center for a board meeting on the Chamber Of Commerce. We changed some of the qualifications to become "Citizen Of The Year" and appointed a nominating committee for new officers and board members. We have decided to have the City employee Thank-You lunch in October which will feed over 100 employees. Ervin Dailey moved that we cancel Decembers Bonfire replacing it with a children's concert benefiting the Chickasaw Civic Theatre to be held 12-5-10 at 4 PM. After the Chamber meeting I attended the Economic Outlook Conference luncheon sponsored by BBVA Compass Bank at the Airport Blvd. Marriott.

They predicted a slow growth in jobs with moderate inflation, but Alabama should be a front runner, despite the oil leak. Europe will not fare as well with Greece being one of their chief concerns. While China will continue its phenomenal surge, it will have to make adjustments for it's vast consumption of fossil fuels.

July 7, 2010

At Kiwanis today we discussed the money made at the 4th of july (Actually the 5th) celebration at Brooks Park. We cleared $427.11 which will be donated to a childrens or young peoples charity. We also voted to send a check to our mayor to help with his privately donated firewoks purchase. Ervin Dailey gave us a report on the Kiwanis International Convention. He said they agreed to change the name of the leader from CEO to Executive Director. It was also decided to investigate everyones background running for national or international office. After lunch I met with Carnes Craig and Ross Naze who was conducting an interview with TV Channel 5 about last nights meeting concerning the Transfer Station. I picked up the speaker stands I had lent to the city for their sound system. Sorry about the lighting on todays picture.

July 6, 2010

The Garden Club met this afternoon and we were treated by Tom Gray from Cleveland Florists talking to us about the the origin and eventual popularity of the orchid, especially in this country. The many different types, some which attach them selves to trees and those that grow in the ground all prefer a warm, humid climate. Tonight the Chickasaw Industrial Development Board meets in City Hall to hold a town-hall meeting on the garbage transfer station.

July 5, 2010

The kids left today to head back to Atlanta. I spent the morning emailing the Industrial Board and ordering wireless microphones for Florida University. This afternoon about five PM, Deborah and I drove up to Brooks Park and immediately started making hamburgers and hot-dogs, wrapping them in foil for the onslaught of the fireworks spectators. We actually did quite well considering that last year food was free and this year we had no sponsor to pay for the meat and buns. Most people understood and paid happily, but a few complained. The mayor, several

council persons and spiritual leaders showed up to join the festivities and the fireworks

were great as you might expect. The second photo shows an incendiary burst just to the right and over the mayonnaise jar.

July 4, 2010 Independence Day

This morning at church, Father Saucier came up to me and said: "When they brought over the "Yard Of The Month" sign I asked them if this was a trick that Tom Hayward put you up to?" It took Kathy Couey a couple of minutes to get him to believe it was real. Actually the church deserves it with all the work they have gone through, tilling and laying down zoysia sod.

The second photo is the grand baby doing a little water frolic in the back yard. We all celebrate the fourth in our own way!

June 3, 2010

My model train club was at the Mobile Senior Community Center on Hillcrest Rd yesterday and today so I went by to say hello. The club sets up for many shows during the couse of the year and will be at our Chickasaw Founders Day this October. Late this afternoon our grandbaby, Debbie Jo showed up for the weekend with her mom and dad in tow. They took us out to the Oyster House this evening where we all proceeded to stuff ourselves.

July 2, 2010

I was saddened to hear that Zoe White, the campaign manager for Bill Johnson for Governor, was murdered in a robbery at her home. I had the opportunity to talk with her a while at the chamber meeting and she was a vivacious lady with a great sense of humor. We will inform everyone in our next issue of Traditions. This afternoon I went to see Ruby Moore, owner of Spot Of Tea to talk to her about her reunion held at the Chickasaw Civic Center on July 17, 2010. And here I am enjoying a spot of tea.

July 1, 2010

It was like being back in school today for me. In opening a new credit card processor, I have subjected myself to having to qualify for a PCI status. . . Don't ask. It's not that interesting; just time consuming. This evening we had a Commercial Development Board meeting where we passed Tanya Palmers request for a city business license to style hair at 73D Kansas Street. She will be opening within the next 20-30 days as soon as she vinyl tiles the floor and puts up a sign.