December 20, 2011

Tonight was the Port Of Mobile Christmas Party at the International Trade Center. These folks do know how to do a social function. Lots of carved roast beef, big yummy shrimp and great sushi. Had a chance to say hello to Rep. Randy Davis and many other important Mobilians. We settled down in the bar for a few glasses of wine.

December 19, 2011

At Kiwanis today we presented our quarterly Police Award to Sgt. Chuck Richardson, an outstanding member of the Chickasaw Police Dept. The chief, Mike Reynolds was there to make the presentation, lauding officer Richardson for the outstanding work he has done. We will meet again on January 9, 2012 after the Christmas Holidays

December 14, 2011

The Chamber had it's 2012 planning meeting at Felix Fish Camp this afternoon and decided on some of the sponsors for our coming year. Our friend, Missy Wilson from the Health Departments "Smoke-Out" campaign was there to speak and discuss our plans for the smoke-free city events. Pictured are Tom Hayward, President Of the Chamber, Missy Wilson and Ervin Dailey, Vice Pres.

December 11, 2011

Sunday afternoon the Knights and Ladies  met at Pintolis Restaurant in Satsuma for our Christmas Party. We donated what would have been our "dirty Santa" Christmas gift in cash to the St. Vincent De Paul Society and presented Father Saucier with a gift comforter to use during the upcoming Alabama/LSU football game. Food and fellowship were great and we celebrated Evelyn Kilpatricks birthday.

December 10, 2011

Yes, it's the world famous Chickasaw Parade this afternoon. While Mayor Byron Pittman led the parade in his newly acquired 1948 Fire Truck. our cameras captured many floats and vehicles. The St Thomas Knights Of Columbus were featured heavily in the event with one truck, two vehicles and  a motorcycle. Tim Creamer pulled a float, while Murray Adams and his wife,

drove a Mazda Miata with me  and Charles Czajkowski up ahead in my Miata,

and Paul and Tracie LaPiane on his motorcycle. Also pictured are Councilman Adam Bourne and his wife, Jenny, who believe it or not, were in another Miata.

December 8, 2011

Thursday December 8, was the Womans Club Banquet held at the Civic Center. A wonderful dinner of Roast Beef, Ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, many different salads and a plethera of desserts, along with asuccessful year, helped round-out the evening. "Dirty Santa" was played after the meal with Deborah Hayward playing the host. The head Table consisted of John and Marsha Hattenstein (Club Secretary), Jerry and Barbara Pulliam (Club President) and Tom and Deborah Hayward (CLub Vice President).

December 6, 2011

Last night Deborah and I attended the Mobile County Republican Executive Committee Christmas Party. I had the opportunity to meet Senator Ben Brooks and invite him to our Kiwanis Club. Pictured is me warming up in front of the fireplace and Chickasaw Councilman Adam Bourne having a conversation with Sherriff Sam Cochran.

December 5, 2011

Today at Kiwanis Lunch we donated some funds to worthwhile projects. To CASA (court appointed special advocates) we gave $100. Epilepsy Foundation got $50. And the big winner was the 4H gang who received $200. (Lisa Brasellton spoke on behalf of the Chickasaw group whose 14 year son is a member)  We are delighted to help groups who benefit our City.

December 2, 2011

At 6:30 PM hundreds gathered in the City Park at Grand and Lee to witness the lighting of the great tree. Santa was there with his sled and christmas songs were sung. I had the chance to see Mayor Pittmans "new" 1948 Fire Engine, a pumper with 1000 gallons of water in its tank. The Mayor said " I've always wanted to personally own a fire engine and now this rascal is mine." His wife Kelly isn't saying much about it, but Byron says "it'll grow on her."

What a great toy!

December 1, 2011

Thursday I delivered the sizable check from the Knights of Columbus to the Mobile Association For the Blind at their facility. Tim Creamer, who works at the Association and Cliff Barros were there to receive it with our best wishes. The KOC is a charitable organization affiliated with the Catholic Church.

November 28, 2011

Today at our Kiwanis lunch we welcomed Elizabeth Walter and Brenda Wallace from CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) for abused and neglected children. The program has 40 CASA volunteers who handle up to 3 cases per year. Each case requires  a great deal of research and visitation with the parents and even testifying in court.It is an independently funded organization with donations coming from grants, clubs and individuals. Shown are workers Elizabeth Walter and Brenda Wallace.

November 24, 2011 Thanksgiving

After a huge dinner of smoked turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, Watergate salad, peas, rolls and pumpkin pie,  we trek to Mauvilla Forest play ground to work off some calories.Then it's back to watch Charlie Browns Thanksgiving. About the 20th time for me.

November 23, 2011

Our daughter Courtney and child, Debbie Jo arive from Atlanta to spend the Thanksgiving Holiday with us.  Gandma ("Mimi") Deb and Debbie Jo set about making a pumpkin pie for the occassion. Stuart has remained in Atlanta to look after his father who suffered a stroke last week.

November 22, 2011

With visions of tomorrows Thanksgiving preparations, Deb and I decide to

have a bite to eat at Logans Steak House. I understand that folks showed up at council meeting to protest the formation of our own school system in Chickasaw.

November 21, 2011

At Kiwanis lunch, our president was out of town so yours truly took over the helm temporarily. Our featured speaker was Christina Gomez, lead regional director for the ELIMINATE campaign. In case you have forgotten, Eliminate is a 110 million dollar program in partnership with UNICEF to rid the world of
tenanus poisoning death by expectant mothers children. One in Nine pregnancies result in this painful death to their offspring. It is concracted
through spores in the ground making it suseptible to many women in third
world contries. Three simplre injections costing only $1.80 total can prevent the disease from entering the unborn child.

November 20, 2011

Sunday evening was an ecuminical celebration for Chickasaw churches. A welcome was given by Pastor Younce of the First Baptist and Pastor Steve Warren delivered the season message of Thanksgiving. After the service we all headed for the Parish Hall  where a great abundance of food was served. The pictures are the refreshments, Neighbor Nell Barnes and Councilman Mr. Henry followed by a sinner between (2) men of God.

November 18, 2011

The Chickasaw Kiwanis participated in the annual Golf Tournament at Magnolia Springs. While our team doen't ever get to experience the "thrill of victory" at these matches, this year was a little better than last place. Ex Mayor Jim Trout and I are pictured trying to approach the 14th green, while Ervin Dailey is capturing the shot for posterity.

November 15, 2011

On Tuesday the 15th The Czajkowskis and I went to New Orleans for the  day. We had lunch at the famous Camellia Grill in the Garden District and topped it off with beignets and coffee at the Cafe Du Monde. On the way home, we stopped at the Hard Rock for dinner and sight seeing. Pictured are Charles and Margaret beneath the quilt made from girls underwear thrown on the stage during Frank Zappa concerts.

November 14, 2011

Monday the 14th was a meeting of all the city boards at the Safe House. The City served some tasty snacks and we pledged our help to the Planning Committee and the Council. Mayor Pittman and his lovely wife hosted and called on each board to speak.

November 12, 2011

Saturday night was Beethoven & Blue Jeans night at the Saenger for the
Mobile Symphony. After Richard Strauss and Chris Theofanadis in the first half,
Awadagin Pratt was featured on the Steinway performing Ludwig Van Beethovens Concerto Number 5. He was called back for 5 encores for which he honored us with 3 more works. A truly great night. 

November 6, 2011

At Knights of Columbus meeting this morning, we welcomed new member David Boucher and wrapped up our collection for Intellectual Disabilities event.
Woodie McPhillips (our District Deputy_ and Ray Carney (our State Deputy) were there to present our council with the 2011 Membership Award which the picture shows me receiving.

November 5, 2011

This morning my friend Charles Czajkowski and I stopped and had a Turkey dinner lunch at the Chickasaw Methodist Church. From there we hit the Pecan Festival held on the grounds of an elementary School in Tillmans Corner. Lots of pecan candy, jewelry, carnival rides and model trains on display (the latter courtesy of Southwest Alabama Railroad Modelers (my train club) Met5 or 6 members and picked up a Pecan Festival Tee Shirt for my bride.

October 31, 2011

Yesterday the Kiwanis met for lunch and our featured speaker was Tom Ray, (the only man in Chickasaw with two first names) Tom spoke about the need for park benches and equipment for Legg Park in the East Village. He has raised, on his own, over $950. in contributions to assist this in happening,

but needs at least $1500. to assure they are able to fix the water fountain.

We will vote on supplying a contribution at the next Kiwanis business meeting.

October 20, 2011

The Chamber Of Commerce met this morning sponsored by the Chickasaw Kiwanis Club with speaker David Beasley. David spoke about one of the prevalent diseases in third world nations: prenatal tetanus. When a mother-

to-be becomes exposed during her pregnancy, it is almost a certainty that her child will die some 7-14 days after birth in severe pain from lung infection.
Project "Eliminate" has been formed to fight this problem, but it is necessary to innoculate 6-1/2 million women at a cost of $1.80 per shot. That is a total
of over $1,170,000.00 and the Kiwanis hope to raise that amount over the next 8 months. Please consider a donation to the Kiwanis. Picture is David
Beasley on left and Ervin Daily on right.

October 19, 2011

Wed. at noon the Seniors met at the Sullivan Center for a chili lunch and a primer in insurance by the Jack Green Insuranbce Agency in Saraland. Many questions were asked and we all left a bit smarter.

October 15, 2011

Saturday evening the church had a Knights and Ladies Mass. The servers and alter people were represented bu that group. I was asked to give an address recommending the joining of those two organizations and we had two applications for the Knights and one for the Ladies Auxiliary. After Mass we went to Catfish Junction for a meal.

October 10, 2011

Today's Kiwanis meeting featured Fire Chief: Charlie Lyons speaking about why Chickasaw has fire-bans in the city, including the month of October. There

is currently a smouldering fire going on over on the east side of Hwy. 43 around the area of the settling pond. November 1, that ban will be lifted, assuming you contact the Fire Dept. for a permit. He highly recommended we

affix a ground wire (a lightning arrestor) to our homes to prevent damage from electrical storms.

October 8, 2011

Spent the weekend in Columbia, Tennessee where I am on the board of alumni for Columbia Military Academy, my high school from the 50's. We discussed where we would choose to hold the 2012 Reunion and it came down to The Marriott or one of the large resort centers in Nashville. Either way, everyone will enjoy the camaraderie there.

October 2, 2011

Sunday Afternoon, after the 11:00 AM Mass, St. Thomas Church had its Fall Picnic, on the grounds of the church and school. It was well attended and the crew managed to finish off 120 pounds of chicken as well as many home-made vegetable, salads and desserts brought by members of the Parish. There were

prizes, "split the pot" and games and popcorn for the kids.

October 1, 2011

Tonight was opening night for the Mobile Symphony at the Saenger Theatre.

The first selection was Wagners Lohengrin, followed by Phillip Glass Violin Concerto featuring Bella Hristova (pictured).  After the intermission, dances by Rochmaninoff were played by the prolific orchestra. A after-party was thrown for season ticket subscribers at the conclusion of the program in the adjacent building.

September 25, 2011

After church this morning, Deb and I had lunch at the new All American Cafe on Lee Street. The food continues to be fresh and tasty, while the service is excellent.

September 23, 2011

Tonight was our church party and dance night. Deborah brought cupcakes and others brought everything else. Good party time with old friends. We finally had to leave around 9:00 because Deb has to work Saturday. Got to finish my printing chores tomorrow.

September 19, 2011

The Kiwanis met today at the Civic Center with featured speaker, Judge Don Davis. Judge Don gave us a prepared pictorial explanation of his area of county responsibility including will and estate settlement, eminent domain, conservatorial assignments and voting within the county. Probate even appoints Notary Publics. Quite an interesting presentation.

September 18, 2011

Tried the new All American Cafe in Chickasaw for lunch today. It was great. Excellent sauteed chicken, fried fish and pork chops with some of the tasiest vegetables I've ever eaten. If you haven't been there, try it!.

September 17, 2011

As a particularly hard work week carried on, we found time to join our friends, Margaret and Charles Czajkowski for a bite to eat at Logans Steak House. Charles will be retiring in February of 2012 and they will be leaving Chickasaw for Ft. Payne, Alabama to live in their home there.

September 16, 2011

Thursday evening, we attended the Municipal Association meeting in Mt. Vernon at their Community Center. Adam Bourne conductucted his last official duty as President as new officers were elected. Picture shows Tom Williams addressing the crowd after he was named to the Vice Presidency.