Charles and Margaret Czajkowski swung by and picked me up this morning to go see J.D. Crowe (Mobile Press cartoonist) at the Daphne/Spanish Fort Chamber Of Commerce meeting, held at the causeway Oyster House. Mr. Crowe is an amusing speaker, making fun of everyone from Herman Thomas to Steve Nodine. At the end of the meeting he answered questions and signed an autograph for Margaret's framed cartoon about Chickasaw's one and only gambling day.
This morning at Kiwanis we were honored to welcome Cathy Dean Gafford to speak about the State sponsored RIF (Reading Is Fundamental) program. Alabama clubs pick volunteers who travel to schools periodically during the year to read to children. Afterward, the book is given to the child to take home. It would amaze the average person to know that in many cases, that becomes the only book in that family's home. Statewide, 1 in 6 people are functionally illiterate. It has been proven by research that "reading to a girl or boy between 0 - 5 years of age helps set a habit that will determine their literacy in life." Over one million books have been read and handed out since this program started and we are proud to be part of those results.
A decadent scourge to the City Of Chickasaw since the eighties was the old Burger King on the Craft Highway-Wilson Ave. site in front of the Word Of Life Church. It was occupied after Burger King moved by a myriad of "fly by night" clothing stores and "head shops" but now it is gone. . .every trace except a brick or two. Our fine city declared it a hazard and removed the debris. Maybe the land owners will take the necessary steps to replace it with a building of which we will all be proud.
This morning the Knights (four of us) reported for duty at the church. We tilled the courtyard between the Knights Room and the Ladies Aux Room. I really don't think that earth has been worked in over forty years. After planting about twelve junipers. we planned to put in the near future a large circle of encore azaleas bordered by a circle of "monkey grass".
Tonight we went downtown to the Art Walk of the Mobile Arts Council. Our friend Jim Hayward (the artist) was having a showing at the council. He is the artist that donated the $2000. series of sculpture that is appearing in the library and has several pieces displayed by the owner in the Civic Theatre. He has produced about 40 great new works that were being
shown tonight. We relaxed with a glass of wine at Spot Of Tea and visited with Ruby Moore before returning home.
We had a Senior Meeting at the Sullivan Center and "pot luck" lunch. Talked about election of new officers, dances coming up and a trip to Atmore for visiting the Wind Creek Casino. Frank Coate and I spent a good portion of Thursday picking up hurricane tie-down bolts and placing air tight seals on the doors of the confessional.
Another milestone along the road to Chickasaw's regrowth is the dedication and ribbon cutting for the Safe House located at 799 Iriquois Street. The Mayor and council thanked all the people responsible and pledged continued success for this Port City. Representative Randy Davis was there to share our pride in adding another building which can be used for meetings dinners and informational distribution. We are delighted to be a part of this ceremony.
