Friday, August 8, 2008
Greetings from the Mayor's office. I hope you have had a good week and will be able to find something fun for you and your family to do this weekend.
The first part of Monday morning was taken up with personal business and I did not accomplish a lot with my campaign nor job duties. I had to arrange for Kay's car to be repaired, settle the bill and get the keys to my son Charles' truck, and pay some bills. Sometimes the day will turn out like that. You had definite plans and they do not work out, but things eventually get done and you just have to take things as they come at you.
I later spoke with our Economic Development Director about business related to a local industry. We later met with other officials on industrial business.
I taped some radio ads today to be used in the campaign, and I talked with several people who came into the office, some on official business, and some just to talk.
I had a tomato, cheese, and cracker lunch today. I am really enjoying the tomatoes that several folks have given to Kay and me. I don't know of anything better than a real home-grown tomato in the summer time.
I talked with a lady today who is concerned about illegal immigrants settling in our community. She has had experience with a type of illegal immigrant watch group in Texas, and wants to initiate one here in Limestone County. There are more and more citizens who are becoming very unhappy with the number of illegal aliens moving into our community.
Kay and I covered two or three neighborhoods tonight, putting out brochures, and got in after nine o'clock.
Tuesday morning I had several appointments at the office. I met with a citizen who is having problems with obtaining a business license. He feels he is not running a business, but everything about his location and activities indicate that he is. This is a matter that will soon be settled.
I had several visitors from the Birdie Thornton School to visit the office this morning with their teacher.
I met with a Department Head to discuss a project financing. We are trying to decide on which method of financing will be better for the City in the long run.
Kay and I had lunch at Shoney's today with three of our grand children. They always enjoy going to eat at this restaurant, and this was a little treat for them before they start school on Thursday.
I went to a radio station today to tape ads for my campaign. These things are difficult. You want them to sound correct and usually several takes are necessary before you get the one to go with.
I met with our city attorney to sign off on papers to allow our Electric Department to purchase a communications tower.
I worked tonight putting up political signs around town and handing out brochures.
Wednesday morning Evan Thornton and I ate breakfast at LuVici's. We discussed our up-coming budget business during breakfast. There was a good breakfast crowd out today. One group of folks having breakfast were some of the best people I have ever known. It was a group of folks from Market Street Church of Christ, and I have known them since I was a child. The group included Kathryn and Elvin Stoffregen, Mutt and Frances Bowers, Virginia Miller, and Rachel Davis Clem. It sure was good to see all of them out and having a good time.
I went to the local TV station to tape political ads this morning. These are more difficult than the radio ads because you have to memorize them instead of reading them.
Kay had carried three of our grandkids to the dentist this morning, and I had to pick them up to carry them home. They decided they needed to go to Dub's before going home. They had slept late and did not have breakfast before going to the dentist. The ate plenty of cheese burgers at Dub's.
Kay was at the hair salon this morning and I had to go by to get a check from her. Sue Edgemond was doing her hair and told me to look at the lady sitting under the dryer. I looked, and it was Ms. Bebe Gish. I went to her house last summer and gave her a proclamation for her 100th birthday. She will soon be 101 years of age, and she seems to be doing fine. She is a wonderful lady, very pleasant and nice, and I hope to let everyone know the date of her birthday and get everyone to send her a card.
I spent most of the afternoon and night doing the political campaign thing. I did go to supper with Kay and Whitney's family. I also attended Choir practice tonight and we are learning some wonderful songs. After choir, I was back out on the trail until after 9:30 p.m.
Thursday morning I met with two councilpersons and Wayne Kukendall to discuss the upcoming Storytelling Festival for this year. The committee has done an excellent job in planning this event, and it seems this event will eventually stand on its own in a financial way.
The City Council will meet Monday night at 4:00 p.m. for a work session, and then for a regular meeting at 5:30 p.m. The following items of business are on the agenda:
A. Resolution to set a Special City Council meeting for a zoning request.
B. Resolution to approve the re-roofing of the Recreation Center.
C. Resolution to approve development of the Athens and
Limestone County Highway 31 Industrial Park.
D. Resolution to approve the repair of a drainage ditch at 108 Hammons Street .
E. Resolution to approve funds for the Pike Road Improvements.
Friday morning I was on the Cooper and Company TV show. After the show I met with a group of local bankers to discuss the way the city does its banking business.
I ate lunch at home alone. Kay had gone to Huntsville for some reason but had to be back in time to pick up the kids at school.
I spent the afternoon looking at projects and talking with citizens who have problems that need attention.
Looking for something to do this weekend? Scroll down and you’ll find plenty to do right here at home in Limestone County. It’s Happening in Limestone County!
Tonight (- 8-Aug is the night at 6:30 PM – Come and enjoy the Athens State University Community Band in a FREE Concert on the Square, Downtown Athens, AL. Bring your lawn chairs. Come early and eat at one of our downtown restaurants, 256-232-5411
If you enjoy rodeos you are in luck. Come on down to the Ardmore, TN John Barnes Park and enjoy the 16th Annual Ardmore Police Reserves Rodeo at 8:00 PM, 256-423-2146. Lots of fun for everyone.
One of the best antique engine and tractor shows in North Alabama, the 16th Annual Piney Chapel Antique Engine & Tractor Show, will be this weekend at the Piney Chapel Community just north of Athens, AL, starting at 8:00 PM, 256-233-8574,
Art lovers – you don’t want to miss the Art on the Square Silent Auction, 9-Aug at 6:30-9:30 PM at Carole Forte’s Art Studio, downtown Market Street, Athens, AL, 256-431-6133,
Events to look forward to:
15-Aug at 6:30-8:30 PM - Singing on the Square featuring Family of Praise and Diane Miller Downtown Athens, AL, 256-232-5411,
16-Aug beginning at 8:00 AM - Tide & Tigers Spirit Showdown, Downtown Athens, AL hosted by Spirit of Athens,
20-21 Aug - Call for exact time, Athens-Limestone Public Library Storytelling Schedule Registration, Athens-Limestone Public Library, Athens, AL, 256-232-1233
23-Aug at 10 AM - 3 PM - 8th Annual Quarterback Club Car Show Ardmore, TN John Barnes Park, 256-423-7588
I will close for now and see you next time.