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Greetings from the Mayor's office. I hope you have had a good week and that the weekend will be fun for you and your family. My bunch will be involved in the Chili Challenge this weekend and I hope to see you there to support our local Hospice Organization.
Friday night Kay and I went to dinner with Mark and Phyllis Whitt at Catfish Cabin. We all enjoy eating the good food they have at this restaurant. The owner and his employees are so nice and treat you like family when you are there.
We later stopped at Chic-Fil-A for dessert. I talked with two of our policemen that stopped in for coffee.
Saturday morning we slept late, then had a little breakfast. I had a few errands to run this morning, then Kay and I went to a place of business to get a couple of new suits I had purchased. We also went by another place to get her Valentine's Day present. She has a new ring for Valentine's day.
I saw my cousin, Susan Lindsey, and her granddaughter, Lindsey Swanner, at the store and visited with them for a while. Lindsey is a student at UAH and one of the professors who is in critical condition after being shot by his collogue, Amy Bishop, is her Biology professor. She is very concerned about him and has not heard anything about when her classed will resume.
We had hamburgers grilled tonight. A few of our family came by to eat after a hard day's work of getting a house ready to move into.
Sunday morning we attended Sunday school and Church. Our class and sermons today is on the subject of stewardship. Our lesson and our sermon were excellent, and gives us direction when we are considering our responsibilities toward stewardship over the things God has given to us. We also had several new folks to become members of our Church today.
Kay and Dinah prepared an excellent lunch for us today. Dinah had purchased a roast from some fundraiser, and it was very good. Our son Charles made a freezer of home-made ice cream for dessert. Kay had baked a red valentine cake, so we were fixed for an excellent lunch.
We stayed in most of the afternoon, but the kids were working on getting the house ready to move into. They have re-done the hardwood floors and they look good.
Monday morning I had Capt, Floyd Johnson Jr. as my guest on my radio show. He was a great guest and told us a lot about how investigations are handled. We learned a lot about crime scenes and chains of evidence. I hope you got to hear some of the show.
Ronnie Marks and I met this afternoon with University officials to discuss a project they are currently involved in which will be an asset to our city.
Tonight I went to Polk Sallet practice at the Senior Center. I will be in two or three skits this year. I know the program will be worthwhile for you and your family to see, and it provides good support for our aging programs.
Tuesday morning I attended the Chamber of Commerce Monthly Coffee on East Hobbs Street at John Hubbs new office. This was a good turnout today and John and his staff are excellent hosts for this monthly coffee.
I later sat in on the exit interview for the audit of our Water/Wastewater Department at the Utility Headquarters. This was a good audit and report for the Department. Our main concern is the loss of Pilgrim's Pride as our largest customer. We are involved in discussions now about our plans to offset this loss.
I went to a meeting to help my high school classmates plan our Athens High Class of 1960 Fiftieth Reunion. We met at the Boys/Girls Club for this session. Those attending were: Brenda Smith Barton, Nancy Beasley, Archie and June Booth, Brenda Bryant Hudson, Al Bush, Wilson Blair, David Croley, and me.
I met this afternoon with staff people and two Councilmen to discuss plans for our new city hall building.
I spent most of the afternoon doing administrative work and speaking with citizens and customers.
I attended the Planning Commission meeting tonight. We only had one item on the agenda, and that was to approve a cul-de-sac in a local sub-division. We spent about an hour listening to a presentation by our City Planner, Mac Martin, discuss tentative plans to update our City Master Plan. He had an excellent presentation and I feel the Commission will be heavily involved in the update.
Kay and I had supper, then went to the visitation for Jerry Franks family. Jerry is one of the best men you would ever know. He passed away this week after a long illness. His wife Dot seems to be doing well, but the family is suffering from their great loss. Many of Jerry's friends from the Master Gardeners organization were there. Gardening was one of Jerry's favorite pastimes and he was an excellent gardener. I hope you will pray for his good family.
Wednesday morning I had breakfast with David Siebert, Evan Thornton, and Jerry Sandlin at LuVici's. This is an interesting group of folks to eat with. Jerry showed us a collage of pictures that a man from Ohio had sent to him. The man had been here for some reason and fell in love with our downtown. He made many pictures and sent to Jerry who had befriended him at the restaurant. He told Jerry that he would be back to visit.
I spent the morning in the office taking care of business. Danny Holmes, who works for Lt. Gov. Jim Folesom, came by to visit, We had a good visit, then went to LuVici's for lunch.
I was sitting in the office this afternoon when the recycling folks came in to empty our bins. A new guy was with them and he looked familiar. He said," I know you, but you don't know me". I looked at him for a minute and said, "L.L. Birdwell". L.L., or "Double L", as we called him when we were kids, retired from Co-Op in Decatur after forty years, and works with the Recycling center. I have not seen Double L since we were nine or ten years old. He has always been living here in the County, but I just haven't seen him.
I went to choir practice tonight. We are practicing songs for our Easter programs. We will be in Decatur for the Choir Festival next weekend at the Westmead Baptist Church on Beltline Road.
Thursday morning I went to the Economic Development Association breakfast at Athens/Limestone Hospital.
I later attended the City Council work session to discuss the financial difficulties we are having with the Water/Wastewater Department.
I later met with Susan Todd, Library Director, and a person from the USDA Rural Development Agence regarding possible funding.
I had lunch with Jimmy Gill, Evan Thornton, Ronnie Marks, and Taz Morrell at LuVici's. We discussed a good bit of city business at this luncheon.
I spent the afternoon in the office tending to city business.
Kay and I attended the North Alabama Mayor's Association dinner tonight at the Port of Madison restaurant. Bill Johnson, Republican candidate for Governor was the guest speaker.
Friday morning I went to Limestone County Vocational Tech School to participate in Career Day with all the county eighth grade students. Probate Judge Mike Davis, Limestone County Commission Chairman David Seibert, and Rita White, Emergency Management Assistant Director, told these young people about careers in government service.
I later went to Ardmore and had lunch at the Bank's Bean Day. I saw a lot of folks there today.
I came back to the office for a meeting with citizens and city personnel about planning for improvements for the Coleman Hill area.
I met with two Department Heads to discuss a personnel problem in our city.
Our family went to Phil Sandervall's restaurant in Huntsville tonight for the 40th birthday supper for our son-in-law, Allen Aldridge. Our entire family was present, along with our nephew Jessie Stanford, and our friend Joy Whitt. We really enjoyed this outing.
Saturday morning Kay, Charles, and I went to Jack's for a little breakfast, then to Flanagan's to select roofing tile for Charles' house and outbuilding.
Kay and I went to the Library to help kick-off the reading program.
Kay, Whitney, and I went to the Limestone Flea Market to look for some rugs, and to see our granddaughter Kaleigh who is working there with her boss this weekend. This is the first time I have been to the market in some time. They had a lot of customers today.
We went to Charles' house and I assisted him in putting in a new medicine cabinet/mirror in a bathroom he is redoing. We did a great job with this.
Kay and I went to see Shutter Island tonight at the theater in Athens. This was a good, mystery movie with several bad words in it. I enjoyed it but I always wonder why they have to use the bad language. It doesn't seem to make the point for the movie.
Sunday morning I attended Sunday school and Church. We had a good Sunday school lesson and a good sermon. I sang with the choir today. We did one of my favorite songs, Rock of Ages.
We had lunch at home today. Kay and I later rode around the District 5 area to become acquainted with the boundaries.
We went to church tonight and then to our daughter's house for a visit.
Monday morning I had Phil Williams as my guest on my radio show. Phil is a State Representative serving District 6 in Madison County. He is a great guest and we covered several issues that is current with the Legislature. One issue that we covered at length is the issue about Charter Schools that was recently defeated in the house.
The Athens City Council met tonight for a regular meeting, and the following items of business received attention from the Council:
1. Held a public hearing on the adoption of the 2009 Building Code. There were contractors present to speak about the adoption of the code. They were in favor of the overall ordinance, but did ask that we address the requirement for residential fire suppression systems.
2. Held a public hearing on an annexation request for property located at Highway 251, east of I-65, which is owned by Kenneth Smith. There was no one to oppose this annexation, and the property was annexed and zoned Agricultural.
3. Held a public hearing for the rezoning request of the Church of Latter Day Saints, located on West Market Street. There was no opposition to the rezoning request and the property was rezoned to ....
4. Held a public hearing on the private driveway that runs between Highway 72 and Clinton Street.
5. Held a public hearing concerning the driveway between Clinton Street and Highway 72. The owner of property adjoining this driveway spoke in opposition to the city vacating any responsibility for the drive. The owner feels if the city vacates the driveway it will hurt his business. The Council voted to vacate the street and deemed it to be a private drive.
6. The Council passed a resolution to appropriate $31,763 for repairs to the Senior Center Building.
7. The Council passed a resolution to appoint Roth, McHugh, and Associates, LLC, for administrative services.
8. The Council passed a resolution to approve $4900 for gutters and downspouts for the Athens Police Department.
11. The Council passed a resolution to declare two structures at Clyde Mabry Drive surplus property.
12. The Council passed an ordinance to adopt the 2009 International Building Code.
13. The Council passed an amendment to adopt the 2009 International Building Code Ordinance
14. The Council passed a resolution to declare 16 acres of timber west of Wilkerson Drive as surplus property.
Tuesday morning I went to Steelcase for the Chamber of Commerce Industry Tour.
Tuesday morning I went to WKAC Radio for our regular show. Kirk, Ken, and I had a great show with a couple of call-ins.
I met with several city officials and a private citizen to discuss a proposed project for our area.
Kay and I went to Church this afternoon for pictures to be taken for our Church Directory.
I later went to Ardmore to meet with a businessman to discuss a situation related to our area's recreational opportunities.
I later went to Ardmore Funeral Home for the visitation of Mr. Ralph Campbell. His sons, Rodney worked for our Utility Department, and son Johnny is a city policeman. These young men are good guys and do a good job with our city departments. I hope you will pray for this good family.
Wednesday morning I had breakfast at LuVici's with David Seibert, Evan Thornton, and the owner, Jerry Sandlin. I saw Roberta Rees and her prayer group having breakfast there today. I spoke to her and asked her about coming on my radio show soon. She thinks she will be able to do this.
I met with city officials and a church representative today to discuss the possible transfer of property to the city to solve some of our problems.
I had a long conversation this afternoon with an investigator who is looking at a case on the state level.
I went to choir practice tonight. We had a good one because we are getting ready for the choir festival in Decatur this Sunday night at Westmead Baptist Church on Beltline Road.
Thursday morning I attended the monthly Chamber of Commerce Board meeting.
I went to the ground breaking for the new Tanner Community Center that is a project between the Limestone County Commission and the Senior Center.
I went to Carolyn Stair's retirement reception at Athens/Limestone Hospital at 2:00 this afternoon. Carolyn is the Controller for the hospital, and has been employed there since 1981. She and her husband, Tom Stair, will now both be retired from the hospital, and will have to determine how to spend their free time.
I met with the City Attorney to discuss our Cable TV ordinances and renewal situations for those companies who are franchised by the city.
I met with Fire Department personnel who are involved in code enforcement to discuss several situations in different businesses.
I spent tonight at home cooking up my famous chili for the Chili Challenge at Athens High School this Saturday. Come out and get some of my famous chili.
Friday morning I went to Decatur to have blood drawn at the lab. I will go back next week for my doctor's appointment to check on my diabetes.
I came back to the office to catch up on correspondence. Kay and I went to Burrito Express out on Highway 72 for lunch today. The food is great and there was a lot of customers there today. This was my first time to go there. I saw the entire staff from Railroad Bazaar eating there today.
I met with city officials and a business person this afternoon to discuss a possible project for our area.
What’s Happening in Athens-Limestone County? Here is a schedule of the Chamber of Commerce activities for our community. Find something fun for you and your family to do from these activities.
Exciting news!
The contract has been signed and the new Athens Visitors Center should open April 1st. The Visitors Center will be in the old Athens Utilities Building, commonly referred to as the “Domino Building” next door to the Greater Limestone County Chamber of Commerce Office. Thanks to the City of Athens for such a beautiful facility to showcase our tourism industry.
Did you know?
Greater Limestone County Chamber of Commerce Home and Garden Show will be March 13th and 14th and three exhibitor spaces are still available. If you would like to sign up to participate or need more information about the show, call 256-232-2600.
Athens High School Greenhouse is now open Monday-Friday 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM and Saturday 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM. Contact 256-233-6613.
Calendar of Events
Benefit Concert in honor of Sydney Newton
February 26 at 7:00 PM
The Athens Opry located at 24861 Airport Road, Athens, AL is hosting this benefit featuring Just Down the Road, Iron Horse, Jim Holland, Charlie Hughes, Emcee and other surprises. Admission is $5.00 at the door. Children will be admitted free.
Hospice Chili Challenge is tomorrow
February 27 at 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
The annual Chili Challenge will be at Athens High School. Live entertainment, silent auction and some of the best chili in the south. Contact 256-232-5017 to enter or purchase your tickets.
Flashbacks in Concert
February 27 at 7:00 PM – dinner at 6:00 PM
The Flashbacks return to Yesterdays Event Center. The group was just named “Area’s Best Show band” by a recent Huntsville Times poll by an overwhelming majority. Tickets are $15 each, dinner is $8.95. Reservations required by emailing halljd99@hiwaay.net or www.yesterdaysevents.com
Cedar Hill Elementary (Ardmore) Art Night and Book Fair
March 1-March 4 at 7:30 AM - 2:00 PM
The Library will be hosting their Spring Book Fair at the school library.
Cedar Hill Elementary (Ardmore) Art Night and Book Fair
March 4 at 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Art night features art work from each and every student at the school, prominently displayed outside each classroom. K-5th grade each have a theme the art worked is based on. The Library's Spring Book Fair will be open for families during Art Night. The entire community is encouraged to attend and support the students.
Elkmont Beauty Walk
March 5 & 6
Registration starts January 18 through February 18th. Entry fee is $35.00 with photogenic being $5.00 extra. Forms are available from school front office, Keila's Hair Salon. Any pre-school age child interested can enter also. For more information, please call 423-3972, 423-5754 or 732-4625.
Band of Brothers of Friendship UMC Pancake Breakfast
March 6 at 6:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Friendship United Methodist Church (16479 Lucas Ferry Road) Band of Brothers invites you to their annual breakfast. Tickets are $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for children (12 and under). This year the proceeds will benefit Noah Crowe (and family). Donations will be accepted and may be mailed to Jim Swanner, 13124 Carter Road, Athens, AL 35611. Contact jswa1111@aol.com.
Razzy Bailey's Barn Dance and Variety Show
March 6 at 7:00 PM
Alabama Opry invites you to enjoy a night of fun with Razzy Bailey, Bobby G. Rice, Nash Street and local artist Lacey Snider. Reserved tickets are $15.00 and general admission is $10.00 at the door. Contact 256-206-0211 or gwh228@aol.com.
Athens Cruise In on the square
March 6 at 2:00 – 8:00 PM
Bring you antique vehicle and enjoy the fellowship of other antique vehicle owners. Everyone is welcome to walk around the square and enjoy the vehicles and our encouraged to eat at our local restaurants and do a little shopping before you leave. Come and enjoy the 60's, 70's and 80's music. For more information call Bland at 256-603-1227.
Art Marketing; An Artists Meet and Workshop
March 13 at 9:00 AM - noon
Art on the Square is pleased to offer this workshop which includes creating a marketing kit; proper presentation to galleries and shows; the importance of a web presence; finding the "right" market; grassroots marketing strategies and networking. Keynote speaker and facilitator will be Gina Hurst of Ascribing Artists and Trisha Black, Executive Director Spirit of Athens. The cost for the workshop is $25.00 and includes a continental breakfast and a complimentary one year membership to the Art on the Square organization. You may reserve your spot by calling 256-444-8156. Space is limited.
Athens Home and Garden Show
March 13 & 14
The Greater Limestone County Chamber of Commerce's annual Home and Garden Show will be at the Athens Armory just off Hwy 31 on Armory Drive. This year vendors displaying all types of lawn and garden products will be available for purchase. Contact 256-232-2600 to reserve a booth or for more information.
Polk Sallet Follies
March 11, 12 & 13
The Athens Senior Center on Pryor Street will be full of life at the annual Polk Sallet Follies. This event offers a delicious dinner and outstanding live entertainment. Reserved seating required. Tickets go on sale Feb 15th. Purchase your tickets early – they go fast! Contact 256-233-6412.
Taste of Ardmore
March 19 at 11 AM - 2 PM
Eleven of Ardmore’s restaurants will showcase their delicious food during the annual Taste of Ardmore at the Ardmore, TN Annex building. Purchase a $7.00 ticket and enjoy lunch sampling all the varieties offered. Contact 256-423-7588 for tickets or information.
Blast From the Past in Concert
March 20 at 7:00 PM – dinner at 6:00 PM
Yesterdays Event Center invites you to enjoy the oldies a’cappella group “Blast From the Past and national singer/impressionist Kevin Adams. Both groups just returned from the national O’Reilly’s World of Wheels auto expo and Kevin just opened for Billy Joe Royal and Percy Sledge. Admission is $10 each and dinner is $8.95 each. Reservations required by email halljd99@hiwaay.net. www.yesterdaysevents.com
Adult Corporate Spelling Bee
March 27 at 10:00 AM
The 15th annual event will be held at Athens High School cafeteria. All it takes to enter the contest is a three-person team, and an alternate. To register, make a donation, sponsor the bee or get more information on the Learn-to-Read Council, call 256-230-3050.
Easter Extravaganza
March 27 starting at 9:00 AM
The Spirit of Athens' Easter Extravaganza will be a fun filled day for the children. Beginning with Breakfast with the Easter Bunny at The Club House (Marion Street) at 9-11 AM. Advanced tickets are required - adults $15.00 and children $10.00. The Easter Egg Hunt will be at 11:30 AM on the lawn of the Limestone County Courthouse downtown Athens. Photos with the Easter Bunny will be from 11 AM - 1 PM. Fee for photo is $5.00. For more information call Trisha at 256-278-6436.
I plan to attend a candidate's gathering in Huntsville tonight. I am not sure what it is about, but I want to be there if anything good is happening.
I guess this is enough for this time. Take care and I'll see you next time. mayordan |
