Nothing but semi-coherent ramblings of a Clarendon Citizen
It has been a whirlwind couple of weeks. The Citizen family has been going non-stop. Not only have Carol and I been working with our loyal, faithful and professional co-workers getting the Citizen up and running, we’ve had our granddaughter spending her spring break with us. Oh, and her parents Spencer and Orie were here as well. Spencer is in the Air Force stationed in Clovis, N.M. We just don’t get to see them enough.
The best night last week was when Carol, both our boys, their wives and our granddaughter sat down to dinner at the table that had been our office the week before. The stories and laughter were priceless. These moments are all too rare in our lives.
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The support in the community of our new endeavor has been overwhelming. I thank everyone for accepting what we are doing and supporting us. I’ve been listening to my coworkers and our citizens for years and thinking about all the things we could do. It’s great to be able to have control over our destiny. We will accomplish great things together.
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I attended the most unusual of public meetings Thursday night. The County is on the road to sell “city” water to residents along the Hwy. 260 corridor. The project, planned in 10 phases, is being funded by grants and low interest loans.
What this means is, the citizens being offered this “city” water will have a clean and reliable source of water at much less cost than they currently pay for maintaining and operating a well, all for a $100 sign up fee.
County officials estimate that it will cost a two-person household around $35 a month. Additionally, they will be offered better fire protection, which should lower insurance premiums.
After sitting in this meeting, hearing the presentation and a few questions answered, Fuzzy Furse asked the obvious question, “who do I make the check out to?”
Kay Kirkpatrick told me how excited she was about the prospect of not losing her access to water every time we have a thunderstorm.
It’s not often you attend a government meeting in which the citizens are happy and enthusiastic about what is being proposed and are willing to break out the checkbook.
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The news of the Clarendon Citizen traveled fast throughout the land. We quickly heard from all of our recent co-workers who all offered us well wishes and congratulations. Hearing from Nancy McNair, Brian Jarvis, Eric Goold, Mike Gellatly and others was a nice surprise. Each offered their congratulations and support.
By the way, they all send their best. I believe each left Clarendon County a better person for having been a part of our community.
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County Administrator Bill Houser started off last week’s water meeting with a pitch for the Census. Everyone should have received a census form by now.
Houser showed a map with the response rates in Clarendon County during the last (2000) Census. Most of the county had a 50 percent response rate. That is awful.
The Census determines how we are represented, how much Federal assistance we receive, how much grant money we can get and more. This is really important stuff.
Make sure you fill out your Census form and send it in. Make sure you ask your friends, family, co-workers, church members, neighbors and everyone you know in Clarendon County to fill out the form and to send it in. It’s important.
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Summerton Rotary President Rose Wilder, President-elect Dwight Stewart and the members of the Club, teamed up to present the Summerton Rotary Gala Saturday night.
Hosted by the gracious and generous Rep. Cathy Harvin, the evening was excellent. Even though formal attire and uncomfortable shoes were required, I had a great time.
Chef extraordinaire Evan Hallinan put together a feast fit for a king and queen. We are blessed to have Chef Evan as part of our community. He is very generous with his time and talents. He’s a keeper.
Folks throughout the community lent their support to make this event special. Area caterers and grocery stores donated food. Lamar Kennedy cooked a hog. Clayton Pack delivered and picked up tables and chairs.
Jake Buddin handled our electrical needs and didn’t even get to enjoy the evening with us. Many sponsors helped offset our expenses. Our club is grateful to all these generous citizens.
This is just another example of how the selfless Clarendon Citizens come together for a great cause. Summerton Rotary will be able to provide school supplies, books, scholarships, and much more to our citizens who need a helping hand.
