Community Christmas organizers say they are missing gifts for 50 angels who were “adopted” and are shopping for 60 children who weren’t adopted by members of the community.
Those who have gifts they have not yet dropped off may do so this Fri., Dec. 7, between the hours of 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. at the Kiwanis Center. Packages also may be dropped off at the Chamber of Commerce office, located on River Falls Street.
Community Christmas president Larry Avery said the organization spends about $60 per child for whom the group shops, wo it will need a minimum of $1,800 to take care of the remaining angels.
Donations are tax-deductible and should be mailed to Andalusia Community Christmas Inc., P.O. Box 1525, Andalusia, AL 36420.
City of Andalusia employees were busy working on putting up the Christmas tree on the Court Square Tuesday and Wednesday.
The tree is 45-feet tall with a raised platform. Workers are expected to continue work on the tree today. The city will hold its Uptown Christmas celebration and tree lighting ceremony on Thurs., Nov. 29. Caroling will begin at 6 p.m., and the tree lighting ceremony will be held at 7 p.m.
Residents are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs and blankets.
- Andalusia Star News
For the first time since the 1970s, an Andalusia mayor took the oath of office for consecutive terms. Similarly, four of the five council members were sworn in for consecutive terms, the first time a majority that large has been returned to office since 1952.
Judge Lex Short administered the oath of office to Mayor Earl Johnson, returning council members Will Sconiers, Hazel Griffin, Kennith Mount and Terry Powell, and to Ralph Wells.
Former Speaker of the House Seth Hammett, who spoke at the ceremonies, said when he was introduced as Covington County’s state representative, he was always proud to add, “I live in Andalusia.”
“We have a lot to be proud of,” Hammett said, adding the city boasts a quality education program and beautiful school facilities,.
“We have a diversity of employment opportunities,” he said. “Of course, we think of Shaw, which anchors our community. There is great work at the airport and the facilities we have there.
“We should take great pride in the fact that we understand we can do more if we work together,” he said. “We realize a business does not have to locate within the city of Andalusia for Andalusia to benefit.
He said having the headquarters of Southeast Alabama Gas District and PowerSouth, as well as two engineering firms here also is a great benefit.
“And we forget what a great employer, Andalusia Regional Hospital is. It truly is a regional hospital. We have many more specialists than most communities our size could ever have.
“We have great quality of life,” he said. “Who couldn’t have enjoyed being on the square last week for Halloween? How many communities around the United States wouldn’t like to have something like that in their communities?”
Hammett also praised the city’s recreational and cultural opportunities.
“You have made great strides in the appearance of our town,” he said. “When I was at LBW, I used to say that we wanted the appearance of our facility to reflect the quality of our programs.”
Hammett said when he spoke to new members of the house of representatives, he always reminded them to remember their titles.
“I always reminded them they were state representatives, not a Birmingham or Mobile or Dothan representative, not Democratic or Republican, black or white. If you want to get elected and stay elected, stay in touch with people of your district. Talk to them and return their telephone calls. But your title is city council members. You are responsible for the entire city, not just your district.”
He said he also told new representatives, “don’t ever allow anybody to tell you how to vote.
“If somebody tells you this is how you should vote, ask them, ‘Where were you on that hot summer day when I was out knocking on doors?”
He urged them to disagree “disagreeably,” if they must do so.
“The Bible teaches us, of those to whom much is given, much is expected,” he said. “Much is expected of you folks. You have a great opportunity here and a great community. Frankly, I envy you the opportunity you have to make great place to live an even better place to live.”
It was shoulder-to-shoulder traffic at Wednesday’s Halloween on the Square event in Andalusia.
Duke Smith with the city’s department of leisure services estimated the crowd at 10,000.
“It was a great night,” Smith said. “There were a lot of folks there. I stood in the Square, in the center, and looked down toward CCB Community Bank, and the road was covered with people. Everything went fine. Crews spent (Thursday) morning cleaning up, and we’re back to normal.”
Local merchants handed out candy left and right as area residents made their annual trek around the Court Square. Some 28 businesses participated, pulling out all the stops in decorating for the night.
The first place award for the best booth space went to South Alabama Law’s tribute to “Alice in Wonderland,” complete with a Red Queen sitting on her throne and the Mad Hatter. Second place went to the Andalusia Police Department for their “Happy Haunting,” featuring Dispatcher Susie Fannin and her creepy channeling of a wicked witch who enjoyed a good leg bone now and then.
Entertainment for the night was Keith Williams and Second Nature, who at one point,, was joined by a dancing Freddy Krueger.
“Our businesses went all out,” Smith said. “I was glad the weather hung in there, too. It was nice and cool, but not too cold. All in all, just right.”