Fire Station 110

Heath Road

West Bibb County

Ground Breaking

Friday, June 28, 2013

 Conversation prior to the Ground Breaking Ceremony.  Firemen and one Bibb County Commissioner.

 Fire Chief Riggins and the Chairman  Hart of the County Commission share their observations about the site.

 Of course the appropriate signage must also be in position so that everyone can see how this station is funded. 

 The soil was easy to break.  It had been hauled in especially for this event.  I was able to capture four shovels of dirt in the air.

The task is complete.  The new station is expected to be in operation in late 2014.  It will follow the same design as other recent new fire stations in Bibb County.

Senior Expo 2013

Macon, Georgia

Once I had my documents shredded I attended the Expo.  They did not check my age, but I do appear to be mature enough to attend this type event.  In addition to a delightful breakfast of coffee, orange juice, fruit and breads there was a plethora of information available for everyone. 

I did not count the booths, but everything that a Senior Citizen could desire information about was represented.  There must have been at least 60 information booths.



I did gather a packet of information and will take the time to read all of it tomorrow afternoon.  I am certainly glad that I participated in this informative event.

2013 Senior Expo

Macon, Georgia

SHRED-CYCLE INC.

June 28, 2013.  The Macon Police Department, The Bibb Sheriff Department and the Macon Better Business Bureau along with other organizations sponsored the 2013 Senior Expo.  For those who arrived between 8:00 A.M. and 10:00 A.M. the opportunity was available to have documents shredded to prevent identity theft. 

I took two shopping bags of documents and they shredded them in about 30 seconds.  This series of pictures is presented here for your information.  

There was no fee for this document shredding.  Thank You to the Senior Expo Sponsors.  Well Done!!!

TreeAtions

A Gallery Display Featuring

The Craftsmanship

of

Matthew McCollum



Adam's Remorse



Rooster

Rooster (Close Up)

Matthew's Chainsaw art is currently on display at the Middle Georgia Art Association Gallery located at 2330 Inglesdie Avenue, Macon, Georgia.

For Gallery information and hours please visit: 

http://www.middlegeorgiaart.org/upcomingexhibits.htm

There are a total of eleven sculptures on display.  There is something of interest for anyone.  The titles are:

Eagle

Rooster

Abstract Dancer

Turtle I

Turtle II

Tree Spirit I

Tree Spirit II

Asian Figure

Rocinante

A Summer Swim

Adam's Remose

Matthew began his Chainsaw sculpture work a mere eighteen months ago.  You are encouraged to visit this interesting and also memorable display.  

Celebrate Art....  Celebrate Life

2013 Celebration of Life Art Exhibit

The Cancer Life Center of the Medical Center of Central Georgia and the Middle Georgia Art Association are currently sponsoring an exhibit focused on art dedicated to demonstrating the curative forces of creativity and celebrating the courage of all those whose lives have been touched in some way by cancer.

The exhibit consist of ninty-one entries.  The artist have also submitted a statement about their respective entries, which is available for you to read.

Gallery Location -  2330 Ingleside Ave, Macon, GA 31204

Phone:(478) 744-9557

Hours:  

Tuesday Noon to 5:00 PM

Wednesday Noon to 5:00 PM 

Thursday Noon to 5:00 PM

Friday Noon to 5:00 PM

Saturday  Noon to 3:00 PM

Sunday Closed

Monday  Closed

This exhibit will be on display until June 28, 2013.  Take the opportunity today to view this art.

BP Gulf Oil Disaster - April 2010

Benghazi Attack - September 2012

I have been contemplating the situation of Leadership Styles by various individuals in recent history.

Back in June of 2010 the Chief Executive for BP Oil, Tony Hayward, was faulted for taking a weekend off to attend or possibly participate in an exclusive yachting competition.  Please remember that the Disaster had happened in April of 2010. 

People everywhere were upset that Mr. Tony Hayward took the time off.

Fast Forward to the night of the Benghazi Attack.  We here in the United States of America have not yet heard where our Commander in Chief was when the Attack reached a peak and our Ambassador and several others were killed.  It would be interesting to know where our Commander in Chief (President) was.  Some have reported that he was not in the White House Situation room.  There have been some references that he was in the Situation Room.  We do know that no matter what the case, that he may have been focused on a trip to the West Coast to generate Campaign Funds; because that is where he went the next day.

From my own point of view, I would hope that our Commander in Chief was in the White House Situation Room on the night of the Attack so that he could perform his duties.

As regards the BP Oil Disaster - the Chief Executive traveled back to England several months after the event.  Yet, here in our own country we have a Commander in Chief who may not have been on duty, as he should have been, on the very night of the attack.

I guess it depends on who is AWOL and for what purpose as to what matters.  For those who may not comprehend what AWOL means it is "Absence Without Leave."

Electronics Recycling

Macon, Georgia
8 June 2013

Today the following organizations teamed up to conduct a "Free Electronics Recycling Event" at the Macon Area Habitat for Humanity, 690 Holt Avenue in Macon. 

LG Electronics USA

Macon Area Habitat for Humanity

Keep Macon Bibb Beautiful

Vintage Tech Recyclers

I took several items for this event and after I had completed my donation I took the opportunity to capture a few images for this Blog Post.

The event was well organized and the process went very quick.  The team consisted of Habitat Home Owners, Future Habitat Home Owners, Boy Scouts, Interested Citizens who also Volunteered, Keep Macon Bibb Beautiful Volunteers as well members of the local Garden Clubs.

As a pallet was completed it was wrapped for
shippment to an Electronics Processing Center, Vintage
Tech Recyclers.  I think this organization is
located in Chicago.

I did observe all of the happy volunteers. The
individual on the right was the one who unloaded my
donations as I went through the line.

Certainly a great event to help keep our Community Beautiful.  I overheard one of the coordinators indicate that the event exceeded expectations and this was about 10:00 A.M. just one hour after the event started.

A Sad Situation!!!!!

Many months ago the organization which owned this piece of heavy equipment transferred the ownership of this machine and several others to a different organization.  In addition to the equipment transfer the Foreman/Crew Leader for the equipment was also transferred.

Some of the equipment is now in operation and doing quite well.  However some of the equipment is now being rebuilt so that it can serve a useful purpose.  Some of this rebuilding is taking longer than some expect.

The equipment you see above is non-operational.  The Foreman is getting paid, after all that is the proper thing to do.  Informal information indicates that the equipment shown above has an engine that is seized up.  Therefore it can not be started and operated to serve the intended purpose.  The people who meet from time to time in the structure behind the equipment are now complaining that this is not proper.  In fact these people who meet from time to time are now airing their displeasure in the local media.  The question one would have to ask is why was the equipment shown above in such a state of repair that it could not be operated when it was turned over? 

Meanwhile the new owner is attempting to rehab the machine, while still paying the Crew Foreman.  It is rumored that it may take some time and that the earth moving improvements scheduled for this Summer may not be accomplished because the rehab may take until much later this year.

What makes this situation even more unpleasant is that the folks who have next of kin buried in the "Hart Family Cemetery" just down the road from this structure with the heavy equipment parked in front are also unhappy about this situation.

What can be done?  Yes, this is a sad situation!!!  I know for a fact that the machine such as shown above cannot be repaired quickly and in fact parts may also be difficult to acquire because of the machines age.  In summary, after years of neglect how can anyone expect a miracle to be accomplished overnight?  I think not, especially when everyone is now relying on rebates, grants and government assistance from others!!!

Sunday School

The Lutheran Church of the

Holy Trinity

Macon, Georgia

I teach Sunday School at my Church to a group of First through Fourth Grade Students.  We started with the Creation of the World in Genesis.  We read and discuss the assigned lesson and then each Student draws a picture that is appropriate to that lesson.  Some Sundays I also participate in the coloring.

Eve taking an apple from the Tree of Knowledge of
Good and Evil.  Eve and Adam both ate of this forbidden
tree

The Great Flood - Noah, his Family observe the Rainbow
when God Promised to never destroy the whole earth again.

Abram Rescues his Nephew, Lot.

Abram constructs an Altar of Thanksgiving to God after
he follows God's Word to sacrifice his Son, Isaac.
God provides a Ram for the sacrifice.
We discussed the Now and Then of the Altar.

God Calls Abram, changes his name to Abraham and Abraham
then feeds God and two Angels.



I enjoy the opportunity to teach this class and it also causes me to study so that I know what I am discussing with the Students.

Shorts

Brief or Boxer?

I am confident that Macon has many interesting Street names.  Here is one I found yesterday.  I post this today to share and also ask my Blog readers to submit the interesting names they have also seen right here in Macon, Georgia.  This is not a contest with any rewards, but your opportunity to share.

True to the name, "Brief Street" is very short!!

Memorial Day 2013

Observance

Middle Georgia

Weekend Report

Friday, May 24, 2013.  The Joseph N. Neel, Jr. American Legion Post 3 conducted a Benefit Dinner in support of the Wounded Warrior Project.  This grand affair featured the Presentation of Colors by Boy Scouts from the Greater Bellview Baptist Church in Macon.  An official Wounded Warrior Proclamation by the Honorable Sam Hart, Chairman of the Bibb County Commission and a presentation by the Post First Vice Commander which was a show entitled "Prisonner of War/Missing In Action Rememberance.  Followed by a Dinner and then Entertainment by Stacy and Gena Cooper of Oolewah, Tennessee.  Their show featured music from their "The Legends Tour" which was focused on patriotic songs.

Saturday, May 25, 2013.  My Bride and I attended the Stratford Academy Commencement Exercises.  During the ceremony the Academy presented the Distinguished Alumnus Award to a Class of 1976 Graduate.  Lt. Col. Jeffery B. Henderson, U. S. Army, gave his acceptance talk which consisted of bonding with class mates even after graduation.  He briefly mentioned his experience when he was in an Army Hospital as a results of War Wounds when he had the staff contact one of his peers, a Doctor who was also a Stratford Graduate, for advice on how to handle a medical procedure. 

Sunday, May 26, 2013.  During our Worship Service the following U. S. Military were recognized:

Anthony (Tony) Bohling - U. S. Navy

Elizabeth (Liz) Bohling - U. S. Army

C.A. Buck - U. S. Coast Guard

Frank Crissey - U. S. Navy

Kim Leslie - U. S. Air Force

Mac McCrary - U. S. Army

Ned Myers - U. S. Army and U. S. Air Force

Clarence Riley - U. S. Navy

Alan Thiese - U. S. Navy

Bob Wells - U. S. Navy

Sunday Afternoon we attended a Cook Out to honor a recent High School Graduate on My Bride's side of the Family.  She will be joining the U. S. Marines later this year.

Sunday Evening My Bride and I took the opportunity to watch the annual Memorial Day Concert from the grounds of the U. S. Capitol which was broadcast live on Public Television. 

Monday, May 27, 2013.  My Bride and I attended the Macon Cemetery Preservation Corporation Memorial Day Program at Macon's Historic Linwood Cemetery.

The program consisted of the Presentation of the Colors by the Bibb County Fire Department and the Westside High School Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps - U. S. Air Force and the performance of our National Anthem by Bibb County Commissioner Bert Bivins. 



 Guitarist Tommy New performed several selections, including "God Bless the U. S. A." after which U. S. Army Staff Sgt. Timothy S. Hamlin, a Macon Native, gave a very inspiring and emotional speech. 

The Program was concluded by the performance of TAPS by Mr. Bill, President of the local chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America.

Later this evening My Bride and I will visit friends for a Memorial Day Cookout.  It has been a wonderful, appropriate Week End which focused on honoring our Nation's Heroes.  Those who have gone on before us to protect our Freedoms and those who currently serve to insure that our Freedoms will be protected.

Thank You!!!

May God Continue

to

Bless the United States of America!!!

Observing

Memorial Day

2013

While these pictures are from December 2012, they are also most appropriate today.  I took these pictures at Andersonville National Cemetery.

As we take time to reflect on the Blessings we have in the United States of America today, please remember those who have served or are serving to allow us all to enjoy our Freedoms!!



God's Gifts To

Humanity

Earlier today I posted an entry concerning the future of our Society.  Now I will focus on appreciating God's Gifts to us.  Of course to enjoy the beauty and to appreciate these gifts sometimes requires some effort.

 There is plenty to appreciate near the Flower Child's Home in West Bibb County Georgia.  First of all there is an abundance of trees which provide much needed shade!

 This is a lily in bloom.  It is a potted plant which requires some water and application of fertilizer to see these beautiful flowers.

 A lace-cap hydrangea.  These flowers have flourished on the North Side for many years and they continue to bring beauty to the landscape.

 The abundance of rain fall this Spring has caused the Confederate Jasamine to flourish much better than recent years.  The fragrance is also wonderful to enjoy!!

 A mop-head hydrangea beginning to show it's wonderful beauty.  The climbing hydrangea on the chimney is also blooming, however I did not get the ladder out for a shot of the blooms.

 Another lace-cap hydrangea.  The name of this plant is "Lady in Red" so named because of the red stems of the plant.

 A cluster of mop-head blooms.  This plant will provide blooms through November if it is deadheaded.

A final view of a wonderful blue mop-head.  I do not attempt to adjust the soil to provide the pink blooms.  I enjoy and appreciate the beauty that these provide each Spring and Summer.

Concerns

by

The Flower Child

What is the U.S.A.

Coming Too?

Of course, I am seeing red.  Almost everyday I read of or view the tragic events that are happening in our United States of America.

I do not have to go into detail about this concern because everyone knows of what I speak.  Today I will focus on my concept of why this is happening in our Society.

For a good number of years now we have seen the social graces of living being eroded.  Recently I read that the former emphasis on "Cursive Writing" has been downplayed in our education systems since the 1970s.

All too often budget constraints cause the elimination of the arts in our public education systems.  You and I have all heard of these situations.

This is a picture of the Central High School Chorus taken by me after they had participated in the dedication of a Blue Star Memorial Marker at the Museum of Aviation at Warner Robins Air Force Base in November of 2012.  By the way, this group is terrific and well regarded whenever they perform!!!

Each of these young citizens represented themselves, their respective families, their school and the Community in an excellent manner.

Recently I received correspondence from the Central High School Book Club which indicated that this very successful program may not continue in the upcoming school year.  This is a tragic loss because as the Former Central Book Club Coordinator shared in this correspondence:

"There is nothing like books to help you understand life, especially those parts better not personally experienced."

I make these two observations today to simply out that there are are and have been excellent programs in our education system which are focused on developing fine citizens for our future.  Yet, we continue to hear and read of elimination of these worthwhile programs because of financial considerations.

I would challenge all, are really saving money?  Are we now producing citizens that have less respect for their fellow peoplekind?  Are we now already suffering the consequences of elimination of various programs by the results we now read and hear about.  For a good number of people/s it appears that their is a total disregard for human life!!!!

I would suggest that we are neglecting the nice things of live that allow us to be more human at the expense of life itself.

As a friend recently stated to me during a conversation about the ills of our Society, we are now living in the "Stainless Steel" age.  I understand that to be an age where nothing matters as long as it can be cleaned up quickly with no respect for the value of what really matters.

No longer do we as a society respect the beauty that surrounds us.  We as a society have become so self centered that we fail to appreciate the "good" we have.

So the bottom line is:

"Are we developing/fostering a future society of mis-fits that have no respect for each other or even life itself??

This Is T-Ball

The Dublin/Laurens County Georgia has a wonderful Youth Sports Complex.  Here is a video of a recent T-Ball game with the Cubs at Bat.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTvdj7IJT-U

Middle Georgia Art Association

3-D Exhibit
May 17, 2013 through May 31, 2013

I attended the opening reception of the 3-D Exhibit on May 17th.  The first place winner was a chain saw sculpture created by Matthew McCollum.  This sculpture is titled "Adam's Remorse."

I cannot comprehend any chail saw sculpture looking so great.  I was so impressed that I determined that I would do a Blog entry.

The Gallery of the Middle Georgia Art Association is located at 2330 Ingleside Avenue, Macon, Georgia.  The hours are:

Tuesday - Friday Noon to 5 P.M.

Saturday Noon to 3 P.M.

I would urge you to visit this exhibit.  In addition to this sculpture by Matthew McCollum, there are two others on display titled:

A Summer Swim

Rocinante

Graduation Day

15 May 1958

Thursday