Renaming Pocket Park/”Raised in a Barn” Award

We have received some positive feedback concerning the renaming of Pocket Park on North Wood Avenue. The small amphitheatre-style park is in the old Norwood Theatre location. Carmel Olive was a long-time civic leader and prominent North Florence businessman.

From his 2014 obituary:

Carmel Dean Olive, 84, of Florence, passed away Thursday, September 18, 2014 at ECM Hospital. He was a member of Broadway Baptist Church, was former State Commander of the American Legion, VFW, DAV, Alabama and Tennessee Masonic Lodge, Eastern Star, York and Scottish Rite
Bodies, former Potentate of Cahaba Shriners, Order of DeMolay, North Alabama State Fair Board, and he served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War.

If you have some other suggestions for renaming this micro park, please send them to us.

*****

Manners? Many people ain't got no couth no more. We somehow doubt many who fall into that category actually care, but they should. Recently another local blogger criticized the Lauderdale County Sheriff for wearing his hat indoors. While we could not be absolutely sure that Rick considered himself in uniform, we believe that was the case. Uniform hats may be worn inside unless one is dining.

So how about those “Gimmee hats” or “'Neck hats” that we frequently see on the great unwashed? Bad taste; not the thing; acting as if one was raised in a barn.

Some people obviously deserve a pass since that old country expression comes close to applying literally to them. For those who have a college education, are successful businessmen, and represent local government, there will be no get out of ill-manners jail for them.

Therefore, we're giving Leighton businessman Chuck Morgan our first “Raised in a Barn” award. Congratulations, Mr. Morgan. You really made Leighton look...well, like most people think Leighton looks.

Shoalanda