Let's Visit Helen Keller Hospital...

We'll start with a quick visit to their website. The site is professionally done and offers many links; unfortunately none of them lists the names of the Board of Directors. Besides Board President Larry Collum, we have determined Steve Hargrove of Sheffield City Schools is also a member. We'll continue to publish names as we discover them in case any Colbert County citizens wish to call them and, oh, I dunno, perhaps complain about giving away their hospital.

If your interest in the hospital should extend beyond the board, you may look at several previous advertisements that have recently appeared in the TimesDaily. We're not sure why anyone would wish to, but the site offers them nonetheless.

There's also a link to a page entitled "Recipes." There the reader may peruse a few heart healthy recipes as well as learn what the cafeteria is serving during the upcoming week. We were enchanted to know the Keller Cafe is serving baked ziti. Unfortunately, we have no idea what ziti is, baked or otherwise.

The link to a site entitled "Physicians" is more helpful. We find that Dr. William Roddy is still on staff, while Dr. Christopher Gay is not. A quick visit to the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners shows that:

On September 9, (2010), the Commission entered an Order placing on indefinite probation the license to practice medicine in Alabama of Christopher P. Gay, D. O., license number DO.687, Sheffield AL, with certain restrictions.

So, what have we learned from our visit to Oz, er, Helen Keller Hospital? Not anything of great import. In fact, their website offers no clue that they've just sold out to Huntsville Hospital. Of course, we're using the term "sold" loosely since HKH received no actual money form Huntsville Hospital.

RegionalCare was offering HKH sixty million--sixty million and the board would not even return RegionalCare's phone calls. When Joe Roach called the Keller Board dumb he wasn't just humming La Cucaracha.

*****

Political Courage Test? Project Vote Smart offers a Political Courage Test for all state and national candidates. So far, none running in the Northwest Alabama area has taken and returned the test. You may see a PDF version of the 11 part test here: Link

*****

Change.org is a site advocating "gay marriage" in Alabama. Lonnie Walker drafted a petition on this site that "demands" gay marriage be "aloud" in our state.

We have absolutely no idea how Mr. Walker arrived at this conclusion, but according to his website, the pols who will make this happen are:

Don Young, Spencer Bachus, Jo Bonner, Mike Rogers, Richard Shelby, Jeff Sessions, Bob Riley, Mike Curtis, Micky Hammon, Marcel Black, Henry White, Robert Aderholt, Bobby Bright, Parker Griffith, and Tammy Irons.

If they refuse to take the Political Courage test, we doubt they will openly lobby for gay marriage. We would love to hear from Mr. Walker on what basis he created this eclectic list.


Shoalanda



Connecting in ten, nine, eight...

My Florence, Shoals Scene, & More

The Shoals area is growing--finally! We've never understood why anyone (except teenagers) complains there's nothing to do in the Shoals. We do understand that with so much to do, much of it gets lost in the small print of various local publications, and we miss some first class entertainment or fun.

Here's a brief list of some websites that will make sure your dance card is filled:

My Florence - A community page with news as well as events.

Shoals Scene - Entertainment events from around the entire Shoals area.

North Florence - This is a new Facebook page that's looking for volunteers. How about you?

The Connection - This new Internet mag is about to launch within days. Send in your events now.

*****

Don't know Kyle Brown?; you should. Kyle is the Republican candidate for Colbert County District Judge. Here's your chance to meet him:

Shoals Republican Club Hosts Kyle Brown Candidate For Colbert County District Court Judge Candidate September 21st The Shoals Republican Club will host Colbert County Assistant District Attorney and Republican Colbert County District Court Judge candidate Kyle Brown on Tuesday, September 21, 2010 from 5:30 p.m. until ...6:30 p.m. at Stanfield’s Steak House, 5745 River Road in Muscle Shoals.All meetings of the Shoals Republican Club are open to the public. For more information, contact Shoals Republican Club President William Smith at (256) 767-4529, or ShoalsRepublicanClub@gmail.com.

*****

We have a real bone to pick with Dr. Gerald Freeman, Republican candidate for Alabama Senate District 1. Goodness, what is it? He spells his nickname with a "J" instead of a "G." That's really hard on all of us OCD bloggers.

If you aren't familiar with Dr. Freeman, please visit his site to learn more about him. We'll certainly be bringing you more on him in the near future. Link

*****

Trapp Town near Russellville? Is this actually Tharptown? No matter, here's a great pic of its natural bridge. Available on eBay: Link




Shoalanda

Connecting in ten, nine, eight...

J. J. Tells It Like It Is/Paige McWilliams Oversentenced

Big Government: Cure or Cause

A Guest Commentary By

J.J. Ray

Few things that happen in life shock me anymore, until today. I watched with shock and wonder as former president Bill Clinton aka Slick Willie called the Tea Party folks insurrectionists. The dictionary describes an insurrection as, an act or instance of revolting against civil authority or an established government. Mr. Clinton was not only a president but also a Rhodes Scholar and should have known what the definition of an insurrectionist was before opening his mouth. There is a vast sea between insurrection and repugnance.

Most Tea Partiers and most of the nation are sickened with a government that continues to grow at a rate unparalleled in history with a deficit to match. Since the Tea Party has no apparent leader, it hardly qualifies as an insurgent revolution. Further, I have not seen a rebel action with armed commandos storming anything in D.C... Slick Willie needs to stick to young women as he appears more suited to charming unsuspecting interns than commenting on what is revulsion of the voters, to the new massive government.

Government’s purpose is just what the word implies, to implement the laws as the constitution stipulates. Not to enforce the constitution, as they perceive it, dictating to the voters whom they believe don’t have the sense to come in out of the rain. This however is the progressive elitist response.

An elitist is one with the belief that some people or things are inherently superior to others and deserve preeminence, preferential treatment, or higher rewards because of their superiority. The people who have been charged with governing actually believe that they are superior and the rest of us are merely serfs that are to do their bidding without question. Anyone can watch the arrogance that radiates from Mr. O. There is a big difference between arrogance and confidence as demonstrated by Ronald Regan. He generated hope and confidence, rather than, “hear me now”.

We elect our representatives to pass laws and legislation that are good for the country as a whole, not as a handful of elitists would have you believe. Cap and Trade, Obama Healthcare, the job killing regulations to stop drilling in the gulf is another. Let us not forget the bailout, and a stimulus bill that did not stimulate anything but added deficit and more big government.

Slick Willie was right about one thing yesterday, his effectiveness did not happen until the republicans took power in “94”. Then there were people in congress to “Just Say No” to more big government. Prosperity grew and the budget balanced because we had a stability of power instead of “let me be clear” and “hear me now” arrogance.

Therefore, we should be clear in November, and then and only then will the elitists understand, “Do you hear us now”.

*****

We'll add our own two cents to J. J.'s commentary--Slick Willie obviously knows the meaning of the word insurrection; he's betting most products of current U.S. education do not.

*****

Tuscumiba has contracted with the Florence firm of Hill and Jangaard to design the new Tuscumbia Depot roundhouse. We wonder how many other firms applied for this contract? (Hill and Jangaard is the firm of choice for most plumb Florence contracts.)

*****

Colbert County has denied convicted Cherokee librarian Paige Hite McWilliams probation for her theft conviction. McWilliams admitted misappropriating library funds during her tenure as library administrator for that beleaguered town.

She was sentenced to 15 years, a sentence that will be completed in under five years. She could see freedom in a matter of months if paroled. Did this serve any purpose? McWilliams has already been humiliated and faces a future of manual labor if she can find any work at all. Was her crime any worse than those occurring regularly within Cherokee City government?

Now the citizens of Alabama will have to support McWilliams for the duration of her sentence. Prison should be reserved for the violent offender. Alabama certainly has plenty of those.

Shoalanda

Connecting in ten, nine, eight...

Follow the Money with Curtis and Greer

Follow the Money is a national website enumeratinng campaign contributions across the country. Before voting, everyone should look at these contributions carefully; are they a true reflection of the candidate? Many times they are. As mentioned earlier, Doc's Political Parlor calls the Alabama District 2 House race a toss-up at this point. Perhaps Follow the Money will sway some otherwise undecided voters.

Here's the report for the Democratic incumbent Mike Curtis: Contributions

Here's the report for the Republican challenger Lynn Greer: Contributions

Who had out of state contributions? That would be Curtis. Who had tobacco lobby contributions? That would also be Curtis? Who had beer and wine lobby contributions? That would again be Curtis. Beginning to see a picture here?

We are pleased to endorse Republican Lynn Greer for House District 2. You may visit Lynn's website here: Link

*****

Republican congressional nominee Mo Brooks has received the endorsement of the Alabama State Fraternal Order of Police. In a letter to Brooks informing him of the endorsement, FOP President Bill Davis said the "endorsement was made after careful consideration and qualifications and experience of all of the candidates." Davis told Brooks, "the membership felt that you are the best person to serve in the office." The Alabama FOP has approximately 8,600 members.

Upon learning of the endorsement, Brooks said, "I am deeply honored to have the endorsement of such a well-respected organization of law enforcement professionals. Public safety is one the core functions of our government, and I stand second to no one in my strong support of the brave men and women who put their lives on the line every day to protect our families and our homes. I look forward to working closely with the FOP in the years ahead to provide them the support they need to accomplish their mission as effectively as possible."

Brooks, a Madison County Commissioner and former Alabama State Legislator, is the Republican nominee for Congress in Alabama's 5th Congressional District. The election is November 2nd.

*****

We wholeheartedly agree with the Alabama Fraternal Order of Police and endorse Mo Brooks for Alabama's 5th Congressional seat.

*****

September 17th was the 223rd anniversary of our constitution. If you like the sentiments on this silk handkerchief/banner, you can purchase it on eBay: Link

Shoalanda

Connecting in ten, nine, eight...

We Endorse Mo Brooks

Republican congressional nominee Mo Brooks has received the endorsement of the Alabama State Fraternal Order of Police. In a letter to Brooks informing him of the endorsement, FOP President Bill Davis said the "endorsement was made after careful consideration and qualifications and experience of all of the candidates." Davis told Brooks, "the membership felt that you are the best person to serve in the office." The Alabama FOP has approximately 8,600 members.

Upon learning of the endorsement, Brooks said, "I am deeply honored to have the endorsement of such a well-respected organization of law enforcement professionals. Public safety is one the core functions of our government, and I stand second to no one in my strong support of the brave men and women who put their lives on the line every day to protect our families and our homes. I look forward to working closely with the FOP in the years ahead to provide them the support they need to accomplish their mission as effectively as possible."

Brooks, a Madison County Commissioner and former Alabama State Legislator, is the Republican nominee for Congress in Alabama's 5th Congressional District. The election is November 2nd.

*****

We wholeheartedly agree with the Alabama Fraternal Order of Police and endorse Mo Brooks for Alabama's 5th Congressional seat.

Sweetwater, Miz Scarletts, & Sprinklers Are More Than Methodists

In less than a week it will officially be autumn, a season that brings football, harvest decor, and the growing business of haunted houses, cornfields, chicken coops, and even once-forsaken mansions. Sweetwater Mansion, once commonly known in the Shoals as the Weeden Home, will again be offering tours of the grounds. Adverts are stating the property belonging to Susan Leigh Smithson of Atlanta will this year also feature tours of the mansion's interior. According to Gary Williamson of the Florence Building Department, inside tours will not be allowed unless the building is brought up to code.

The Sweetwater blog on Blogspot is still advertising such tours in conjunction with G.H.O.S.T. The G.H.O.S.T. site lists the following disclaimers:

Restrictions apply, be aware that there is walking, stepping over and stairs climbing involved, along with outside natural and manmade grounds hazards, note your health conditions added with the heat tolerance to make sure you are fit for this investigation before signing on. G.H.O.S.T organization Members, owners of investigation properties and all those in charge of any and all sites shall be exempt from lawsuits involved due to injuries happening anywhere around inside or outside of properties on our investigation list. A waiver shall be signed by each person and all money shall be paid in full before being allowed to proceed with the investigation. There are no REFUNDS.

So, why will Williamson shut down any inside tours? Sources in his office state the main point of contention is the lack of a sprinkler system. The Sweetwater site doesn't state a specific opening date for the tours, so sprinklers could conceivably be installed before any public tours begin. If this and other code violations are remedied, those running the tours for Smithson will be taking in $25.00 per guest. That would make for a sizable gate each day the house and grounds are open to tours. On October 21st last year a ticket-taker was robbed of an undisclosed amount while manning the gate alone. The robber has never been caught.

That brings us to the next serious issue with Sweetwater Mansion tours. The home is still privately owned and was listed for sale as recently as mid-2009. Reportedly Smithson, a former resident of Tuscumbia, paid 400K for the property some years ago and was asking six million for the estate when it was first listed. After a major hotel chain located adjacent to the home, the asking price was raised to nine million.

We are very glad that the old home is finally being restored, but we still have no assurances the property will not be sold, the home razed, and a McDonald's or other ubiquitous restaurant erected in its place. Smithson has no desire to reside in the once stately mansion--she currently lives in Atlanta where she owns a boutique called Miz Scarletts of Piedmont.

That brings us to Smithson's previous lack of interest in restoring the ante bellum home. After graduation from a local high school, Smithson attended fashion school, did some modeling, and eventually wound up in Atlanta where she opened her own dress shop. One has only to Google the name of the shop in order to find multiple complaints lodged about Smithson's business, some of which have resulted in lawsuits over unpaid bills.

However, the most telling item concerning Susan Leigh Smithson's business practices is featured in a screen shot below.


Unless a legally organized entity takes over the renovation of Sweetwater, we choose not to support it. We'll send our dollars to Deep Fat--we get a better return.

Shoalanda

Connecting in ten, nine, eight...

Kidnapping & Foot Abuse

Rickey Alan Hale of Killen briefly kidnapped his wife Ranate (pictured) early Thursday. All ended well for Renate who was released, but not so well for Lauderdale Deputy Tracy Vanderford.

Hale had made it to Center Star before he was pulled over by two deputies; however, in an attempt to avoid arrest, Hale ran over Vanderford's foot. Sheriff Ronnie Willis said all ended well, but we doubt if Vanderford feels the same. There was no immediate word on the condition of the deputy's foot, but Rickey Hale is being held in the Lauderdale County Detention Center.

*****

We're still receiving e-mail concerning Henry J. Searcy, the Leighton Police Chief who was gunned down in 1957. Retired Judge Pride Tompkins tells us that he and his father were friends of Searcy and remembered that the chief was shot in the back.

One would think that Searcy's killer would have received the death sentence for such a crime, but a list of those executed after that date fails to enumerate any from Colbert County. The State of Alabama provides a log of inmates executed since 1927; it can be viewed at this link: Alabama Inmates Executed.

*****

Doc's Political Parlor is listing the Alabama House District 2 race between Lynn Greer (R) and Mike Curtis (D) as a toss-up. Curtis has previously complained that he loses money by serving in the state legislature. Perhaps he will no longer have to worry about that come 2011.

*****

Collect milk bottle caps? It seems many do--this example from the Waco Dairy outside Russellville currently has five bids: Link

Shoalanda

Connecting in ten, nine, eight...