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Travis Outlaw Day: If you missed it, you missed a treat |
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Friday, 08 September 2006 |
Travis Outlaw Day was recently held on a balmy Saturday at McKee Park.
It was an all-day event open to the public and generously sponsored by our very own Travis Outlaw and his family. Way to go Travis! What a way to show your love and appreciation for your hometown folk.
If you missed it, you missed a lot of fun, fellowship, and a festive atmosphere. It’s not often that an event is held free of charge, in a safe environment and with no alcohol involved.
Our community is need of such positive fanfare, especially for the children who are exposed to so much negativity these days.
If you were present, I certainly hope that you saw much more that Travis, the professional basketball player who certainly has made it big and is on his way to higher ground.
What I witnessed were children and adults talking, eating, dancing, and of course playing the game of basketball. I saw love and concern for those who are less fortunate. I saw generosity in the form of gifts, money, autographed photos and authentic jerseys, all freely given to the lucky ticket holder.
Because of that great day, I’ve learned a new dance, met some old friends, and have really gotten to know the real Travis Outlaw and his respectable family.
Thank you, Travis Outlaw and family, and all who played a part in making the “Travis Outlaw Day” a wonderful experience for our great community. I’m definitely looking forward to next year.
Carolyn Ward
Starkville
Division on budget appropriations,
bike lanes elicits concern
I am saddened by the apparent division amongst our city aldermen concerning two items in last Tuesday’s Board of Aldermen meeting agenda:
• The $480,000 appropriation for “non-city agencies and local charities” that was referred to as “handouts.”
The Red Cross, National Guard, Public Library, Boy Scouts and Ambulance Service are expected, and in fact, vital services to our community.
The Heritage Museum, the Horse Park and the Arts Council provide activities and programs that attract visitors to the city, generate hospitality tax revenues, and add to the cultural character of our city.
Most of these entities are volunteer-based organizations whose actual service value is probably more than the half million dollar that certain city official(s) may be stingy about.
• The bike lane has been a long-time dream to have in our city to promote an alternative mode of transport with health/fitness and economic benefits that was previously approved by the Board of Aldermen.
This issue is about a dozen street-side parking spaces in front of St. Joseph Catholic Church versus the safety of bikers and welfare of the community.
Pertinent factors to consider are the volume of bikers 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays and the options that churches have to provide adequate and appropriate private parking for their parishioners.
I request our city officials to exercise fair judgment and wise decision in the consideration of these issues.
Armando A. de la Cruz
Starkville
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Last Updated ( Saturday, 09 September 2006 )
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