The Best of 'Everybody Has One'

Painting Over the Asbestos

Originally printed in the Centreville Press August 4th, 2010

One can’t cure cancer by simply painting over the asbestos. 

Europe’s greatest mistake over the past 50 years has been the serving up of tolerance.  Contrary to the popular belief tolerance and understanding are not synonymous.  Understanding is comprehension and enlightenment.  If one understands how or why another possesses a certain belief or practice, it can lead to coexistence.  Tolerance is forced acceptance.  It creates caged animosity.  This is how fires ignite just before reaching the powder keg.

In the United States tolerance has become the word of the century. While some of those who use the word have the best intentions, it can be a dangerous game.  The difference between tolerance and understanding can be discovered by how those words are used in dealing with individuals.  “Bob has his moments, but I understand.”  That’s a fair assessment of Bob.  It is something a friend would say about him.  “Bob has his moments, but I tolerate him.”  That’s not so fair. This suggestion pacifies a part of who Bob is.  If Bob’s spouse said this, he might consider marriage counseling.  While Bob’s wife might be tolerating him, the mailman might be understanding Bob’s wife. 

Doug McCormick set to rock Centreville Friday Night

On Friday, December 3 immediately following the Brent/Centreville Christmas Parade and the annual Courthouse Christmas tree lighting everyone is invited to attend a concert at the old “Bizzy Beans” building on the square in Centreville. Chandra Green and the Better Hometown Group present Doug McCormick live in what Nashville enthusiasts call a knock out performance.
Green will soon be opening “Cahawba Falls Grill and Catering” out of the Bizzy Beans building and promises to bring exciting entertainment Centreville’s way, even beyond Friday.
Friday’s artist, Doug McCormick is an upcoming singer/songwriter from South Carolina whose voice, energetic shows, and originality have been generating a lot of buzz in Nashville. His expresses that appreciation for true country music and the love of his fans have kept his dreams alive over the past several years.  

Choctaws lose heartbreaker in semi-finals

a brief report
by Daniel L. Bamberg
The Bibb County Choctaws suffered a defeat in Centreville Friday night, at the Alabama High School Athletic Association's Semi-Final Round (4th) of the State 4A playoffs.
An early defensive struggle broke midway through the 3rd quarter as a series of unfortunate events lead to Bibb's 38-14 loss to the Thomasville Tigers.
Head coach Mike Battles stated to his seniors that they had accomplished more than any other class in Bibb County High School history. Battles noted that he had tremendous pride in the team, on and off the field. He concluded with "I know this seems like the most important thing in many of your lives right now, but you are all excellent young men with terrific futures ahead."
Later he commented that the worst feeling about the loss wasn't the loss itself but that he wouldn't be practicing with his senior class next week. "The rest of us are going to get busy in a few weeks, but I am going to miss the seniors. That is what hurts every year no matter how you end a season."
The Bibb County Choctaws finished the season at 12-2. This was the first team in Bibb County High School football history to advance beyond the 3rd round. Last season was the first time in school history the Choctaws survived beyond the second round. Thus, the senior class has the credit of advancing farther than any other class in two consecutive seasons.
Congratulations to the Bibb County Choctaws for an outstanding season.
For more on this story read the December 1st edition of the Centreville Press.

Bibb Schools Foundation Banquet, a success

By Daniel L. Bamberg

One of the most prestigious and anticipated events in Bibb County has come to a close for another year. As every year, the Annual Banquet hosted by the Bibb County Schools Foundation lived up to its reputation. There was entertainment and surprises.
The event was held on Tuesday, November 15 in the West Blocton Middle School Cafeteria. Recently elected State Representative, April Weaver and a familiar face in a new role, Senator Cam Ward (formerly Representative) were on hand for the festivities.
Special guest speaker, the Emmy Award Winning host of “Discovering Alabama,” Dr. Doug Phillips was also on hand.
The evening began with an Invocation by Mike Oakley. This was followed by a touching moment of recognition for beloved local educator, Beverly Brown. She announced her retirement and was honored for her years of service by Bibb County Schools Foundation Chairman, Boozer Downs.

2010 Holiday Schedule for Bibb County

The weather outside might not yet be frightful, but the holiday spirit is already taking Bibb County by storm.

Decorations are being hung and most people are getting ready for hours of fighting traffic and their pocket books for that holiday shopping.

There is no reason to get wrapped up in all the stress and anxiety without enjoying yourself a bit.

Here is the schedule of Christmas theme events for our area this year.

Eiland awarded "Distinguished Alumni" from Birmingham Southern College

On October 22, Georgia Museum of Art director William Underwood Eiland received the honor of Distinguished Alumni from Birmingham-Southern College (BSC) at its annual Alumni Awards Luncheon on the BSC campus. The awards ceremony was held in conjunction with the college’s 2010 Homecoming/Reunion Weekend festivities, where others were presented with Distinguished Alumni and Outstanding Young Alumni awards.
A native of Sprott, Eiland has been the director of the Georgia Museum of Art since 1992.

Bibb County Children's Theatre Kicks Off Ninth Season

The Bibb County Children’s Theatre (BCCT) will host “Breakfast with the Grinch” on December 4th, 2010, from 7:30 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. at the Bibb County High School Lunchroom. Advance tickets are available from BCCT participants. The menu is pancakes, sausage, and juice/milk. Characters from the BCCT’s upcoming production of the musical, Seussical, Jr” will be on hand to greet children. Each child will receive a prize, and there will be fun Seuss activities to enjoy while eating breakfast, including readings of How the Grinch Stole Christmas. There will be a pancake eating contest at 9:00 a.m. Your child can have his/her picture made with “The Grinch” and other Dr. Seuss character for an additional charge.

BES 4-H After-school Club says "No" to drugs

Joy Maxwell
Regional 4H administrator
Students at Brent Elementary after School 4-H club had a busy month of October. Students enjoyed a visit from three special visitors from Bibb Correctional Facility in honor of Drug Awareness month. Sergeant Elisha Pettway, K-9 Lieutenant Eddie Hagood and his K-9 Partner, Niko. Niko is a Belgian Malinois and is trained drug dog.

Merchant receives 1st Annual honor in Texas

Beth Merchant, formerly of Randolph was named the first annual Subro Diva of the Year at the 2010 NASP (National Association of Subrogation Professionals) Conference in Grapevine, Texas. The Conference was held on Tuesday, November 10th.
Beth is the daughter of Ovid Merchant of Randolph and Carolyn White of Centreville. She graduated from Bibb County High School in 1991 and later attended the University of Montevallo.

WBHS receives $25,000 technology grant

State Senator Cam Ward presented West Blocton Elementary Principal Karen Hubbard with a grant for $25,000 on Friday, November 19th. The money will be used in upgrading the school’s aging computer system. The grant was announced with students and faculty at the school computer lab on Friday morning.
Mrs. Hubbard applied for the grant through Senator Ward’s office in September. She stated that “Cam obviously has a special place in his heart for our school and we really appreciate his support over the years.”

Bibb's own April Weaver swears in

State Representative April Weaver was sworn in at the American Village in Montevallo on Saturday, November 6th. Weaver is the first Bibb County native to serve in the House of Representatives since Walter Owens. She is also the first ever female from Bibb County to serve a statewide office.
Pictured above, standing with April are her husband Dr. Daryl Weaver, her mother Pat Clark and her daughter Holly Holcomb. April’s aunt, Sarah Galloway was also with her standing behind April. Galloway does not appear in frame. Senator Cam Ward sits to the right. Weaver was elected into his former seat State Representative District 49.

You can now register your boat or automobile online

Jerry C. Pow
Bibb County Probate Judge

The Bibb County Probate Office has implemented a new and powerful Automobile and Boat Registration System that is helping us to reduce our costs and enhance the level of service provided to our customers.