KAB will be hosting a banquet dinner at 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 17 at the Athens Country Club in celebration. In addition to the anniversary hoopla, KAB will also be giving out its annual awards, like the Margaret Myers Award to the top volunteer.
Through the next week leading up to the dinner, I will be offering tidbits of history from KAB’s 25 years keeping Athens beautiful.
For instance, did you know that KAB started out as a chamber committee back in 1988? I didn’t.
Or that the first board president was the redoubtable Dick Dwelle.
Other board members have included: Hugh Armstrong, Margaret Myers, Tom Byrne, Preston McAfee, Nell Velvin, Carol Barton, Camille Threadgille, Larry Babb, Darwin Winfield (twice), Kandas Babb, Jacy Eckert, Peggy Rhodes (twice), Ken Braswell, Bill Jones (twice), and Tere Lawyer.
Don’t miss out on this big event. Call Carol Morton at KAB, 903-675-7961.
The Athens Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting for Flossie’s Thursday afternoon. Flossie’s is a antique/resale shop located at 401 South Prairieville St. Stop by and check it out, they have an eclectic collection and some great prices. Call 903-675-2210.
Winners of the 2013 Graffiti Hurts Poster Contest. Thank you Jennifer Williams teaching the curriculum. Pictured are Linda Kenneaster, Keep Athens Beautiful, Jennifer Williams teacher AISD, Kobe Kale, Brenda Aguilar, Maria Garcia, Stephanie Jones, and Taegan Allen. Not pictured is winner Jasmine Martinez. (COURTESY PHOTO)
The Athens Chamber of Commerce paid tribute to its recent Athens Leadership Institute (ALI) graduates at the chamber’s monthly luncheon Wednesday.
Athens Leadership Institute, also known as ALI, meets once a month for 10 months. During the program, leaders will have the opportunity to learn about what the community has to offer as well as attend a one-day leadership retreat and speak with legislators during “Athens Day In Austin.”
The graduates for the 2012-2013 ALI class include: Steven Barksdale, Colin Barrett, Jeri Canatella, Michael Canatella, Lynn Clark, LaQuita Cox, Adam Davis, Meadora Hawkins, Dr. Charles Hueber, Russell Kidd, Dr. Jay Kinzer, Jeaneane Lilly, Kathy Means, Mary Nicholson, Greg Smith, Will Traxson, and Kim Walker.
This class will always be linked to its group project, the Kiwanis Park Splash Pad.
Steve Barksdale of BancorpSouth Insurance actually graduated from the program in 1986 as well.
“The reason I took it again is because I see men and women who want to stand out in our community, and we need to equip them with everything we possibly can,” he said. “We have things happening here because of people just like these who graduated today. They want to see things happen and they desire to have a quality of life that is second to none.”
“The greatest joy I had in taking a repeat was getting to know these young men and women who are going to make a difference in this community,” he said.
Will Traxson of Hannigan Smith Funeral Home said, “I encourage all of you who have not been a part of this to take part in it. It is an awesome opportunity for somebody to see a lot of the things that on a day-to-day basis you wouldn’t normally go and be a part of.”
Jeaneane Lilly of McDonald’s is another one who has gone through a leadership institute, but her past experience was in Allen, Texas.
“This experience with this class was so eye-opening and so positive. Every single month, I looked forward to spending the day with the class doing things in the community,” she said. “Sometimes you hear the negative all the time, and if you hear that don’t believe it. Go out for yourself and learn.”
Rock Band University, a part of the music education program at Guitars Etc., is dedicated to teaching young people how to perform in a band and live on stage. We provide the necessary tools and instruction to match musicians into bands, provide their musical parts, broaden their musical horizons, get them to play together on time, and to overall strengthen their skills in their instrument of choice.
“Our spring break camp was a huge success and our students got a chance to shine on stage and perform. The audience absolutely loved it too. Great musicianship and showmanship for such young musicians,” said Will Burgin, owner of Guitars Etc.
They accept performers from ages 10-18 who meet certain playing ability. The performers create their own band name, learn about stage presence, further their musical learning, and of course how to rock and roll. Continue reading “Rock Band University for kids at Guitars Etc.”
