Editorials
Fourth of July is finally here
By Trent MooreFireworks, barbecue, American flags, swimming — the Fourth of July is finally here.
I’ve made a lot of fun Fourth of July memories over the years, but one from when I was about 9 years old still stands out to me.
I was living in Hanceville at the time, and playing with fireworks on the weekend of the Fourth with my big sister. She was trying to break me in to the world of fireworks by having me hold a roman candle at arms length, firing it off (at an angle, of course) into the sky.
Well, my mother happened to walk outside at the time my candle was sparking like mad. I turned to see who it was, just as the wind picked up and carried one of my sparkly embers onto her head... igniting a small portion of her hair.
After some hopping and a bit of screaming, the fire was soon out. Plus, my 9-year-old mind learned a lesson: Fireworks can be dangerous.
With that in mind, I was happy to hear this week that firework sales have remained strong this year, despite a down economy and a local unemployment rate creeping toward double-digits.
Everyone I talked to said the same thing: Sales are stable, if not up from previous years.
It’s nice to know that even though times are tough, that great American optimism — and the simple pleasures of blowing up shiny lights — has not been fazed. Happy 4th, folks.
Also, make a note: Since the Fourth of July is on Saturday, state offices and numerous local businesses will be closed on Friday in observance of the holiday. So, if you have any errands to run, I’d recommend taking care of them today, just in case.
2,000 days safe...
In an interesting little business note, it was brought to my attention that Lufkin Industries recently celebrated 2,000 working days with no injuries on the job. That is quite a feat. I can barely make it a week at work without tripping over my shoelaces...
Congrats...
Cullman Regional Medical Center recently announced RN, LPN, PCA and Unit-Secretary of the Year Recipients: Tenia Estes, RN of the Year, Float Pool; Freida Clark, LPN of the Year, CRMC’s One-Day Surgery Center; Jessica Tolbert, PCA of the Year, CRMC’s Medical-Surgical Center 3-West; and Pat Harris, Unit Secretary of the Year, CRMC’s Medical-Surgical Center 3-East. Congratulations to all these folks for the work they do.
Moooooo for free fooooood...
In celebration of July 4, Chick-fil-A will host a Kids Night on July 7 from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. The first 100 kids that show up will get to make a cow costume and will eat free with the purchase of an adult meal. The Cullman Chick-fil-A will also celebrate Cow Appreciation Day on July 10 — and all customers fully dressed as a cow will receive a free Chick-fil-A meal.
Interested in growing your small business?
The Women’s Business Center of North Alabama will have Joanne Randolph, director of the WBCNA, speak on “Ten Tips For Surviving a Weak Economy,” from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at the Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce on July 16. Lunch is provided at no cost; reservations are required. To register, contact the Chamber office at 734-0454 or e-mail to info@cullmanchamber.org.
‰ Trent Moore can be reached by e-mail at trentm@cullmantimes.com, or by telephone at 734-2131, ext. 225.
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Fourth of July is finally here
Fireworks, barbecue, American flags, swimming — the Fourth of July is finally here.
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The reason is simple, if not obvious. It is in the best interest of those in the school system to contain an outbreak.
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We agree. Working on a police force is a difficult, stressful and potentially dangerous job, and we believe police officers need to be reasonably compensated for the risks they take and the vital role they serve in protecting Cullman’s citizens.
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