Noticeable construction work will begin at Johnson Park by May 1.
The Andalusia City Council approved a bid Tuesday for the first phase of the project that will cover the cost of excavating the property for the new fields and parking lot. Moody Contracting submitted the winning bid of $226, 971.
City council members also approved a 15-year lease with Palmer and Sons for the property behind the auto body shop for a new parking lot.
“This will get parking completely out of the congested area but close enough to feed into the complex,” Mayor Earl Johnson said. “It’s even a closer walk.”
Department of Leisure Services Director Dwight Mikel was also granted approval for items needed to host the upcoming Babe Ruth 12U Softball World Series in August at the Andalusia Sports Complex, including a new sound system, air conditioning and cosmetic improvements such as floor covering and carpet for the property’s buildings.
Mikel said the new sound system is “portable” and can be moved to the new press box at Johnson Park when it’s completed.
Johnson Park is set to reopen in 2012 as “Legends Field” and will feature eight playing fields.
In other business, the council:
• approved an ordinance pertaining to the Vector Aerospace Expansion Project that would allow for a $1 million advance to begin construction on the project. Johnson said the City of Opp and the Covington County Commission will take the same measure at their next meetings.
• approved an ordinance establishing a sales tax holiday on Aug. 5-7.
• reappointed John Vick, Dwight Mikel and Edwin May to the Community Enhancement Committee.
• assessed abatement costs to the property owners at 739 Auburn Avenue and 504 Rankin Street.
• approved repairs to a fire truck.
• declared a Dodge Durango used by the police department as surplus.
• approved the outside agencies’ second quarter appropriations.
• announced the following committee and board openings: one on the South Central Alabama Mental Health Board; three on the Tourism and Relocation Committee; and one on the Planning Commission.
Don’t forget to go by the Andalusia Police Department and sign those “warrants” on your closest friends.
APD staff will be on hand today from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. for those wishing to participate in “Arrest-A-Friend,” the department’s Relay for Life event set for Wednesday.
Warrants are $2 each, and information on the “jailbird” such as place and to be picked up must be given.
For those who want to avoid a trip to the jailhouse, there are a limited number of “get out of jail free” cards available for $25.
The event will be held Wednesday on the Court Square.
For more information, contact Brandy Smith or Judy McCord at the APD at 222-1155.
One could say that books have always been at the heart of the Andalusia Coterie Club.
So it’s no wonder that, as the club marks its 40th annual Storybook Festival, little has changed since its establishment in 1948.
One of its firsts fundraisers was the 1952 “Miss Anda-lusia” beauty pageant, where proceeds were earmarked to help establish the first special class for handicapped children at East Three Notch School.
In 1957, the pageant’s proceeds were funneled into another worthy cause – the Andalusia Public Library.
According to a written history of the club, a children’s corner was planned for the new library that was to relocated to the old Post Office building on South Three Notch Street. “That year, the club earned the highest profit in the history of the “Miss Andalusia” contest in the 1966 revue,” said Heather Owen, a current Coterie member. “Consequently, at the end of the 1965-1966 club year, a $1,000 donation was presented to the Andalusia Public Library on behalf of the Coterie Club.”
Fast-forward through the years and it’s easy to see how the club’s contributions have helped the community grow, she said.
“The Storybook Festival, which began in 1971, was renewal of one of the most popular features of the City of Andalusia’s summer recreation program,” Owen said. “Our minutes indicate that Patricia Seymore and Merilyn Jones, who were former beloved Andalusia High School teachers and directors of summer recreations, whose ingenuity, originality and dedication to young people sparked these ‘festivals in the park,’ can be accredited with the event’s origin.”
Owen said through the creative efforts of Margo Russell, the 1970-71 club president, as well as the talents and desires of club members, worked to make the festival “an event to be remembered.”
“Now, what they started has launched into what has become one of the most anticipated and favorite annual events in the area,” she said. “Each year, the club expands its efforts and preparation in presenting a most enjoyable Storybook Festival with costumed characters taking on form before life-like sets. It takes an extensive amount of year-round hard work on the part of individuals and committees to make this festival a success.”
This year’s Storybook Festival will regale goers with three Dr. Seuss tales – “The Cat in the Hat;” “Green Eggs and Ham” and “I Am Not Going to Get Up Today.”
It will be held in Robinson Park Saturday. Activities begin at 9 a.m., plays at 10 a.m. Admission is $4.
The 40th annual Coterie Club Storybook Festival will be today beginning at 9 a.m. at Robinson Park.
Admission is $4 for children over 1.
The 40th annual Coterie Club Storybook Festival will be Saturday beginning at 9 a.m. at Robinson Park.