Your village in 3 Minutes, Sunday, 28 Jun 15

Friends,

TXDoT, Waco and Georgetown, are becoming more aggressive and trying to help us through this nightmare.  Friday, TXDoT asked for a meeting to discuss signage.  They want to put more signage on the highway to draw people to Salado as well as give them an easy route to follow.

Secondly, they want to meet every other week to discuss progress, problems, and solutions.  In the words of TXDoT, we want to stay on top of this and do everything possible to complete this project.

On the James Construction side,  Kalin Johnson, Project Manager, James Construction, has been removed from the Salado Section of construction.  No replacement name has been given, however, this is an indication that James Construction is making changes in favor of Salado.  

From talking with those who are watching James Construction progress closely, there does not seem to be much progress.  However, it is obvious that some events are happening that may prove otherwise.  May it be know that the Village has had enough and we will not backdown.

Dave Swarthout was at a meeting last week and reported:  "At a meeting last night I had the opportunity to speak with Cheryl Hassmann (Congressman Carter) and she told me that the Congressman and the General have and continue to have discussion about Salado. Cheryl suggested that we take new pictures every few days to a week  of the same areas that we had photos of in the Power Point presentation, to show whether work has been done or not. And to just email those to her and she will get them right to the Congressman."

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Visiting some of the shops Saturday revealed how serious their economic situation is becoming.  They are holding on not by a thread but a spider web.  

Coming to Salado and shopping is part of our branding along with Stagecoach, Salado creek, and our tremendous hospitality.  Our businesses are very much a part of that branding.  You and I can make a difference that will benefit not only our businesses but our "branding" and our reputation.  

Your obvious love for this community can be shown in many ways, but right now the best way is to support our businesses.  And, when you shop, tell them you are a Salado resident and how much you appreciate them.  Encouragement will help tremendously.  

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The Lions Club has a new President, George Dentry.  He is going to be good.  Congratulations, George!

The Village says "thank you" to Dr. Michael Novotny.  What a great Lion's Club President you have been!

Our community is so fortunate to have great citizens and leaders like these two men. 

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Mark your calendars, the first Evening with the Mayor is Monday, 13 July, 6:30 P.M., in the Municipal Building.  This is for Citizens.  The format is questions, discussion, recommendations, and suggestions.  It will last one hour.  The evening will be posted so that Aldermen/Lady can attend should they choose to do so.  However, this is an "Evening with the Mayor."

VR/Skip

Jack and the Beanstalk -- a giant hit

Friends,

     One of the best performances this year was Jack and the Beanstalk presented by PALS.  Performed  on the Tablerock Stage in high humidity, it was entertaining, fun, and very enjoyable.  No one noticed the humidity or the mosquitoes.

     In the audience was close about 75 children not counting their parents, grandparents, and friends.  the children laughed, talked to the actors, and became very involved in the play.  One child just took off and joined the actors on the stage.  Mom, of course, had to come to the rescue.

    The play consisted of three very talented actors.  They played Jack, Jack's mom, the cow, the crone, the giant, the giant's wife, and the goose.  The props were home-made but excellent.  The music was from all eras.  All were very cleverly used to make an outstanding production.

    PALS put this on for FREE.  Thank you for a great evening!

Families on their way to see Jack and the Beanstalk

Just one row of many filled with children

Jack's mom, Jack, and the cow

Jack trades the cow to the crone for magic beans

Jack, the Giant's wife, and the Giant

The Giant's wife and the Golden Goose

"But, mom, this looks fun. Let me go.  I can be Jack's little brother."

VR/Skip 

Your Village in 3 minutes; 25 June 15

Friends,

      I-35 Construction:  The Village is watching carefully the progress of the I-35 Construction in the Salado section.  We do see some progress but not at the pace we would like.  Records are being kept and in 45-days another letter will go forth to the elected State and Federal Officials as well as James Construction.  We will also begin planning the next step, making an appointment with Governor Abbott.

     TXDoT has asked for a meeting next week to discuss adding more highway signs pointing the way to downtown Salado.  That meeting is being planned.

      The Waco and Georgetown Regional offices have asked for a meeting every two weeks to go over the progress of Salado I-35 Construction.  We will begin scheduling planning those meetings to begin in July.

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       The crew started crack sealing today. The crew consisted of one volunteer, Franklin our seasonal worker, and Duane, our Village employee. They completed Royal, Baines to the cemetery (the rest was covered by the County work), and Center Streets.   Duane did not measure the distance covered, but a quick look at GoogleMaps indicates it was approximately 1.7 miles.   Our City Administrator have asked them to keep a log of the work including road name, length of road, width of road, and length covered for that day of work.

     Wheeler Construction will continue their work on Salado Plaza and Mill Drive in the near future.  The streets are to be paved with new asphalt.  However, more rain is expected this weekend which may delay the paving.

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     Fourth of July Events:

Fireworks Show

Friday, July 3 * Mill Creek Country Club 

Beginning at dusk * Free to the public

Fireworks show at the pond on hole #9

Dining room will be open for food & 

 two beverage carts will serve drinks.

(please, no outside food or drinks)

for more information, contact Mill Creek Golf Course at 254-947-5698.

Independence Day Celebration and Picnic

by the Salado Historical Society

Saturday, July 4 * Salado Intermediate School

Picnic at 6 PM

Community wide celebration that will include music, colonial reenacts, singing, a ceremonial signing of the Declaration of Independence 

& a pot luck meal.

The Salado Historical Society will provide friend chicken and drinks of iced tea and lemonade.  Attendees are asked to bring a side dish, salad or dessert to share with the community.

for more information, visit www.saladohis

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Other Great Events:

Artist Reception 

Food & Wine Pairing, & Fashion Truck

July 2, 2015 * 6-9 PM

at the Salado Winery & Salado Wine Seller

841 N. Main Street * 254-947-8011

View artwork by Salado resident John Davis and chat with the artist.

Gourmet food & wine tastings, 

including barrel tastings of Salado Winery's newest releases.

Special appearance by the Gnomadic Fashion Truck!

Dates for an evening with the Mayor

Friends,

Several months ago, before the election, I said that I would like to spend some time with four different groups:

Citizens

Business owners

Civic Organizations

Newcomers Residents

I will keep the dates as much as possible with the understanding that I work full time and sometimes into the night in cases of unexpected circumstances that cannot be controlled.  If that happens, I will reschedule the evening.

Each meeting will be from 6 P.M. until 7 P.M. in the Municipal Building.  Each date will be posted in case more than two Aldermen/lady desire to attend.  However, there is no expectations from me.  It is totally their choice.  This is not a BOA; it is the Mayor's evening with the citizens.

The rules are simple:
   
     This is discussion in the form of questions and answers as well as sharing ideas and    recommendations.
     I will listen carefully and not be defensive or offended.  I trust you will do the same.
     We will agree to disagree and when it is open, we will leave as friends.
 

Citizens:  Monday, July 13, 6 P.M.

Business owners:  Monday, July 28, 6 P.M.

Service Organizations, 11 August, 6 P.M.

New Residents (3 years are less), 25 August, 6 P.M.

I look forward to visiting with you in an informal setting.

VR/Skip

A meeting with the Executive Director, TXDoT

Friends,

General Joe Weber, TXDoT, and his Chief Engineers met with the Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, the in-coming Chair of the Chamber of Commerce, the New Member Chair of the Chamber of Commerce, Aldermen Mike McDougal and Fred Brown, Congressman Carter's staff, James Construction Representatives, and the Village Staff.

The Wednesday morning meeting lasted about 2 hours and was beyond powerful.  You will want to read Thursday's Village Voice.

Bottom Line Up Front:  General Weber's message was simple and direct, "Stop the excuses.  Fix it now."

General Weber is a retired 3-star Marine Corps General.  Walking him to the car, he said, "I will be back." He went back to Austin to give a report will be given to the Governor and Congressman Carter.

What now?  Wait and see.


VR/Skip





   

DOG DAZE -- SO GOOD W/PICTURES

Friends,

If you missed Dog Daze, you missed one of the best events this year in Salado.  Jennifer (Dog Spot) and her staff did a superb job of organizing and presenting a gala affair.  It was fun, entertaining, and informative.

There were vendors, rides, snow cones, bar-b-que and treats for the dogs.  The military dogs chased bad people, found explosives, ran through tunnels, and protected their keepers.  The 1CAV band was outstanding.  They could win America's Got Talent and the Voice just by showing up.  The Calvary with their Chuck Wagon was a moment in history.

Families in and around Salado came, laughed, and enjoyed the activities.  It is obvious the demographics of Salado is becoming younger.

There were so many different kinds of dogs, one could not remember them all -- small, medium, big, and super huge.  The Great Danes of Claire Hartman weighted 140 lbs and standing on their hind legs were close to 6 feet.

Here are a few pictures of the day:

One of the smartest, sweetest dogs in the show.

The Costume winner -- three dinosaur hound dogs in Jurassic Park

Second Place costume winner

The wonderful band -- those soldiers can sing

Milton and Bobbie Carol with Cindy, their spoiled hound dog  

Weather Information

Friends,

The weather report this morning has the Tropical Storm/Depression coming straight over Salado and the surrounding communities.  All will receive 3 to 5 inches of rain or more which means Salado Creek will become WILD Salado Creek.

Please:

1.  Once water goes over the low water bridges, do not try to cross them.  Water over the bridges will probably last until Saturday depending on how much rain we get.

2.  Do not let your children play in or near the creek.  The water rises fast and quick.  It will not take much for a child to be swept away.

3.  Take care of those who have no way of driving or are fearful of trying to drive.  A telephone call checking on their welfare will be appreciated.

4.  In an emergency, call 911, our Police Department, and/or the Volunteer Fire Department.

5.  We will be monitoring and working with TXDoT.  Expect I-35 to have accidents.  If this happens, we will block Main Street and Baines Street to keep cars and trucks coming down those streets.  We cannot block the access road.

6.  The Aldermen/lady will be monitoring the situation throughout the storm.

7.  It may not be necessary, but we will be in contact with Red Cross and will ask for assistance if needed.

8.  Finally, if we are declared a disaster area by the government, we will keep you informed and provide information on how to make a claim.

Stay safe, take no chances, and take care of each other.

VR/Skip