Sunday, 28 Jan, James Construction is working. Pictures

Friends,

Indeed things are happening on I-35.  Since early this Sunday morning, work such as mowing, moving dirt, cleaning and hauling, and road work.  Here are some pictures:

Dirt being dumped and spread at the triangle south of Stagecoach.

Large concret blocks being moved in front of the Municipal Building.  Notice the mowing and weeding

Moving large, rusted iron beams in front of Holiday Inn Express.

Dirt being moved from in front of CEFCO.

Things are happening.

VR/Skip

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

Your letter is getting good response

Friends,

Your letter concerning I-35 Construction has gotten high level attention.

The Director of TxDoT, General Weber, his Chief Engineer, and the District Engineer, Waco, who is in charge of this project, have requested a meeting.

We are preparing for it now as it is of utmost importance.

Today, more pictures will be taken of progress of the Construction.  They have not changed much from the pictures presented several months ago.

Additionally, we are studying the TxDot Reports to gleam any and all information that we can use in this meeting. It is important that we are well prepared with proof that Salado cannot continue under these conditions.

Visiting various shops Saturday afternoon, it is obvious that they are "holding on."  We need to help them as much as possible.  "Shopping Salado" first is the best way.  Please encourage your friends from other towns to visit.

The neighborhoods are looking great.  Thank you for taking such good care of your lawns.  It has been difficult with all the rain.  And, it appears we are getting more this week.

VR/Skip

Your Village in Three Minutes; 12 June

Friends,

1.  The TxDoT letter to elected officials and Senior Construction executives many of you signed appears to be getting action.  Appointments are being made and telephone calls are being received.  All of this will lead to action concerning construction on I-35.  You will hear the results of these meetings as they occur.  Two meetings with Village Officials are scheduled for next week.

2.  The decision on the EDA million dollar sewer grant to Salado is expected in the next 4-weeks.  EDA requested the "last information" Monday and it was sent Tuesday.  They said a "decision is close and the Village should expect to hear in 1-to-4-weeks."

3.  The Village Administrator is looking into grants for Pace Park.  There was damage in the last flooding.  Even if there was no damage, the Park needs to be maintained each year.  Summer is coming.

4.  Road repair continues next week now that the heat and sun have done their job of drying out the moisture.

5.  The Hidden Glenn Project (Senior City Housing) is going forward.  Officials of the Project have reverted back to the original design.  Discussions are continuing with the City Administrator and Bell County Officials.

6.  Refurbishing downtown is gaining momentum.  The proposals of the Texas A&M student project are being studied and some will be incorporated into the next phase of development.

7.  The Sales Tax is holding steady and that is excellent concerning Spring weather.  Summer is here and fall is around the corner which will bring in visitors. Customer service and friendliness from all of us will help.

Not only is there much to do . . . much, much to do; there is also lots of excitement.  If there is anything that comes from being an elected official it is "it takes much longer to accomplish projects than expected."  Most of this is due to government regulations and laws as well as money.  One of the greatest assets in this community is volunteers and Service Organizations.  Thank you.

There is reason for great excitement. Your patience will be rewarded.

As always, Shop Salado first.

VR/Skip

On the right side of "Yes . . ."

Friends,

We have some of the nicest people as neighbors.  They do things for the love of the Village, the community, and the people who live here.

1.  Recently, Wells Gallery, decided to have an open house.  They invited their customers from across the country to spend a weekend in Salado.  The outcome of the event is written in the note they wrote:

". . . the" gallery celebration "was a wonderful event , we are still getting thank you notes in the mail. Everyone had a great time and they could not say enough about Salado  and all plan return trips. Our goal was to make sure everyone had a good time , making money was secondary , in both cases we exceeded our expectations. Thank you."

2.  Another note:

"The Salado Village Artists (SVA) and the Public Arts League of Salado (PALS) are proud to announce their first annual "ARTexas" art competition to be held at the Salado Civic Center in October. The ARTexas competition will be open to professional artist and to high school students who will compete together for prizes and scholarships.  The event will be open to the pubic October 9-23 and the artwork will be for sale.

Bryan and Eve Fritch and Judy Sparkman were the first to say we want to participate and gave generously toward the event.  Others are following suit and their names will be listed.  They do this for the love of art, the Village, and ALL OF US.

3.  K.D. Hill and the St. Joseph's Episcopal Church brought the Veteran Guitar Project.  The people who attended clapped, laughed, and wiped away tears as they told their story, played their guitar, and sang their songs.  

4.  Tablerock presented "Shakespeare on the Rock, Twelfth Night." Kelley Parker, Tablerock Board of Directors member, directed one of Shakespeare's most beloved and renowned comedies.  He and many members of the cast are Salado residents and friends.  It was great evening that only Tablerock can produce. 

5.  Claire Hartmen and team are bringing:

"Dog Daze of Summer"

June 20 at Pace Park from 10am-2pm

Admission is free for all!

Bring your furry friends and enjoy an array of animal themed vendors, 

music from a live jazz band, 

food and treats for you and your pets!

Returning this year, will be the Fort Hood K9 demo, plus a presentation by Nutree Fitness LLC on getting fit with your dog!

A pet costume contest and best trick contest will take place for prizes!

6.  The Public Arts League of Salado is presenting an outstanding family event built around "Jack and the Beanstalk."

What great neighbors, talented citizens, and wonderful friends surround us.  Stand up and applaud yourself!   And, you are doing it in the midst of construction.  That is proof positive that our surroundings cannot destroy our spirit, our gifts, and our love for the Village and each other. VR/Skip

Somewhere between Memorial Day and 4th of July

Captain Russell Rippetoe was a member of the Alpha Company, Third Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom in March 2003.  Previously, while serving in Afghanistan, Rippetoe saw men die for the first time; and it brought a renewal to his faith and a new passion from the Bible, which he carried in his backpack.  On the chain around his neck, he wore a "Shield of Strength," a one-by-two-inch emblem that displays a U.S. flag on one side and the words from Joshua 1:9 on the other.  In his combat diary dated  March 27, Rippetoe had written:  "Think about what Mom and I talked about:  all things happening for a reason, and God knows the reason."

On April 3, 2003, Alpha Company was manning a night-time checkpoint near the Hadithah Dam in western Iraq when a vehicle approached,  Suddenly, a woman jumped out and cried, "I'm hungry.  I need food and water!"  Protecting his Soldiers, Rippetoe gave the order to "hold back" as he moved toward the woman to see how he could help.  When she hesitated, the driver detonated a car bomb that killed Captain Rippetoe, Sergeant Nino Livaudais, and Specialist Ryan Long, and wounded others.

Rippetoe believed the ancient words given to Joshua: " . . . the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."  That he died trying to help someone else came as no surprise to those who knew him.  He became the first casualty of the Iraq conflict to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery, the hallowed ground that is memorial to more than 250,000 American Soldiers spanning back to the Revolutionary War.

TONIGHT, SATURDAY, 6 JUNE, IS THE VETERAN'S GUITAR PROJECT, 6:30 P.M., ST JOSEPH'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

Somewhere between Memorial Day and 4th of July -- a time to remember and be thankful.

VR/Skip

Nothing else needs to be said, a letter about you

Friends,

Recently, this letter arrived unsolicited and forwarded with a note, you may want to share it with the community.  The letter, written by Nancy and Bill Shepperd, Tennessee, opens with a short paragraph from a magazine article, and continues with words and feelings about Salado.  Nothing else needs to be said:

This is from Ravi Zacharias magazine 'Just Thinking'

. . . Beyond the search for individual meaning is a search for community, for a community that shares, bears, and sustains a relationship of trust and greater purpose. Only in the gospel message can that truly be found with togetherness that culminates in worship. That is true coherence that blends the particular realities with the bond of the sacred. In that relationship, both individuality and community are affirmed. The worship of the living God is what ultimately binds the various inclinations of the heart and gives them focus. A community of hearts and minds united in spirit and in truth binds the diversity of our culture, the diversity of our education, the diversity of our backgrounds, and brings us together into a corporate expression of worship. . . one of the most powerful witnesses in a discordant culture is a community united in joy and worship. . . 

This, of course, was taken from a larger article entitled 'A Coherent Life' written by Ravi, relating to the church, but I couldn't help thinking all the way through it about Salado. We did not even know we were searching for community till we decided to move to Salado. We sensed the community life that was there during our several visits before deciding to move there. And, after almost ten years, we were never disappointed. Perfect? Not by a long shot, neither were we, but we were accepted and included in the village relationships and in the hearts of the residents and found ourselves focusing on the true nature of what made Salado function - that was its diversity of people and ideas - all working towards the same goal, how to make Salado better. True, many had a different view and/or way to get there, but all in all there was a corporate desire for the good of the community. We are already feeling the lack of the larger family that Salado came to be for us even while totally enjoying the immediate family life here in Tennessee. 

I'm hoping I can make the transition of community life back to a good church, although Mark has tried them all and is still searching after 12 years! What a sad commentary on the current day church. I think I need to lower my expectations and be more accepting of the faults and imperfections I continually find. It would be so nice to find community again and this one is so huge that I think to find it we will have to look to involvement in something more along the lines of a large church, or group that shares our interests.

Anyway, didn't mean to get all serious on you, but I was very moved by this article and its similarities to my feelings about Salado. My faith in God has never diminished without attending church, but I realized moving here that Salado was my church for the people relationships and fulfillment that the church should have been providing. Everyone was who they were without the mask people wear on Sundays. The ebb and flow of relationships were honest whether it was disagreement or consensus, People were who they were and I liked that. And if I didn't like someone, no big deal, life went on.

Guess this is a bit much and I should hit the send button before I rethink this. It has been very spontaneous from a heart that is missing Salado!

May you always know how special you are and how wonderful Salado is.

VR/Skip

A letter addressed to you -- Stranded

Friends,

This letter came to you 31 May:

Hello, Mayor,

Today we needed assistance in your town.  We were going back home to Duncanville, Texas, when our tire blew.

I just wanted you and your town to know that we had a few people stop to help us.  You have wonderful citizens that are willing to help.

Thanks to your citizens and police officer.

Rene and Cedina Rangel

Stranded

Sent from my iPhone.


"Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it."

Thank you for being such wonderful people.  

VR/Skip

The National Honor Society: Revelations

Friends,

There are times when an event takes place that will be remembered forever.  Recently, the Salado National Honor Society held their annual luncheon at Tenroc Ranch.  The food, furnished by the Range, was excellent.  However, listening to the guests and the students made a lasting impression.

Words from the Guests revealed:

1.     All, without exception, held more than one job in order to go to college.

2.     Their achievements were directly contributed to hard work. 

3.     Some thought that they had tried to give too much to their children not allowing them to experience some of the hardships that seasons them for life.

4.     Were thankful for a wonderful school, staff, and teachers.  Salado is special.

Words from the Students revealed:

1.     They are very smart, balanced with good common sense.

2.     Had dreams and expectations that are realistic and beneficial to society.

3.     Doctors, lawyers, biologists, NASA Engineers, teachers, artists, movie makers, journalists, engineers, environmental scientists, accountants, and business majors are just a few of their vocation choices.

4.     Manners, humor, happiness, dress, and speaking skills were at the very top.

This Generation:  if Salado’s National Honor Society is any indication of the citizens of today and tomorrow, America has nothing to fear.  We are going to be just fine.

And with them, the sky is not the limit for there is no limit.  They can and will achieve anything they attempt. 

Nice job parents.  You did it right.  Salado and Global Citizens owe you a very special “thank you.”

VR/Skip