Tallassee Times

Wanted to send out a special Thank You to Lee Golden, Johnathon Ingram, Jared Johns. These Coaches devoted so much time with these boys. It is great to see such community involvement as this and Coaches that care for each and every boy. Every player played and was involved, all the parents supported everyone. A special Thank you to Marilyn Speake and Wendy Coleman who were great team moms and kept us organized with the fundraising and such. Rob Rygiel and Tracy Peters who devoted so much time at practices of pitching and hitting – they were worn out!!

A special Thank you to all of the people in the Community who donated to the fundraising of this. Our boys did great and We are proud of all of them and these great Coaches. The Coaches families as well thank you for all of their help, coming and supporting the team - Laurie Rygiel

Keep working out. You never know what doors it will open for you later - Tiwong Smith RHS class of '93

Another good addition to your online paper! I loved the old rec center and have many fond memories of it. I an sorry it was burned down also - Suzy Solomon Wilson

Hey, Carl Wayne, good job!! Enjoyed reading your column. I remember when the old rec center was a theater. In fact, when I was in elementary school in East Tallassee (now City Hall), my class walked from school to the theater to watch the movie, "The Ten Commandments." That was such a good time to get to go during school hours, too! Keep up the good work!
- Judy Ballentine

Great job CW I enjoyed reading your column. I remember going over to the old Rec Center and watching old Dracula films and going to dances.Welcome to the team!! - Country

Great job CW! I remember many good times in that rec center just scurrying around. And I do mean good if you know what I'm saying CW. And I had some good times over at your place today. I always enjoyed the pizza roll crumbs you left behind! Keep up the good work! - cockroach

Enjoyed your article very much. Thanks for sharing. I DO remember the rec center being a theatre and going to the movie there! Do you have dates of when that building was built and when it ceased to be a theatre? and when it began as the Rec Center. I know Mrs. Henritta Counts was the first Recreation Director of Tallassee and she was over the Rec Center in East Tallassee when it started. I enjoyed good times there also at sock hops, etc. Fun days. We grew up in the "best of times" in Tallassee! Just think, there was the Elementary School, the theatre which became the first Rec Center of Tallassee, several grocery stores: Preston Gregory's, Carrville Super Market, Friendly Food Store; and the Cindirella Dairy Bar and the Snowflake Dairy Bar ALL on the East side of the river! Moncrief's was in Carrville and the Carrville Drug Store. Wow! We had lots of things on the "East Side" back when. What happened? - Carol Lynn

Trey's columns just keep getting better. It is so nice to read something positive; so many columnists are so negative these days - Suzy Solomon Wilson

Watch out sweetie, you are really beginning to show your age! I am quite a bit older than you, but can recall so much of what you have shared over the past few weeks. Everytime I read your column I am so tempted to write in, but this time with the Sears Catalog, I just couldn't resist!

What a wonderful time that was, sadly, we will never see again.... - Lessia Rothwein

Good job Trey. I could relate to a bunch of those. Enjoy your article - Julie Hight

I think the length or the lack of was the problem with shorts back then. Those things were ridiculous and still are today.(some should take note of this) Our moms just didn't understand - Tadow

As with reports on City Council meetings, it would be helpful if the School Board reports would contain more information on items generally stated. For example, it would be beneficial to readers for them to know why disposal of the old stadium bleachers was questioned, and in the "Matter of personnel," what the superintendent's recommendations were, and what item 1b contained that evoked Ingram's abstention. In short, more detail in these reports would be beneficial to the public who cannot attend these meetings - W. C. Bryant

What you missed in the Superintendents report on Item 1B was the recomendation to hire Mrs McCombs, the Head Coaches wife of Valleys football team. If Coach Winchester were really let go for funding, which Dr Jeffers has emphatically stressed, then WHy was he not given the PE position she(McCombs) got. We all know why..Because he did the right thing and tried to prevent a problem. Hats off to Danny Ingram for refusing to be a part of these chinnannigans! He is the ONLY one who stood up and stood tall trying to do the right thing. The others were persuaded to hire a female for title 9 lawsuit pending against board. Mr Winchester was retaliated on and now he and his family suffer without jobs. They live here in Tallassee, built a brand new home, have two wonderful children in this school system, attend church here..They spend their money here and tax dollars, and yet Dr Jeffers and certain members of this board hired an outsider to commute here and work each day maybee spending money on gas and a soda after work. Was it not Dollar who brought Winchester here with him to be the Line coach? He left a head coaching job to come with Dollar. Come on, you MUST be kidding. Now once again, we have run yet another good assistant coach out of town. I think it is time that Tallassee citizens and parents of children start to stand up like me and be heard. If our voice is not heard and listend to respectfully, I think we revisit this next election time and make a CHANGE. It is a shame the way those two were done here in this town and specifically with the school system. I understand making cuts, but putting them both out of a job and on the street?? WC, I recomend you call Coach Winchester or his wife Kim, or better yet ask some of the more respected former educators and friends that were there on his behalf, and ask them what really happened.If you wanted the skewed report, ask Dr Jeffers.. Justice was NOT served here. i still think we have a HUGE problem in town that still has not been taken care of witht his language and profanity with the football program and its leadership in general. STAND UP AND DO THE RIGHT THING SCHOOL LEADERS! - Concerned THS Parent

I am a Coach Dollar supporter and from my side of the fence he has been nothing but good to our family and to many other kids. The weight program alone has brought our sports program to a higher level and made us a school that other schools talk about with reverance....or maybe jealousy! My wish is for this to die down and let Dollar and all of our great coaches start focusing on what I think is going to be a great season for all sports at THS. Thanks! - Kim Adams

I have had enough of all of these negative comments about or school board, our superintendent, and our head football coach. These people do the best job for this town as they see fit, and I support them to the fullest. I just hope and pray that all of these factions can work together and support one another and quit letting naysayers pit them against each other.

Coach Dollar has done an excellent job with this program as a whole. Has he done it alone? Why heck no, he's had coaches working with him and for the betterment of our student athletes. They need to continue to work together and do what they are doing because I am very proud of our programs. I see these kids often and they carry themselves very well and have great character. Coaches and teachers play a part in this and from what I see it is working. Great job Abrams, Presley, and Varner for playing your part as well with your staff!

I don't condone profanity, but is this all you have concerned parent to tear down a coach? What about Nick Saban, Will Muschamp (see AU and Arkansas youtube video), Chizik, or name a coaching staff for that matter. Sure they drop some bad terms, what if they were reprimanded for this? There would be a lot of coaches out of a job. No it is not right and I'm not trying to justify it, but come on people? Do you honestly think dirty words are going to influence kids in their behavior? It is football, it is a different world between those lines out there, things are said, things happen in piles that would shock some, but at the end of the game they shake hands and move on after a hard fought game. Do bad words help you play better? No way. Do they make you feel all warm and fuzzy? Maybe, if you like that. Do they let you know coach is pissed and you better get in gear before the other team runs you out of the stadium? Yes, and some coaches use this tactic. Get over it or go watch Andy Griffith reruns on Friday nights and all day Saturday. Muschamp would laugh in your face if you told him he had to clean his act up.

Are we not hypocritical enough? What about the annual draw down TAC does each year? Is that not gambling? Go ahead and spin it as you wish, but is it not gambling? I'd say advocating gambling is more detrimental to our kids than dropping some dirty words. Has the ministerial alliance gone to battle to oppose this?

Let's focus on the the things that matter and not get caught up in a bunch of silly, self-centered negativity that is being hammered on by a few because they feel like they were targeted.

Get behind our program and our school system as a community. Quit trying to tear us down! I challenge the factions at each school to quit being so selfish and quit all of this bickering that is causing all of these rumors all over town. You guys lead our school and you have the power to standup and show our young men and women how to act and forgive and forget. I challenge you to make make amends for whatever personal reasons you may have and to forgive and forget. That is what my God teaches and this would be the best lesson we could show our kids. I challenge each of you to work together for the betterment of our kids. That should be the focus, let us not lose focus. The collateral damage that is coming from all of this is far greater and much more detrimental than any dirty word that could be uttered at a practice.

You each have the power to make amends and be the person that stands up and apologizes and moves forward as one. Who will act first? Who will be the one that goes and apologizes to a person for talking bad about them in some respect? Please, I challenge you to do the right thing for our kids.

If you lost your position as a coach somewhere along the way, I apologize. And if you are holding animosity towards a person, what lesson are you really teaching the kids? If you lost your job, I pray that you find peace for your family and even greater opportunity.

Again the damage by all of this far outweighs a few dirty words. Where are we really headed? - WWJD

The administration has pretty much laid the matter to rest concerning Dollar. Isn’t it about time we all did the same? We need to bury the hatchet, the tapes, and the CDs and move on.

Through his leadership, and that of a great coaching staff, we have athletes that carry themselves with dignity and command respect.

Have you seen the way they behave on and off the field? They have respect for adults, teachers and for one another. They have character, and it shows when they are on the gridiron, at school or in the local grocery store.

Coach Rodney Dollar is, and will continue to be, a good influence on our athletes. We need to keep him in our community and offer the support to make our athletic programs great.

First of all I love Tallassee and I want Tallassee to succeed in all we, as a city, do. I want to also say that I hate for anyone to lose a job, it has happened to my family recently, but you have got to find another one and let go of resentment. I know there are a lot of people who are caught up in the coaching issue and I just think that there needs to be some serious thinking about all that has occurred. First of all does anyone think that a person, carrying a tape recorder, going into a conversation with someone else is having good intentions? Don’t you think that if they have the tape recorder they want the other person to say something incriminating? Do you think that there will be some sort of accusations and effort put forth to instigate an aggravated response? I am asking questions that need to be brought up not because I doubt the intentions of the recorder but because I think the person being recorded has been cast in a very bad light due to this. If I was called a cheater and my integrity was challenged then I may retaliate also, not necessarily by the words used but who knows unless I am put in that position. I do not agree with bad language but I did hear it coming up as a young football and baseball player and our parents never wanted to pull us off the team. I do not know Coach Dollar personally but I know I have seen a team that was not very disciplined in the past become more disciplined recently and I have seen results. I DO NOT LIKE BAD LANGUAGE, CUSSING, or whatever you want to call it but I also do not like coaches, teachers, and administration acting like children and taking sides in a battle that is being fought in the school system and city. Why are there people hanging around trying to scheme up ways to ruin another person….CHILDISH is all I can say!!!! - I support Coach Dollar and think he is a really good coach!! GO TALLASSEE TIGERS!!!!!

Not all opinions of our coaches and upper faculty are good. I think we have a big problem with the character of our leaders at THS and we as parents and parents of graduated students have let it happen because our children have asked us to. Rules are rules and are put there for all to follow The hand book is a guide that has been put together for just that purpose, faculty and students alike should have to follow it,—Also I think one cannot teach our children integrity and how to be a productive citizens if one does not have integrity, what does you talk or your walk in our community say about you. I encourage the parents of students that are coming up through the grades to take an interest in their children, enough to find out what kind of people are they having for examples for them to look up to

I was downtown Saturday for the street dance setting up my chairs where I normally do. I notice that a new deck had been added to the rear and new windows were put in. I am so glad to see that they are taking an interest in making improvements. The windows look great. On Thursday I went to the salon for the first time to have my hair done. The inside and upstairs are amazing. But on another thought it was disgusting to look out to see the Hotel Talisi with boards over the windows. Talking about a let down. The owners of the Hotel should have been made to clean up that mess long before now. It is a very bad eyesore plus you can’t get down the street. I did enjoy my time at the salon though. They make you feel special, take an interest in what you want and you come out looking wonderful. I wish I had gone there sooner . Ladies book your appointment with the ease of knowing you will be taken on time, you have one on one contact and there is benefits to going back. My hat is off to Jace Morton Salon.

Thanks to EVERYONE who came out and enjoyed the weekend. It was GREAT!!!!! And “Yes” we will have more events like this one. I really enjoyed Beth and Melissa’s photos. Thanks for the great coverage - Jeanna Kervin

Ray, I totally agree with your comments about the mosque being built at Ground Zero!! Our forefathers and soldiers through all the past years fought so hard to make America the land of the free and the brave, and we have maintained that standard up until a man who seemingly has no regard for what is right for the U.S. comes on the scene. Only God knows what the future holds! - Judy Ballentine

Love your article! There is on thing you left off your list and it was, eating all the sweets in Mama Taylor's living room at Christmas and listening to the story of the lady with the red high hill shoes (or all her ghost stories) Love ya - PHYLLIS HAMMOCK

My goodness Trey, almost everything on your list sounds very familiar. Seems like just yesterday we were eating a hamburger at the cafe and going down under the bridge to swim. I would panic if I thought my kids were down there swimming. (Yes, even the grown children) Life sure seemed really simple back then. Tallasse is still a great place to grown up, but has definetely changed alot. I always enjoy your articles. Keep it up!!!! - Kristi Russell

Loved the list!!! Defintely brings back memories... Walking from Apple Grove to the bank (originally the hospital that has been torn down)where my mom worked after school and stopping by the Snow Flake Dairy Bar for ice cream on the way. As if I would let my kids do that now!!! From the parking lot, dances, carnival, lunch room pizza (which I always thought was the best!)to all the football games and even Skeet and "MaLee" memories thanks for reminding me of some of the simplier things that I enjoyed growing up!!! I really enjoy your article each week!! - Kim Clayton

And who remembers when there was a dime store in the back part of the Hotel where the Colonial Room was later? I can also remember going to Rotary with my Uncle Bill and they served them on the 2nd floor of the Hotel.

Tallassee was Mayberry back then; my friends from college loved to come home with me!

When I was little, Terri Hornsby and I would sit on her front steps and count the cars going down Barnett Blvd. You couldn't keep up now! - Suzy Solomon Wilson

1.The nights of sitting at blacktop with some friends.
2.Not only thrill hill but mill hill.
3. Listening for the mill horn knowing its 10:00.
4. Watching Emory going down the back ally digging in trash cans.
5. Sunday afternoons getting hoop cheese and slim jims at chuncks!
6. Reeltown rodeo (the old one)
7. Church softball at carrville (old park)
8.Skating rink on macedonia road.
9. Riding goldmine road.
10.Buying mufflers at ronnie woods texaco.

This brings back so many memories. I could not imagine letting my kids do some of the things we used to do when I was younger but those were some good times. I can remember also going to Hardees after school and if you were in the band they gave you a thing for a free big cookie and we would all go get that before band practice - Michele G.

You are right. It was and still is the little things that make our fondest memories. Your list made me think of some from my past.

-Parties at any gravel pit
-The little league park. Everyone was there.
-A Tallassee homecoming pep rally.
-The arcade in East Tallassee Shopping Center.
-Old boat ramp at Yates Dam.
-Baseball practice in Dixie Circle.
-Banana popsicles at the city pool.
-The trips to PC when EVERYONE went, including Trey until he was married.
-Floating the river below the dam on inner tubes.
-Riding your bike everywhere.
-Deer Hunting with my Dad every Saturday. They still used dogs then, great sound.
-Coach Carl Stewart.
-Eating sardines heated by the manifold while working with my Granddaddy Phillips. Was talking to my wife about that yesterday.
-Riding to Florida with Granddaddy Davis to pick-up loads of watermelons and tomatoes.

We are helping make those same memories for our kids today. Tallassee is a great place to have grown-up and I feel is still right up there at the top - TADOW

Even though I do not have all these memories, I have a few of them. Thanks so much for reminding of the "good ole days."
Love ya- Towanna Sears

Trey has got me to thinking some more. The saddest change in Tallassee is the lack of a senior play. What great memories it gave me and my classmates! Every year the class would do something to make Mrs. Roton and Mrs. McGarr threaten to cancel it, but then the class would redeem itself somehow and the play would go on! Our senior year some boys put bricks in Nancy Hastings suitcase so she couldn't pick it up. We all got in trouble! But we had a great time and the whole town would pack the auditorium for it.

We didn't get cookies from Hardee's in band, but Mr. Jack Hight would always make sure each of us got a coke after halftime. He would be waiting on us as we stepped off the field. - Suzy Solomon Wilson

I recall most of the things you have shared. I see that you and others have mentioned several mom and pop type establishments. It is sad to see some of these things fall to the wayside. I mean all of these people were entrepreneurs of a small scale obviously, and they did not have much, but what they had they took pride in it and kept it up and served people.

These people are to be commended for their efforts over the years of building great commerce in a thriving community. It was their American dream and they lived it and loved it. Just think back of those that have been mentioned and others like it. How many of you recall Pop's Place? What about Ann's? And I don't revall the old place that was at the site of Johnny G's before Ann's was there as well. And there were several on county roads throughout the area when we were little. I mean it would be blaing hot, but you could get what seemed like the coldest coke in a real bottle. I mean these people meant it when they advertised coldest drink around. It might have had something to do with air conditioners not being as prevalent back then.

We had nothing much to speak of, but you entertained yourself by mom and dad just loading up the car and going for a ride through the countryside and I do mean countryside. When you could just stop and get out and dad would let you play on the hay bales.

I'm serious, I mean you tell a kid to do something outside like that today and they'll look at you crazy. You could do these things back then because it seemed safer and the landowners knew you were not going to harm anything. Just the simple things like going target shooting off the no sided bridge on gold mine road. Ahhhh the memories. Thanks Trey for making me stop and think for a moment. I miss my daddy so much, great memories.

And speaking of air conditioning. What about all those classes that went through old THS without it. And you could not wear shorts, wow! And no coke mahines! No wonder there were so many tough people from yesteryear. I admit we got AC in 4th grade and never missed a lick and when we got to the high school, you could buy a canned HI-C at lunch. We had it made!

And whatever happened to two a days? I always said that if you could go through this, you could do anything. Thanks coach McDaniel for pushing us so hard (I really mean that coach). I even remember the backs wanting to swap one night to do our conditioning and coach Weaver obliged, needless to say they went back over with coach Stewart without hesitation. I'll stop now and rant another day when Trey strikes again - Miles Hathcock

Suzy, the store was Mrs. Maddox's Variety Store. I worked there some during my Junior year in High School. She had a little bit of everything---I helped w/ inventory after Christmas 1967- never thought we would get through!! - Debra Dillard

UNTIL TODAY, I NEVER REALLY TOOK THE TIME TO READ THIS ARTICLE. SOME OF THESES ARE MUCH OLDER THAN I BUT I CAN REMEMBER HARDEE'S, SNOWFLAKE DAIRY BAR AFTER CHURCH AND PLAYING TALLASSEE FOR THE FIRST TIME. YOU DON'T REALIZE THAT THESE ARE THE BEST TIMES OF YOUR LIFE UNTIL OVER 20 YEARS LATER. GREAT ARTILCE, PLEASE CONTINUE TO MAKE US OLD BUT WANTING TO BE YOUNG AGAIN... - MEMORIES

Good one Trey!! I have a challenge for you, which is also a great memory of mine. The next time you’re out riding your bike, ride down the Noble Road hill without using any brakes. I use to love doing that. Dangerous but fun… - Rusty Baynes

1.sneaking into the pool after it closed at night.
2.throwig water balloons from the outside bathrooms at the pool at night. being chased by stacy hatchet, jamie bush, dirk bell and about 5 more stuffed in mr bush's old van. not realizing a car we hit one time was the police and almost got caught.
3.riding bicycles on the lot across from the clayton's house we named the "skill track".
4.playing football between bennie little's and burton guantt's house.
5.1 million baseball games at the little league field.
6.hiking up the east side of the river, actually the lake, to shelter rock.
7. going to the skating rink in carrville.
8.listening to wacq to win a 45 record.
9.listening to dr earl fever on wtls
10.trey mentioned the football games but left out the best part. after the games we always got the famous FLAME PACK
11. shooting pool and smoking cigarettes in the back of george kenneys barber shop.
12.hanging out at the tennis courts on summer nights but you better be running home when the mill whistle blew at 10.
13.playing pinball at the zippy mart in carrville. the KISS pinball machine rocked.
14.learning to build hotrods with my best friends darryl haynes, eddie daniel, scottie curry, scott hornsby and any of the older guys who could tolerate my 100 questions about cars.
15.hanging out at the east tallassee rec center and playing basketball.
16.snooping around the old mill and exploring the old tunnels underneath.
17.barely remember going with mom and dad to the old drive in theater in carrville.
18.walking out on the rails underneath the big bridge to see who would turn back first and last.
19.going to high school football games and remembering the old covered bleachers.
20.swimming in the river, lake, behind mrs. sayers house all day and fishing behind mr boulware's house.
21.walking to preston gregory's store, barnette supermarket and meeting all the neighborhood kids there.

I'm so glad Debra Dillard reminded me of who ran that store! I just loved all the downtown stores and I hope one day they will all be full again. They say what goes around comes around, and I hope it will. I remember reading about how the downtown streets used to be full of Christmas shoppers and the huge 4th of July celebration the mill used to put on. Our parents couldn't call us on a cell phone but they could sure holler for us out the back door. We'd play until darktime every night in the summer and we actually had a summer! - Suzy Solomon Wilson

I must say The Tallassee Drive-in long ago and the cold water at the Dam's power plant=) - Kevin

You brought a tear to my eye with Granny's biscuits! I can still taste them...washed down with a cold coke from the 2 liter in the fridge. She used to have little throw away cups for us to drink out of next to the sink...sweet memories!!! - Candace Taylor Benson

No list would be complete without mentioning the old theatre!
1.When younger we had to go to the 2 o'clock movie. When we were finally old enough to go at night my brother Jimmy was upset because he thought I was going to sit and watch him make out with some girl!
2. At Christmas, you could get in the theatre for bringing canned food that was given to the needy.
3.Sneaking in the drive in through the exit! We had the money...that was just fun to try!
4. Sitting on the back row at the drive in with Gary Clayton and others from Reeltown eating watermelons that they got out of somebody's field.
5. Swim team members cleaning the baby pool. We had a blast and the pool was spotless. I'm surprised nobody ever got hurt.
6. The Rec center, not only dances, but just gathering and playing games, putting puzzles together, etc. I remember them giving ballroom dancing lessons(I was too young), but Jimmy was persuaded to partitipate because they didn't have enough boys sign up.
7.Moncrief's Department Store.

Gosh Trey, you opened a can of worms and a lot of memories...Thanks! - Cathy Hill Traywick

I'm glad you took the time to update us with the status of the stadium progress. I am so excited for our town and school with all of these upgrades. I have heard rumblings about the dissatisfaction of some that this is going on during proration, but what some might not understand is that this stadium upgrade has been tossed around for at least 15 years. It is just terrible coincidence that the upgrade is taking place during proration.

I challenge the community to be positive about what we have here in this town. It might not be ready on time, but when it is finalized it will be a structure in our town that we can all be proud to have. Just look around at some schools and our playing surface alone is better than what they have totality. And please do not be envious if it is not the extracurricular activity that you choose to support. Be proud for the football program and look forward to the day when we have a wonderful performing arts center, a softball field with all amenities, etc. We will have these things because we are a great community that gets things done. It might not be on the schedule that some want, but do not be discouraged. It will happen.

Be excited about the upcomong season, the players, the cheerleaders, the band for Rodney, Robbie, and Jackson and all of their assistants have been working for these kids. And be thankful for all of are teachers that work to help each of our students be the best in the classroom. I am ready for a great year! - Tim Ames

I wish the council that was voted in would take more pride in their areas. Ward 2 is going to hell and a handbasket. You do not see them until election. My house value is going down each passing day. Redevelopment-------make the laws apply heavy. Rental properties are a joke in our area. Do your job or was it just for the public eye?

I applaud the outstanding job Liz Britt has done (and is still in process of doing) for the Tallassee Homecoming Celebration. Judging by the amazing and diverse schedule of events, it is quite apparent Liz has worked untiringly for hours upon hours coordinating this phenomenal showcase of Tallassee's history, culture, Community and talent.

The Greater Tallassee Chamber of Commerce and The City of Tallassee should also be commended for their active participation and sponsorship in this endeavor. When Citizens, Community Organizations, Businesses and their City work together, amazing things can occur. Keep up the good work, EVERYONE!

I urge every Tallassean and person from our neighboring cities, towns and Communities, to come out and experience Tallassee at its very best, and if you see Liz Britt or anyone associated with this event, tell them Thank You, Thank You, Thank You, and we want more! It's time to shine, Tallassee! - Tripp Storm

CONGRATULATIONS! TALLASSEE! and Liz! WHAT A GREAT 2 days! Everything was great! I really enjoyed the weekend! When everyone comes together, good things can and do happen! I am proud to be a Tallasseean! I am proud of our small town, City of Tallassee. Hope you make this a tradition! It was a bit hot but we enjoyed every minute. Maybe in cooler weather - ? But anytime is fine! THANKS to ALL who made this possible and put so much energy and effort into it! I also love the FARMERS MARKET! Hope that is here to stay! Good to see GOOD things happening and events happening in Tallassee, my home town. LOVED the lights on the theatre! Awesome. I stopped to take pics and my grand daughter wanted to "GO TO THE MOVIE!" Wouldn't that be awesome again! As a kid in my life growing up, we had a theatre on the East side as well as the West - we had at least 4 or more grocery stores on the East side (where I have always lived - born and raised in Tallassee. Moved away and returned. "THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME!" Maybe one day again we will flourish on the EAST SIDE! Hope so. I love Tallassee. Always have, always will! - Carol Lynn

Please, we do need turn lanes in the area to be paved. I sure hope someone will consider doing this - Sarah Thompson

Whats going to happen when you add 2 feet to each lane and the property owner does not have a lot of front yard.

It's called right of way, for utilities and the roadways obviously. They (highway department) can pretty much do anything they like there short of disturbing the ingress and egress. 2 ft is nothing, less grass to cut anyway - Hadwick Carris

People that do not live on Gilmer would not understand what that would do to teir yards and how close it would be to their house. The speeders do not get stopped - Harriet McNelley

Leigh Anne, this is a great article about a great sevice. I did know that Wendy & Chris were working with special needs children but I had no idea that they used ponies & horses. I have read books that told how ponies and horses were used and it is wonderful to know that there is someone in Tallassee that is putting this to use. Thanks to Wendy and Chris for this great service - Cathy Darnell

Love Love Love the article Trey... Herb use to set up ramps like to mentioned. And, yes I had one of those "eating" gravel experiences. Herb was the driver, and I was riding on the back of his bike - which had a banana seat. He were going down Golden Drive. Herb was pedaling like crazy to go faster. I was yelling "Slow Down". Crap - that made him go faster. Anyway, he hit the manhole in the road, threw me off, and I ate the gravel. It was summertime, so I had on shorts and was bare footed. Had so much gravel in my leg and foot, crying like crazy, would not let mother touch it. So - she had to take to me the emergency room to get clean up. Herb - not a scratch!!! Imagine that - couldn't help but love him no matter what - Ashley Golden Newman

I remember the banana seats! Too funny! I had a pink Huffy and would ride down Third Retreat road. The best ride was right after they scrapped the dirt road!
- Olive Oil

There was no mention of the homeruns, outstanding hitting, outstanding plays, and the great games we watched. It was hot and these boys made it a great weekend for all who attended. There should have been a bigger crowd but I guess the parents and other family members, friends, etc. who attended were the ones that really mattered. I want to thank all the people who worked so hard in the heat to make this great for everyone. A special thanks to Mike Stone, Jay Woodall, and Chris Coan for all the hard work they did in getting our team prepared to play. Everything was wonderful. Thanks! Proud Grandmother - Vickie

Well Vickie it sounds like you have the memories of the greatness etched in your head. The comment/opinion page is for people like you to elaborate on such articles. You did take the time to lift up coaches and helpers, but why can't you elaborate on the hitting and other aspects of the game that you said were lacking? Do the right thing and tell us about the great hits and plays that you have captured in memory - Jeff Donaldson

Thank you for your continued commitment to bringing the issue of suicide 'out of the darkness.' Your coverage encourages dialogue, dialogue leads to knowledge and knowledge, hopefully, to prevention. Many thanks! - Christina Cotton

Congratulations Trey! That is awesome. My 9 year old got Trey's autograph last year when he visited the elementary school this past year. I am sure Trey will be signing a lot more in the future. As for the Alabama-Auburn thing, I am sure the thought of being able to drive 25 miles and watch Trey play a weeknight game at plainsman park makes it easy for Eric and Corrine to cheer for Auburn.(not to mention the scholarship) Congratulations to Trey,Eric,Corrine and Trent. We are all proud! - Mike Segrest

Outstanding student athlete who more importantly is an outstanding young man. Congrats to Trey for his accomplishments on the fields and to his parents for making him the person he is off the field. War Eagle as well!!! - Bruce Dean

Congratulations to Trey Cochran-Gill. This is another outstanding achievement. I was trying to think of any other Tallassee Baseball players that have played for SEC teams. I’m drawing a blank - Rusty Baynes

The revenue for Tallassee would be great but there are areas that do not want to be annexed into Tallassee. It is a reality that in order for Tallassee to gain more new businesses the population must increase but word on the street Mayor..some of us live in a rural outlined area and that is the way would like it to remain. If we wanted to live in Tallasse, we would have moved there in the first place - Citizen

Congratulations to Trey Cochran-Gill, Hunter Mullins, Brad Stone, Michael Tinney, Davis Knapp, Morgan Faulkner, and Coach Adam Clayton on their All-Metro selctions. All were well deserved. These guys do it the right way on and off of the field. I'm really proud of them. Coach Clayton did a great job this year and definitely deserves this honor. Congrats guys - Craig McDaniel

CONGRATS to every player on this team! Thanks to Keith and other coaches for volunteering your summer to coach this group of boys. No coach is better than the talent of his players, but all talent has to be developed. To each player, I know practices have been long & hard (because your coach,coached my son too) but I know you will look back later and know that you are a better player because of how you have been coached. Best of luck to you at district. Hope to see you as the state representative for this area!! Good Luck - Marilyn Speake

Michael, I remember Fredie Hart. He was always one of my favorite singers. I have listened to "Easy Loving" so many times. It is still one of my favorites. Thanks so much for a walk down memory lane. Great article - Cathy Darnell

That reclined picture of Freddie Hart looks a lot like commissioner Paul Taylor with lots of Grecian-Formula - N Shaw

Loved it! Especially the link to Easy Loving. I enjoy the whole paper, makes me kinda wish I still wrote for a newspaper! - Dorothy Baughman

I remember when the Bank in Notasulga use to bring in country music singers for big shows,Freddie Hart was there once I got to meet him, he was so nice.I was telling him how much I enjoyed his singing and he hugged my neck.I still enjoy his songs - Nina Golden Bolin Crossville, Tn.

Fred Winston "Freddie Hart" Segrest is my 3rd cousin. Our great-grandmothers were sisters - Jeaneen (Ware) Chaffin, Fairfax, VA

Michael, enjoyed your story about Freddie Hart. Brought back lots of good memories. Thanks - verdie nummy

Just saw the article on Freddie Hart! Just wanted to let you know that i am kin to him and this is how..................my great grandmother and grandfather were minnie and emmett sego, my dad, Tony Miller, says that I am Freddie's 3rd cousin! cool! I guess this side of the family is musically inclined! :)just a little family history! - Debbie Hornsby

Sugar Shack (7-6-10)

I really enjoy Trey's columns! I have no idea why plum trees grow where they do. I was talking to someone the other day about how when we were growing up every yard in Tallassee had a plum tree and a pear tree. Not many do now - Suzy Solomon Wilson

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Sugar Shack (7-6-10)

Reasons for only seeing wild plum trees on the side of the road or along fence lines: Now I'm not sure about the first one that sprouted or came over on the Mayflower, but the ones that grow there now are planted by big birds (like hawks that eat the plums whole) that must grip onto a fence (fence row grown obviously) or power line (side of the road pantin')as they power those big seeds out with the white stuff. They can't just drop those seeds during flyovers, they need the wires for power grippin'. It's sort of like us humans power grippin' on the rails in the handicap bathroom - Stew L. Soffnur

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Sugar Shack (7-6-10)

all i got to say is birds trey you know birds - john hudson

Cable TV Concern (7-6-10)

This past week I got a little upset when our local Cable TV company decided to remove my wife’s favorite TV channel. For some time now we have been watching Fraizer United Methodist Church’s channel, and Troy State University’s channel. At one time this was available on any TV, but with the advent of digital TV these were moved to a digital tier. My TV, one of those flat screen types , was able to receive these channels even after they were moved . However this past week our local cable TV company decided to move them some-where else, where only their digital box can receive them. Now in order to get my wife’s favorite channel I have to pay an additional $13.68 a month charge. This to rent a special converter box to receive the hidden channels. Also this is on top of the basic monthly fee of about $53.00, in order to see these channels. The aforementioned channels are not pay per view and are free to the cable company. We the customers pay for this cable TV service. So why don’t we have a say in what we receive and on what channel. Sure, they will say, “You’ll get many more HDTV channels with this “BOX“, but hey, I only want my original channels back. There are at least 65 channels on the old analog portion of the cable tiers, plenty of room to place these local TV channels. Last year we lost two cartoon channels, A British car shop channel, also we lost 25 channels of continuous music. I assume these were moved to the hidden group that only the “BOX” will allow you to see. I am sure there are many of the older type set in use and many senior citizens are only watching what is on channels 2 through 76 or so. I guess soon we won’t have anything to watch without the “BOX”. Dish Network and Direct TV are beginning to look promising. If you are not happy with this disappearing act, write to your cable company and Congressman and even the FCC, Washington DC and speak your concerns. This is my opinion what is yours - Tom Arledge, retired TV Broadcast Engineer, Bent Oak Lane, Tallassee

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Cable TV Concern (7-6-10)

*I have received a reply from our local cable TV company. They have informed me that only one of the channels, Troy State University, was moved to the digital tier by error, and the other, Fraizer United Methodist Church, was having technical problems. According to the cable company representative both channels will return to the original spot on our TV . I am happy now that my wife will be able to watch her favorite channel - Tom Arledge

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Tallassee Times
Attn: Opinion
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Tallassee, AL 36078