May 29, 2006 - City of Orange Beach

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Orange Beach Community News
Orange Beach, Alabama
May 29, 2006
by Ken Grimes, Jr.
Can you still smell the barbecue grills smoking those burgers or ribs?
The sweetness of a cool watermelon or cantaloupe with plenty of
sweet tea and of course the possibility of homemade ice cream
straight from the machine. Yes, Memorial Day weekend has come and
gone but the official summer season has begun. Summer 2006 looks
to be a busy and strong boost to our economy as we get back on track
with tourism already hitting record weekend numbers for the past few
years. Plan ahead, shop at odd hours and make sure you have plenty
of time to travel to your regular destinations. Traffic is always heavy
in the summer but with many construction areas around town added to
the high number of visitors, we will see a few slower flowing areas.
Here’s to a great couple of summer months and to making sure you
get plenty of sunscreen where you need it.
The dust has been flying and heavy equipment in action as the Wharf Orange Beach Elementary School 3rd Graders smile
following Awards Day 2006 as honors included “A”
continues on a round the clock schedule. Phase One is finally here as
and “AB” Honor Roll, Perfect Attendance and more.
the Rave Theatre, Starbuck, Johnny Rockets and more opens here in
Congratulations OBES students.
Orange Beach. The daily progress is amazing as the facilities make
Ann Walker with Emma Walker, Meredith Newton
final preps. This unique attraction brings a new mix of entertainment
and Abby Grimes celebrate with lots of pals
and retail to our community and will ultimately play a vital role in the
economy of Orange Beach and Baldwin County. Watch for more good news to come out of the Wharf. In the mean
time, take a ferris wheel ride and check out the beach skyline for yourself. At over 100 feet in height, the wheel
puts a lot of the area in perspective.
Finally feeling lucky? Pick up a few tickets for the “Annual Draw Down” of the Orange Beach Professional Firefighters Association which is set for Saturday night, June 3rd with only 300 tickets to be sold. Each ticket gets two
adults into the event with plenty of food, beverage and entertainment. The Grand prize is $10,000 so don’t delay.
Find out more by calling Justin Pearce at 747-0309. On Friday evenings, be sure
to stop by the Orange Beach Golf Center and “Dust the Duck” as Dusty makes
his appearance around 6pm with prizes and shirts for those with good aim. For
more info on the Orange Beach Golf Center call 981-GOLF.
Camp O.B. Outfitters is back at First Baptist Church Orange Beach. The two
week camp is a way to teach young
people the skills to become leaders
and understand more about our lives.
Camp starts the week of June 5th but
registration is filling quickly. Sign up
your student today by calling 981Dylan Cooley, 2nd Grade, gets con4288. The Red Cross is holding a
grats from Principal Baker at OBES
Blood Drive on June 5th at the Orange Beach Senior Activity Center. Summer is such a critical time and it is critical for blood donors to
give and boost the supply of much needed blood. Local hospitals are
counting on people just like you.
The drive will be held from 1pm until 6pm and donors will receive a
City Council member Joni Blalock draws for the first vintage Red Cross ball cap and be entered into a
ride on the Wharf Ferris Wheel for a lucky student drawing for a $1500 Citgo gas card.
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Continued….
Orange Beach Community News
Orange Beach, Alabama
Continued. . .
Go ahead. . . make my day! Another Women’s
Firearm Safety Class has graduated 51 ladies from
the community who now have the knowledge of
handguns along with practical experience in firing
the weapon. Sponsored by the City of Orange
Beach and the Orange Beach Police Department,
the class has had such overwhelming response, it is
now offered twice per year. Over 150 alumni are
out there and prepared to handle a handgun. Just
thought you should know. Congratulations ladies
and thanks to all the volunteers who made the
training the best it could be.
Margaret Long’s book, “The Best Place To Be” is
available around Orange Beach at Tootie Green's
Yellow Broom, Family Pharmacy on Canal Road,
Pack and Mail, Orange Beach Art Center, the Orange Beach Indian and Sea Museum, Michelle's at
San Roc, and Sam's Store on Canal road. This
great reference and coffee table book on the history of Orange Beach is a must have. Get one today.
The past two weeks have been packed with award
days, class parties, presentations and end of school
year events. Orange Beach Elementary is fortunate
to have the best teachers and staff led by Principal
Steve Baker. In attending a number of the functions, it is apparent the attitude toward learning,
Orange Beach Shooting Range is a hot attendance and character. From the office to each classroom the entire student
spot during the Women’s Firearm Safety
body is part of a strong unit bringing the most to each child. Hidden out of the
Class with 51 graduates this session.
way, back behind the school is the new Sea, Sand and Stars Learning Center
which is definitely going to be one of the region’s best learning assets. Bringing the astronomy together with sea life and water habitats and environmental understanding, the facility is soon to
be the place to learn about our ecosystem. Construction has continued through the year as Brett – Robinson is constructing the center with the partnership with the City of
Orange Beach. The Sea, Sand and Stars Learning Center
is just another
example of how
efforts are being
made to bring
the best and
latest resources
to the hands and
minds of our
own, local children. They are
our future and
the future of
Orange Beach
looks pretty
4th and 5th graders listen patiently as awards and honors are
bright.
handed out. Parents and guests attended the event.
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Orange Beach Community News
Orange Beach, Alabama
Continued. . .
The Orange Beach Sports Association Softball
teams held their Awards Party last week at the
Orange Beach Aquatics Center with nearly 100
players attending the shindig. Headed by David
McLain (Softball Commissioner) and Jeff Moon
(Asst Commissioner) many awards were distributed and All Stars for 8U, 10U and 12U were announced. The Association recognized and thanked
Columbia Southern University for its sponsorship
of the entire softball league. The support provided
better uniforms and equipment while maintaining low registration fees for
players. Overall the season was a huge success with more teams than ever
before and a lot of fun by the girls as they became better ball players with
each game.
Appreciation to Columbia Southern University
accepted by Chantell Cooley
8U Girl Power
10U Divas
10U Tropical Breeze
12U Bulldogs
10U Hurricanes
12U Tigersharks
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Orange Beach Community News
Orange Beach, Alabama
Continued. . .
Get out and enjoy the beauty around Baldwin County. For our readers
who are not here daily, we encourage you to plan a trip to the Alabama
Gulf Coast and stay in Orange Beach. . ..we say “Life is Better Here”
and hopefully you can see just a glimpse each week of why we feel that
way. Whether you fish, shop, create art or just like to relax with a stroll
on the sandy beach. Some just like a slow boat ride in the back bays
where its just about guaranteed that you will see a dolphin. Whatever
your hobby or passion, find how you can enjoy it here in Orange Beach,
Alabama. Have a great summer and stay safe while boating and swimming in and around our city.
Got some news around Orange Beach? Let us know what’s going on by
sending your community news to [email protected]. Schools out for
summer . . . Enjoy!
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www.knowyourbeach.com
Beach Safety & Cleanliness: Goal #1
Safety on our beaches has taken a higher priority in 2006 as various City of Orange Beach Departments are more involved in the
beach. Serving the public and keeping them safe is the main concern. Police and Fire patrols on a daily basis during peak times
will be ongoing. Park and Rec maintaining the Warning flag system through the summer and watching for Riptides and other
dangers. Community Development aiding in removing trash and
waste from beach services. Hopefully, public beach accesses will
open soon with restroom facilities coming online and to be maintained by city personnel. Public works use of heavy equipment to
keep the beaches clean when needed. Summer of 2006 looks to
be a busy season and we appreciate everyone taking the active
roles in working the beaches. Remember to respect the beach as
you use it. . . Keeping it beautiful takes everyone!
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