Tallassee Times

Opinions...

Comments to the Tallassee Times

Reeltown Rebel Article (11-24-09)

I would like to Thank Suzie for posting the Reeltown Article on Tallassee Times. She dedicates alot of time to Reeltown and the community. Go Rebels..Good luck in T-Town! - Blood Runs Blue

Foster is Semifinalist (11-24-09)

Grads!!! To Amber and thank you Tallasses Times for putting this in your paper for us - Dave Shirley

Vandals (11-24-09)

Tallassee beware !!!! There is a scrooge among us, must not be happy and doesn’t want anyone else to be. I say this because on Wed. Nov. 24th as I went out to get in my car I noticed that my Christmas decorations were out of kilter. My snow globe had been thrown to one side, my Santa sleigh had been pulled up and a hole torn in the back of it. Both of these are large blow up items

that are held down by ropes and stakes. I also have a light up Santa Bear that had been pulled up on the stake and the bulb was broken.

I also have a lighted manger scene that was thankfully unharmed.

I have been here for ten years and have decorated for every occasion and I have never had this problem before.

Now I would like to say to the person or persons that did this “If you read Tallassee Times Opinions” I want you to know that if you need decorations just ask .Someone ,even myself will help you out.

If you were out just to be destructive , get a job with a demolition team. It will relieve your stress and save other people’s property. In the meantime I will be praying for you.

Sincerely,

Irene Rodgers

Xanadu (11-24-09)

I love the movie XANADU so much- that when I spent last summer in NYC it was the first play/musical I saw on broadway. Talk about fun, that was fun. It was almost word for word, and Kira spent the whole play on roller skates - Deana Phillips

Torie Jeffcoat (11-24-09)

Congratulations on your trip. Wish you luck - Brenda Moore

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Torie Jeffcoat (11-24-09)

Torie is a very special and wonderful person. I cannot be with her and her family on this special event, but I do want to wish her all the luck in the world. I know you will do a great job representing our town, but have a great time doing it! We are all cheering for you , I will be there in spirit cheering you on. You are a beautiful girl inside and out and now show Las Vegas what you got! See you soon! - Peggy Suggs

No Mocking (11-24-09)

Judy this was a good one as usual. Keep up the good writing and thanks for the good articles - Noel Darnell

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No Mocking (11-24-09)

Judy, You have done it again. When you let the Holy Spirit do the writing and you do the typing, what an awesome job. We just keep praying and these articles will start touching people's hearts and bring them to God I feel sure.

I have looked at you the last couple of weeks and somewy you looked more beautiful and ever. I them realized that I was seeing God glowing within you. Keep up the good work - Ginger Mooney

Hotel Open (11-24-09)

I've never written an article on here but I must comment on the new Lavender's Hotel Talisi. I have eaten there three times now over the past couple of weeks since they have opened and I have yet to even try any of their chicken since apparently is available 30 seconds out of every 20 mins. If that was my only dispute it would be OK since they have just opened, but I was hoping they would be making improvements and that doesn't seem to be the case. Today, I went to eat and there was no chicken, no fish, no meat of any kind for the whole 15 minutes after I arrived. Also there was no salad, no tea, and no silverwear until I got up and asked for it. When the chicken came out after waiting for the whole time, it of course was gone in 30 seconds so I just decided to leave.

When I politely talked to the manager as I was paying to leave about my concerns, her only response was. "yep", and "foods take a while to cook."
What about silverwear? Salad? Tea?

The Hotel seems to be popular now because of its reopening and the steam behind it, but I'm afraid if they don't get their act together when the fire dies down, they aren't going to be left with many customers - Ex Hotel Patron

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Hotel Open (11-24-09)

Hi, I would like to comment on the Hotel Talisi. I looked forward to the opening and even waited a few days to give them time to get settled before I tried the buffet. Well as of today I have been 5 times and it is very unlikely that i will return anytime soon. My first trip was 5 days after their opening. While all looked good, looks was all there was, the food was awful. Mashed potatoes that appeared to be pureed and not cooked were uneatable. Chicken only had dark meat. My 2nd and 3rd times were just as bad. The forth time I arrived at opening to hopefully get some white meat chicken. I counted 8 legs, 12 wings, 4 backs and 1 breast. I got the breast. Chicken was fine but nothing else was good and was not as it use to be. I ask the cashier about all the good stuff that use to be served and was told that she would tell the owners. Yesterday I decided to give them one more try. I was so excited as friends and myself arrived and saw turnip green casserole (my favorite) and all looked pretty good. I went to the line and again most all dark meat chicken but low and behold there was a pulley bone.(I got it) I loaded my plate and sat down to eat. Chicken was great, macaroni and cheese was good but that was it. Turnip green casserole along with other items were totally awful. I hate to say but things need to change(are at least the cook) My party that was not from Tallassee have eaten at hotel many times and really missed it. None of us will probably ever miss it again! Get you own drinks, desert, everything - Jerry James

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Hotel Open (11-24-09)

i was wondering if it was me or was the hotel not very good anymore. i have been away for several years and i don't remember the previous owner and what the food/service was like. i do remember how good the food/service was when roger and bob was. not trying to jump on the band wagon, but i was disappointed to say the least.

the food, for the most part, was not very good. the fish came out about 5 small pieces every 5 minutes. the sides were not very good either. the fried chicken was good the first day and not good the next 2 trips. the peach cobbler didn't even have any flavor. they had 1 pot of sweet tea, the most common drink in the south. the hotel used to bring a small picture of tea. you have to pay for your food before you can see what is on the buffet. the steam tables are pushed against the wall where you can only serve from one side instead of two. not very smart unless you want to discourage people from going back for seconds.

i have never seen the hotel this bad. i would rather drive to elmer's and get much better food, at a better price, and much more friendly faces. i have never left elmer's hungry or disappointed with my meal. thanks - disappointed

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Hotel Open (11-24-09)

I used to eat at the Hotel three or four times a week; the food and atmosphere was outstanding. Since it has reopened I have eaten there a few more times and I am sad to say that I and my company have been disappointed. Every time we have visited, the popular items are always empty and you have to wait 15 to 20 minutes for these items just to fix your plate (and that\'s if your lucky enough to witness the food brought out and make it up there while it is available.) I was hoping to see improvement but it has been this way every time I have visited. Some of the foods, especially the mashed potatoes, taste completely unseasoned, as if the potato was cooked, mashed, and just put on the bar at what I considered an inedible state.

The last time I went, there was no sweet tea and the salad bar had no lettuce. Concerns spoken to the manager up front are dealt with in such a nonchalant manner that it makes me not want to return. She gave me the impression that she didn\'t even care and offered no apology or explanation of what they might be doing to fix them. What exactly are we paying $8.25 for?

People go out to eat to have a nice enjoyable experience. They don't want to have to sit down and wait for food at a buffet, keep an eye on the bar, or have to get up and find people to ask for tea and lettuce.

They all spent an incredible amount of time and money on getting this place open and ready for this one moment and I feel that they are blowing it big time. Each time I visit, it gets worse. I hope they get some more cooks, fryers, food runners, employees, a new cooking pattern, or anything; whatever it takes to fix these issues. I really want to see this place work - Clint Corbin

Landscape Ordinance (11-17-09)

Why this Ordinance MUST NOT be passed

1. ( Sec . 1204.01) Additional Costs to Tallassee Businesses

The cost associated with developing a building to do any business in Tallassee will increase considerably under this ordinance by the addition of layers of bureaucratic codes along with their associated fees, fines and taxes.

Added to normal costs will be engineers, architects, designers, site planners, horticulturists, landscape engineers etc. etc. ad infinitum.

2. (Sec. 1201.1.c) Increased insect (mosquito) infestation.

Since the City of Tallassee has eliminated its mosquito spraying routine and since this ordinance calls for “rain water” depressions to collect rainwater and prevent it from running off of any property in question and with the annual rainfall in Tallassee being considerable, it would stand to reason that the number of mosquitoes and their associated diseases would increase under this ordinance.

3. (Sec. 1203) Loss of property value to owners

Because of the astronomical costs and restrictions placed on property owners, many properties in Tallassee will go undeveloped and not be used for any business purpose. More buildings will remain vacant and deteriorated. Jobs will be lost, taxes will therefore go uncollected and the city coffers will continue to deplete.

4. Examples of increased costs to develop an area for business use under this ordinance.

(Sec. 1205) Trash receptacles (temporary) must be placed on pads on the property during development and fenced in (I guess to protect the trash). This will cost unnecessary $$.

(Sec. 1206.02) Businesses will have fewer parking spaces but will have to pay exorbitant amounts to plant trees and shrubs to hide your business from the thoroughfares.

(Sec. 1207.1.g) Underground utilities will no longer be allowed to dig or trench through “existing tree areas” but will be made to bore under such areas and pay as much as ten times or more for the same result. This is insanity at its peak. $$$

(Sec. 1208) The “Zoning Administrator” becomes the Judge, Jury and Enforcement Officer. There is NO appeal to another source or authority.

(Sec. 1203) And now, just in case you have been led to believe that this ordinance covers only new commercial property read 1203. Applicability.

The “Change of Use Clause” makes it clear that any change of use of your property brings you into direct conflict with the Zoning Ordinance. Any building that goes from one type of use to another has to comply to ALL of the Landscaping Ordinance.

In other words if your building was used as a convenience store but now you have someone that wants to open it as a beauty salon you must comply with the ordinance and get ready to loose several months of time and make several trips to the bank - TRIO

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Landscape Ordinance (11-17-09)

Hey if you ride to Prattville, Millbrook, and Wetumpka these communities’s are building and adding business. If they can do it why can we not use the same ordinance as these cities? All I know is that if you want to do business you need to comply and quit fighting the system. Learn the system and make it work for you. If this ordinance is up for passage all you can do is show up and speak your peace to your councilman and mayor. If it passes then that what you have to deal with. Find a way to make it work for you and your business. I admire all business people that have to look at a profit and loss statement, return on investment and capital expenditure. It all boils down to direct labor, fixed and variable overhead and the sale projections to make the business pay for itself and leave a profit - Donald Ray Hornsby

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Landscape Ordinance (11-17-09)

Come on Tallasseeans , get with the program.This ordinance is just one more step to making Tallassee just like Montgomery,whom everyone knows should be the model for any good city.It'll be great!! If we want to do anything at all , we can cheerfully drive down to city hall and purchase a permit and hope the Code Enforcement Officer approves it. After all , everyone knows that government knows what's best for the people it herds.Just think how great it will be when the government dictates not only what we do in our yards and at our business,but also in our homes, it'll totally eliminate the need for that pesky thing called Freedom" that goverments despise so much.After all , that\'s why we elect governmental representatives and officials ,to tell us what to do ,right?Codes and ordinances will transform Tallassee into a Utopia,it'll be just as great as Montgomery then.Times will finally be good! If you believe all that B.S. then quit gripin about things.If you don't think that more new ordinances and codes and laws will make Tallassee better, then speak up!!!
- Derrick Hartley

The Assault on Property Rights Continues (11-17-09)

For those who still believe that our property rights are safe in Tallassee, here are a few recent developments to consider. The City of Tallassee recently spent quite a bit of taxpayers’ money to publish a “Landscape” ordinance that is well over 5000 words and takes over a full page of newspaper print. How much this ad costs is not the problem. The problem arises when you consider that they are using our money to publicize an ordinance to take away our property rights. Isn’t it bad enough that we must fight this continual assault on our property rights without also having to foot the bill? The result of this property takeover is far reaching and will eventually touch the lives of all Tallasseeans. Consider the following:

All of these buildings are vacant because of the city’s zoning and/or building ordinances. All three have had businesses that were refused because of these new ordinances. That’s jobs and tax revenue that the city could use. Tallassee, as with most small cities under this economy, is struggling for tax revenue yet refuses to abandon an over burdensome zoning code for the sake of the “International Property Code” and the dictates of the Central Alabama Planning Commission.
The owners of these buildings have invested their money and time and have not abandoned their civic duty to pay property taxes on their investment, yet their reward is that they may continue to pay their tax so long as they don’t expect anything in return.

Consider the following quote from author John Hiden, speaking of Fascist Germany:

Owners are generally allowed to retain title to property, but are prohibited from using property in any way which does not follow some governmental law or regulation. Governmental law or regulation might be ambiguous or self-contradictory.
After being denied any control as to what can be done with property these victimized owners are granted the privilege of paying taxes on the property. This type of symbolic ownership makes property ownership into a burden rather than a benefit. Property "owners" are also given the duty of maintaining the property, and the standards for this maintenance are dictated by government. The government might set unreasonable requirements as to the maintenance of the property, which is always at the expense of the "owner".

When does it all end! - TRIO ( Tallassee Real Estate Investors and Owners)

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The Assault on Property Rights Continues (11-17-09)

In response to the article referencing the photos of the 3 buildings, one was the former Gulf/BP service station. It was closed years ago due to old tanks and equipment not meeting EPA regulations. Considering it has been there since 1967, the tanks and equipment were way overdue for replacement. Since then, it has been a used book store or garage sale items.

As for the building along Gilmer avenue in the curve up from McDonalds, it was originally a convenience store in 1975. It later was a paint/carpet store run by Gail Nabors, then later Radio Shack and most recently a furniture store.

The photo of the brown building appears to be the old Piggy Wiggly in Jordan Ville if I am not mistaken.

Obviously these buildings, like many others in this town no longer have the types of business that the buildings were originally built for. Most of the stores downtown have become second hand/consignment shops, a tax office and a places of worship.

My question is, what were the buildings/property referenced in your article planned for? My other question is, was it due to the landscaping ordinance you were denied?

I grew up in Tallassee and still have family here. I have been away from Tallassee for about 2-1/2 years now and have tried to keep up with what is going on in Tallassee. I have heard the complaints about the Building Codes, Inspections and the Ordinances. But I will say this. Within the last year or so, one thing I've noticed on my visits back to Tallassee is how much cleaner the town has become. The embarrassing eyesores that were prominent, especially in East Tallassee and Carville are being cleaned up. Other places in Tallaweka that were considered "off limits" to such inspections and clean-up have been dealt with.

There is much to do, however a lot has been accomplished towards the improvement of the town.
I am not here to suggest what property owners should do and/ or not do. I do believe however, until rules and regulations are established and enforced, Certain properties and their owners would continue to neglect their buildings and properties and still expect paying tenants to live and/or work at the expense of their safety. not to mention that run down properties can negatively impact the value of surrounding properties.....but perhaps in the end, that may be their motives.....to buy the surrounding properties cheap.

I've always believed one gets out of what they put in to it....but in some cases, some seem to get more for less and/ or nothing - Bobby Dennis

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The Assault on Property Rights Continues (11-17-09)

Hey it cost me $6,500 to fix a sewer line under Whatley Drive and in my neighbors front yard across the street.

If you drive thru Emfinger Subdivision you will see undeveloped residential property. What I want is for anyone that owns these lots to keep them in the same condition that my neighbors expect me to keep my home and property in. Behind my home at 708 Whatley Drive is a wooded area full of snakes and standing water creating thousands of mosquitoes. I have asked the mayor and building inspector to do something about it and nothing has been done both the old mayor and new mayor. Hey what ever standard we use I hope it will be fair and consistent. I do not know the property behind me is zoned but I know that it borders my property and I live in a residential neighborhood. My city councilman is Heather Johnson and I hope she reads this and helps get rid of this health and eye sore - Donald Ray Hornsby

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The Assault on Property Rights Continues (11-17-09)

The most disgusting part of the scenario is the attempt to justify the taking of property rights of the individual on the grounds that it will benefit the community as a whole. In reality the whole of the community is equally devastated by the destruction of property rights.

Totalitarians, who have been unable to achieve their desired degree of control over our society, through other arguments, have shifted their plan of attack to an appeal that is based on the false objective of protection of a "community" value - Gary Stiff

What Did You Say by Judy Ballentine (11-17-09)

I bet Jimmy enjoyed the quiet time - Noel Darnell

Hotel Open (11-10-09)

When will they be able to serve alcohol? I'm ready to have a drink downtown! I'm sure they will be able to get a license because it's the 'anything for the hotel' attitude. It's like it's some sort of shrine or smoething and it is entitled to favortism. I just don't get it. What makes this place so special, but a pub will be denied? Will it have a bar section like the Colonial Room once had? Favoritism is alive and well. Lawsuits will be plentiful, just keeep it up! - Highland Park 18

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Hotel Open (11-10-09)

Highland Park 18,

The Hotel Talisi is back: thanks to the Powers That Be!!! It's back not because of favoritism but out of the inititative to buy, develop, clean up, and improve what had become a Sad Sight. Several hundred citizens recently proved that Tallassee does not want a bar or pub, but a place providing good food and a pleasant place to spend a night or two.

And if you want to know what makes the Hotel Talisi a special place, come to the hotel and ask any of the current owners, six ladies and Mr. Wiley Troupe, and they can give you a score or more reasons the hotel is so special. Better yet, survey the many folks who have enjoyed the hospitality of these seven folks who now own it - A Grateful Tallassee Citizen

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Hotel Open (11-10-09)

Highland Park 18,

Know your material before you "spout off." The Colonial Room was not a bar, but a very special restaurant. Alcohol was not a major feature. It was the food - Someone who knows a bar when he sees one

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Hotel Open (11-10-09)

Bar Specialist -

Reading comprehension van be your friend. I never said the Colonial Room was a bar. Yes it was a special reastaurant, but did it not have a bar section in it? Don't you hate it when people "spout off" about something they misread?

Some of you are missing the point. I use teh hotel as my example to strengthen my case that change is not an option in this town because of what I deem to be the caveman mentality. Cavemen are against any and all change. The hotel is a comfort zone, not a cahnge, it is simply going back to the things of old. Don't missunderstand me, there is nothing wrong with the hotel, yes good food and a comfortable place to stay is very good.

It strengthens my point because I was taking a jab at the long running select alcohol licensing procedures of this town. What would be the difference of a drunk person coming out of the hotel and intermingling with the patrons on the street of a nerby dance studio than a drunk person coming from a pub across the street from the facility? Do you see how silly that old argument that was used once is? And yes, you can drunk just as easily at a hotel as you can a bar. Don't throw your lame excuses out there, you'll only make yourself look more silly, and strengthen the point that favortism is indeed alive and well.

Cave people run the town. You ask what change are they against? Obama simply said change, but I'll expand upon change for you. Change is growth and prosperity for a town, instead of sitting back and adopting the attitude of small, simple, mill town life. Take a walk across the Fitzpatrick bridge, the mills are gone ladies and gentlemen, grandma is dead and she ain't coming back.

There are those against annexation, those against retail stores like Wal-Mart, those against a new recreation facility (a waste as some put it), and many other various forms of growth. We get lip service from a new mayor and council. They come with great ideas and no action. That is very disheartening to those that wanted change, but now see it was not the mayor and council that run this town. It is the cave people that actually run this town. It is not the mayor and council's fault, they caome in with great ideas, but once they see, once they see who really is in charge they follow just like the ones before them. That is very sad to see, but it happens everywhere and it has been happening for many, many years.

There is nothing wrong with a sports bar, just like there is nothing wrong with the hotel serving alcohol. It is simply what these few people want, and we have people in place that instead of doing what is right and being fair to all and having some sort of conviction, they bow down like prior regimes and start counting votes again. It is truly sad that everybody does not get a fair shake. What do we do you say? We simply chalk it up and move on and wait for the next one to come along only to be shot down once again by this backwards thinking. When will the caveman truly become extinct? - Highland Park 18

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Hotel Open (11-10-09)

Highland Park 18,

I completely agree with "A Grateful Tallassee Citizen" and "Someone Who Knows a Bar When He Sees One," and I might not disagree so fully with you if you would take time in your wordy rantings to correct your grammar, spelling, syntax, sentence structure (so that your meaning might be clear), and your general composition.

And, by the way, everyone should sign their name if they wish to be taken seriously - Jack Solomon

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Hotel Open (11-10-09)

The City Council needs to be consistent and fair about any license they issue. If the Hotel Tallassee wants a liquor license that fine with me. I will go for the food and service. If I feel that alcohol is taking away from my enjoying my meal with anyone I will not go back. That applies to any restaurants in Tallassee. I do not drink and I do not judge anyone who does unless he are she does not conduct themselves in a proper manner. I would hold the owner and individual responsible if they kept serving the person alcohol and did nothing to correct the person? Remember you have a city councilman and a mayor. Tell them how you feel and make sure that they treat everyone business owner and individual fair and consistent. We all go to Montgomery, Prattville, and Auburn to eat. The best restaurants serve beer, liquor and wine and have a bar. I do not drink and I do not sit in the bar area but I have never had any trouble at any of these places with customers drinking.

I hope the Tallassee Hotel the best of luck and other restaurants that are serving Tallassee - Donald Ray Hornsby

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Hotel Open (11-10-09)

Donald Ray Hornsby -

That is exactly the attitude people should have reagrding restaurants. As long as people are mature about it, and they are not harming people, what's the big deal? Some people are trapped in time. If you don't like a place, don't go there, it's as simple as that.

Jack Solomon -

If I had known such a renowned literary critic were going to grade my masterpiece, I would have shaped it up a bit. In the meantime, make fun of the errors and ignore the truisms of the content. Maybe we can get up a good game of dodge ball sometime in your spare time. And it is funny how you agree with the statements of others and take them seriously, and then make a point about being taken seriously in regards to signing one's name. I guess since they side with your opinion, their comments were okay even if they did not sign their names. Please try not to be so hypocritical, and then maybe you would be taken seriously. Maybe you would have been in support of Mr. Stuckey had he given you the opportunity to adorn the bathroom with some of your fine works. The sanitary Solomon septic system shrine of Stuckey's. Do you enjoy alliteration? - Highland Park 18

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Hotel Open (11-10-09)

Highland Park 18,

Com'on, sign your name to your comments. After reading difficult-to-read student papers for nearly 50 years, I do believe I know your identity from the textual evidence in your composition.

By the way, I do believe your reaction to my reply considerably improved your writing. Although it does need a little more work. Teaching demands a host of techniques. Provocation is one of them.

Do reply, but do sign your name - Jack Solomon

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Hotel Open (11-10-09)

Oh yes, I've learned from you Mr. Solomon. I've learned that changing the subject and missing the point is a specialty of yours. The several hundred citizens that you claim were against the establishment going in downtown is a bunch of hogwash. The town is very hypocritical in many ways, and if you can be honest with yourself, you'll admit it.

Let's just pack the downtown with bookstores and antique shops only to see them fall again and again. And then we'll just scratch our heads and wonder why on Earth they failed yet again. That sounds like a brilliant idea, and something the cave people would welcome because it's within their comfort zone.

A sports bar would not hurt that area one bit. It would do it some good, but you like the other cave people want to dwell in the past. The funniest thing I remember was the chance of an inebriated person intermingling with the patrons of the dance studio downtown. These scare tactics were rampant and totally unjsutified.

When the beloved hotel gets their license, I hate it for them if one of their patrons has a drink or two and then stumbles into the streets to intermingle with the aforementioned patrons. The people will be outraged and crying for the closing of the hotel.

A person can get just as intoxicated in a restaurant as they can a sports bar. The difference is the hotel will be given the option to prove that they can control it, and the sports bar will never be given the same opportunity. That is simply not fair because all across this great country people enjoy the social gatherings at sports bars and handle themselves in a mature, adultlike fashion when it comes to alcohol, but Tallassee does not give the same chance for enjoyment. I really think you'd be amazed at how much people would go to an establishment like this to watch a sporting event and enjoy a bite to eat while keeping the alcohol to a minimum. Why can't a place like this be given a chance?

Forget my name and answer the questions I pose, if you dare. Or you can continue with your better than thou attitude and jest about the errors in my writings. Your making fun of someone's writing and putting them down really says a lot about you. I think I already know the path you'll take, so don't bother responding - Highland Park 18

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Hotel Open (11-10-09)

Somebody once said that the only thing certain in life is change . That saying sure does apply to Tallassee .
Tallassee could become a thriving suburb of both Montgomery and Auburn .
Instead its the only town in Elmore County that's actually losing population.
The Preachers and old Familys of Tallassee are so resistant to change , that they are bringing about a change that they don't want. The death of their town.
I am happy to see the Talsi Hotel reopen , but unless something different happens , it will only close again. A downtown area with a nightlife would be the shot in the arm , that could keep the Hotel alive !
Tallassee is rich in beauty , history , and location . It has such potential !
Without an attitude adjustment , it is destined to be just another dead town - Glenn Dean
Tallassee

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Hotel Open (11-10-09)

Much has been posted for and against such establishments in Tallassee. Despite any opinions regarding the moral, economical and social aspect , it is my observation it would be a difficult endeavor for such an establishment to succeed.

Sports Bars/Pubs in general cater more to the single male patrons with ages ranging from 25-40. Tallassee and the surrounding area, unlike Millbrook, Prattville and Montgomery is primarily comprised of older/senior citizens,
married couples and families. Most young people upon graduation leave Tallassee to pursue their careers and lives elsewhere. Sports Bars are not intended to provide a family like atmosphere.

Being a single parent for nearly 10 years now, I know 1st hand "singles" in Tallassee are the vast minority. To my knowledge, most churches in town do not offer adult singles classes in Sunday School. It's not that I'm opposed or for such an establishment, It is just my observation the demographics in Tallassee just doesn't lend itself to support it.

As for my observation for restaurants in Tallassee is that they would be limited to lunch menus (meat and 3 if you will) and perhaps a good deli-type establishment. The reality of a more upscale family type restaurant in Tallassee doesn't seem practical. The main reason is there is nothing in town commercially that would compliment it.
For example, if you will notice, places like Ruby Tuesdays, TGIF, Applebee's are located in places like East chase, Tigerton, ect.

Families and couples for the most part, prefer to go to dinner and then to a movie and/or go shopping, even if its to window shop or just simply browse at books-a-million. Unfortunately, Tallassee doesn't have this to offer.
To simply imply serving alcohol in restaurants in Tallassee would be the catalyst for success doesn't hold water in my opinion.

Please understand, I have always desired more choices to eat in Tallassee, having grown up here and worked in Tallassee for nearly 12 years, we would find ourselves eating lunch at Oskars, Cottons, Hunts, Old South, Guthrie's, Elmer's and Ruth's Kitchen. As you well know, all these places are "out of town"

It is also not my intention to oppose anyone who would has the desire to pursue any endeavor that could benefit commerce in the Community. I'm just not convinced such endeavors would be successful - Bobby Dennis

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Hotel Open (11-10-09)

Bobby Dennis said it well. The restaurant/grill/pub/sportsbar business is one of the hardest businesses in which to make a living, or even break even. Does anyone remember the reality show about the big shot chef in New York City? Even he failed miserably at one of his endeavors. And he had a national television show to showcase him. Talk about free advertising! I just hope all the businesses we have now do well because without our sales tax revenues we have nothing - Suzy Solomon Wilson

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Hotel Open (11-10-09)

Point taken Bobby D, but why should we as a town not give them the opportunity to fail or succeed at something that is legal if they so choose? Let them see for themselves, all anybody can ask is for a chance, but chances are not given equitably. Would we shoot down a church if they decided to open downtown, and tell them the demographics would not support it, there are enough churches here already?

If we base it in success, how many other establishments have failed downtown? There have been many, but they were given an opportnity because they were within the cave people's comfort zone. And furthermore, you might be confusing a sports bar with a singles type bar. There are plenty of married men that gather at such places simply to enjoy a game, and have a drink if they so choose. And then they go home just as faithful to their spouses as before. I think your demographic might be off in this case. And there are women that enjoy games as well. Couples go with other couples to places like this believe it or not.

It all boils down to wheter you want to open anything from a bookstore to a sports bar, you should have the opportunity to fail or succeeed as you so choose.

I'm sure the Brown Health Food Store maybe needed to a little more demographic research as well before opening instead of watching patron after patron choose fried chicken across the street. No I'm not saying they were competitors, don't read that from what I've written. I'm simply saying places like this thrive in different areas, but there were not hundreds of citizens (love to see that list of hundreds) up in arms about this type of establishment opening. It was within the comfort zone of the cave people. Everybody should have equal opportunity fail or succeed at what they so choose as long as it is legal. We should rally behind them and try to make things peaceful for them as long as they are peaceful as well.

We pick and choose what we rally behind as far as what should take precedence as far as succeeding, hotel case in point. Why can't we rally around EVERYTHING in the town and we all succeed as a community, instead of shunning them away and shooting down their dreams? I can understand some people that have investments. And when you make an investment you want to see the returns right? Why cant somebody ellse have a dream and reap rewards as well even if it is outside of the realm of what you so choose to patronize? Some people need to check themselves from within first. Just because it is not your dream or something you would suppport does not make it a bad thing.

The demographic of this town is changing in many ways. I think the senior citizen tag is falling to the wayside. And you maybe correct as far as the corporate city limits itself compromised mainly of the mill village homes, but the surrounding areas and subdivisions that shop and patronize the pea sized corporate limits of Tallassee is definitely not heavily laden with seniors. Tallassee is much more than just Tallapoosa City to Tallaweeka.

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Hotel Open (11-10-09)

Highland Park 18,

Consider this HP 18. If one wants to catch bees, try using honey. Referring to people as "cavemen" literally or metaphorically will not help your cause, whatever it may be.

So, my question to you is....what exactly are your motives? Is it simply that you and others want to be able to have an adult beverage in the local restaurants? If so, it would be up to the proprietors of those establishments to consider it. For they are the ones who assume the liability, expense and any social backlash. Perhaps you can persuade them at their expense for your desire and cause. But I would not recommend any reference to "caveman" in the dialogue.

My other question..... is it your motive to consider such an endeavor yourself. Here or any place else??

Do you feel strongly enough that you would purchase property, hire an Architect, build and/or renovate to comply with Building Codes, Plumbing codes, Americans with disabilities act, adequate parking, Health department regulations, Fully equip a commercial kitchen complete with approved fire suppression, furnishings, multiple hd tv's, fully stock the bar and kitchen, hire staff and pay for the liability insurance?

That's what would be required for the City of Tallassee to consider such an establishment. And if you think that's a raw deal, try doing anything less in Prattville, Auburn, Montgomery and any other town.....they would most likely require security. You would never make it out of the gate.

If you are not willing to put your money where your mouth is, don't expect others to assume the burden just to satisfy your cause.

By the way, I have always enjoyed a Heineken with my fish and chips - Bobby Dennis

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Hotel Open (11-10-09)

Bobby, my only motive is to point out the injustices of this town, and haphazard way of approving an establishment for a liquor license. There have been proprietors that have tried in the past to get licensed only to be turned down, while others are approved. It is not fair the way it is handled, and one establishment that wanted to go downtown was shot down before it even had the chance to open. There are not several hundred citizens in this town that would be opposed to such a place as another pointed out.

One person was never given the opportunity to meet the demands that you enlightened us with today. The injustice is my only motive. Favoritism is alive and well when it comes to picking and choosing what type of facility can be opened, and that simply is not fair. It is a backwards way of thinking that people allow to happen. A few speak for all in this town, there is no such list of several hundreds opposed. There was an individual willing to put his money where his mouth is as you say. Do you not remember the story that was on this website?

Do you not agree that people should be given the opportunity to fail or succeed at what they so choose as long as it is legal? Simply saying there's no market for it is a cheap cop out. A caveman is against change is all I'm pointing out. I call them like I see them.

A guy was never given the opportunity to meet these codes and regulations. Is that fair or not? What say ye? Are you yourself a caveman? Or do you bow down or speak on behalf of the caveman?

And you seem like a reasonable person, and you have admitted to partaking of a beverage with alcohol. You've done just finewith your points. What would be wrong with an establishment of this sort that was patronized by people of your caliber? Why nothing at all, but in this town there is no chance for that. My motive is to point this out. Comprende? - Highland Park 18

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Hotel Open (11-10-09)

While we are on the subject of anybody should have the right to open a business and pass or fail based on his customers.

Remember , some years ago, the Policeman who wanted to open a Pizza place in East Tallassee and serve beer with his pizza ?
He was denied a license for beer because the City Council thought it wasn't right for a Policeman to own a business that served alcohol . Talk about archaic !

I think a small pub or tavern style place downtown would be a nice compliment to the hotel and downtown.
Perhaps it might inspire a few other nice adult type places to open. It would help Tallassee retain young adults rather than seeing them move away - Glenn Dean, Tallassee

In or Out (11-10-09)

OUT! - Ray Feree

Mr. Bird's Column on Water Shortage (11-10-09)

Once again an amusing anecdote!! - Suzy Solomon Wilson

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Mr. Bird's Column on Water Shortage (11-10-09)

Your articles always make me giggle! Thanks for your interesting perspective on everyday situations - Lissa Estes Ledbetter

Kervin Named New Director (11-3-09)

Congrat's Jeanna. This was wonderful news to hear. I know you'll do a fantastic job!!! - Scott Ruff

Dr. Jeffer's Letter (11-3-09)

I enjoyed your column. What do you think about buying Lakeside Country Club, after of course making it within city limits, and building a new high school there? We can turn the present one into a rec/community center. Right now the kids are wondering where to have the prom and a huge civic auditorium would be just right - Suzannah Solomon Wilson

Hotel Talisi (11-3-09)

My wife and I have missed the Friday fish Buffett. We hope to enjoy it again as long as they serve catfish grown in Al or Ms and not the ones from Vietnam or China - Frank Owsley

Change in Policy (11-3-09)

Guys I think you are doing a great job with Tallassee Times and enjoy reading the news and sports articles and opinions sections. One request I have is to change the policy on your opinions section. I am a strong backer of freedom of speech even when I do not agree with what is being said. However I also agree that when an opinion is expressed anonymously it is useless and a waste of time for whomever reads it and stated it. Why express it if you aren't going to "MAN UP?" For example the recent letter about ultimate tiger fans in which the writer opposes noise makers and said to "expect a strong talking to" if they are used around him. Kinda hard to take this seriously when the person will not sign their name.

So why not change the policy on the opinions section to have to include their real name before their opinion will be posted. Just a suggestion and hope you take this into consideration. And people come on, if you believe in what you say don't hide behind fake names and be afraid to sign "your" name to it.

Good Luck to the Tigers in the playoffs - Larry (Bubba) Moore

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Change in Policy (11-3-09)

I agree with Bubba Moore, sign your names to stuff. What about Team Tallassee Supporter? Are we just going to ask those that post negative things to put their name? - Anonymous

Times Colunist to be Published (11-3-09)

Wow Judy! The article is great. If everyone reading your writings only knew just how open you are to the work of the Lord. You are just an open vessile for Him. And the book publishing will be here before you know it. When I have been praying for you, as were many others, this past year I certainly did not know you were about to have a book published. Only He knows the direction He is taking with you - Ginger Mooney

Board of Education (11-3-09)

Great story but....majorette boots do not kill grass 200lb linemen tackling each other do!! - Amanda

Water Shut-off (11-3-09)

Treeco, Inc. has not been notified. We Had our Waterjet machine running, hopefully it didnt tear up the Pump. That would be very expensive - Hannelore Copeland

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Water Shut-off (11-3-09)

It is my understanding that ADECA has emergency funds available immediately upon request/need. Does anyone know of this? - Bobby Dennis

Thurlow Dam Graffiti (11-3-09)

To those responsible for our latest "headline" to grace the Thurlow Dam basin, nothing spells out "I'm ignorant" like, "I don't give a ____." Maybe the City Council should think about using this as our city slogan. It seems to represent the attitude a majority of the youth in general exhibit these days - Brian Waddle