Meet Tina Torres
November 27, 2007
You have heard me mention her a few times, now get to know her a little bit better.
I met Tina through the Women’s Business Alliance of Richmond Hill. She and I have a lot in common – we are both wives, mommas, and self employed. She is my Pampered Chef Consultant and my friend.
Tina is a busy woman. Aside from all things Pampered Chef, she is very active in the school system here in Richmond Hill.
She started out as the room mom for her two younger boys. Not familiar with a “room mom”? These are the wonderful people that help your kids’ teacher coordinate activities with the other parents. Holiday parties, treat bags, field trips…you name it.
So, the room mom is the liaison for the teachers and the parents. Tina was really good at this. So now, she coordinates the room moms. Good thing too. She has tons of experience and helps out new room moms get acclimated to their new position.
Why a room mom? Tina loves being involved with the school and she has also had the opportunity to make a difference and create some great memories. One of her favorites occurred while she was assisting with the Accelerated Reading Program.
Just recently one student in a particular class had a lot of trouble reading and through volunteering with his class I was able to help him to increase his reading ability, which greatly improved his AR test scores. I remember him giving me the biggest hug after he was done and how proud he was after his accomplishment.
Tina is also very active at Savannah Christian Church, The Richmond Hill Bryan County Chamber of Commerce, eWomen Network, and the WBA.
She’s a woman to know in Richmond Hill.
Toastmaster Thoughts
November 25, 2007
I discovered Toastmasters while stationed on the Navy base in Great Lakes, Illinois. I loved the organization. It helped with the number one fear people have – talking in front of a group of people. It was also helpful in learning different aspects of speaking, interacting, and quick thinking.
Once we moved back home, I considered rejoining the group. However, the closest one wasn’t close enough for me.
There is a small group looking into changing that. We are considering starting a group here in town.
Any ideas?
Thank you, Tina Torres!
November 13, 2007
My Pampered Chef lady sent me these pictures. They are taken at the Flag Dedication ceremony held last month for that big, beautiful, American Flag. Her husband, Jason Torres, is part of the honor guard there. I am working to try and find out who the others were.
Enjoy!
Curious about Camellia Street?
November 9, 2007
Anytime I am told there is more commercial development coming to Richmond Hill, I get curious. I told you guys a while back they would be breaking ground this fall. As developments are wont, even in Georgia, it has hit some minor setbacks of the paperwork variety. But, I have been assured that they are moving forward and excited about things to come.
In an encouraging show of progress, the website is up. I would love to tell you how fabulous a site it is, but the web developer is my friend, it’s her birthday, so I am biased. So, you are just going to have to clicky clicky on over there and check it out for yourself. Then come on back here and tell me what you think.
The Votes Are In and the Comment Requirements are Off
November 8, 2007
Tuesday elections have come and gone.
The unofficial results are in.
Post 3
- Jimmy Hires – 507
- Van Hunter – 216
Post 4
- Billy Albritton – 264
- Marilyn Hodges – 254
- Kevin Artz – 108
- Darryl Petermann – 85
SPLOST
- 880-278 in favor of
Billy Albritton and Marilyn Hodges will go at it again December 4th as the top two vote getters in Post 4.
Anybody out there care to comment on what the voting seems to suggest about the trends in Richmond Hill? Seems to me you have the issue of growth being the hands down top discussion point. So, what do our voting choices say about our ideas on growth?
By the way, I have noticed that folks are clicking to leave comments and then decide not to (don’t worry – I don’t know who you are, only that you are). After spending some time on the Bryan County News Blog site, I am assuming that the requirement to enter name and email address may be a deterrent.
So, I turned it off. As much as I love transparency, I don’t want to stifle conversation. So come on and join in.
Loving that Red, White, and Blue
November 7, 2007
Did you miss the flag dedication of the beautifully big American Flag located here in town on Hwy. 17 near the overpass? Yeah, me too. The flag was put up by Tidal Construction Company and had its official dedication on Oct. 19. I am disappointed that I missed it, but thrilled that the flag is there.
This is not just any flag. This is an American Flag – a really big American Flag. The wind happened to be blowing the first time I saw it. Lucky me, sort of. The view was so breathtaking, I thought I was going to wreck.
The first time I saw it with my husband I squealed, “There it is!” Oddly, he was not nearly as impressed as I. Seeing my confusion, he explained, “I’ve seen it at night.” The next chance I got, I saw what he meant.
Now, I drive by there every chance I get. I will change my route home on occasion. It is the most fun when my six year old is with me and becomes inspired to sing “You’re a Grand Ol’ Flag” or “The Star Spangled Banner.” The sight never ceases to give me chills and hope. It is times like these I miss being in the military.
0800 hours (8 a.m. for you civilian types) and sunset are awesome times on military installations everywhere. This is the time for colors. Five minutes before, there is the preparation call over the base loud speaker. The raising of the flag is then accompanied by the National Anthem in the morning and Taps while being lowered at night.
The ceremony occurs daily. Yes, I mean every day. All uniformed personnel located outdoors, within hearing, are required to come to attention and salute the flag during colors. On good bases, civilians stop as well and put their hands over their hearts. On great bases, the cars stop. On exceptional ones, the drivers get out of their cars and join in the observation.
There are those folks who feel imposed upon by the repetition of ceremony. They are easy to pick out after the five minute call. They can be seen running for the indoors or speeding for the parking lot. A minute or so of observation is too much for them it seems. Now I am not a person easily irritated, but this will do it – every time.
Should I have kept this feather in my hat and saved it for a bang up Fourth of July column? Maybe. Honestly, I considered waiting until that holiday season. Then I thought of this holiday season approaching. I have missed a Thanksgiving or two for that flag. Missed some birthdays, anniversaries, fevers, tears, laughs, kisses, and hugs. Those voids don’t wait for a holiday.
Now, I won’t bore you with my feelings on deployments, troop schedules, or current missions. Buy me a cup of coffee if you like and maybe we can talk about it. But really, who cares what I think about that kind of stuff? The facts are lots of families will be separated this holiday season and that big beautiful flag is the banner under which that separation happens.
It is the flag that is pledged to when we are children, join the Boy or Girl Scouts, and get inducted into the Rotary. It is flag that is solemnly sworn to prior military service, at every reenlistment, and presented at retirement. It is the flag that is given to the mother, father, wife, husband, son and daughter when the unthinkable happens.
I would have loved to have been at that dedication. What a wonderful moment missed to honor the heroes of our nation by celebrating the colors of our country. I will just have to make sure I pass by more often and remember to appreciate and reflect.
My article originally ran in the Bryan County News, October 31, 2007
Did You Know?
November 2, 2007
That the Bryan County Newspaper has an interactive blog site? Not only do they have one, but it is getting pretty heated active.
You have to create an account before you can participate, but it is easy to do and you can hide all your information if that suits you. It doesn’t suit Floyd Hilliard to do it that way. The Mayor pro-temp is very open about who is posting under the screen name floyd.
And you know me – I’ll tell you who I am, how to contact me, and what color crayon I am. But, that’s my personal preference. The option is left open.
Jump on over there and check it out. Learn what your neighbors are saying about
Did I mention there is a post or two about high school football and local politics?
