Last week in a cafetorium decorated with blue and gold balloons hundreds gathered at Crystal River High School. Friday night lights, you ask? Kind of, but something a little bigger than the rivalry on the field happened this particular October night. Last week Pirate Stadium was officially renamed after our long time Head Football Coach and Athletic Director Earl Bramlett which in the hearts of true Pirates has always been its name – but now it’s official.
Let me make it clear that in no way would I have ever considered myself an athlete during my years at CRHS. I was far too busy driving Dr. Ladkani nuts, being sent to Coach Whitehead’s office for dress code violations, and attempting to run the school through Student Government. However, I would doubt there was not a student who walked through the halls whose school life was not affected by Coach Bramlett.
As iconic as Mickey Mouse is to Disney World, Coach Bramlett was to CRHS over the course of the past 3 decades. I witnessed his leadership and his effect on students who came in as young punk freshman and left as seniors with sports scholarships to colleges across the nation. He had a charisma for the school and its athletic program that could be seen even from a distance.
As I stood there in the cafetorium, surrounded by past teachers, classmates, and alumni I was completely struck with the fact of how amazing our school was and genuinely blessed my life has been because of CRHS. Coach Bramlett didn’t stand alone, there were so many of my teachers who had that true passion for teaching and it showed. We had a group of the most amazing teachers and administrators that all loved this community and imparted little pieces of themselves in each of us.
Of course I’m prejudiced, but CRHS was a huge part of my youth and just another thing on the list of reasons why I’m so in love with this community. It’s the people like Coach Bramlett who made going to school enjoyable, getting involved attainable, and growing as a person possible. If it takes a village to raise a child, I couldn’t be more blessed to have had CRHS in my village.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Reasons Why #11 - A true community newspaper
Authors note: On my honor I swear by all things good, and holy that in no way, shape, or form were the contents of this column solicited by any person who has or has ever received a paycheck from the organization about which I will soon speak.
On a daily basis I’m constantly finding more and more things, new and old, to add to the list of reasons why I love this community. However last week I realized I had somewhat forgotten, or rather taken for granted one particular organization, led by one amazing group of people, off the list I’ve been chronicling (pun INTENDED). The Chronicle. The local paper, but it’s so much more than that.
Where on earth would we be without the Chronicle in Citrus County? That’s just a question I don’t even want to consider. Having spent the last decade living in Tallahassee and Jacksonville, I can attest to the fact that I never had any quality interaction with any of the large city newspapers. Letters to the Editors were seldom published, press releases not well responded to, events rarely sponsored, and staff presence in the public – barely.
Not the Chronicle though – they are our community. Letters to the editor, sound off, and the website message boards are all opportunities for us, the reader, to give our input. Press releases, the individual city publications, and the features are ways for organizations to get their info out to the masses.
Unlike too many other “media rags” out there, one thing I’ve always loved about the Chronicle was the guarantee that when I would open it I would be greeted with good news. Community milestones rarely go unnoticed by the Chronicle. If it’s a businesses anniversary, a community member who has overcome some type of odds, or the achievement of local children it all ranks as newsworthy items.
It’s no secret the print media world is hurting in today’s economy – but yet where is the Chronicle? Sponsoring major events in the community EVERY DAY. Title Sponsor of the Cooter Festival, the Chronicle. Major media sponsor of the Business Women’s Alliance Health & Fitness Expo, the Chronicle (quick shameless plug, Sept. 26 at the Armory, FREE admission, don’t miss it!). Homosassa Rotary Chili Cook off, Kiwanis Mystery Theater Dinner, Shop Citrus First, Jazz on Bourbon Street benefiting the Old Courthouse Heritage Museum and the list goes on and on and on.
Obviously the Chronicle wouldn’t be what it is without the leadership and staff it has. I almost hesitate to attempt to do justice to the caliber of people the Chronicle staff are, but I’ll try. The leadership team of the Chronicle are just some gosh darn amazing people.
Gerry Mulligan is by far one of the coolest guys around, and definitely one of the smartest. It doesn’t hurt that he has a heart for this community like no other. Neale Brennan has some of the best ideas and her willingness to get involved in every aspect of this community should be commended on a daily basis. If I continue to go on about the leadership team at the Chronicle it will appear like I’m attempting to get a front page spot for this little column, so I’ll just stop now while I’m ahead.
It’s not just the leadership team though it’s every employee. From the great staff photographers, the sweet ladies in the copy room that always help me with the Chamber page on Sundays, and Brian in the online department who is always there to assist me whenever I call – they all rock. And if you ask them, they love their jobs. They love to be an integral part of this community. Now that’s what I’m talking about!
Over the decade I wasn’t living here, www.chronicleonline.com, was my lifeline of staying up on Citrus County happenings. Chances are if you’re reading this the Chronicle is your lifeline too. It’s a critical piece of our community and it’s just another reason why.
On a daily basis I’m constantly finding more and more things, new and old, to add to the list of reasons why I love this community. However last week I realized I had somewhat forgotten, or rather taken for granted one particular organization, led by one amazing group of people, off the list I’ve been chronicling (pun INTENDED). The Chronicle. The local paper, but it’s so much more than that.
Where on earth would we be without the Chronicle in Citrus County? That’s just a question I don’t even want to consider. Having spent the last decade living in Tallahassee and Jacksonville, I can attest to the fact that I never had any quality interaction with any of the large city newspapers. Letters to the Editors were seldom published, press releases not well responded to, events rarely sponsored, and staff presence in the public – barely.
Not the Chronicle though – they are our community. Letters to the editor, sound off, and the website message boards are all opportunities for us, the reader, to give our input. Press releases, the individual city publications, and the features are ways for organizations to get their info out to the masses.
Unlike too many other “media rags” out there, one thing I’ve always loved about the Chronicle was the guarantee that when I would open it I would be greeted with good news. Community milestones rarely go unnoticed by the Chronicle. If it’s a businesses anniversary, a community member who has overcome some type of odds, or the achievement of local children it all ranks as newsworthy items.
It’s no secret the print media world is hurting in today’s economy – but yet where is the Chronicle? Sponsoring major events in the community EVERY DAY. Title Sponsor of the Cooter Festival, the Chronicle. Major media sponsor of the Business Women’s Alliance Health & Fitness Expo, the Chronicle (quick shameless plug, Sept. 26 at the Armory, FREE admission, don’t miss it!). Homosassa Rotary Chili Cook off, Kiwanis Mystery Theater Dinner, Shop Citrus First, Jazz on Bourbon Street benefiting the Old Courthouse Heritage Museum and the list goes on and on and on.
Obviously the Chronicle wouldn’t be what it is without the leadership and staff it has. I almost hesitate to attempt to do justice to the caliber of people the Chronicle staff are, but I’ll try. The leadership team of the Chronicle are just some gosh darn amazing people.
Gerry Mulligan is by far one of the coolest guys around, and definitely one of the smartest. It doesn’t hurt that he has a heart for this community like no other. Neale Brennan has some of the best ideas and her willingness to get involved in every aspect of this community should be commended on a daily basis. If I continue to go on about the leadership team at the Chronicle it will appear like I’m attempting to get a front page spot for this little column, so I’ll just stop now while I’m ahead.
It’s not just the leadership team though it’s every employee. From the great staff photographers, the sweet ladies in the copy room that always help me with the Chamber page on Sundays, and Brian in the online department who is always there to assist me whenever I call – they all rock. And if you ask them, they love their jobs. They love to be an integral part of this community. Now that’s what I’m talking about!
Over the decade I wasn’t living here, www.chronicleonline.com, was my lifeline of staying up on Citrus County happenings. Chances are if you’re reading this the Chronicle is your lifeline too. It’s a critical piece of our community and it’s just another reason why.
Reasons Why #10 - Star light, star bright
Several weeks ago I was driving home to Crystal River from Inverness. It was late and I was tired, 486 was dark and quiet, I started to zone out. I began to roll the window down to get a quick burst of air to perk me up the last five miles of the drive, as I did I glanced out the window at the night sky – and practically ran off the road.
What happened to make me do this you ask? A lost wandering cow? A wreckless driver? A UFO? No, it was the night sky. The brilliantly beautiful, clear, star strewn sky. I actually slowed down and pulled off the road for a minute. I couldn’t even recall the last time I had seen stars shine so brightly. I’m positive I lost my breath for a moment.
When I got home I stood in the driveway for a few extra minutes just staring at the sky. It’s really amazing the how clear the stars shine without the adulterations of big city lights. It was something I had never given much thought to living in a city, one of those little things you forget about and don’t realize how much you actually miss.
There’s just something about the sky, something about the stars so high above, it brings peace and clarity of mind. It’s like a reminder that we need to stop and notice the little things. Stop and appreciate what’s around us.
Later in that week I was visiting a friend who lives several miles outside of town. While sitting on the back porch I instantly became mesmerized but the night sky again, I was transfixed and didn’t want to move. It was raw and beautiful, even the lights of the mall slightly taint the view of the night sky from my neighborhood.
At this point I determined that I was crazy in the head, that I was the only person in Citrus County who gazed at the stars. The only one who appreciated the stars in the sky because of their association with a small town community. And I was ok with that.
However, a week or so after this I was at another friend’s house right off of the Kings Bay. There was a small group of us out there, talking about football and solving the problems of the world. One of my friends made a comment about the stars. My ears perked up. I wasn’t the only one who noticed them! We then had a delightful conversation about how the stars really do shine brighter in Citrus County - away from the saturation of city lights, skyscrapers, and pollution.
After these occurrences I realized that stargazing was definitely worthy to add to the list…of reasons why.
What happened to make me do this you ask? A lost wandering cow? A wreckless driver? A UFO? No, it was the night sky. The brilliantly beautiful, clear, star strewn sky. I actually slowed down and pulled off the road for a minute. I couldn’t even recall the last time I had seen stars shine so brightly. I’m positive I lost my breath for a moment.
When I got home I stood in the driveway for a few extra minutes just staring at the sky. It’s really amazing the how clear the stars shine without the adulterations of big city lights. It was something I had never given much thought to living in a city, one of those little things you forget about and don’t realize how much you actually miss.
There’s just something about the sky, something about the stars so high above, it brings peace and clarity of mind. It’s like a reminder that we need to stop and notice the little things. Stop and appreciate what’s around us.
Later in that week I was visiting a friend who lives several miles outside of town. While sitting on the back porch I instantly became mesmerized but the night sky again, I was transfixed and didn’t want to move. It was raw and beautiful, even the lights of the mall slightly taint the view of the night sky from my neighborhood.
At this point I determined that I was crazy in the head, that I was the only person in Citrus County who gazed at the stars. The only one who appreciated the stars in the sky because of their association with a small town community. And I was ok with that.
However, a week or so after this I was at another friend’s house right off of the Kings Bay. There was a small group of us out there, talking about football and solving the problems of the world. One of my friends made a comment about the stars. My ears perked up. I wasn’t the only one who noticed them! We then had a delightful conversation about how the stars really do shine brighter in Citrus County - away from the saturation of city lights, skyscrapers, and pollution.
After these occurrences I realized that stargazing was definitely worthy to add to the list…of reasons why.
Reasons Why #9 - A Community of Caring
A few Saturdays back the Chamber of Commerce participated in the Big Brothers Big Sisters Bowling for Kids Sake event. It was one of those times when you make a comment out loud, the right person hears you and before you know it you have landed yourself in the middle of a project. This time however we were quite happy to oblige as BBBS is a wonderful cause here in Citrus County.
Getting involved in the community was one of the many reasons I took my job at the Chamber so it was my pleasure to rally the troops and form a bowling team. A team, I may add that I assembled but completely dodged the bullet for having to play on – every team needs a “morale captain” – right? Looking back I could have been more aggressive about collecting pledges, but regardless our little team showed up that day high in spirits ready for a fun afternoon, it’s all for the kids anyway.
However it wasn’t the spirit, aptitude, or scores of our Chamber Champs team that struck me that afternoon. It was the overall scene. When I walked in Manatee Lanes was abuzz with people and excitement.
Throughout the course of the day over 50 teams turned out in support of this event. Around 400 people took time out on a Saturday to support a great community program, a Saturday that was smack in the middle of scallop season. Now that’s dedication.
But it’s more than that; you and I both know it. To us it’s not anything out of the ordinary because that’s how Citrus County works.
Several days after this event I was sitting at a women’s networking event talking with many local business ladies. Sharon Malm of New Concepts Hair Salon, said something that really struck me, she said “I’ve never seen people care like the people here in Citrus County do.” It’s true and she couldn’t have been more right.
One any given day at least half a dozen organizations have write ups in the Chronicle for a wide array of charitable causes. From making cards to send to overseas military personnel, to collecting cell phones for women in abusive relationships – people are caring all over Citrus County.
It’s often hard to put into specific concise words to outsiders this concept of community that we have here in Citrus County. But I guess I could boil it down to this – We Care. Sure we have our issues, all communities will – but we care about each other and are willing to step up to the plate as community members to help each other out.
It’s a worthy cause I will serve all day and it’s just another reason why I love our community.
Getting involved in the community was one of the many reasons I took my job at the Chamber so it was my pleasure to rally the troops and form a bowling team. A team, I may add that I assembled but completely dodged the bullet for having to play on – every team needs a “morale captain” – right? Looking back I could have been more aggressive about collecting pledges, but regardless our little team showed up that day high in spirits ready for a fun afternoon, it’s all for the kids anyway.
However it wasn’t the spirit, aptitude, or scores of our Chamber Champs team that struck me that afternoon. It was the overall scene. When I walked in Manatee Lanes was abuzz with people and excitement.
Throughout the course of the day over 50 teams turned out in support of this event. Around 400 people took time out on a Saturday to support a great community program, a Saturday that was smack in the middle of scallop season. Now that’s dedication.
But it’s more than that; you and I both know it. To us it’s not anything out of the ordinary because that’s how Citrus County works.
Several days after this event I was sitting at a women’s networking event talking with many local business ladies. Sharon Malm of New Concepts Hair Salon, said something that really struck me, she said “I’ve never seen people care like the people here in Citrus County do.” It’s true and she couldn’t have been more right.
One any given day at least half a dozen organizations have write ups in the Chronicle for a wide array of charitable causes. From making cards to send to overseas military personnel, to collecting cell phones for women in abusive relationships – people are caring all over Citrus County.
It’s often hard to put into specific concise words to outsiders this concept of community that we have here in Citrus County. But I guess I could boil it down to this – We Care. Sure we have our issues, all communities will – but we care about each other and are willing to step up to the plate as community members to help each other out.
It’s a worthy cause I will serve all day and it’s just another reason why I love our community.
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