Live Oak — I hope everyone had a peaceful and happy Thanksgiving. Hopefully each took a moment to give thanks for the abundance we enjoy in this country. There are many that are struggling in our nation. Each of us have an opportunity to share our good fortune with those less fortunate than we are. The Christmas season, a time of giving, is upon us. The Scriptures tell us, “What goodness the Lord shall do unto us, the same will we do unto thee”. Food reserves are short in area food closets and toy collections are underway for youngsters in our community. We have an opportunity to share with those in need. Food and toys can be dropped off at the Live Oak Fire Station. Alan is feverishly collecting toys for Sparky’s Kids. Some area churches and organizations such as Love INC are also collecting food for distribution.



Writing of giving thanks, I thank Suwannee Valley Electric for putting up the Christmas decorations again this year. My goal is to have them put up before Thanksgiving each year. I appreciate John Martz for agreeing to put up the lights and banners for the City. Thanks to Craig Ragen and his crew for working into the night to make it happen. Thank you for your help each year.



Also, I recognize Councilman Ed Rewis for his efforts in getting the Mussey Street railroad crossing rebuilt. It was not constructed properly to start. He has worked with CSX, to no avail, for well over a year. Councilman Rewis was relentless in his attempt to get the crossing repaired. He contacted Congressman Steve Southerland for help. With the Congressman’s assistance, the crossing has been repaired. A big THANK YOU goes out to Councilman Ed Rewis and Congressman Southerland for their efforts. It’s good to know we have elected representatives that are responsive to our needs.



Christmas On The Square and the Christmas Parade were great successes again this year. I really enjoyed the parade. It was great. Thanks to the Chamber membership and especially Susan Hillhouse for their efforts. Live Oak Lights was also successful. The entertainment was great. We had some local talent that performed on a professional level. The highlight of the evening was the lighting of the city Christmas tree and of course Santa. Thanks to all that worked hard to make the event a success. Thanks to the Live Oak Partnership for the cookies and chocolate.



Two important projects were stared last week in the city. The palms trees are in and look nice. There was some opposition to the palms but I have had nothing but complements, to my face anyway, about them. Some find fault and are against anything and everything. The trees will look great in the spring when they start “heading out”. They look a little “stickish” because they had to be trimmed to ensure survivability. Also, Music Construction is full speed ahead on the parking lot on Warren Street. The lot will provide some 52 paved parking spaces for use by county employees, visitors and shoppers. These two projects are my two “babies” as I call them. I have worked on them for nearly two years. It is satisfying to see these projects happening. My Grandson Brandon works for the Madison County EMS. He tells me people over there brag on Live Oak and say “they have it together over here.”Other projects are in the works for Live Oak. I look forward to getting them started soon.



The new water system should go on line next week. There were a lot of bugs to be worked out. One bug that has been satisfied, at least for the moment, is the threat to this new water system from the proposed dump. It was rather ironic that a program on landfills was aired on TV Sunday night. A main point I got from the program was the view that it is not a matter if landfills will contaminate public and private water supplies, but when. Some propose that the liners will never leak. Nothing lasts forever. It is inevitable that these liners will fail one day. It is too late then when 60 feet of garbage stacked on top. One city, that derived about half of its city budget from accepting garbage from New York 400 miles away, baulked when the company wanted to put radioactive ash in the dump. Even though the city enjoyed the money, there was still that level of uncertainty in their minds about the future effects on their environment. I commend the many, and there were many, that played a role in getting this situation squashed. I find it necessary to recognize Mr. Ernest Sellers for his “bulldoggish” attention to this matter. Mr. Sellers has always been recognized as an expert in agricultural matters, now he is an expert in matters concerning landfills. Another big THANK YOU goes out to the many that played important roles in getting the situation taken care of.



Frequently I am contacted for information from people doing research on family trees and family connections. I am able to help in some cases but most of the time I refer them to the Suwannee Valley Genealogy Society. This group provides very valuable information to those searching for family history. I am a member of the Society and get a quarterly newsletter. I find the birth and death notices very interesting, especially the obituaries. The obits are very wordy and flowery. I find it interesting to read how many died as results of auto or train accidents.

As a lifelong resident of Live Oak, it is very interesting to see the family connections. You had to be careful years ago or you might end up marrying your cousin. It’s well worth the $30 single or $100 corporate membership, just to get the newsletter. If you are interested in becoming a member, contact them at SVGS, P.O. Box 967, Live Oak or call 386-330-0110. The office hours are Tuesday and Thursday, 9 – 12 and 1 -5. It’s in the old band building behind Mizell’s feed store. Ha ha, if you have not lived here long, you don’t know where these two places are. Learn more about your community and its people by joining the Society.



“Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord”. Do I need to write anything more about Christmas? Christmas without Jesus would be an empty holiday. It would be like eating Oreos without a glass of milk. I wish everyone a blessed and joyous Christmas season.    



Trash for Monday, Dec. 26 will be picked up on Tuesday the 27th, Tuesday as scheduled.

Trash for Monday, Jan. 2 will be picked up on Tuesday the 3rd, Tuesday as scheduled.



Be safe in your travels and as always, wear your seatbelt. God bless and protect each of you.