Milestones and mothers

By Tim Eberhart, executive director
Rainsville Chamber of Commerce
Newspaper column for April 29-30, 2010 edition

Last week's destructive tornadoes brought to mind the twister that ripped through downtown Rainsville in April of 1997. Although the city park, police station, and downtown business district were changed forever, the community bounced back beautifully.

It is amazing how catastrophic events always brings out the best in people. It was so evident here in 1997, and again following the tornado that hit Powell and Sylvania last year, and now in Geraldine and Albertville.

Although it is a calamity that nobody would ever wish for, the anniversary of a tornado always becomes a permanent, major milestone in the history of any place on the map hit by one.

While I am on the topic of milestones,  I thought I would share a few more that are coming up in Rainsville.

May 2010 marks the 18th anniversary of the opening of the new Rainsville Public Library. I believe the first anniversary of their new children's wing was a few days ago.
May also marks the 13th anniversary of the opening of the V.T. Goggans Fire Station No. 1 in Rainsville.

 On the business front, a major milestone will take place this week. Somebody's turning five. Mama Maria's Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria originally opened on May 1, 2005. I plan to eat there twice this week to celebrate.

They have one of their famous “Everything” pizzas with my name on it-or maybe a stromboli, or a calzone, or an eggplant parmesan.

Mama Maria's is currently open Tuesday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Outside a broad menu, they also have a $4.99 lunch buffet, and now offer a $4.99 dinner buffet from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

This week, I am working on a Mother's Day gift idea web page. I hope to provide a helpful list featuring merchandise from our member merchants from A to Z. Or, it may take the form of a top 25, or top 50  list.

Go to www.rainsville.info for access to the gift ideas list.

If you work at one of our member merchants, and you have Mother's Day gift ideas that you want me to include on the web page listing, please let me know. The same goes for any milestones you have coming up that I can share with the public.



Contact info

Rainsville Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 396; Rainsville, AL 35986

115 Main Street West
PHONE: 256-638-7800