Broad Street Business

A truck heads north on Broad Street, the main business route downtown. The First Presbyterian Church clock tower can be seen in the background, and the last building on the block at left is Selma's original YMCA building, now vacant. Other businesses in the block include a shoe store, computer sales and service and drugstore.

No Birds in the Bath

Birds avoid taking a bath in our backyard for at least three reasons:

1. Cats like to lay in wait around the birdbath and the bird feeder.

2. Our dog likes the shade from the tree, discouraging birds that might like to frolic and play.

3. There are all sorts of activities going on outdoors: lawn mowing, for example..

(Note: The young lawnmower man is one of my three sons. The cat belongs to a neighbor, and the dog is ours.)

Outpatient Surgery Center

Vaughan Regional Medical Center's new outpatient surgery center opened recently. Located behind the main hospital, the center will allow easier access and attention for same-day patients.

The Motivator

I call this man "The Motivator."

He has single-handedly done more to promote his hometown than anybody I know, and he was honored May 8 for that life-long pursuit.George "Cap" Swift received the Tim Bjelke Preservation Award, which goes to a person who has made outstanding contributions to historic preservation in Selma and Dallas County.

Also known as Selma's "biggest cheerleader," Cap has always had faith in the local people. He once led a dance band, opened Alabama's first Radio Shack, and his Toy Arcade store was every kid's Cloud 9. He served on the Selma City Council and was a member of the Committee of 100, which recruited Hammermill Paper Co. to Dallas County during the turbulent 1960s. The committee was composed of 100 men who each contributed money to begin the industrial development effort. He worked to try and save the historic Hotel Albert, which eventually was demolished, and became executive secretary of the Chamber of Commerce.

When he "retired" 20 years ago, Cap purchased a residence at Selma's busiest intersection, and he and his wife, Elizabeth, opened a visitor information center. They ran the center daily year-round from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m., welcoming people from all over the world. The center featured Selma souvenirs, t-shirts, local and regional books and products made in Selma. Two years later, he began publication of Selma Showcase Magazine, and in 2001, he received the Alabama Governor's Tourism Award. Cap recently "really" retired, but he is considering just moving to the visitor center to the retirement village (Kidding!), but I don't doubt he would try!

The Alabama Boys

The Alabama boys, a gospel group from Montgomery, perform at Sunday's "Jesus Day" festival downtown. The annual Christian event is held on the street amid the Baptist, Presbyterian and Episcopal churches. Streets are blocked off. There is free food, balloons and games for children. Local and regional music and drama groups perform.

Ladies' Banquet Collage

Christian singer and speaker Bonnie Keen, below, was worship leader at the Elkdale Baptist Ladies' Banquet April 28. Also shown are three of the banquet tablescapes. The annual event was held at the Selma Convention Center and is interdenominational.

All Things Bright and Beautiful

Most of Selma's flowering trees and shrubs are in full bloom. Here, dogwood and azaleas provide a backdrop in the Church Street United Methodist Church courtyard.