The Mayor’s Desk
by Mayor Mike Schmitz
Everyone knows that along with the “dog days” of summer comes the start of school. This year, we are planning a special event to help kids get more excited about it – and about themselves! On Saturday, August 13 (the weekend before school starts) we’re inviting all Dothan elementary and middle school students to a “Back-to-School R.E.S.P.E.C.T.” rally at Rip Hewes Stadium from 9am – 1pm.
One purpose of what we hope will become an annual tradition is to celebrate, excite, and inspire students to return to the classroom with motivation and enthusiasm for attaining their education. But even more so, this event is about encouraging students to treat themselves and others with respect, in how they dress, how they talk, and how they present themselves. Free backpacks with school supplies will be given to each child who attends and participates. Speakers and program events will address motivation, self-esteem, discipline, cleanliness, dress, character, and respect. There will also be food, music, entertainment, and inflatables for the younger kids to play on.
When Pastor Steve Green from Birmingham, who is the founder of the R.E.S.P.E.C.T. Organization (his acronym means “Respect Every Single Person Ever Created Today” ) spoke in Dothan this spring, I got inspired. The rally he started in Birmingham about 15 years ago welcomed 20,000 kids last year, and I thought it would be great to hold a similar event here. I’m proud to have financial support from local businesses and from our education movement organization, Yes We Can! Dothan. An added bonus to this Back-to-School R.E.S.P.E.C.T. Rally is the opportunity for fellowship among parents, teachers, administrators, and children, and for everyone to meet Dothan’s dynamic new School Superintendent Tim Wilder.
The City of Dothan is pleased to promote awareness of a new program offered by the National League of Cities which gives citizens a discount up to 20% on their prescription medications. Using the Free Prescription Discount Card at any of 34 local participating pharmacies, customers who don’t have insurance, or those whose insurance doesn’t cover certain drugs, will be able to benefit. This card doesn’t cost the City anything, doesn’t pay the City anything, and is available at the Mayor’s office or online at www.dothan.org.
Our citizens can be proud of the services rendered to our neighbors in the northern part of the state following the devastating April tornadoes. I received a heartfelt letter of gratitude from the Mayor of Cullman who greatly appreciated our utility equipment and electrical crews who made several trips for many days to help restore power there. In several other northern Alabama locations, our city police, firemen, and equipment helped to restore order and provide other assistance. We know that it’s not a matter of if, but when we will be on the receiving end someday, so when our help is needed, we stand ready to go. I was grateful to the City employees who went, as well as to those who stayed behind covering extra duties in their absence. My thanks also extend to everyone who donated items such as water, diapers, and non-perishable foods that filled two tractor trailer trucks bound for victims of the storms. Within 24 hours, one of those trucks was already full and on its way.
Finally, I want to thank Ann Varnum, a longtime “fixture” on WTVY Channel 4 here in Dothan. During a recent City Commission meeting, after proclaiming “Ann Varnum Day,” I was proud to present her with a Key to the City in appreciation of her nearly 37 years of service. She has not only worked hard to keep Wiregrass residents informed on local issues and events, she also has been actively involved in hundreds of those events, and served as a tireless ambassador for Dothan. She is an inspiration to us all of us who love and serve this city!
