Andalusia’s new CVS/pharmacy will open in July, corporate officials said Friday.
Michael J, DeAngelis, the corporate director of public relations, said the store will employ approximately 20 people.
The new 12,900 square-foot store will be located at the corner of U.S. Hwy. 84 and East Three Notch, where the Barrow’s Furniture warehouse sits. Currently, a sign sits at the corner, marking the new store’s location.
According to the corporate website, sites are chosen based on a number of criteria points, including a highly visible and easy accessible location in a high-traffic area with parking room for 75 to 80 vehicles.
“To CVS, being a good neighbor means providing the most convenient locations possible to allow access to the health care and prescription needs of individual communities,” the website stated. “From selecting sites to the layout of the store to the hours we operate and the services we provide, our goal is to deliver increasingly greater convenience.”
Andalusia City Clerk John Thompson said in March, the city council will formally take action to close a portion of what is known as Holley Road to help ease the confusion at the intersection.
“We hope it will take the name of ‘malfunction’ away from the intersection and alleviate some of those traffic issues there,” he said. “Mayor Johnson and the city council have worked hard for this project to come to fruition, and the area will be much safer and aesthetically pleasing – the whole project will be a compliment to the retail community.”
While “Going Long for a Cure” is this year’s county Relay for Life theme, there remains a long way to go to meet this year’s $100,000 fundraising goal.
“That’s why fundraisers for the months of January through April are always so important,” said Carrie Thomasson, Relay chair.
“We have a $25,000 goal for sponsorships, and we’ve raised $11,000,” she said. “So we’re at 44 percent of that goal.
And so far, $15,000 has been collected from fundraisers. The group has exceeded its goal of having 25 participating teams.
Relay for Life is the American Cancer Society’s signature fundraising activity. During the Relay, team members take turns walking around a track, there is also a survivors’ dinner, lap and entertainment. This year’s event will be held on April 27.
Thomasson said the night will feature football-themed sideline activities to “keep the evening hopping.”
“These will include a moon pie eating contest – and we’re looking for moon pie donations; a run-through competition, where each team decorates their own football team’s run-through for judging; football throwing contests, and cheer contests including Relay teams and, hopefully, any local cheer squads that are interested,” she said.
Three are three “big” fundraisers on the immediate horizon – the annual Relay for Life beauty pageant on Feb. 4 and two new fundraisers.
“The Parker Photography team is sponsoring a runway show, with models and selections from local retail businesses and the Shaw-team sponsored bingo night,” she said.
Tickets are on sale now for the runway show, which is set for 7 p.m., March 10, at the Andalusia Adult Activity Center. They are available by email Angie Parker at or by phone at 334-892-2257 or contacting Diane Jones at 334-222-6891.
Shaw’s bingo night will be held on Fri., Feb. 3, beginning at 5 p.m., at the Shaw rec building.
Thomasson said other fundraisers this including singing telegrams by the Andalusia High School choral department, a Cupid pageant by the LBW Community College SGA and several others.
“If a company wants to make a one-time donation and be part of our sponsorship circle and be recognized in our advertisements, they can call Amanda Wise at 222-6968. She’ll be happy to talk with them.”
For info, call Thomasson at 427-3802 or email her at .
The Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce honored Jerri Stround and John and Mary Lee Howard with the president’s and distinguished service awards last night.
Outgoing Chamber President Jana McGlamory, who presented the awards, said she couldn’t think of a more worthy choice for the president’s award than Stroud, whose education career spanned more than 35 years.
“Over the course of her career, her influence and encouragement have motivated many of us to greater heights in our lives, families and careers,” McGlamory said. “She has earned the utmost respect from her fellow faculty members and served as a mentor for many of them.
“This very busy lady has also served as president of the LBW Foundation Board, is a member of the Retired Teacher’s Association, president of the El Martes Garden Club, past president of the Docena Y’ Tres civic club, and sponsor for the City Ambassadors who serve as the official hosts and hostesses for the City of Andalusia and many Chamber-sponsored events.
“She played an integral role in the success of the gala celebration for the ‘Absolutely Andalusia’ Homecoming festivities,” McGlamory said. “She has had a huge impact on my life and I am honored to present the president’s award to Jerri Stroud.”
The Howards were recognized with the distinguished service award as a “dynamic duo” for their tireless work on civic causes.
“A fellow Pilot member of Mary Lee’s said ‘she’s been the most successful fundraising chair I’ve known. When our club does projects such as our annual pancake and sausage day, we always feel like we get a two-for-one deal because he’s always there, too, and works with us just like a member!’ “ McGlamory said. “ In 2010, they extended their helping hands to the renovation of our Dream Park by working to coordinate all meals for the workers throughout the whole six-day construction.
“As if all that’s not enough they are both known all over this county as two of the biggest supporters and volunteers for Habitat for Humanity,” she said.
They are active in First United Methodist Church. Mrs. Howard is a member and past president of the Pilot Club, and Mr. Howard is a member of the Lion’s Club, and serves on the City’s Tourism and Relocation committee.
Other awards presented were elementary school teacher of the year to Barbara Peek of Andalusia Elementary School; middle school teacher of the year to Eric Searcy of Andalusia Middle School; secondary teacher of the year to Jana Clark of Florala High School; and student of the year to Samantha Hill of Andalusia High School.
The LAAC presented the Golden Palette award to Andalusia High School.
Entertainment was by comedian Jim Gossett.
Five-year disability access parking placards and license plates are up for renewal in 2012.
Probate Judge Ben Bowden said those affected will have to re-certify in order to continue using the placard or tag. Last year, the office issued 3,000 handicapped license plates.
“We have a new form issued by the Department of Revenue that one must fill out in order to be recertified,” he said. “The form must be filled out and returned to the probate office. The new form allows one to self-certify that you are still eligible for a handicap placard or tag.
“You will not need a physician’s statement is you’re simply recertifying,” he said.
Bowden said current holders should have received an instruction letter and re-certification form in the mail.
Vehicle ownership is not required to obtain a disability access placard, but proof of ownership is required to obtain a disability access license plate. A person may obtain a maximum of two windshield placards; however, if only one placard may be issued if the applicant receives a license plate.
Those seeking a placard or tag for the first time must fill out a disability access parking privilege form.
The five-year removable windshield placard is free and expires the last day of a person’s registration renewal month in 2017. A disability access license plate is $23 annually – the same cost as a standard license plate – plus a county issuance fee. The license plate must be renewed annually and will be replaced with a new license plate in 2017.
Additionally, there are no limits placed upon the number of disability access license plates that may be issued to an individual with disabilities, provided vehicle ownership qualifications are met. To obtain the license plate, the person with disabilities must have an ownership interest in the vehicle.
For more information, call the probate office at 334-428-2510.
The Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce this year returned to the tradition of recognizing business of the year, honoring Pink Peppers, Gitty-Up-N-Go, Andalusia Manor/Savannah Terrace, and Darby’s Village Pharmacy.
Outgoing Chamber president Jana McGlamory said, “It’s rare that a business gets the pats on the back that they deserve. I wanted to acknowledge our outstanding businesses for their roles in industry and leadership; expansion – job creation; increasing sales; enhancing aesthetic value of property; innovation; dedication and service; and community involvement. So our board worked to adopt a standard for honoring the business in four categories and hopes to accept nominations for these in the coming years:”
-
Marianne Harper Dubose of Pink Peppers with Ashley Eiland. - Mom & Pop Business of the Year Award
“This award highlights the 1-9 employee business that has taken a chance and carved out a niche for themselves in an already vibrant business community,” MaGlamory said. “They have added their own style and determination and shown success in their first year of business. After a year of personal loss and dedication to her goal, she would make her dad very proud. Congratulations to Marrianne Harper DuBose and Pink Peppers as our Mom & Pop Business of the Year.”
-
Roy Mohon of Gitty-Up-N-Go with Ashley Eiland. - Small Business of the Year Award
“This award goes to the 10-74 employee run business, who has continued to grow and serve this community for the last 18 years,” McGlamory said. “This business has flourished, withstanding even the closing of River Falls Street, and as it has, its owner has given back to this community in very generous ways. It is an honor tonight, to award Roy Mohon and Gitty Up-N-Go, Inc. this year’s Small Business of the Year award. “
-
Stallion, Sterling and Sheila Sasser, Sal.Lee Sasser-Williams of Andalusia Manor/Savannah Terrace. - Large Business of the Year Award
“For the 75-plus employee business, the Chamber cannot say enough about how this business has shown its support both to us as an organization, but to our community and its citizens,” McGlamory said. “As it has grown and invested in the lives of our families, we owe a great debt of gratitude to the Sasser family and Andalusia Manor / Savannah Terrace facility. They are truly vested in this community and make it a better place to grow old!”
Business of the Year Service Award
“To the business that has truly served our community for the last 15 years, David and Laura Darby have invested and given back to our community on every level,” McGlamory said. “From his civic involvement and passion for making a difference in local and state government, to his support of every local school and youth program in the county, there is rarely a time that they say “no,” to anyone. With service like that, it is fitting that Darby’s Pharmacy receive our Business of the Year Service Award.”