I could write about the impeachment proceedings, the war in Syria or the never-ending trade war with China.
No, I prefer to stay a little closer to home. Let’s talk about a few of the things that really matter in this world we call Clarksdale and Coahoma County.
Tennessee Williams
I’m looking forward to a weekend of Tennessee Williams.
I first read Glass Menagerie in Mrs. Keys’ literature class in the 10th grade. It was required reading in all Mississippi classrooms in those days. I hope it still is.
But it wasn’t until I moved to Clarksdale that I learned the concept for that classic play was a piece of furniture that was once in a house on the banks of the Sunflower River.
I read Glass Menagerie a couple of weeks ago. Let me encourage you to read it again. It’s a great way to spend an evening.
Ballet tickets
We put a pair of ballet tickets on our Facebook page Monday and they were gone in eight minutes.
Don’t tell me people who want to know what is going on in this town don’t keep up with your Clarksdale Press Register.
I am repeatedly impressed with the amount of culture and style found in this little town and how much local people value it.
Some say it’s the Delta. I like to think it’s just Clarksdale.
These tickets were for a high-end performance at the Bologna Performing Arts Center in Cleveland. We need a place like that in Clarksdale.
Hospital
Please read the story on Page One about your hospital.
Change is news and there are many changes going on in healthcare across this country and in Clarksdale.
Our hospital is the third largest employer in our community behind government and schools and nursing is the third most in-demand job behind cashier and teacher.
What happens with our hospital will have a major impact on the future of Clarksdale and Coahoma County. We’ve got to get this one right
Schools
The waves continue to ripple the water following release of school grades for our school districts.
There are those around here who are demanding change and they realize we have to do something quick.
Mark my words, the state is looking to take over our failing school districts and it could happen shortly after the first of this year.
To those who don’t have children in the local school district, you still have a dog in this fight. No other institution defines a high quality of life in a community better than a top notch school district. This community deserves better.
Yes, you do have a stake in this. The state usually comes with a tax increase. The state usually puts a crimp on athletics and the arts as it seeks to right-the-ship academically. The state takes away local control and creates something we may or may not like.
Chamber Banquet
The Clarksdale Chamber of Commerce banquet is next week.
Sara once teased me about being a cheap date when I carried her to a Chamber banquet in Starkville many moons ago.
We’ve been to a lot of them since then. I like them.
You know the drill.
They name a citizen of the year and follow that up with a top business and industry. I think it’s important to recognize the people and places that make this town the Star of The Delta.
The food is decent and the people I share a table with are folks like me who are proud to call Clarksdale home. I think it is important to break bread with the people who make this town tick.
And we listen to people who talk positively about our community. I think it is important to instill hope and pride in the people who are this community.
So buy a ticket and grab your date. We’ll see your there.
Floyd Ingram is the Editor of your Clarksdale Press Register. Look for him at government meetings and community events in your town this week.
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