This is Viewpoints for Thursday, September 15, 2016

A good man gone

I have known Jake Ferro for more than 25 years. I know him to be a gentleman and a man of principle and integrity. Ferro is personable and relates well with people of all walks of life. He has years of unique business management experience, having worked for several large corporations in top management.

My impression, based on quotes from Bill Fickling, is that the Cherry Blossom Festival had financial difficulties and management problems at the time Ferro was recruited to run the festival. The CBF board recognized the need for a strong business person with proven management skills and acumen to turn the situation around. Ferro had (and has) the requisite qualifications.

It must be obvious to anyone with any management experience that bringing fiscal and management discipline to an organization rife with politics and participants, artists and vendors who want to do things their way and seek special advantage is a daunting task. Managing the CBF is probably a bit like trying to herd cats.

Individual participants want to do what they have always done, which is place their individual interests above the larger objectives and operating plan of the CBF. I don’t know the details, but it does appear from Mark Ballard’s comments that he was unreceptive to change, uncooperative and unwilling to get on board with the larger CBF management plan. This appears out of character for him. However, I feel sure Ferro presented Ballard with an understandable rationale for his decision regarding the annual luncheon. It would be out of character for Ferro to have done otherwise. It appears Ballard put himself and his interests above the objectives and success of the CBF.

If quoted correctly, Mayor Robert Reichert stated to the commissioners his “perception” that Ferro made some ill-defined threat. “Perception” is most often a person’s vague intuitive interpretation of an event, meaning that others may not have the same perception. We do not know the mayor’s actions and how he conducted himself during the meeting with Ferro. We also do not know why the mayor would want to express a meaningless “perception” to the board of commissioners.

Too bad politics and the loss of objectivity has cost the CBF board the services of a highly qualified, capable, dedicated, good man. Thanks for your good efforts, Jake.

Moment of pride

There are times in our lives that raise expectations to the limit. I am an 86-year-old veteran of the Korean conflict. I was stationed in Trieste, Italy. We who were stationed throughout the world did not know if or when war would come. Thank God it never invested us in conflict.

We take pride in the people who serve and do our best to make their lives comfortable. The VA has hospitals across the land where a veteran can get medical help. I needed that help as many others do. And I was given help.

Several years ago, I went to Fort Gordon for open heart surgery and received that operation without cost. Thank you, America. While there I saw something that warmed my heart, although I had never seen it from that view. I was 11 stories above the ceremonies. There below me stood a dozen men or more. Light had just filled the sky, although the sun was just a minute away. The formation moved about in military precision. Each step choreographed as in a special dance. You would have thought that an American dance group was performing for the world. The men and women carefully unfolded a flag. Only then could one tell it was our American flag. People walking past on their way to work often saluted.

The flag had been attached to the pole ropes ready to lift to the heavens. Suddenly a glimmer of red appeared above the tree tops and the flag shot upward until it was well above the ground. The flag slowed its ascent until zenith was achieved. By now, all the people in the area had stopped to watch the dance.

After the formation, the dancers finished, they stepped back, and in slow motion saluted. I had seen my moment of pride.

Warner Robins growth

Recently a friend was telling me about the growth and expected growth in Warner Robins. I have listed just the first 25 growth projects in Warner Robins for your information and to give people something to look forward to. There are many more. I was surprised at the shops that are planned for Warner Robins. I assume all of these entries are correct, but I take no responsibility for the list’s accuracy.

1. Growler USA is opening in the old Bare Bulb Cafe on Ga. 96 near the new Lowe’s.

2. Staples and Office Depot will merge. Staples will close its store in the Wal-Mart center on Watson Boulevard.

3. Kauffman’s Tires will open on Lake Joy Road in the Lake Joy Pavillion.

4. Publix is to open in Mergensor Commons in Bonaire in 2017.

5. LaParilla Mexican Restaurant just opened on Watson Boulevard next to Logan’s.

6. Spirit Halloween Store is in the former Publix on Russell Parkway.

7. Roly Poly Sandwiches has announced it will open in Warner Robins.

8. Freddy’s hamburgers at Ga. 96 on Lake Joy Road is open.

9. Ulta Beauty’s All Things Beauty is now open in Home Depot center at Watson Boulevard and Carl Vinson.

10. Let It Snow Creamery Dessert Shop is now open in the Kroger Center on Russell Parkway.

11. Fazoli’s is opening soon on Watson Boulevard.

12. Carter’s Babies & Kids opening in City Crossing Center soon.

13. Bargain Hunt announced a Warner Robins store.

14. Del Taco opening next to Bank of America on Watson Boulevard.

15. Dairy Queen opening next to Del Taco on Watson Boulevard.

16. Smoothie King now open in Kroger Marketplace on Ga. 96.

17. The Hot Spot Wings & Pizza replaced Shakey’s on Houston Road.

18. A second Cook Out is coming to Watson Boulevard.

19. A Hardee’s is being built at corner of Ga. 247 and Sandy Run Road.

20. Flash Foods constructing 6,000 sq. ft. store at Ga. 96 and South Houston Lake Road.

21. Rue 21 store in November in City Crossing Center selling men’s and women’s clothing.

22. Belk’s in Houston County Galleria is expanding into former Goody’s with a men’s store.

23. Pet Supply coming to Kroger Center on Watson Boulevard.

24. Rigby’s Water Park/Recreation Complex on Ga. 96 in 2017, adding to the present Rigby’s Fun Center & Restaurant.

25. New shopping center on Watson Boulevard. at Chapman Boulevard.

Warner Robins is growing.

This story was originally published September 14, 2016 at 6:00 PM with the headline "This is Viewpoints for Thursday, September 15, 2016."