By LiLi Stahler Murphy This month - The mosaic is installed, new officials take office, work begins on the pier and Festival of Lights!
Your Waveland Cleaver Correspondent - LiLi Stahler Murphy
For those who don’t know me, I completed my second term on Waveland’s Board as Alderman of Ward 1 in December, 2014. Since I was elected in 2006, I have been writing a monthly newsletter for my constituents and other interested residents, trying to keep them up to date on Waveland “happenings." With this column - even though I've chosen not to seek re-election - I can continue letting people know – “What’s Up in Waveland”
New Mayor and Aldermen Take Office
As of today (12/3/2014), I am now no longer a Waveland Alderman.This morning, December 3rd, I gave two presentations on Waveland’s Ground Zero Museum, one to the Hancock County Leadership Class and one to the Bay St. Louis Rotary.I am truly enjoying working with the Museum and find this new challenge will be of value both to me personally and to our Mississippi Coastal Community.I learned a lot in my 8 years as Alderman and hope to put this knowledge to good use.
Waveland’s election is over and the new Board of Mayor and Aldermen have been sworn in.I believe we have a real dream team this time.I’m looking for great things as they are the best people possible to run the city.In Tuesday’s election Mike Smith was voted In as Mayor, For Aldermen – Jeremy Burke for Ward 1, Bobby Richardson for Ward 2, Shane Lafontaine – run unopposed for Ward 3, and – drum roll please – Charles Piazza for Ward 4.There’s a story with Charles and his position as Alderman of Ward 4.
Charles was elected in 1998 and served 4 years. In 2002 he ran against Santo Saucier and the vote was a tie.Charles lost in a coin toss. In 2006 he ran against Santo Saucier and won (that was my first term when I met Charlie).
In 2010 he ran against Mark Kidd and lost.In 2014, he ran against Brett Ladner and the vote was 106 for Brett and 104 for Charles. As the story continues, there were 4 affidavit ballots that had to be verified.The votes were verified and ----it was a tie 107 to 107.This time Charles drew the right straw (no kidding) and regained his seat as Alderman. At the swearing in ceremony – I talked to Emily Piazza, Charlie’s wife.She told me that her father had been Ward 4 Alderman and had a tie election.Only in Waveland!!!
On December 1st at 3:00 PM, the new Waveland mosaic was unveiled. This project has been ongoing for several months with five workshops a week at the museum. There have been a large number of participants - from elected officials to the first grader at Waveland Elementary and the second and sixth graders at Holy Trinity. The mosaic was made at the Museum so I got several opportunities to see it progress. I made a couple of fish and found that I am not cut out to be a mosaic artist. Make a point of coming to City Hall to see it. What an amazing community effort and an outstanding work by Elizabeth Veglia!
Festival of Lights
With Snowflakes in the Oaks, Waveland will be gearing up for our Christmas festivities. Mark your calendar for Friday December 5th from 6 pm to 8 pm and join us for Christmas at the Carousel – an event for the children with cocoa, cookies, Santa, Christmas Caroling and, of course, Carousel Rides.
On Sunday, December 7 at dusk, join Santa, the Staff and friends as Waveland’s new mayor lights the City Hall Tree. There will be caroling, photos with Santa and snacks provided. Both events are hosted by the City of Waveland and are free to attend.
Holiday Home Tour
On December 6th from 1 – 4 pm, the Friends of the Animal Shelter will be having their Annual Holiday Tour of Homes. This year the homes are all in Waveland!! Tickets can be purchased at Maggie May’s or Doggie’s Day Grooming for $12 in advance and on the day of the tour for $15 at any of the homes. Please support this cause. Our house is on the tour this year so I look forward to seeing you.
Museum Christmas Bazaar
The Museum’s 1st Annual Christmas Bazaar went very well. We had 26 vendors. Many sold items that they made personally which gave the bazaar a warm local feel. With West End providing food and drink for attendees and exhibitors, a good time was had by all. We are looking forward to a similar bazaar next year.
Garfield Ladner Pier Repairs
The Garfield Ladner Pier will be open this spring!! The contract has been approved and notice to proceed has been given. I was informed that we ought to see work commencing on December 1st. The contract is for 120 days – which would mean April 1st 2015. I am always doubtful when I hear an ending date before work is actually started as the weather in the winter is so uncertain. However, I am hopeful that they stay on schedule and we can once more use our wonderful pier.
Road Work
For those who live or travel the Jeff Davis/Nicholson area, I went to a progress meeting with the Contractor and the Engineers who are overseeing the work. The Contractor says that he plans to pave before Christmas and that in the next week or so they will put a temporary patch on the cross cuts on Nicholson. That will certainly be a relief.