There were several things on the minds of residents in Brewton and East Brewton 20 years ago in 2005.

Southern Normal School was renovating the old German Hall on the campus to be used for a learning center for seventh and eighth graders.

Bre-wton Middle School received a grant to help students get better reading scores.

Local schools have always been excellent to have special programs to help with the students.

A new work-out center, Curves, was getting ready to open its doors on Douglas Avenue. It was to offer quick work-outs for those who are on the go, with little time to spend in the gym.

A salute to Peggy Brackin was in The Brewton Standard on her birthday.

Peggy’s name was well known for many years in Brewton and Escambia County. She worked with the extension service and seemed as if she knew everyone. She played a big part in her church, First Baptist Church of Brewton. in various positions and activities. She was an excellent Sunday school teacher and always had a smile on her face. She is sorely missed by all who knew her.

Relay for Life kicked off to raise funds for cancer with a lunch in City Park featuring Pig Daddy’s Barbecue.

A good cause and good barbecue; you can’t beat that.

On Veteran’s Day Brewton Elementary School held a special program and invited local veterans to come and be honored for their service to the country.

I am glad to see that those who gave so much of themselves for their country are still being recognized by children. Some of them believe that their service was not valued as much as it should be and its good to know they are  honored. Things have changed over the years and military service is not looked on as a love of country as it once was. I noticed the commercials on television for us to place a green light bulb where it can be seen to let the public know that we support our military. I looked and finally found green lights and they are now displayed in my window at home.

T.R. Miller High School went into the quarterfinals for the state championship by beating the Aliceville Yellow Jackets 48-18.

It seems as if every year our local schools are good enough to go into the play-offs and this year is no exception. Let’s hope they go all the way.

There was much speculation going on in our area about who was going to win the Iron Bowl. It seems to have been split down the middle as to who everyone thought would win.

Brewton Elementary School was working very hard and having lots of fun with their music and music teacher, Mr. Turk. It was a class that apparently most of the children were enjoying a lot.

There was a story about Dr. William Hixon who traveled to Brewton on a regular basis to treat locals for cancer, saving them from having to travel for treatment.

I have known many people who were treated here in his office near the hospital. In fact my husband was one of Dr. Hixon’s patients. It was a lot easier to go across town than it would have been to have to travel out of town. Thanks Dr. Hixon.

Mildred Street Park was dedicated and a large crowd showed up for the ceremony. The Tree and Beautification Board did a great job putting it all together. It looks a lot better on that corner than it did before with a muddy parking lot and 18 wheelers parked there. Now it is a beautiful little park with a mural and park benches to make that corner beautiful.

In the newspaper, Carolyn Bivins was going strong with her advice about Thanksgiving. She hasn’t changed a bit and today offers some of the same advice. Carolyn even looks the same as she did 20 years ago.