By Bobby Tingle

 

Theresa Adams Beauchamp was sworn into office Tuesday afternoon along with Dean T. Crooks, Rodney Price, Robert Viator Jr., Hershel Stagner, Jr., Chad Jenkins, and Brandy Robertson.

Her 95-year-old mother, Marcella Adams, was in the audience.

“My mother wanted to live long enough to see me sworn into office.  Now she wants to live long enough to see what I do,” said Beauchamp after taking her oath to serve.

Adams was the first woman elected as county commissioner in Orange County.  She began her term January 1, 1987, and served in her role eight years. Now her daughter is following in her footsteps.

It is heartwarming to attend public meetings in Orange County.

Tuesday was no exception.

Like Adams, other family members attended to support their spouse or parent as they assumed office.

I am also grateful for the way such meetings are opened in Orange County.

Boy Scouts of America Troop #23 opened with a color guard flag presentation and pledge of allegiance.  Chris and Clarissa Slaughter sang the National Anthem and Chaplain Mike Eaves offered an invocation.

We ought not to take for granted these moments of patriotism and reverence.  In many places, such things have gone out of style.

Thankfully, in Orange County, it is the normal way to open a meeting.

Take time to show your gratitude to those who serve this community.  We may not always agree with them. But, I suspect it is a tough and taxing job.  We are much better off as a community for their leadership.

 

State of the art Dealership

 

Gateway Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram are wide open selling new and pre-owned trucks and autos at 4103 I-10 East in Orange.

Gateway is the newest dealership in town.

And they have big plans.

“We will be building a state-of-the-art dealership,” said Greg Holmes.  According to Holmes their new home, eventually, will be on land acquired on Highway 62 near I-10 East.

Holmes is a sales representative at Gateway.  His enthusiasm is infectious.

He can tell you more about their plans and about the inventory on the lot if you stop by.  The dealership at its current location offers service along with the opportunity to upgrade your ride with a new or pre-owned one.

Operating Partner/Owner Corbert “Bert” Brocker confirmed their plans.

Brocker has big aspirations.  He already has his plate full with several other business ventures.  If you spend more than five minutes with him you may wonder how. He is the consummate multi-tasker, phone in one hand the other hand on a keyboard and the whole time negotiating with this publisher/sales rep.

Here’s hoping they do well and get their state-of-the-art dealership revved up sooner than later.

If you looking for an upgrade stop by and see one of their friendly sales reps and tell ‘em where you heard about ‘em.

 

Bobby Tingle is the publisher of The Orange Leader.  You can reach him at bobby.tingle@orangeleader.com.