Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast 2019: "That is one hell of a big tent right there!"

Unity of purpose at the 2019 Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast: (left to right) State Representative Ed Clere: former city councilman, former county commissioner, longtime small business owner and current mayoral candidate Mark Seabrook: scruffy beer guy and iconoclast who sneaked in via the kitchen, then crashed the photo op; and Irv Stumler, whose CV is far too long to list here.*

The combined years of service offered by these three men to our community simply boggles the mind. 125? That's probably a low estimate.

I've disagreed with each of these men in the past, at times vehemently, and yet we still communicate with each other. Making sense isn't an activity confined to one side of an imaginary "aisle."

Some readers remain mystified at recent headings like this:

ON THE AVENUES: Socialists for Seabrook, because we desperately need a new beginning in New Albany.

They shouldn't be puzzled at all. This one isn't hieroglyphics, either.

Democrat David White: "I am asking ALL the people who have supported me over the years to help Mark Seabrook put People First!"

The coda goes to Kelly Feiock, in a photo taken at last week's chili cook-off at the Calumet Club.

Kelly wrote: "I LOVE this pic! Roger, Scott (Whalen) and I formed a friendship based on a desire to make our city a better place."

THAT'S the point, isn't it?

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* Thanks to Steve LaDuke for the "tent" quote.

Kiwanis donation effort underway to help employees of Sam's Food & Spirits.

It is a moving testament to the community's affection for Sam's Food & Spirits that in the wake of the devastating fire there not even 48 hours ago, help for Sam Anderson's employees is quickly being mobilized. I received this last night from Steve LaDuke:

Kiwanis of Historic New Albany announces a Christmas donation account for the employees of Sam's because of their loss, especially during the holidays. Donations can be dropped off at River Valley Bank in Sellersburg, IN or mailed to Kiwanis of Historic New Albany, 2724 Quail Chase Dr., Sellersburg, IN 47172. Checks should be made out to Kiwanis of Historic New Albany with Sam's Christmas Fund in the memo. 100% of the money raised will be donated to the employees of Sam's Food and Spirits.

In addition, there is much chatter among area's restaurant and bar community about a fundraiser of some sort before Christmas. As I learn more, the information will be posted. Below, the newspaper covers the fire and reaction to it.

Community rises up to help New Albany restaurant lost in fire; Sam's Food & Spirits burned down where it stood for 29 years, by Matt Koesters (Paywall Picayune)

NEW ALBANY — New Albany lost an iconic restaurant to fire late Monday night.

While Sam’s Food & Spirits’ location on Charlestown Road — where it stood for 29 years — burned down, the community was quick to rise up in a show of support.