COVID continues to hit Lanark community

Hi Y’all,

No Dollar General store in the Lanark area! Commissioner
Bert Boldt, after many months, a lawsuit and many anxious Lanark residents, has
announced that the courts ruled in favor of the county commissioners’ decision
not to allow the commercial zoning which would have enabled Dollar General to
build a store in our community.

This decision is not to be confused with the
Family Dollar store that is trying to build in the historic area of Carrabelle.
It was made clear in a meeting with the city of Carrabelle, by one commissioner,
that if you were not a resident of Carrabelle, your opinion didn’t count.

Our community has been hit once again with COVID,
as all communities have. Most of what I hear, hearsay, is that if you have been
vaccinated and you do get the virus, you will have a milder case. I, like so
many, relaxed my COVID ways and started being comfortable in crowds without a
mask. I have started once again to protect myself and others by wearing a mask
and being more cautious. Of course, washing my hands and carrying hand
sanitizer is always my routine.

There has been some changes in the COVID testing.
According to when I called last week, 850-653-2111, they are only testing those
who have symptoms. Give them a call if you have any concerns.

Within the last couple of weeks, Lanark has
been hit with the loss of some of our dear residents, or has had some who have
had to go to the hospital. Prayers and thoughts go out to them and their
families.

Hedy Berend passed away suddenly August 14,
she was such a sweet lady with many friends in our community. Hedy will be
missed and Lanark sends their condolences to her loved ones.

Andy Johnson passed away August 16. He was a
longtime resident who was liked by everyone he met. He was an active member of
the Lanark American Legion Post 82. He will be missed by those who knew him and
loved him. Lanark sends their condolences.

There has not been any published
arrangements for these two wonderful souls. I will let you know when I know.

The St. James-Lanark Fire Department is
still asking for volunteers to help strengthen the position of the department. There
is no question that this community and most of eastern Franklin County need to
have some kind of protection. Anyone who may be thinking of joining us needs to
know that the community is behind their fire department. Also, some of what you
might have heard may have not been accurate. Please call (850) 363-5403 to have
any questions you might have answered correctly.

Mail delivery still seems to be a great
concern in our community and others as well. I don’t know what to tell you,
with the exception of to continue to voice your issues with the post office in
Carrabelle. Obviously, the U.S. Postal Service is not listening.

Just to answer to some comments I have heard.
The Lanark Village Golf Club is not responsible for cutting the road right-of-way,
or the ditches. The ditches are cut with weed eaters operated by inmates from
the prison. That facility has put restrictions back in place because of the COVID.
Also, we have had lots of rain.

BE BEAR WISE, Get Help, Report Conflicts,
Know the Laws, 850-265-3676 and www.myfwc.com/bear.

Reminders: Some of the reminders have
changed.

The Coffee Times are still going strong on
Monday through Friday from 9 to 11 a.m. On Thursdays the representative of the veterans
administration will be there to answer any of your questions. Coffee is free on
Thursdays, compliments of the veterans representative. Please wear your
masks if you are not vaccinated.

The American Legion has their cheeseburger/hamburger
night. They will be serving these wonderful burgers on Friday nights 5 to 7 p.m.
If you want to call ahead, call 850-697-9998. The dining and bar areas are
open. The Public is invited.

Please call them to check about masks. Things
may have changed in the last few weeks.

The Lanark Village Golf Club is always open for your
fun, easygoing golfing needs. We are the only course on the Bay and you can
come spend the day for only $5 per person and anyone can join for only $50 a
year. Also, we rent our sign out for special messages as birthdays, anniversaries,
weddings, etc.

Love Lanark

Please remember to send me an
email or message me on Facebook if you have any questions.

Pat Sewell Funderburk is the Times Lanark News columnist. Be
sure to send news and society items about Lanark Village life to her at p.funderburk@yahoo.com