First of the ‘big three’ is here – head’s up, it’s going to be a busy summer

Hard to believe it and it seems to come around quicker and quicker every year, but next week we’ll salute another graduating class from Clinton County High School, and this weekend, the annual summer tourism season kicks off with the arrival of Memorial Day.

That said, here goes with my annual reminder to our local residents that with the arrival of the summer travel season this weekend, we need to remember that everything in Albany and Clinton County is going to get a lot busier and a lot more crowded as we welcome thousands of visitors to our area who will be vacationing and hopefully spending lots of money.

Our roadways are going to be more crowded as tourists – most from the northern regions of the country, find our area to enjoy our lakes and countryside for a few days or perhaps longer.

Our waterways are going to be even more noticeably crowded as well with boats, PWCs and swimmers enjoying our two bodies of recreational water, Lake Cumberland and Dale Hollow Lake.

While we may find ourselves aggravated from time to time with this increase in traffic that will be noticeable on our roads and lakes until at least Labor Day, we need to remember that we not only need these folk to come down and fill our resorts this summer, we need to welcome them whenever we get the chance so they will want to come back – again and again.

They bring money, and lots of it, and they buy gas, food, lodging, boat and vehicle repairs and the list goes on and on. That extra influx of money into our local economy means more jobs for our workforce.

We all have a chance to play our part and do what we can to bring these folk back. Give yourself a little extra room, both on the roads as well as on the waterways. Not only do their driving habits leave a lot to be desired compared to our habits, but I guarantee they feel the same way about some of our driving quirks.

If you see a tourist who looks to be lost or having vehicle or boat trouble, stop and lend a friendly hand – or at least some directions.

We’re a small community, but there is room for everyone.

And above all – keep it safe and make it a fun season for everyone.

In the words of Sgt. Phil Esterhaus from one of my favorite television shows – Hill Street Blues . . . “Let’s be careful out there!”

Brief talk from a familiar figure

Our Bulldogs and Lady Bulldog basketball players and a few others were treated to a special appearance last Friday afternoon at Clinton County High School.

Matt Stainbrook, the starting center for the Xavier University Musketeers, was in Albany at my request, to spend a few minutes telling our players about some of the experiences he has enjoyed the past two years playing for the Cincinnati area university.

We met Matt a few years ago when he was visiting with some of our lake friends on Dale Hollow and we have become good friends.

When he led Xavier to this spring’s Sweet 16 run in the NCAA tournament, as well as playing on the East -West All Star game on Final Four weekend, I began reaching out to get Matt to make a stopover at CCHS the next time he was headed to Dale Hollow.

In addition to his media attention from his basketball talents, Matt also became a “media sweetheart” of sorts this past spring, grabbing headlines, breakout network features and appearances on radio and television shows throughout the tournament stretch.

Matt and his brother, Tim, who also plays for Xavier, spent a long stretch Friday in Albany, talking with the players, as well as touring the basketball facilities and getting to know the coaching staff.

He was impressed, not only with our students and staff, but with our facilities as well, and he enjoyed sharing his experiences and knowledge with our players. An additional article and photos about Matt’s appearance here are on page 1 this week.

Of course, his appearance wasn’t completely without some sort of payment.

As is usually the case when he’s in the area, on Saturday afternoon, Matt and his brother found themselves on my back deck, just about the same time the chicken wings were coming off the grill.

Wearing a blue and white Clinton County Bulldogs cap, Matt and Tim only had to be told once to “help yourself.”

At 6’ 10” and 270 pounds, he’s looked up to as a giant, but from the time we’ve been able to enjoy knowing him, he’s best described as a “gentle giant” – and an all around fantastic young man.

Next on Matt’s agenda is several weeks of training in Boston in hopes of preparing for a selection on some level in the upcoming NBA draft, which will hopefully lead to a spot on a NBA team or an opportunity to play professional basketball overseas.

Good luck Matt, and thanks for sharing. I’ll keep the wings hot!