By Pauline Tom
Vrooom. Vrooom.
“Ladies and gentlemen, start. your. chainsaws.”
This word came (via email) from Mayor Tiffany Curnutt on the evening of June 30.
Why June 30? That’s the last day for “no pruning or wounding live oaks” period (with a few exceptions), according to TexasOakWilt.org’s protocol. The unsafe time span starts each February 1.
Always, as oak wilt precaution, immediately paint each live oak wound with wound paint or latex paint. And, disinfect the saws used on one tree with a 10 percent bleach solution before moving to another.
Watch any oak tree trimmers you hire and those you see in Mountain City, especially February–June. Oak wilt is neighbors’ business. One trimmer’s negligence can affect neighbors for decades as oak wilt progresses, foot by foot, in tangles of oak roots under Mountain City.
Tree Trim Days in Mountain City go through Sunday, August 7. Limbs must be out by the street that night.
• • •
Vrooom. Vrooom.
The word “Go!” started the annual Mountain City Lawnmower Race, about a block up from Old City Hall.
But, first came the big 4th of July Parade at 10 a.m.! Patriotically decorated bicycles, carts, golf carts, human walkers, strollers, and such circled the block while residents along the way watched and cheered.
KissMe came along for our fun this year. Ron Tom decorated my garden cart and KissMe. Christine Greve, walked with us, pushing one of her three doxies in a doggie stroller.
First place winner in the Lawnmower Race, Mayor Tiffany Curnutt, took home Mountain City’s unique-to-say-the-least Bald Eagle-topped metal firetruck-red trophy and a gift certificate donated by Beth and Everett Smith.
Vrooom Vrooom.
The festivities capped off with our first ever Power Wheels (battery-operated) race for children. With three entrants, all three received a trophy. First place took home a gift card donated by Tiffany Curnutt.
Peggy Meador stayed behind at Loving Mountain City’s festively-decorated-by-volunteers tent – on a knee scooter, her damaged foot in a boot. Peggy warns, “Be very careful on 1626 (near 967)”. Her collision easily could have been head on.
Loving Mountain City Coordinator, Penny Moulder, was joined at 9 a.m. by volunteers Ginger Hite, Tiffany Smith Curnutt, Crystal Smith Dixon, Jerry Chanek, and Mary Lacy Meador. Kudos to all.
Next up on Loving Mountain City’s Calendar? Fire and Ice, Saturday, October 8.
