Last week, I found myself writing on Facebook about the wonderful community spirit in Boaz as they prepare for their Harvest Fest.
My work in the newspaper industry has allowed me to become close to many surrounding communities, and I feel as if I’ve been adopted into honorary citizenship in each one. I cherish those relationships.
But that reflection also prompted me to look back at my own foundation, right here at home.
The truth is, my office is in Albertville, and my home is in Albertville. I grew up here, went to school here, and played in the band here. I made my share of mistakes here, and more importantly, I was shown love and forgiveness here. My roots run deep in this soil.
I’ve been taking it for granted that after years of dedicated effort, Albertville is doing well.
This success didn’t happen overnight or by accident. It started long before the current administration and is the direct result of the tireless work of past and present city leaders, the Albertville Chamber of Commerce, and the citizens who invested their time and energy into our town.
It was never my intention to put my hometown on the back burner.
After the recent elections, I sense a season of change and perhaps some of the turmoil that comes with it. Now feels like the right time to bestow some wisdom upon my friends, family, and fellow citizens of Albertville: Work together for the good.
Competition makes us all better.
Love one another.
This reminds me of my teenage years when the economic winds were blowing differently. Back then, Boaz was the envy of the county with its booming outlet centers. Here in Albertville, things were tougher.
But the story of our town is one of resilience. We couldn’t have the outlets, and we don’t have the lake, so we had to forge our own future. And we have done that.
That growth hasn’t always been easy. We have our problems, with the traffic on Highway 431 being the most prominent reminder of our progress and its challenges. But I am here today to proclaim I love my hometown of Albertville. I love the things we have and the things we do.
Brewfest is just around the corner, the Miracle League is wide open for play, and our park system is nothing short of amazing. There is always something happening, always an event to look forward to. For those who want to see the world, the Albertville Chamber even offers group travel to incredible destinations.
The most important wisdom to share is this: Albertville is great, but it doesn’t just happen. It takes all of us, working — hopefully together — to build it, maintain it, and push it forward.
I am forever thankful I grew up in Albertville, loved by so many special people. I am thankful for the understanding and forgiveness I’ve been given. Sometimes, I need to be called out and reminded of where I came from and how I became the person I am today. It really does take a village.
My village started in Albertville, and I am blessed that it has expanded to include Boaz, Guntersville, Douglas, Sardis, Asbury, Horton, Crossville and Geraldine. I hope to share these thoughts more regularly. And I know I can count on my friends and neighbors to remind me, always, to stay rooted right here at home.
Jonathan Bottomlee is the advertising director and an Albertville native. His email address is [email protected].
Downtown Albertville is shown at sunset. Photo by KEVIN TERRELL l Special to The Leader
