Time capsule

As reported in The Columbia News 25 years ago on Wednesday, Sept. 28, 1977.

Seniors turn out for Olympics

Over 800 senior citizens from four counties arrived at Julian Smith Park Wednesday for the 1977-78 First Federal Savings Seniors Citizens' Olympics.

Seniors competed in 11 events at the second annual event including the hula-hoop, watermelon seed spit, obstacle course, basketball shoot and giant tricycle race.

Winners of each event were given blue ribbons and a certain number of points. When all the points were added, Hattan Clifford walked away with top honors. Second place went to Charles Shampine and the third place winner was O.B. Poole.

"We are very glad that the Senior Citizens Olympics was received by our many friends as well as it was," said Robert S. Balk, First Federal Savings and Loan Association president. "It gives us great pleasure to be able to sponsor an event that produced as much pleasure as this one has."

Flower show

The Columbia County Fall Flower Show will be held Wednesday, Oct. 12, and will run through Saturday, Oct. 15. The theme for this year's show is "Color My World With Music."

The show is sponsored by Edgewood, Willow Wood and Wynngate garden clubs in cooperation with the Martinez Merchants Association during their fall fair.

Horticulture entrees can range from house plants to cut flowers and shrub cuttings. Children may enter horticulture exhibits into the Junior Gardener's Division.

Calico Carnival sets record

Approximately 10,000 people attended the fourth annual Columbia County Calico Carnival Saturday in Columbia Square.

The event, which grows each year, offered arts, crafts, rides, games, entertainment and food.

"This year there were more activities involved and more participation. It has grown each year," said Patrick G. Blanchard, master of ceremonies.

Event proceeds were estimated at $11,000, which are donated to Easter Seals each year.

Ambulance service reconsidered

Ambulance service officials from University Hospital, Richmond West, Sheriff Edward Tankersley and concerned residents met Friday at a meeting requested by Commissioner Dillard Watkins to discuss the current ambulance situation.

Sheriff Tankersley stated the Columbia County units were not able to respond quickly due to their location outside the county, lack of road familiarity and lack of radio communication with the sheriff's office. Moving the units into the county is a possibility, said University Hospital official David Blankenship. He said possible sites have already been located.

Radio difficulties were due to the ambulance service's need to change frequencies to central dispatch.

After a lengthy discussion, commissioners decided to consider a proposal from Richmond West to provide service to Martinez-Evans area.