By Lani Gering

American Way’s Transformation!

When you’re curious, you find lots of interesting things to do. – Walt Disney

Life’s like a movie. Write your own ending. Keep believing, keep pretending. – Jim Henson

Better to fight for something than to live for nothing. – George S. Patton

It is time for us to realize that we’re too great a nation to limit ourselves to small dreams. – Ronald Reagan

If we did all the things we are capable of, we would literally astound ourselves. – Thomas Edison

Where liberty dwells, there is my country. – Ben Franklin

The cause of America is in a great measure the cause of all mankind, – Thomas Paine

The face lift of American Way is taking on a life of its own and I am very happy with the way it is shaping up! I really like living somewhere that is ever evolving.

Last month I wrote about the new artwork that adorns the corner of Fleet Street and American Way (J. Seward Johnson’s Forever Marilyn, Embracing Peace and Holding Out). One month later, we have a beautiful sculpted banner of the American Flag flying above the seemingly life size likeness’ of Presidents Washington and Lincoln and African-American social reformer Frederick Douglass on the corner of American Way and Waterfront Street. All three are very impressive.

Along with the three dimensional artwork there are seven quotes from seven prominent men who have helped shape the American way of life. As you walk along the promenade and look down, these quotes are now etched in granite markers embedded along American Way. Each one makes you pause and think and I believe that that is a good thing, especially in this day and age!

It is also apparent that a tribute to Henry Ford and the evolution of the car is coming soon as well. The photos in this column are of a 1926 Ford Model T and the shell of the futuristic laser printer created vehicle who, by the way, have their base here in the Harbor. The gentleman that I talked to who is in charge of the lighting along the Way told me that he watched them drive the Model T into the harbor. It really is a beautiful car. I am on the fence about the laser printer vehicles but we did get to see one in action a year or so ago so….it is the future! Will be interesting to see the completed tribute.

As with any change, there is the inconvenience of the construction. Please don’t let that keep you from coming over for a visit. There are three ways in to the heart of the Harbor – Waterfront Street, Fleet Street and St. George Boulevard. All three streets cross American Way. Waterfront has some one way traffic for about a block right now and quite possible by the time you are reading this, the traffic pattern will be restored to normal.

Be sure to check out the calendar of events and take part in those recurring events that appeal to you! Friday nights are a big hit this summer as are the movies on the big screen! If you are a music fan and appreciate some military humor, the Salute to Sunset concerts on Saturday nights are the place you want to be! Have a safe and Happy Fourth of July!!

REMINDER: THERE ARE NO FIREWORK DISPLAYS IN THE HARBOR ON THE 4^TH OF JULY!