April Has A Touch Of Class

At a friend's house, a newly retired principal, I watched from the front lawn the Temple Terrace 4th of July Parade. My friend's wife is executive director of the Temple Terrace Chamber is Commerce, and....she was this year's Grand Marshall.

The parade began at 10:00am, and where I was waiting was about 15 minutes down the road. The cloudburst, a real downpour, began about 10:05am.

I can't believe anyone stayed around to watch the parade. But, no one left their area and simply waited. I guess those Temple Terrace folks are stout, good patriots.

When the parade finally arrived, let by the TT police and fire departments, things were soggy. Luckily, no thunder or lightning were in the mix.

Following came the politicians, led by Temple Terrace mayor Joe Afronti....who at an older age, stayed in his car. I do know him well, and I did jeer him for staying dry. He just laughed.

A few cars back, after some TT council members went by...also staying in their cars, came April Griffin. She had a nice car with big magnetic stickers on the doors, but, as Gomer would say, "Surprise, surprise. " April was walking behind her vehicle.

Truth is....she was not the pretty April we know and love. She was soggy, her hair matted, her t-shirt and shorts soaked. Yet...she was walking in the rain, something few other political types were doing. And the Temple Terrace parade route is one long march.

When I saw her, I yelled, “Yo April!” When she looked up and saw me, she simply smiled, and gave me a “Hi Dave” with a very even, friendly voice. She even threw me a strand of beads. No sarcasm, no one-finger salute, just a touch of class.

Good for your Miss April.

Trust me, I'll make naughty and nasty again in the near future, but for now.....I must say you represented your home and community in Temple Terrace well.

I just can't wait until you file for a Hillsborough County commission seat. Admit it.....you want that $90,000 a year salary!

posted by admin @ 3:51 PM