The Good:
In my initial Post I wrote about the good the bad and the ugly in my small town of Bartlett Texas. I discussed briefly one of my least favorite subjects in this small community. Let me awaken your desires for small town living by discussing what is good in Bartlett Texas.
Bartlett is a small intimate community. If every one does not know everyone else they know of you.
Down Town Bartlett which is seen immediately off state Highway 95, which runs from one end of Bartlett to the other, looks like time has only bandaged it allure but not changed the early 1900 buildings. The fancy houses of the late 1800's and early 1900's do not dominate Bartlett, but evidence of quiet living and working class families still remain. Some of the old storefronts have retained portions of an era long gone.
Restaurants: Lois and Jerry's restaurant consistently gets high ratings through trip advisor, word of mouth and travelers who come from all over Central Texas to eat there. One Gentleman from Killeen Texas told me people come from all over Texas to eat at Lois and Jerry's.
There is a new BBQ diner in Bartlett that is the rave of local Natives. My family has eaten there five times since the facility opened. The food is good. I am a long time lover of Papa's BarBQue in Houston. If I gave Papa's a 10, I would give Ton's of Fun an 8 simply because Papa's offers a larger selection. My favorites at Tons of Fun are the beef sausage, and the cold slaw. My Husband likes the brisket and the cold slaw, my son likes everything and the COLD SLAW. This is a family owned business with a friendly atmosphere. I gotta try the turkey legs. Like them on face book. Phone number 254-2273-7037
The roach coach next to General Dollar is said to have the best Mexican food in this area.
There should be a German restaurant opening soon. Having lived in Germany twice, I cannot wait to taste the food.
There is also a Mexican restaurant across from the gas station at Clark and Hwy 95.I have heard nothing about it, but I did not ask either.
The new donut and kolache shop is on Hwy 95. I hear it is very good.
People: I'm a kind of what you see is what you get kinda girl. I admire that same attitude in others. I have not met a pretentious person in this town. Every one is pretty much "what you see is who I am". As you live around the people of Bartlett you learn more. There is so much talent in this town. So many people with skills used in earlier professions, and new entrepreneurial endeavors. The people of Bartlett have the skills, mindset, artistic abilities, leadership qualities and experience to make this town rival any large city. What makes Bartlett special? The people.
Churches: For a small town, the Churches have Great Fellowship, commitment and dedication to the community. NOW I say that based on conversations with my fellow citizens. I met a lady from the Baptist church. We talked about youth programs. It pulled a heart string when she said "OH the Baptist and Methodist church will work together on that". From the large Churches I grew up in and went to in my travels it had always been my experience that one church wanted to be the "Front Man" and the other the follower with no true collaboration as partners on a project.( Except the church in Reno NV). Now the Methodist Church on Clark Street, I can speak about that one from my own experience. My Husband and I went to the Church after we returned from my sister's memorial in Houston. We walked in and John welcomed us from the podium. We were acknowledged by the other parishioners. Having grown up in a Methodist church I felt at home in a familiar environment as I continued to morn by sisters passage to heaven. The congregation listened as I , a stranger cried as I talked about growing up Methodist ,lying on my sisters lap during service, then having her explain to me what happened in Church. But the experience does not stop there. This small church, has a clothes closet that gives free clothes to anyone in need from Bartlett and the surrounding cities. I believe if someone was out of town and needed clothing the closet through the Methodist church would provide. This Church visits the Nursing home, has a food locker, a small youth group and so much more. It is obvious when you sit there you can feel the love and commitment to spreading gods words by actions. I thought , "Lord use me here". Once again the more I attend and know the people from the church the more I find out They are who they appear to be. If you are looking for a place of worship to visit on Sunday morning , Please consider visiting the Methodist Church on Clark. There are several other Churches in Bartlett that I have not mentioned, but I have heard good things about all of them. I will visit each and update the blog after each visit.
Police: OK I agree like any other town or city we all want more officers. But I like the current location. I like the fact anyone speeding down 95 by Down Town can and will get a ticket, from a Bartlett police officer or a county officer. On Hwy 95 by the police station is our school sign, the donut shop, the gas station, businesses and homes. Bartlett's children are back in school. Violators of the traffic laws should be punished to keep our children safe. I also like the fact you can wave to your local cop and he remembers your face. Here we are not just addresses on a grid we are people with names and recognizable faces.
City Happenings: Our Town has several events one is coming up in September, a festival of sorts followed by the Christmas event in December. There is also a city wide garage sale in April. There is talk around town about getting citizens involved in other city wide activities to bring positive attention to Bartlett. I can see Market days in Bartlett( Belton has this already) in our future.
Please check Bartlett Chamber of Commerce web site for dates.
Since I moved here there has been several properties sold, more rented, the donut shop opened, the BBQ shop opened, there are plans for renovating the streets, lots of construction on lived in homes. Is this an upward trend for Bartlett, Hmmmmmmmm I'm liking it. Grove Properties is a local real estate company. Please contact them if you have any questions regarding properties in Bartlett.
School: Bartlett has a small school district with poor reviews from the national website Great Schools. But what I see is a community invested in the education of their children, the next generations of advocates doctors, teachers, military leaders, entrepreneurs ect. There is a family who lives in an areas in Texas that has one of the highest graded schools in Texas yet the children will be going to school in Bartlett. How about that. As for the politics if there are any surrounding the school am unaware of any concerns.
Question:
What can we do as citizens of Bartlett to people to our community. To live or just for a day of shopping?
No comments:
Post a Comment