I originally went to Fountain Car Wash to talk to Chuck Duggan about the special $3 exterior car wash, but our conversation veered to his electronic sign and why there is a new Bible verse posted there each week.
After Chuck bought out his partners and became sole owner of Fountain Car Wash in 2002, he was itching to install an electronic sign which, at the time, was not all that common and quite expensive. He prayed about that sign and one day a guy happened by with one on the back of his truck. He explained to Chuck that he could have the sign on a lease to own basis. Up it went and Chuck honored a promise he made to use the sign to glorify God. Every week, ever since, he puts up a new Bible verse. He started with the New Testament and today is in I John. The coolest part of the story though is the new friends he has made and new people he has met because of the verses. He said at least once or twice a week someone stops by to talk about those verses, someone just leaving the Medical Center after hearing good or bad news, someone who was having a rough day, someone who just wanted to say they appreciated seeing them.
Now, about that $3 wash. All day Wednesday and every other day from 5pm-7pm (except Sunday, of course) an exterior car wash is $3. What a deal! Fountain uses recycled water and all of their detergents are environmentally safe. Remodeling is in progress with plans for other special features to be added. All of the full service features you are used to are still in place, but if you’ve ever wanted to stay in the car and ride through the wash, now you can, for only $3.
I’m downright embarrassed to admit Kema’s Hobby in Gray was open almost a year and half before I heard about it. I immediately got in the car, drove to Gray and introduced myself to Kema Clark. I love books and I love this store. With over 40,000 books in stock, you’re bound to find what you’re looking for. If not, Kema will order it. She admits she’s been surprised by the amount of ordering folks do.
Kema left Jones County when her job with Ford Motor Credit took her to California, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Michigan more than once. After 26 years, she retired and high-tailed it back to Gray where, in February 2006, she opened Kema’s Hobby. In addition to books, you’ll find great coffee, displays by local artists and an outstanding comic book selection. Kema’s son, Jim Clark, was the inker for the last 4 Spiderman comic books and is the inker for Ex Machina.
Kema’s Hobby carries some new and tons of used books and you can trade your old books for store credit which can be used for half the purchase price of stuff you’re buying.
A couple of weeks ago, Vince Dooley was at Kema’s. His cell phone died and, needing to get in touch with friends, he stopped and asked to use her phone. Kema said he was very generous with his time, chatting and signing books. She never did tell me if he bought anything.
Kema’s Hobby is open 10-6, Monday-Saturday.
The Grillmaster is on Sam Nunn Blvd in Perry, exit 136 off I-75, and features smoked meats including chicken halves, pulled pork, sliced beef brisket, and pork ribs. They offer some great sides that compliment the taste of their smoked meats. My friend Tammy says the potato salad is to die for. She orders a big batch when attendance to an event requires bringing a covered dish. (I think she tries to pass it off as her own. Don’t tell I told.) The baked beans are out of this world.
In addition to their “Foods to Go” menu, the Grillmaster specializes in hand-cut steaks of Black Angus Beef so you can create your own masterpiece at home on the backyard grill. The Grillmaster will even marinate your pre-ordered steak. How’s that for service? For special events, The Grillmaster has smoked turkeys and spiral sliced hams you can order by calling Randy Head or Brad Stanley at 478-218-RIBS (7427).
Randy started cooking BBQ at the Big Pig Jig and never quit. In February 2007, he opened The Grillmaster where he makes his own sauce and can brag (which he doesn’t) that Davis Love III is a loyal customer when he visits Perry. Yep, that’s his picture hanging on the wall.
The Grillmaster is open Tuesday-Thursday from 11-8 and Friday and Saturday from 11-9.
