WEDNESDAY’S LIST . . . of beans ‘n greens ‘n other things: EVERY NOW and then, good things do happen in our town.

One example is the old building in Quintard’s 900 block being converted into a new home for the local Social Security office.

Take a look the next time you’re that way . . . really nice, a big facelift for Quintard, one of the loveliest streets in America from the old Downtowner to 18th street.

The old building has long been an eyesore (there are others, of course) since Love’s Supermarket went out of business.

A supermarket isn’t exactly an oasis of beauty, but Love’s really looked good on those days it offered triple pay on coupons.

Remember?

*** QUOTABLE: A diplomat is a man who always remembers a woman's birthday but never remembers her age. – Robert Frost *** THE RECENT “back in time” trip with a 1951 phone book kicked up few memories, including a few of the advertising lines.

One I especially liked came from Central Photo Service:

“Children’s Portraits Never Grow Up”

On a wall at our house is a framed and black and white mounted photo of our grandsons, Riley Stephen, James Tyler, and Cody Houston . . . all Smiths.

They’re all grown now, the older two out of college (engineering degrees), married to lovely ladies, and gainfully employed. The youngest is still in college. But sometimes when I walk by the photo, I wish for a few moments in the past.

Oh, one that didn’t make it came from Hank Shriver:

“You forgot Quality Radiator Service: The best place in town to take a leak.”

That one sings . . .

*** IN POINTING out all the automobiles once on the market in the phone book, a quick reader pointed out that I left off Kiaser-Frazier and “the best little car ever, the Henry J.”

I don’t know about the best, but the Henry J. was small and more than a bit on the ugly side and I liked it. I do tend to like ugly cars – the Chrysler PT Cruiser and the Honda Element for instance – but I never get around to buying one of them.

*** SINCE EVERYBODY between the two oceans has a Top Ten, I’m joining the choir:

1. Alabama, 2. Florida, 3. Georgia, 4. Florida State, 5. South Carolina, 6. LSU, 7. Kansas State, 8. West Virginia, 9. Texas, 10. USC.

*** TOP TEEN: The folks at Faith Christian School would love for you to meet one of their finest, Stephen Emerson, who carries a 4.0 GPA.

And you need to sit down for this one . . . young Mr. Emerson scored a 35 on his ACT. People, that’s just one shy of dead solid perfect.

“Stephen’s college decision is to be determined,” says Regina Musser, Faith counselor. “But his prospects are many. He will most likely enter the engineering field or attend medical school. He can pretty much do and go where he chooses.”

Stephen has been a member of the National Beta Club since seventh grade, and was in Youth Leadership Calhoun County 2011-12, and attends Golden Springs Baptist Church.

When he’s not mastering the books, he is shining on the athletic field. He has been All-County in soccer for two years, All-Area second team in basketball 2011, and tennis sectional champion this year.

“He is a highly intelligent young man and a gifted athlete,” says Headmaster Bob Phillips. “He is also competitive, quiet, graceful, respectful, kind, and maybe most importantly humble. He is a true Christian role model for all of us.”

Proud parents are David and Amy Emerson of Anniston.

Take a bow, young man . . .

George Smith may be reached at 256-239-5682 or e-mail: gsmith731@gmail.com