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Highlands Today

City joins centennial committee

Courtesy of Sebring Historical Society

George E. Sebring and his wife Cora Harris are shown on their honeymoon. Sebring married her on Feb. 16, 1897. Sebring founded his dream city in 1912 and named it Sebring also.

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By JOE SEELIG

Highlands Today

Published: November 8, 2009

SEBRING - At the request of Allen C. Altvater III, the city of Sebring City Council voted to provide some official help to serve on a centennial planning committee when the city celebrates 100 years in October of 2012.

"You'll have to help me so this thing functions right," Altvater III told the council.

There was some question, Altvater III said, as to the involvement the city would have.

Altvater III said Friday he wanted meet with the council once more in November to avoid a situation where Sunshine laws might kick in.

"I'm seeking interpretation that it is not an official city committee," he said.

It was his understanding after Tuesday's meeting that Mayor George Hensley and City Clerk Kathy Haley would participate.

They would meet with members of the Greater Sebring Chamber of Commerce, the Sebring Historical Society, and the Rotary, as well as local spiritual, cultural, educational and business leaders and groups.

"I'm hoping all the civic groups will come together and say, hey, what can we do to help?" said Altvater III. "My response to that will be, 'What do you do best?'"

Altvater said while some Web sites have been unofficially established about the centennial he wanted this committee to become the official voice for the celebration.

"I want to see what we're doing is representing the city in an honorable way," he said.

During the meeting Mayor Hensley said he wanted to remind others it's a city celebration and not to go "chomping off on their own," when it came to private Web sites.

The original date of Oct. 13 through Oct. 21 was just a goal. It is entirely possible the celebration could last much longer.

The centennial celebration is still two years out, but he hopes to hold the first planning meeting as soon as three months from now, he said.

When a date is set, it will be announced.

The city council also approved a colorful logo for the centennial which shows the city pier, palm trees, Lake Jackson with the words City of Sebring, and an antique lamp post above a checkered flag banner with the dates 1912-2012 {#x2015} and the words "Celebrating 100 Years."

Highlands Today reporter Joe Seelig can be reached at 863-386-5834 or jseelig@highlandstoday.com

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