Meadow lakes recognizes locals

Tom Hood received an award of recognition from Lee Himes, board member of the Meadow Lakes Community Council Wednesday at the community council's regular meeting. Hood was saluted for 10 years of service as a firefighter, which included eight years as chief of Meadow Lakes Volunteer Fire Department.

Hood also accepted another award on behalf of his wife Donna and their family owned Mile 49 CafŽ. Over the years the Hood family's restaurant has sponsored the Meadow Lakes block party, Independence Day picnics, and free Thanksgiving dinners.

The community block party is in its third year. Last year, Mile 49 CafŽ donated a whole hog and hundreds of hamburgers and hot dogs. Hood homesteaded in the Meadow Lakes area in 1980 and said turning the restaurant over to the picnic was his way of giving back to the community.

"My restaurant is right there, so we just kind of open it up to them. The block party is for the community. We get to know each other and who we are," Hood said.