PASCAGOULA -- City Manager Joe Huffman became the first resident to receive the new library key card during a welcome reception today at the Pascagoula Public Library.
Lori Smith, branch manager, told about 35 people attending the mid-afternoon fete that patrons of the Jackson-George Regional Library System would begin receiving the new access devices July 1.
"It's a library card that fits on your key chain," she said after the reception. "So you can keep it with you at all times."
Smith also presented Huffman, his wife Patty, and their youngest daughter Jamie with a framed print of the Pascagoula beach at sunset, which was taken by local photographer Lyle Peterzell.
"We hope you will enjoy displaying this lovely print," she said.
Huffman and his family were guests of honor for the hourlong reception, which was sponsored by the Pascagoula Friends of the Library. Attendants included city, county and state officials, library personnel and patrons, and other residents.
The brief ceremony and presentations followed a hourlong meet-and-greet session in the facility's meeting room. Just prior, Huffman and his family toured the library branch and regional system headquarters, where they viewed the reopened genealogy department.
"Joe comes to us from Goldsboro, N.C., where he served as city manger since 2005. Joe holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, and he worked in the prison system for much of the 1980s," said Smith.
"I've never been anywhere in my life where the people are so nice," said Huffman. "It's really good to get up and go to work and have a good time."
Huffman was selected from a field of 75 applicants. The Pascagoula City Council announced their choice Feb. 2, and Huffman started work in March. The city conducted a reception during the application process.
"We thought we'd do (a reception) to introduce him to the library community, and for other people who didn't get to meet him before," said Rex Bridges, public relations director for the Jackson-George Regional Library System.
Smith said that Patty Huffman served as executive director for the Partnership for Children of Wayne County (North Carolina) until the family's move to Pascagoula. Huffman holds a master's degree in public health from University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, said Smith.
Joe Huffman said August will mark 30 years of marriage for them as a couple.
Jamie Huffman, who is the couple's youngest daughter, recently graduated from the North Carolina School of Science and Math, and will attend North Carolina State University this fall. Daughter Emily is now attending college.
"She's going to go to school next year, but she's loving Mississippi. She goes to the beach everyday," her father said.
Pascagoula councilmen Frank Corder and Robert Stallworth are expecting changes and progressive development from Huffman.
"He's a go-getter. He's been very proactive and is trying to take a new look at things," said Corder. "I think he's going to be a great asset to our city."
Corder said Huffman has reevaluated the staff, whom he said has responded well to the new city manager; he's interested in streamlining the budget and is taxpayer conscious; he's worked to bring a new development authority.
"Those are a few things he's touched on since he's been here, and I'm looking forward to more," said Corder.
"He's a good city manager, very observant. He's on top of everything," said Stallworth. "He's seen some things in Pascagoula; he's presented some ideas and I think we'll do it."
Councilman Joe Abston and city attorney Eddie Williams were among the city personnel present. As well, county Supervisor Mike Mangum and Sen. Tommy Moffett talked with Huffman and other residents.
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