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Headlines from The Greenville Advocate for this week in 1984 highlighted a wide array of local activities. articles covered advancements in technology at Alabama Power, local contributions to a national charity telethon and a theatrical tribute to a literary giant. Kid bowlers also honed their skills with tips from an expert.

Meter Reading Automated: Dallas Mosley, a 33-year veteran of Alabama Power Company, witnessed significant advancements in utility equipment over his career, but few impacted the meter reading department like electronic meters readers. Mosley expressed initial concern when he was required to use a new electronic meter reading terminal, a handheld computer designed to replace the traditional method of using metal cards and pencils. Despite his worries, Mosley quickly adapted to the new technology, finding it far superior to the old methods. “I wouldn’t go back to the horse and buggy days for nothing,” Mosley said, highlighting the benefits of the device, such as alerts for difficult-to-read meters or potential hazards. The new system allowed for more efficient and accurate meter reading, with data transmitted directly to a computer in Atlanta, where customer bills were calculated and mailed.

Labor Day Telethon: The Pilot Club of Greenville announced plans to participate in the annual Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Telethon. Members of the club would man telephones at the Chamber of Commerce office during the telethon, slated for Sept. 2 at 8 p.m. and concluding the next day at 6:00 p.m.

Sunshine House Spotlight: The Sunbeam bowling team, composed of kindergarten students from Sunshine House, received bowling tips from Gene Hayes at Camellia Lanes. Hayes had been hosting the Tuesday morning bowling classes for the young bowlers.

Faulkner Tribute at the Ritz Theatre: Greenville residents were invited to experience the life and work of acclaimed author William Faulkner through a one-man show at the Ritz Theatre. On Sept. 13, John Maxwell, a Mississippi actor, presented “Oh, Mr. Faulkner, Do You Write?”— a performance based on the life and words of Faulkner. The play, written by Maxwell and Tom Dupree, aimed to reveal the various facets of Faulkner’s life, from his literary accomplishments to his lesser-known roles as a Hollywood screenwriter and a country man. Through this production, the Greenville Area Arts Council hoped to bring Faulkner’s complex character to life for the local audience.