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To say the least, Mayor Terry Harrell and Councilman Steve Cagley’s final meeting on Aug. 8 as Winchester leaders deviated from the norm with the latter singing a variation of the Carol Burnett Show theme song, followed by “God Bless America.”

When it was Cagley’s turn to address the City Council during the board’s report segment to give his last words as a city councilman, he broke into song, unaccompanied, and projected the two tunes in a powerful, resounding baritone voice.

Harrell jokingly said he couldn’t top what Cagley had done.

“I had no idea you could sing like that,” the mayor said, jokingly adding that he wouldn’t even attempt to try something similar.

Cagley is the program director at Winchester Cumberland Presbyterian Church and is also the choir director. He is a graduate of Bethel College with a degree in music and childhood education.

Harrell, after serving the city 28 years, opted not to seek another term in the Aug. 3 municipal election.

Cagley, who was elected to one term as a councilman in 2019, did not run for re-election, instead opting to run for the position Harrell was vacating.

However, Sean Crabtree garnered the mayor’s position with 414 votes, followed in order by Cagley with 315 and David Marlow with 113.

Cagley reflected on his time as a councilman during the past four years.

“I just want to say it’s been a pleasure to be a part of the Winchester City Council,” he said, adding later: “I have learned and have grown a lot.”

Cagley said he will miss the fellowship he has shared with the council and Winchester residents during his tenure in office.

He extended his thanks to Harrell and the council for being such great teammates to work with while conducting the city’s business.

Cagley slightly revised the lyrics to the Carol Burnett theme song, “I’m So Glad We Had This Time Together.”

They lyrics he sang were:

I’m so glad we had this time together, just to pass the budget and video chat during COVID. Seems we just get started and before you know it, comes the time we have to say so long.

The council and the audience laughed, catching the humor in the lyric changes.

Harrell followed by talking about the progress amid the hurdles he and the council faced during the past three decades.

“It’s been a challenge, but it’s been rewarding,” he said, adding that he’s learned a lot and has been able to take part in many approaches that have cast Winchester in a positive light.

Harrell said he appreciates how much the board had worked together for the betterment of Winchester.

He then advised the newcomers, including Mike Foster, who was elected to fill Cagley’s vacancy as an alderman, about the challenges they will face while in office.

Foster recorded 343 votes to lead a field of five vying for the two open Winchester City Council positions. Incumbent Barbara Lucas retained her seat with 307 votes. She was followed in the voting order by Tim L. Wright with 298, Kent Bean with 216 and Gary L. Horn with 215.

Harrell encouraged the current council, also including Michael Sisk, Lydia Curtis Johnson and Willie Womack, to be patient with the new blood on the council and help the newcomers get acquainted with their new positions.

“It’s a learning experience,” he said. “It takes a couple of years to really learn what’s going on.”

Harrell said he’s glad to see the new council showing strong signs of being able to work together in a positive way without pessimism.

He explained why he did not seek another term.

“I thank this council for your service,” he said. “I felt it was time for me to move on, and we needed young people to serve.

“Young people have fresh ideas, and we need new leaders.”

Harrell said he enjoyed interacting with the public, and then spoke to Cagley.

“I will miss you, and the public is going to miss you,” he said, adding that Cagley has always been a strong advocate for doing what’s best for Winchester.

Harrell encouraged Cagley to be no stranger to visiting the council and sharing his ideas.