Hard @ Work

To drive into Goree one must exit and pass under, over, by the new overpass. It's a sad site to say the very least. The state says that they don't have enough man-power to maintain it. We as a town couldn't see the beautiful landscaping, etc. just sit there and go to waste. Sooo, the GGG got to work. Twelve volunteers (Oldies but goodies, teens, and a fourth grader) +1 if you count the baby went out last night armed with tons of gloves, two weedeaters, one push mower that wouldn't push, three tractor shredders, and lotz of gumshion. We made a huge dent in the problem, but it is not quite finished. But, knowing this bunch...I bet they get 'er done.

Saturday's Happenings...

Goree Memorial Building

Well, the flooring in the kitchen area is finally down. A big thanks to Johnny Birkenfeld who brought experience to this project. And I suppose we should thank Nancy, his wife, for wanting it in their home so that Johnny could gain such wonderful how-to wisdom. Nancy kept us fixed up on grub and as usual it was wonderful, thanks Nancy. Glenn Huffman and Kent Trainham were Johnny's sidekicks. They worked very hard, too. Jonathan was in and out and a big encouragement. Vickie and Tammie kept the men stocked with supplies and they painted trim, etc. Caroline even got in on the demo-part on Friday when the old cracked linoleum was removed. All in all, it was hard work, but always fun when time is shared with good friends. Thanks everyone! Awesome job!

Uh Oh...

Well, three steps forward and a few more back! On Saturday a wind crashed through town and so did the brick from this building. The building had been partially demolished for the brick which may have weakened the structure. About 8 feet of bricks seemed to have landed on the awning causing it to fall and brick peppered the street. We hate to see this pretty building go--but we won't give up!

Sale, Sale, Sale...

The Memorial Building garage sale building now has a new roof. But, what good is a new roof with mildewed merchandise. Soooo, last week we had a big, black bag sale. People were invited to fill a black bag for only $5.00, cheap~cheap~cheap. (It beat throwing it in the dumpster.) We even had one patron fill a suburban!!!

We have future plans for this structure! If the building is not leased by a company who builds cabinets, then we will begin plans for a new and improved thrift/antique store to benefit the Goree Memorial Building. Leasing or thriftstore, either way, proceeds will go towards the upkeep of the Memorial Building.

A big huge thanks to those who worked!!! Some baked for the bake sale, some sweat and swore while cleaning up, then again, some did all of the above. It was a huge job, but the benefits were worth it.

1st Abandoned Structure Demolition

Before demo...

during...

During demo, Johnny B. hit a bee's nest and he abandoned the backhoe until he could spray the nest. So, an after shot will be coming soon...

Marketing Our Town

At the town hall meeting, I signed up for the committee on economic development. This blog is an early phase of marketing for our town. It is preliminary and my goal is a full blown website. This blog is the ‘free’ (I might add) stomping grounds for ideas that are on the drawing board. For obvious reasons, our town must become marketable before we dare push in the direction of inviting economy to choose us for a homestead, business or even the gateway to the lake.


Our goals are simple…clean up our town, clean up our town, clean up our town. Vickie Huffman would like these goals met by October ’07 for homecoming. And I’m sure there are some goals that will be accomplished. Although realistically, this is a long term project and this weekend’s clean-up event was a great start.


Where do we go from here? Without funds we are limited, but we are deeply concerned about the appearance of our town from the newly constructed highway and elbow grease will have to go a long way. Next, we plan to tidy up the main streets with, once again, good ole’ hard work, a dozer and a maybe a match. We are aware that the deck is stacked against us, but nothing is impossible with our God. Wish us luck!

Day Of Reckoning