Salado on a Saturday

Friends,

    Saturday in Salado.  Working, Working, Working!

100 degree heat, hot sun, and super hot asphalt.  At work early and working through the hottest part of the day!  Thomas Arnold is paved at no cost to the Village.   Three companies came together to do it:

TXDoT, Remington, James Construction.

Dave's Barber Shop.  Notice the numbers on the large rock?  Dave had them made and he is as proud as he can be.  Do you see the post on the right bottom of the picture near the edge of the drive way?  He is going to make a Barber pole from it with a Chain Saw.  He even has the top light for it. Dave also mows his own yard by hand.  Just a shop owner doing his part to make "Salado Special."

Momma said if I pat my foot and sing while I work, it will be fun.  

Salado on a Saturday!

VR/Skip

Your Village in 3 minutes, 26 August 15

Friends,

1.  This Saturday, 29 August, portion of Thomas Arnold is to be paved.  The work is to begin early, 7 A.M., and be completed within 4 hours.  Alderman Mike McDougal is carefully working and watching the details.

2.  The latest on the Salado Plaza Bridge Construction:  According to Mike Killgore, President of James Construction, "The latest schedule update shows Detour N opening on September 26^th which will allow the demolition of the Salado Plaza Bridge to begin on the 28^th.  As we have discussed before, there are a lot of moving parts and this schedule assumes TxDOT will get us our detour under 2484 and our wall subcontractor getting his work completed."

3.  In the last Board of Aldermen/lady's meeting, Dr. Rainey made the suggestion during citizen's comments of an information/education Town Hall on caring for the deer population.  The Board of Aldermen/Lady is taking this suggestion for consideration and action.

4.  As many of you have noticed, there are signs on the east and west side of Stagecoach announcing that Stagecoach will open in the Spring, 2016.  Great news!

5.  From reports received, the flow of traffic to and from school has been going smoothly.  Thanks to everyone for being patient, finding alternative routes, and working to make this happen.

6.  The Dedication Mass of St. Stephen Catholic Church is Saturday, 26 September, 10 A.M.  Reception will follow in the Parish Hall.  The St. Stephen Catholic Church Community is to be commended for constructing such a beautiful building.  R.S.V.P. is requested -- office@st.stephenchurch.org, or 947-8037.

7.  Colonel Todd Fox, USA, the new Garrison Commander, Fort Hood, will be visiting with community leaders 3  September.  Colonel Fox is visiting each community around Fort Hood.  It is an  Honor to have him visit our Village.

                                                          VR/Skip

Two Monday events and a King Thank You

Friends,

1.  School starts tomorrow, please be prepared for delays.  Give yourself enough time to get there safely. Hopefully, you have an alternative route if you need one.

The work scheduled for paving Thomas Arnold Tuesday has been delayed until Saturday.  TXDot was asked not to begin and they agreed.  It is too risky and confusing for parents taking and picking up their children.

Paving takes about 4 hours.  They will start early and finish about noon, therefore, it should not be a major disruption.

2.  The New Comers Evening with the Mayor will be at 6 P.M. Monday in the Municipal Building.  No agenda.  Just a chance to ask questions and discuss Salado inside-out.  It is for citizens who have lived here 3 years or less.

If you have a friend or neighbor who is a newcomer, please invite them.  The evening meeting will not be more than an hour.

3.  A very special thanks to everyone who made the Mayor's Snow Cone Event a success.  A very special thanks to Mr. King Copeland for his contribution to the event.  It was very generous and greatly appreciated.  

4.  It has been a great weekend.  So many good things are happening.  Let's get ready for Christmas in October, a great event.  And, let's have the best Christmas Stroll ever.  You deserve it.  This is going to be a great year.

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Welcome to the best Village in Texas!

Friends,

We have new neighbors; new businesses; and old friends that have joined us:

Welcome to Dee's Antique Mall next to the Post Office.  Ran by Delois, this is an excellent place to rent a booth to sell your quality antiques. There is "no contract" to sign.  Having an antique mall is not new for Delois.  She is experienced and knows the business.  The Store opens 10 September and will be open Thursday through Monday.  There are spaces available but they are going quickly.

And you thought Stagecoach Inn would not re-open?  Well, get ready for Spring, 2016.  Work will begin soon.  Everything will be refurbished -- brand, spanking new.  

"Hello, Red Cactus!"  Already the talk of the town!  Stop by and say "welcome."  Red Cactus is right across from the Range (close to old Charlotte's store which has been bought by Jim Reed.)

Larry! Larry! Larry!  Look what you have gone and done.  Congratulations for being the BEST!  Of course, we all knew that.  We are proud of you!

So you think Hidden Glenn is not going to happen?  Think, again.  Here are the forms being placed.  It is big!  Take Mary Street and see for yourself.  In approximately 12 months, it will open!

Salado has made the turn!  There is more coming!  New businesses; new opportunities; and new neighbors.

And, for those who think that Salado will not be the quiet, beautiful Village that it is.  Think, again.  We are quality!  We know who we are! And, we will continue to be one of the most beautiful, desired Villages in Texas.

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And Grape was first

Friends,

    What a great day it was for the snow cone industry.  They came and came -- young and old and 4-legs, they came.

    "Grape, please." "Grape, please." "Grape, please." "Grape, please."  "Grape, please."

Grape was most popular as bottle after bottle flowed over the ice.

     "Hawaii, please." "Hawaii, please.""Hawaii, please.""Hawaii, please.""Hawaii, please."

Most young mothers who came chose a Hawaii snow cone.

The 4-leggers came and liked everything -- then got mad at each other when their space was invaded.

It was a great morning to serve free snow cones, meet people, and have fun.

Here are a few pictures;

"The Mayor told me if I ate this snow  cone, I could be the next Miss America.  I am already a Miss America."

"This is fun, but we are going to work. " 

"That is what momma thinks," that smile said.

"Momma, told me she wanted mine and hers."

"We have the best Daddy in the world.  He got us snow cones!"

"Milton, leave me alone.  This is my snow cone.  Get your own and stop whining!"

"Oh, my.  Soooooooo good.  My tongue want stop licking."

"Scram!  I was here first!"

"Salado, Texas . . . almost heaven!"

What a day . . . deep in the heart of Salado!

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Snow Cone Day; 10 A.M.-Noon

Friends,

The day has arrive!  Today, Saturday, 22 Aug

In front of the Civic Center!

Snow Cones made by the the Mayor and his family

FREE

10 A.M. - Noon

Better than good!

Satisfy the children, youth, and the child that is within you.

VR/Skip

New Residents: Evening with the Mayor

Friends,

Monday evening, 24 Aug, is the New Residents (3 years or less) Evening with the Mayor 6-7 P.M.

This is the last of the Evening with the Mayor.  In the past meetings, the questions and suggestions have been superb.

Now is the time to hear from those who are new to our Village.

The fear is that some of our new residents may not have the received the message or forgotten.  We all live busy lives and tense schedules.

If you know of someone who is new, please encourage them to attend.  It is important that we hear them and that they feel a part of the community.

There is no agenda.  Just conversation and discussion.

Thank you.

VR/Skip

Snow cone time! This Saturday!

Cherry, strawberry, grape, and Hawaiian

SNOW CONES

Saturday, 22 August

10 A.M. until Noon

FREE

In front of the Civic Center

"FOR THE CHILD IN ALL OF US"

Vr/Skip

Monday evening: Sanctuary

Friends,

      Tomorrow evening, 6:30 P.M., Municipal Building, the Board of Aldermen/lady will make a decision on the Water Treatment Plant.

      It will be interesting.

      What should be expected?

      A Sanctuary presentation to the BOA.

      Questions from the BOA.  (Since you will not be able to ask questions, be sure to call your Alderman and let him/her know the question you want to ask.)

      A Motion

      A Second

      Discussion

      Question

      Vote

    Will the motion be for or against?  Answer:  Cannot predict.  Cannot even guess

    Will it pass or fail?  Cannot predict.  Cannot even guess.

     VR/Skip

Your Village in 3 minutes, August 13, 2015, Thursday

Friends,

1.  This report from Alderman McDougal, Chair of the Roads Committee:

     "Just departed the Thomas Arnold reconstruction site and tons of work is in progress. The road sealing project should be complete friday of this week. Also visited with Johnny at his restaurant and he is most appreciative of these road improvements!  The project on Salado plaza is now 2/3 finished on all ribbon curbing and is about ready for the road sealing to begin. These road improvements are moving at a rapid pace, as they should be. I really understand now what preparation is required to pour 20 tons of asphalt on a roadway and more than that has been poured on Salado plaza alone!   Here again, these road reconstruction employees are all in to provide this village a quality road surface!  I will report again to you tomorrow on Thursday's work progress." 

     Alderman McDougal is doing a great job staying on top of and watching the work of Wheeler on Salado Plaza.  Thank you, Mike.

2.  General Joe Weber, USMC, Executive Director, TXDoT has written a note asking how the work on I-35 was progressing.  He met with Congressman Carter last week.  A personal note will be written to him today.  Enough thanks cannot be give to General Weber and Congressman Carter for what they have done for Salado.  It would behove us to write a personal note of thanks to each.  

3.  Fair warning.  If anyone decides to cut under the Salado Plaza/Cowboy Bridge that is about to be torn down, the fine is $250 because it is in a construction zone.  Even though the road has been torn-up, some are taking the short-cut to get to the East side of I-35.  You will receive a ticket.  What an expensive short cut!

4.  Our Police Department and Constable Rolly Correa are preparing for school openings.  PARENTS, PLEASE USE THE 2484 BRIDGE.  IT BE OPEN.  IF EVERYONE TRIES TO USE THOMAS ARNOLD, THERE WILL BE A MASSIVE TRAFFIC JAM.  Additionally, James Construction is being asked for 15 additional hours a week for our Policemen to work longer shifts as well as 4 other Policemen of surrounding communities from 7 to 9 A.M. and 3 to 5 P.M.  These Policemen will work the intersections of Thomas Arnold and 2484.  The expense of the extra hours and additional Policemen will be paid by James Construction should they agree to do it.

5.  Please shop Salado.  Business has not been good this summer, especially July and August.  They are hurting tremendously.  It has been a long 2015 with the construction and the weather.  THEY NEED YOUR HELP.  If not, we will lose more stores.

Thank you.

VR/Skip 

Salado Plaza, Caves, Stand-down, and latest TXDoT meeting

Friends,

1.   Report on the Salado plaza rebuild from Alderman McDougal. 

"Today, the south side of the curbing phase was totally dug out, filled with four feet width of asphalt and totalled rolled from main to van bibber. The asphalt came out of the machine at 380 degrees and after rolled, dries quite quickly .  Tomorrow, the wooden platforms will be set in place in preparation for the installation of the ribbon curbing. Then the big machines will show up to apply and roll out the 2 inch asphalt covering for the road surface. This process is the one that will take about eight hours. In addition, I personally spoke to each business owner facing the street and they were excited about the road construction. I also spoke to residences who were home and thanked them for patience with the construction. I will knock on the doors tomorrow who were not home today . We will close Salado plaza again tomorrow, except for those who live on Salado plaza, for construction worker safety which will, of course speed up the entire process. Additional crew workers were on site today to expedite the construction process."

2.  As James Construction was starting to drill holes for concrete beams in the footprint of I-35 Construction near CEFCO, they found three hollow areas.  One was about 4 ft, another 6-8' and a third about 14' tall.  Were they caves?  No one knows but one is reminded that the famous cave in Georgetown was found when they were working on I-35.

3.  No ,TXDoT did not shut down James Construction.  What happened was TXDoT talked to the Leadership of James Construction about the number of accidents that have occurred on the job.  James Construction took the lecture to heart and Monday had a "Safety" Stand down to discuss safety and the need to be careful.  They crews were back to work today.


4.  News from Tuesday, 12 August meeting between TXDot, James Construction and Village:  

a.  2484 ramp will re-open Friday morning.  

b.  TXDot and James personnel will brief Salado School personnel on their first day of in-service education at the intermediate school

c.  Police Chief Hensley, our Constable, Rolly Correa, and construction personnel planned first day of school traffic patterns and traffic flow.  

d.  Construction Personnel will meet with Kim to discuss basic road housekeeping, and all participants. 

e.  Communication standards will be followed for continued construction progress and for a very smooth first week of school.

VR/Skip

Inconvenience?

Friends,

It is over 100 degrees.  When working on the neighborhood streets it is over 110 degrees because of the reflection of the sun on the asphalt.

Talking with the Village Maintenance Supervisor, he tells of an incident recently that is not Salado's spirit.

He and his only helper were sealing cracks in a neighborhood road when a Citizen stopped and "chewed him out for the inconvenience he was causing by repairing the road."

Inconvenience?  The work they are doing, if it was contracted to a company, would cost as much as 5 or 6 times their regular salary.  They receive no additional pay for this work.  And, there are no other workers protecting them with signs that say "slow down" or "wait your turn."

Inconvenience?  They are repairing the neighborhood roads.  Inconvenience is a pot hole and bent rims from hitting it.

If this is inconvenience, wait until the Salado Plaza Bridge is destroyed and rebuilt.  That will be 3 months of inconvenience trying to decide the best exit, whether to go right or left, what lane is safe, and the I-35 traffic that takes a wrong turn.

TO THE MANY OF YOU WHO OFFER A COLD DRINK, SODA, AN APPLE OR AN ORANGE -- THANK YOU.

And there are many of you who have offered.

THIS IS THE SALADO SPIRIT.

VR/Skip

Your Village in 3 minutes, 9 August 15

Friends,

1.  A report from Alderman Mike McDougal, Chair of the Roads Committee:

      "I visited the Salado plaza and Thomas Arnold street sites and find that progress on both  is very good. Placing the stakes for the concrete is very time  consuming as they have to use a three inch drill to secure each wooden stake!  About 1/2 of the concrete curbing is in place to date. That concrete curbing is 12 inches wide and 4 inches deep!  When the asphalt machine rolls in , it will complete Salado plaza in about 7 hours and Thomas Arnold in about 3 hours  side bar: some of the residents on Salado plaza have asked for some of the asphalt to be extended to their driveway area . And yes they will do that if the resident will receive approval from wheeler and agree to pay the cost!  Motivation technique: wheeler awarded all construction workers with new boots that cost about $250. Tony, the on site supervisor said that their morale went up at 50 per cent today.   I will stay on site with Tony to provide the boa with better and more reliable progress reports. He is a real pro and a joy to talk with."

2.  Road work has also been done on Hester Way.  A very nice job.

3. Dave Herman wrote this email concerning the closing of the South Bound Amity Road Exit and the 2484 exit:  "In my opinion Thomas Arnold Road (at THIS moment) is of supreme importance to get it cleaned up and completed, especially with the loss of our inlet from the north.  Please, I encourage you to lean in and put pressure where needed to get this road back to two full lanes ASAP.  Thank you."

In response to Dave's accurate report, an email was written Saturday evening to the President of James Construction and the Executive Director of TEXDoT asking for immediate attention to Thomas Arnold and to keep 2484 open as long as possible.  

4. To clean the low water bridge next to Sheryll Park and across the road from the old club house will cost approximately $18,000.  This is not in the city's budget for this year, however, several groups in Salado are looking at ways to raise the money such as a Golf Tournament and other events.  The permit has been acquired thanks to the efforts of the Mill Creek Association.  Once the money is acquired, the cleaning will begin. 

Why is important to clean that part of the creek?  Primarily for health reasons.  Dead animals as large as deer are often found in the water and they are difficult to remove as well as they are starting to decompose.  When the creek is low, water cannot flow freely down the creek which is needed to keep the water clear and healthy.  Additionally, there is a large amount of gravel that has been stopped by the bridge. As the years go by, this gravel accumulates and will eventually stop the water from flowing through the bridge channels.  Water will have no choice -- flow over the bridge or around the bridge.

Why is cleaning so expensive?  Environmental laws.  It takes a certain type of tractor with tires that can enter the water.  It also takes a dump truck to receive the gravel, weeds, etc. immediately and haul it away.  Neither is an easy job and it is expensive.   No one should be expected to do it for free.

Please talk to various groups and organizations about raising the money.  It will help keep our beautiful creek healthy and happy.

VR/Skip

Art Fair, 2015 -- One of the Best

Friends,

Today, Sunday is the last day of the Art Fair.  Visiting it yesterday proved to be enjoyable and informative.  The VENUE was the perfect place to have it.  Some venders were under the pecan trees which gave lots of shade.  Other venders were inside the main building which was air conditioned.  Even in the hot sun, it was enjoyable inside or outside.

There was special music, special rides, and lots of food to purchase.  This was not your typical art fair.  It was well done and set the standard for Art Fairs to come.  The Vendors said it was one of the best they had been to this year.  The shoppers said they liked the location and that it was much better than the hot park where no breeze was available.

The quality of art was very good.  Whether it was landscape, contemporary, pottery, wood, ceramic, etc. it was "pleasing to the eye" and well done.  Much of the jewelry was hand made and beautiful.  Some of the paintings were "breath-taking;" others took one back to another time in history; still others sketched a picture in the mind that will not be forgotten.

Do not miss the opportunity to see this Art Fair.  It is worth your time.

Here are pictures of some of the artist:

In business for about three years, she makes her own jewelry.  One of several jewelers at the fair that make beautiful jewelry.

Mark Persyn, Marble Falls, was doing some extra work on a painting purchased by one of Saturday's shoppers.  The painting on stand was one he was painting while selling.  His art was absolutely beautiful.  

Jerald and Molly Peterson, Watercolor Barn, Tahlequah, Oklahoma, displayed art that captured one's mind and heart.  Jerald, the artist, had painted monasteries in the southwest.  One might think that this art is not very exciting -- not so. When one sees it, the images live in the mind.

Meet Orval, the hat man, of Nanny's Best.  He sells the most comfortable straw hats.  However, they appear to be straw but they are not.  They are made from Palm leaves.  You pick out the hat and he fits it to your head perfectly by dipping it into water.  And, it stays.  He will also explain to you how it works like a thermometer.  Take time for this vendor.

6'6" tall with a hat that is 2 feet tall, this is Adam Yauk, Chef for the last 21 years.  From Temple, he makes gourmet salsa called Chef Flaco's Salasa.  And, his friend makes some of the best smelling soaps.

Every vendor has a story about their business -- how they started it; where they have been; and what makes it special.  If there is a story about America, the land of opportunity and dreams, this is it.  It would make a great book.

This is the last day of the art show.  Please take the time to visit.  Most of all, talk to the vendors and greet the shoppers.  Many had never been to Salado before.  Many of the vendors had not heard of Christmas in October or the December Stroll.

VR/Skip

Your Village in 3 minutes, 8 August

Friends,

1.  The meeting with TXDoT gave the following information:

     a.  The Thomas Arnold Bridge will be completed by 14 August for the beginning of school.

     b.  The 2484 Bridge will be completed by 30 September.

     c.  The Salado Plaza Bridge destruction and re-buiding will begin as soon as they get the make-shift road completed.  See the article in the Village Voice this week for more details.

     d.  James Construction/PSC may begin a monthly meeting for the Citizens.  It will depict what has been done for the last month and what will be done during the next month.

     e.  The next three months is going to be frustrating and difficult.  Please be patient.  We have to go through this phase of construction in order to finish the I-35 project for Salado.

2.  The Art Fair is at the Venue this weekend.  Our annual August event beckons you to come and enjoy.  Great artist will be offering you their wares.

3.  Brookshire's Pharmacy was voted the best as well as the most improved in the Brookshire's chain of stores.  Offer congratulations the next you shop there.

4.  Sanctuary and the Village are meeting 17 August, 6:30 P.M., Municipal Building to discuss the Water Treatment Agreement and the Development Agreement.  It is an open meeting if you desire to come.  Sanctuary has asked that the discussion be limited to discussion with the Aldermen.  No questions will be accepted from the audience.

5.  Snow cones for the children will be Saturday, 22 August, 10 A.M.-Noon.  Come and enjoy the snow cones made by the Mayor and his family.

6.  An Evening With Mayor:  Organizations and Institutions will be in the Municipal Building, 10 August, 6 P.M.  Question and Answer format.

It is a busy month.  Drive safely, there will be much construction.  Be patient -- very patient.

VR/Skip

Legends of Salado -- Excellent!!!

Friends

The last performance of 2015 Legends ended last Saturday night.  The acting, the music, the costumes, the special effects were excellent.  Jackie and Denver Mills brought to Salado a production that is memory-maker.  And, they did it with style, grace, and care.

Donnie Williams, the Director, is a special leader.  Listening to him talk to the actors before the show was a learning experience.  The care and respect that he has for each person -- actor or stage hand -- was evident in every word he spoke.  He encouraged, gave guidance, and listened to the actors.

There were people from Houston, Dallas, Dripping Springs, and Valley Mills to name a few places.  Many in the audience were seeing Legend for the first time.  Jim Bell moved to Salado a few weeks ago and brought his relatives and friends to see the performance.

Tablerock was built in 1973 when a Salado group of people wanted a place to honor their Scottish heritage as well as Native Americans.  The Goodnight Family gave 13 acres to start the project.  Local people gave time and money, artist used their skills and talents, metal workers made props, and musicians wrote songs.  It was a community effort.

However, after three years, Tablerock was struggling.  They had $1.24 in the bank.  Jackie Mills was asked to manage Tablerock.  After attending an Outdoor Theater training event, her and Denver, Jackie's husband, began turning Tablerock around.

Jackie put her talents to work writing Legends of Salado.  Through careful research the history of Salado came to life.  Others helped through art and music.  When there were no costumes and lighting, Temple offered there assistance, costume, lighting.

On 24 July, 1993, the first performance of Legends of Salado was given to a sold-out crowd. Two other performances followed -- all sold-out.  35 actors from all over Bell County participated.

As years went by, the Dinner was added making Legends of Salado a dinner theater event.

Today over 120 actors and workers perform Legends of Salado.  They are from communities around Bell County.  Their ages range from 3 to 79.  Like the first performance, it is still as powerful and moving.

Thank you for an evening that reminds us of how great Salado is.

VR/Skip

Your Village in 3 minutes, 1 August 15

Friends,

1.  Brookshire bros pharmacy has been named the Brookshire pharmacy of the year as well as the most improved Brookshire pharmacy. This is a major honor for Brookshire and Salado.  It keeps our Branding for excellence front and center.  Please congratulate the Brookshire management what a well-deserved award. (Thank you, Mike McDougal for this information.)

2.  The last performance of Legend for the Season is tonight.  As always, it will be great!  Hope you can attend with family and friends.  It is a life-time memory-maker.

Salado Legend's 

23rd Annual Season

LAST PERFORMANCE THIS YEAR

AUGUST 1

Central Texas' favorite outdoor musical drama will be presented at Tablerock's Goodnight Amphitheater on Royal Street in Salado. 

Catered fajita dinner at 7:15 PM:

Reservations are required

$10 per plate

Show only (no dinner) at 8:15:

Adult - $20

Children 12 and under - $5

You may purchase tickets online at www.tablerock.org or at the gate.

For group rates, call 254-947-9205.

3.  Our Golf Course continues to improve each day.  The maintenance and care are making the course beautiful and enjoyable.  It is not uncommon to hear visiting golfers comment "This is a great golf course. I enjoy playing here."

     Plans are to "reach-out and bring substantial tournaments and events to Salado in the future."  

     The Mackie Golf Tournament is 21 August.

     Every Friday night, there are special dinners.  For instance 7 August is Chicken Fried steak; the 14th is Brisket; 21st is enchiladas, and 28th is Chicken Fried Steak.

4.  It is thought-provoking to think that Drones could be of interest to our Village.  However, CBS News produced a segment on how Drones are being used by various terrorist groups  and criminals for surveillance that could lead to robbery and other crimes or terrorist activities.  Being this close to the State capital and Fort Hood, one of the Largest Army Posts in the world, should make us aware of our surroundings and environment.  It is always important to report unusual activity to our Police and State Law Enforcement Agencies.  Vigilance is becoming more and more the "watch word."

5.  Another successful event!  Children's Camp at Banes House.  Hollywood in our Village!

Our imagineers rocked!!!! What an honor to know the leaders of tomorrow today. Exhausted but sooooo happy. I have proven yet again that I will never grow up. What an amazing team of talents all gathered in our little village to provide an opportunity to be creative and communicate with compassion. And we made all kinds of things – costumes, props, story lines, everything to produce a movie. Plus there is singing and dancing. Broadway – here we come. Salado goes to Saturn and cosmic cowfolk save the universe, of course.

6.  Sadly time moves on which is evident with each death announcement of a Long-time resident of Salado.  Even with this year barely half-over, the number of deaths are thought-provoking.  Each person has directly and indirectly made Salado  the outstanding community it is.  The Village will miss these friends and neighbors and are appreciative of their many efforts and genuine concern for the village.

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