Dear Hearts & Gentle People:

 

The fire is out, the snow has melted, and the water is drinkable here in the old home town. We were re-visited by winter last week, but now we're having a few days of spring. It may come to an end tomorrow, but that's what's special about living in the heartland. And the water company has told us the chemical contaminants are at a safe level now. Yum.

 

I promised to report details of the downtown fire, but little more is known now. At least by me. The cause is still being determined, and I feel certain rebuilding will take place.

 

In response to questions: no damage to the period streetlights, and no damage to the Red Goose Shoes sign either. Reason for that is because it was no longer there, having been sold and removed a few weeks ago. Some people are calling the fire The Revenge of the Red Goose, but you won't hear that from me.

 

 

There were many reactions to the fire and to the recent vintage photos, so let's get right to the mailbag.

 

Conrad Pitz '56 remembers:

 

Susan, thanks for keeping us informed, it means a lot to us that live a long ways away. It reminds me of the big fire in February of 1957, just a block east. I remember that fire well; we would get wet from the fire hoses and our clothes would freeze solid fighting it. If I remember right we fought the fire most of the day. I believe it took out the Penny's store and Davidow's furniture store; Ford & Rush Drug sustained smoke and water damage also. Somebody correct me if I'm wrong.

Oh Conrad, I can almost guarantee it. No one ever hesitates to tell me when I'm wrong.

From Arthur Knapheide '56:

Joy and I look forward to the TLC and can not tell you how much we enjoy it. A big THANK YOU for all your hard work. Sorry to hear about the big fire. There is a lot of history in those old buildings, so hope they can be rebuilt. Attached is a photo I came across going through some of my Mother's things. This is a picture of the Board of Education of Lexington Public Schools in 1893-1894. Maybe someone out there will remember some of these men. It is a little piece of history and I thought maybe you could use it. I will be sending another photo for future use.

 

(Editor's note:  Your scribe is so unskilled that I cannot imbed the photo and now I cannot seem to remove it! So you'll see a blank space above. Disregard, please. I promise to send the photo next time. I hope. Maybe.)

Arthur sent along several other photos which will appear in the next TLC. They're old class photos, so we'll have our usual guessing games. After the photos have been ID'd we'll run them again with the names below.

John Lefman '57 worried:   Was the pool room next door saved?    Actually, John, the pool hall had been gone for a number of years. But the memories linger.   Bette Phipps '59 Thomas added this:

Terrible news; I'm so glad no one was hurt.  Of course, I remember buying clothes at Entine's years ago. I was so glad to see the pictures; my thanks to Wally for taking them.

Wayne '55 Tabb took a batch of good photos too, but I got them too late for inclusion. If any of you would like more photos, just let me know and I'll send them off individually.

 

Charlene Mudd '61 McFadden wrote too, but I have not been able to email her successfully. Someone please send me her address! Here's her text:

What a great connection to the past!  I look forward to news, notes, and names, I thought I had forgotten, but I remember, you guys were my role models!  Add me to your e-mail list.   

 

And speaking of connections to the past...and the future...those of you who live away can take pride in Lexington's major development, the Lexington4Life project. It spans all ages and is an example of how truly caring our town is. Other communities and states across the nation are watching this take place, and Lexington's project is a model program. Below is a recent release from the board of directors. Also you can see some pictures of this and other places about town by going to:

 

TLC #73 web pages

The Top 10 Reasons to Support the 4 Life Project

            With a top 10 list for everything, it seemed like a good idea to have a Top 10 list for the 4 Life Project.  So=85.here it goes!

10.  Recreational and social facilities for seniors.  The new senior center in 4 Life will have a billiards room,  a computer lab, an exercise room and a large recreational area that can be used for quilting, TV viewing and small meetings, among other activities.

9.   Licensed care for infants 6 months =96 2 years.   Good infant care is essential for working Moms and Dads.  Licensed care, complete with educational components will benefit families throughout the region.  It is estimated this additional care will meet 60% of the need for child care in the area.

8.   Intergenerational programming.  Seniors reading to children, youngsters teaching seniors to use the computer=85.lots of interaction, and lots of benefit!

7.   Laboratory classroom for early child care workers.  What better way to be trained to be an early child care worker through the Lex-La-Ray Vocational School, than in a laboratory setting?  Again, the kids benefit, an so do the young people being trained.

6.   Increased dental health care.  Rodgers-Lafayette will offer dental care for all, accepting all insurances (including Medicaid). 

5.  Additional Preschool classrooms.  Two new preschool classrooms, operated by the Lexington R-V School District will mean that children will enter school ready to learn. 

4.  Mental Health care.  A survey of family practice physicians by the Lafayette County Health Department revealed that 50% of their patient load identified with mental health issues had no access to services in Lafayette County.  Rodgers-Lafayette will address that need with mental health care on site.

3.  Senior health and wellness program.   Those aged 60 and older constitute 20% of the total population of Lafayette County.  This compares to 18% statewide and 12% nationwide.  Utilizing medical expertise through Rodgers-Lafayette, and the social services offered through the senior center, the Health Enhancement Program will focus on wellness.

2.  Economic development.   With a total of 20 new jobs with the expanded senior, health and preschool programs, combined with the start-up of early childhood education and care center, this effort represents economic development at its finest.

1.  One-Stop Shop.  In short, the 4 Life Project fully integrates health, educational and social services for all ages under one roof.  There is literally something for everyone =96 regardless of your age, income, or other attributes.  WE ALL have something to gain through the 4 Life Project.  Come check us out today! 

If you would like further information or would like to make a contribution, please let me know and I'll put you in touch with the right people. Until next time I remain

Your devoted scribe,

Susan