The ORIGINAL VOICE OF VALMEYER

TO LOOK OUT, AND NOT IN – TO LOOK UP, AND NOT DOWN – TO LOOK FORWARD, AND NOT BACK

VOLUME 11 – NO. 30 July 28, 2003

IF THE ROOSTER DIES, BUY AN ALARM CLOCK

Later this week ten calendar years will have passed since flood waters entered the Monroe County floodplain, including the Villages of Valmeyer and Fults. The Flood of 1993 was an event that changed the lives of everyone who came in contact with it. Some harbor many negative feelings about the disaster and the events that followed. Others have taken all the negatives that were dealt and turned them into positive changes in their lives. No matter what your feelings may be, the Flood of 1993 was a natural disaster of historic proportions that changed the path of development of the floodplain area of Monroe County and altered the lives of all of its residents. None of us will ever forget THE FLOOD. It is not necessary to greet this anniversary with any kind of fanfare, or proclaim special status for “Flood Day”. It would be a perfect time, however, to give thanks that through one of the largest natural disasters of modern times, not one local life was lost, and no serious injuries incurred. It would also be the perfect time to recognize and acknowledge that there are natural forces beyond our control that affect every aspect of our lives. All those touched by the flood have been through a tumultuous period, and it is now time for all to move forward with their lives. Respect history for the way it has shaped our lives, but don’t become so obsessed with it that it clouds your future.

Announcing the Valmeyer Optimist Club’s 4^th Annual 4-Person Scramble GLOW BALL TOURNAMENT. This tournament will be Friday, August 8^th at The Acorns. See how easy it is to play golf in the dark! On the day of the tournament registration opens at 7:30 p.m. and tee off is at 8:30 p.m. Cost is $45 per play with glow ball furnished. There will be an optional skins game for $20 per team. Cash prizes will be paid for First, Second and Third places. Call Rick Crossin at 935-2729 to reserve your spot now. All proceeds from this event will benefit the programs of the Valmeyer Optimist Club.

The American Red Cross is looking for a BLIZZARD OF BLOOD DONORS. The Valmeyer Community Blood Drive will be held Monday, August 11 at St. John United Church of Christ from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. All who donate will be given a coupon for a free 12 ounce DQ Blizzard. GIVE BLOOD - - - - - GIVE LIFE.

Friends of Mark Unterseh are planning the “UNDY” MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT. All proceeds from this event will benefit the family of Mark, who died in an accident earlier this year. The event will take place on Friday, August 15^th at AnnBriar Golf Course. It will start with a 1:30 p.m. shotgun start. Soft spikes are required and entry fee is $110 per person. Come and enjoy 18 holes of golf with a cart, dinner and drinks, a skins game and a silent auction. Registration and fees are due by August 9^th. Contact Jim Mitan at 281-3434 or Gayle McCarthy at 935-2388 for more info or to make donations.

If you haven’t purchased an engraved paving stone for the VALMEYER SCHOOL MEMORIAL FOUNTAIN, you have one more chance. Work is now underway to complete the Fountain. The engraved pavers that were already purchased have been installed in front of the Fountain. The Memorial will be dedicated at a ceremony in September. Paving stones are available in two sizes - - - 4” x 8” and 8” x 8”. You can have up to 6 lines of print on the paving stones. If you need additional information or are interested in purchasing one of the stones, contact Marcia Braswell, Caryl Fay Sondag, Donna Mueller, Dorothy Schilling, Barb Kendall, Tammy Crossin or Dennis Knobloch.

Have you noticed the construction activity in front of the School? The VALMEYER PUBLIC LIBRARY is expanding. A 800 square foot addition is being placed on the front of the existing library. This will allow more room for the summer reading program, better handicap accessibility and more book shelf space. The Valmeyer Public Library Board is now seeking donations to help finish the project. They have started a campaign (LIFT) Library For Tomorrow, to raise the needed funds. Valmeyer School Alumni and interested citizens are being asked to make generous contributions to the project. The Library Board is designing a quilt to hang in the completed addition to the Library. Those who make contributions to the project will have their names included on the “LIFT” quilt. If you are interested in making a contribution to this project, contact the Valmeyer Public Library.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS . . . . . . . Do any of the following apply to you? - - - Are you a golfer? - - - Are you interested in helping the community? - - - Are you a baseball fan? - - - Are you just a nice guy or gal? - - - Then you’re invited to a golf tournament sponsored by the Valmeyer Jaycees to benefit the completion of the new baseball field grandstand at Borsch Memorial Park in Valmeyer. The event will include playing golf, drinking beverages and eating food. What else do you need to know? The when and where, or course. The tournament, an 18-hole 4-person scramble, will take place on Friday, September 19^th at the Acorns Golf Course. There will be a shotgun start at 1:30 p.m. Entry fee includes golf and cart, beverages for 5 hours, and a barbecue buffet. Call three of your friends and join in the fun! You can have all this fun for a meager $60 per person entry fee. Hole sponsors are also being sought for a donation of $50. To register a team or for additional info, contact The Valmeyer Jaycees, P. O. Box 254, Valmeyer, Illinois, 62295, or contact Lyn May at 939-7213.

Visit the School’s webpage at www.valmeyerk12.org - - - - - you will also be able to find the Original Voice of Valmeyer on line by visiting the Community Links section of this site. SEE YOU NEXT WEEK!!!!!!!!!