Council Candidates Answer Chamber Questions

The Grove Chamber of Commerce recently sent out questionnaires to all City Council candidates on a number of issues. Their answers are printed below. The questions asked by the Chamber are noted only once, included in the material from David Adzigian, and are not repeated for each candidate due to space.

From David Adzigian, running against Larry Parham:
1. Question: Why do you feel you are qualified for a seat on the City Council?Adzigian: I have previously served 13 months on the Council. Currently I am a trustee and Chairman of the Grove Industrial Development Authority and a trustee of the Grove Municipal Airport Managing Authority. I am well aware of our city's needs.
2. Question: What strategy do you have to achieve a cohesive City Government?Adzigian: The City Council will select a new city manager. I have years of experience in hiring executive managers. We must start fresh with new, positive, forward thinking leadership in City Hall and on City Council, one that has a positive vision for our community.I will discuss the City's business in open forums so the entire community can participate, have equal access and be part of the decision making process. I will act as an unbiased mediator, as I have many times before in my business career, considering all sides of the issues before voting and do my very best to represent the best interests of the entire community. I will work to have City Hall keep the public informed on the issues and what our city government is doing on behalf of the people, through a program of increased public communications. Also, I will support an impartial Citizens Personnel Review Board to give fired city employees the opportunity for a fair hearing.
3. Question: What is your vision for Grove during your four-year term?Adzigian: Grove does not have a strategic plan for the future. We need one. I would establish a citizens working group, like the Grove Partners for Progress, to join with city government in the development and implementation of a Strategic Master Plan to address current and future infrastructure needs and to manage the growth of our community. This would include, at a minimum, continued development and upgrade of the city's sewer, gas and water systems including alleviating water shortages, low pressure and loss; a street modernization, resurfacing and sidewalk plan; and, integration of the Downtown Revitalization Project. I would work to attract new businesses to Grove, to increase tourism, to increase our revenue by creating a larger sales tax base, to assure completion of the Highway 59 widening project on time with minimum disruption to our community and to accelerate the downtown revitalization project.
4. Question: What is your position on the future of city funding for the Chamber of Commerce's marketing budget?Adzigian: A strong Chamber of Commerce is vital to any city, and it is to Grove, as long as it is well managed, adequately funded and shows results. The Chamber serves as the marketing, promotions and events sponsor for activities that bring people, businesses and new revenues to our city. By working hand-in-hand, the City and the Chamber can implement an effective Economic and Community Development Plan to attract new businesses, retain our current businesses and assist our current businesses to expand. I would favor increased funding of the Chamber's marketing program provided it emphasizes tourism, promotes use of the Civic Center and advances the City's economic development. The Chamber should provide measurable results to show the benefit of this use of taxpayer dollars.
5. Question: Will you support funding the city's share for Phase II of the Downtown Revitalization Project?Adzigian: Absolutely. This project is behind schedule by at least a year. We need to accelerate and complete this project as quickly as possible and give downtown its planned new look.Question: Do you think a tax incremental financial district (TIF) would be helpful for the downtown area?Adzigian: TIFs usually apply to the generation of "new income", not the transfer of existing income upon which the city is already dependent. Removal of existing sale tax revenues from the city's general fund could reduce the city's ability to meet current budget needs and hinder the completion of needed future projects.
6. Question: Assuming everyone is in favor of a new Civic Center and that a method of payment can be managed, would you support selling the current facility before a new center is complete and ready for occupancy?Adzigian: I support an improved Civic Events Center to meet the specific needs of our community, without tax increases, provided it is approved by the voters. It is doubtful, a new civic center could be constructed without first selling the existing center. We should negotiate with prospective buyers to allow the city one year's use of the building before taking it out of service.

From Larry Parham, (running against David Adzigian)
1. As the current elected Ward 3 Council representative, I believe I have been a voice for the people of Grove. I am able to make the tough decisions that are in the best interest for all the citizens. My door has been, and always will be, open to everyone and I value your input. I have fought for the programs that would benefit the community as a whole.
2. I want a fair and honest government that allows all citizens to voice their opinions in Council meetings and does not deny their constitutional rights. I also want ALL Council members to be a part of the decision-making process.
3. My vision for Grove is to start working together, to build a city that meets the needs of all the citizens. A city with AFFORDABLE utility rates, good streets, a safe environment and activities for both young and old. A city that improves on the quality of life and gives the taxpayers a dollar's value for a dollar collected in taxes.Being able to grow at a manageable pace that isn't too slow or too fast.In the past, we have spent our total capital funds on a single project, not allowing for growth in other areas. We must increase our police force so that they can be proactive in meeting the first requirement of government, the protection of its citizens.
4. I fought for the rights of the Chamber of Commerce and did NOT vote to reduce your funds. In the March 6th Council meeting, I also asked for reinstatement of the Chamber's funds to be placed on the March 20th agenda. I will be a leading advocate to restore the Chamber's funds.
5. I will support the downtown revitalization project; however, at this time the financial requirements of the city is unknown and would have to be addressed in our budgeting process. I believe that the revitalization of the downtown area IS in the best interest of Grove, and I will commit to work to accommodate it in the city budget. I cannot commit to the TIF without knowing the exact impact it would have on our budget. A TIF uses taxpayers money and should be judged accordingly in order to be fair to all projects of the city.
6. The method of payment for a new Civic Center, in my opinion, cannot be a tax in ANY form to the citizens of Grove. This question should be brought to a VOTE by the public to allow the citizens to make the choice.I would like to see a multi-purpose facility if it is financially possible, to house events such as the Home Show, meeting facilities, indoor musical presentations, and also include a walking area.

From Dustin Phillips, running against Gary Trippensee
1. While growing up here in Grove I was President of many clubs, and active in many projects around the community. The community of Grove is going to grow, and I have a strong desire to be a part in helping it grow in a positive and healthy direction.
2. I will try to stop the division in the city by communicating with both sides of each issue to reach a common ground.
3. I would like to see better streets and roads. I would like to see the Downtown revitalization to completion. Also the Hwy 59 project finished, our industrial park enlarged. and attract new business to our town in some way.
4. I would be in favor of raising the marketing budget of the chamber back to the previous $27,000, but in return for the raise a result audit semi-annually on how many businesses were attracted to Grove by the Chamber. I would also like to see a semi-annual list of exact expenditures on the marketing for new businesses and events.
5. I would definitely be in favor of supporting funding for the city's share for Phase II of the Downtown revitalization project.b. I do not believe a tax increment financial district is in need at this time. Even though this tax may speed up the process for funding a downtown project. I think it would drive away existing businesses, and a higher tax is the last thing we need at this time.
6. If it is financially feasible we need a new civic center for our citizens. I would be in favor of selling the old center to build a new one. I would hope we could keep the doors open as close to as possible of the new buildings completion. We need a center of comparable or maybe slightly bigger than our current center. In this we would need a larger stage for banquets, graduations, and performances. It would also need backstage amenities for performers. The center would need to have more electronic capabilities with movable dividing wall, and less columns in the structure for better utilizing of floor space. I would like to see it on a larger piece of property for more parking, Rv spots, and room to set up vendor tents or booths.

From Gary Trippensee, running against Dustin Phillips:
1. I have 39 years of technical/engineering management experience. Fourteen years were with private industry and 25 years were with NASA. My last 16 years at NASA, I managed several of the U. S. Government's Experimental Research Aircraft programs. One program I directed was a joint program with the German Government. My overall responsibilities included defining, building, or acquiring all infrastructure such as facilities, labs, hangars, ramps, tracking ranges, utilities, etc to ensure program success. This experience feeds into the needs of Grove. I am use to working with large groups of people to get the goals accomplished, the overall job done, and to stay within budget.
2. City Government should be for the support and needs of the Grove Citizens. I am committed to opening the Grove City Government to all of the Grove Citizens. The ability for citizens to speak at the start of a council meeting would be a first start. Good, qualified Grove citizens are also being kept out of city government and out of the various city trusts. I believe that only (1) council member should be on any city trust, thereby getting more citizens to be part of the planning and decision processes. I believe that open city government will foster improved relations between the city and Grove Citizens.
3. I see Grove continuing to grow and I want the citizens to benefit from the best City Government possible. The infrastructure maintenance plan and capital improvement plan should be the best available within the funds allowable. I want to see the city come back together where a friendly small town atmosphere prevails.
4. I am very aware of the Chamber's budget reduction, and I support the Chamber's original budget level of $27,000. I would also support a budget increase during the next budget cycle if the Chamber has justification for an increase.
5. The City of Grove needs a strong and revitalized downtown. Grants are a great way to accomplish this work. I will support Phase II of the downtown revitalization as long as the plans and the city's portion offunding are reasonable. At the present time, I do not support a tax increment financial district.
6. Your first two assumptions are items that seem to be bothering most of the Grove citizens that I have talked to. No one knows what the current plans are for selling the civic center or what the plan is for the method of payment of a new civic center. Most are worried that the existing center will be sold and a new one will not get built. I also share their concerns. Now, assuming your assumptions are correct, I currently support selling the existing center only if a new center is available for occupancy. A new center should be capable of housing all of the events that are currently supported. In addition, it should have better acoustics for musical events: be able to be partitioned for multiple simultaneous uses: have several breakout rooms: updated kitchen and larger eating area; better showers, better outside RV hookups, and emergency power capability. If funds are available an indoor pool would be nice. Easy access with large parking facilities would also be required.

From Harry W Worley (running against Carolyn Nuckolls and Mike Davenport)
1. I have lived all my life in the City of Grove. I have served on almost every civic group at one time or another. I served 8 years on the council from 1980~1988(the first council under the city manager form on government).
2. In the past the councils I was on gave a little ground to achieve tremendous headway. With the attitude of cooperation and respect a great deal can be achieved.
3. I believe that by pulling together, the council and various boards of the city can once again attain growth and pride in every endeavor.
4. Being on the first council to fund the marketing budget of the Chamber, I think that this is a great asset of the City. In a city whose only income is sales tax, any investment that helps draw people to the city is not only wise but a win-win deal for all involved.
5. Again any improvements that help get and keep people in Grove to spend money and raise revenues is a smart decision. This does not give a blank check to anyone but lays the foundation to reason. I don not believe a tax increment financial district will pass a vote of the people. It is their city. I however am willing to try and promote the district.
6. Financing is a complicated issue. If financing requires that the old building is sold before a new one is built, I would be in favor as long as a reasonable short time between sale and finish of the new building is established and all monies are earmarked for that sole use.


From Mike Davenport, running against Carolyn Nuckolls and Harry Worley:
First and foremost in my decision to run for city council is the desire to move our community forward thru careful planning and implementation of goals that have strong community support.
1. My wife Kim and I have been members of this community for over 30 years and I have had the opportunity to participate and work for the betterment of this community. I worked 12 years for the Grove Municipal Services Authority and fully understand the problems and the operation of our municipal services system. The additional experience of running my own business has prepared me to understand the accounting and compliance issues that are facing Grove and must be addressed. I pledge that I will listen to the citizens, study and prepare for board meetings and bring trust to our city government thru open and fair dealings.
2. A cohesive City Government will be obtained when the City Council listens closely to the people, welcomes debate, demands compliance with the law, and leads the community with strong majority support. I will propose that all City Government meetings be televised. One of my goals is to upgrade the city web site to include and archive all agendas and minutes. The website should be interactive with information available to the public and seeks input from our citizens. An excellent example of the type of city website I propose is the City of Bartlesville and can be found at www.citvofbartlesville.on!. Openness is the hallmark of an effective and trustworthy government.
3. My vision for Grove includes a community united, with a spirit of optimism and hope for the future. I will make roads, utilities, and other infrastructure improvements my first priorities. I will demand and participate in an open government that seeks and invites input from the public.
4. I will at my fist city council meeting seek to amend the City Budget and immediately restore funding to the Grove Chamber. Chamber advertising and promotion has helped Grove prosper and grow, without the cost of city staff dedicated to this important task.The decision of the current City Council to cut funding was short sided and not in the best interest of our community.
5. I will fully support downtown revitalization under the leadership of Dr. Stout and many others in completing the beautification and infrastructure improvements of the downtown. Downtown is the heart of our community and I will work to see it brought back to excellence. I would carefully listen and educate myself to proposals that include the formation of a tax increment financial district but at this time cannot give you answers.
6. I look forward to the proposals and recommendations of the current Blue Ribbon committee. I would support the sale of the current Civic Center if a new facility could be built affordably and was approved by the voters. I recognize that the current location of the Civic Center could bring in increased sales taxes and the possibility exists to have a facility with a better location, parking and designed for multiple uses. I will work to bring the community together to achieve this goal. The design and uses of a new Civic Center should be prepared with the help of a quality architecture firm that captures the spirit of Grove. This can only be accomplished with the input of the Blue Ribbon Committee supported by a strong community involvement.

Note: Carolyn Nuckolls did not answer the questionnaire.
Responses were printed exactly as provided to the Chamber, unedited.

P&Z Has Routine Meeting

Grove's Planning and Zoning Board took care of routine matters at this week's meeting, including approving, 4-1, amending the ordinances on commercial parking spaces and off-street parking requirements. Voting against the issue was Judith Read.

Mo Parker, Director of Planning for the city, said the revisions were very positive for the business community, which had been using decades old standards for parking space size and requirements.

"We don't need four spaces for a Donut Shop, for example, where people run in and run out, but we do need more spaces for a full sit-down restaurant where people stay in the facility for an hour or more," she said. Parking space dimensions were changed from 9x18 to 10x20 to accommodate the new larger cars and trucks.

The board approved a request from Tractor Works Garden Center to build an addition to the facility, and tabled a lot split request for Patricia Island Estates, Phase Six, from Lot 1 to Lot 1A and Lot1R due to the property owners not being at the meeting.

The Board also approved a request from "Grove Second Saturdays" for temporary use of downtown sidewalks once a month from April to October for sidewalk sale events. This is an outside company to help boost downtown business during the warm weather season.

News from City Hall...

Molinda Parker has been hired as the city's new Director of Planning, who will oversee planning and zoning administration, building inspections, code enforcement, the 911 program, and planning and zoning issues, according to Acting City Manager Debbie Mavity. Parker comes to Grove from Bossier City, LA. where she held a similar position…Equipment is being brought into place for construction of the new Verizon Cell Tower with groundbreaking probably occurring next week…The crew hired by the city to pick up tree debris has completed work in Zones 1-4, 7-9, and are currently working on zones 5, 6, and 10, with 11 and 12 left to do. "People need to make sure they push their debris to the right of way area next to the street, or FEMA will not allow the pickup," Mavity said. FEMA has several "monitors" in the city to insure that the work crews do not go on private property. The work crews will make a final swing, again, throughout the city with dates to be announced in advance, Mavity said. So if you have not sawed up your timber and pushed it to the curb, please do so now…Mavity and former city manager Bill Galletly met with representatives of Simmons on Tuesday with no decision reached, with attorneys for both to get together next week and hopefully reach an agreement. Simmons owes the city about $900,000 for gas used for a period of two years, says the city, and has paid about half to date…Even with the Simmons payment, water, sewer and gas rates will still increase slightly on June 1 under Ordinance 526, to put GMSA in the black and fulfill an agreement regarding the loan for utility relocations along Highway 59. GMSA is currently "in the red," Mavity said this week. Base rates for water will not increase, but usage above 3,000 gallons will increase 10% for 2007; base rates for sewer will not increase, but rates above 3,001 gallons will increase by 10%; natural gas base rates inside the city limits will increase from $1.93 per MCF distribution to $2.12, or 10%; with similar increases for people outside the city limits. For 2008 and beyond, all rates will automatically increase by an amount equal to any increases in the Oklahoma Consumer Price Index each year, up to and including 5% unless authorized by City Ordinance.

Observations...

Is there an election upcoming? Campaign signs are popping up everywhere, covering fences, yards and other places, so somebody wants to get elected really bad to chew on a $50 per meeting salary. The April 3 election may produce the largest turnout in many years, due to the candidates and completely different viewpoints; some see the election turning out as completely one sided. We can't wait...The Grove Observer had a record number of "hits" for last week's edition, 1137, with a total of more than 50,000 page views since we began this adventure in July 2005. We'll stack up this figure with any of the area print media...The Back Porch at Har-Ber Village has opened for the season and none too soon. We can't wait for the Potato Salad dish and a good Reuben sandwich...Speaking of Har-Ber Village, the Easter Hats on Parade will be held there on Saturday, April 7 at 11 a.m. with prizes for the prettiest, craziest, largest, and most elegant Hats. Entry fee is $10 per person and deadline to enter is March 24. Contact Carla Mills at 791-0203 or Shirley Daggett at 787-4073 for entry form...Councilman Dave Helms announced at this week's Rotary meeting that the new Welcome Sign at the entrance to Sailboat Bridge will be completed next week...

Channel 2's Karen Larson Speaks to Rotary

KJRH Channel 2's anchorwoman, Karen Larson, was guest speaker at Grove Rotary Club's regular Wednesday meeting this week. She told of coming to Tulsa originally from California, intending on staying a couple of years and then moving on to a larger TV market, but meeting her future husband, Dennis Larson, has kept her in Tulsa for 20 years. Dennis works for the Tulsa Police Department in the bomb squad.

She noted that things on the TV as seen by viewers at home are quite different than behind the scenes, where 60 people work to put together the evening newscasts, often in chaos.
She said that Weather, Consumer News, and Health Issues are the three most popular topics for viewers, results of regular surveys taken by the station. She said the station was hard at work to bring local HD newscasts to the Tulsa market, a very expensive proposition, and that newscasts can now be viewed worldwide as a result of streaming video on the internet.
Chief Meteorologist Dan Threlkeld will be in Grove March 27 with the weather team presenting their weather show at Grove High School at 6:30 p.m. Threlkeld will also speak at a Chamber of Commerce Member Luncheon at 12 noon March 27 at Royal Bay Restaurant. Costs are $11 for members, $13 for non members and RSVP deadline is Friday, March 23 to 786-9079.

Blue Ribbon Committee Meets Again

Grove's Blue Ribbon Citizen Committee has asked its consulting firm to come back with modifications to two previously submitted plans, with a new third request for an indoor pool.

Shown above is Kingfisher's Vernie Snow Aquatic Center, which has facilities for year-round use with roll-up doors leading to an outside patio for use in warm weather. This facility was one mentioned at the Monday meeting.

All seven committee members were present, who outnumbered the audience.
Warren Brower, from the audience, questioned the committee on why a consulting firm was hired and what the committee would build.
"We are a fact finding committee only, we have no money, we cannot spend money, we can only make recommendations to the City Council which will make the decisions to go forward or not," Connie Brewer, chairperson, responded. "City Council authorized the study and this firm has come up with lots of recommendations and a financing plan," she added.

"Will the property tax be increased?" another audience member asked. "We don't know. We may be able to raise part of the money from private donors," Brewer said.

The committee voted to reschedule the previously planned March 14 meeting to April 18, when Kimley-Horn, the consultant, can return with modifications and the indoor pool plan. By that time a new City Council will be in place which can deal with the issue, one committee member noted.

The committee noted that Jack Forrest, Grove real estate broker, did not respond to a hand-delivered request to appear at the meeting and discuss what he has said is a $3.5 million offer for the current Civic Center. Forest has said in the past that he does not want to deal with the current Council.

The committee has made little progress on the Civic Center issue, which would include making recommendations on what a new events center would look like, cost, whether to sell the current center or not, etc., issues which would be proposed to voters in May or June. Two offers have been made on the current center, with one wanting to purchase it "right now." Neither is close to the $3.5 million offer which Forrest says he has.

Letters to the Editor...

To the Editor:
I am very concerned that the local Post Master, Dave Wolek, has decided to remove all the drop boxes in town. I have been told that there was some vandalism and that they felt it was necessary to remove them. The USPS tells us to not put our outgoing mail in mail boxes as we run a risk of identity theft.
Here we are a city the size of Grove with only one drive-up drop box that is located as far from the population center of town as one could get and still be in the city limits.
It is my understanding that in order to keep a drop box the number of letters is only 125. At no time has the post office told us they were under utilized.
I have left a message for a call back. Assuming he does not decide to do the right thing I am thinking a letter writing campaign to his boss in OKC is in order.
I will let you know what he says if he calls me next week.
In the mean time I encourage your readers to call the PO and complain. 786-2266.
David Kane, Grove, OK.
Editors Note: We spoke with Dave Wolek and there has been considerable vandalism to all the drop boxes going on for some time; someone even pushed large blobs of paper into the chute to block the mail from dropping, then they could reach in and pull mail out. We suggested he put the drop box in front of the Police Station...open 24/7. As to why the Post Office was built on the edge of town, no one will confess. And to make it worse, the office was built too small and is already overcrowded and needs expansion. Our Federal Government at Work...


To the Editor:
To the Citizens and voters in Grove

Do we have a tail wagging the dog in this upcoming City Council election? Have you noticed all the groups of three candidate posters proliferating around Grove. They are part of a PAC action supporting the three candidates. They represent, in the best political tradition, a triumvirate* with one stated objective and that’s to get rid of the present city manager. All three have been actively denouncing everything done by the City Manager and the City Council.

So why form a PAC? For one reason it is a manner of circumventing the limits on donations by an individual for an individual candidate. A Political Action Committee (PAC) — A popular term for a political committee organized for the purpose of raising and spending money to elect and defeat candidates. Most PACs represent business, labor or ideological interests.

As a voter we must question the motives of such an action. With a single objective, which has been removed by Bill Galletly's retirement, what other special interests are being served. Now for the part about the tail wagging the dog. If you will look into the membership of the PAC you will see many that are pilots and have airplanes at the Grove airport. These are special people for whom the citizens of Grove subsidize their chosen sport in the amount of approximately $50,000 a year. We provide them with hangers including water, gas and sewer. It is a budgeted amount and supplements the revenues generated by hanger lease fee's and gasoline sales. Recently there was an effort on the airport board to raise hanger lease fees to at least cover the monthly mortgage payments for the new hangers. The motion failed to pass If these three are elected you can plan on seeing the subsidy increase as the members are considering a new and larger terminal in which they can meet and drink coffee. What else is accomplished there, there is no commercial service that requires a bigger terminal. Couldn't these tax funds be spent for the benefit of all Grove citizens.

Keep this in mind when you cast a vote in April. Four years of a special interest group in Grove will have a significant impact on the town for many years to come.

*The term triumvirate is commonly used to describe a political regime dominated by three powerful men. The arrangement can be formal or informal, and though the three are usually equal on paper, in reality this is rarely the case. (From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

William Miller
1415 N 55th Street
Grove OK 74344

An Editorial...The County Jail

Delaware County Commissioners, after nearly a year of discussion, have finally hired a Texas firm, Stuckey Architects, to conduct a feasibility study for a new county jail. We were told last April to fix it or face a $10,000 a day fine. Our jail holds 61 at capacity but usually has up to 90 prisoners at a time.

They have had the same problem over in Bartlesville, with a 68-person capacity jail but government officials long ago decided on a Memphis firm, Southbuild, to design a new jail, having completed a feasibility study previously using a Kansas City architect. Two other firms were considered, BKI of Tulsa and Architects in Partnership PC of Norman. They are planning on a jail costing anywhere from $8 million to $25 million housing up to 197 beds.

And over in Vinita they are just about finished with their new courthouse and jail, which will hold 86 prisoners, with the entire courthouse costing about $8 million. They can easily add another 32 beds should they decide to do so later.

So we have to ask:
With all of the firms available to do feasibility studies, why is one selected over another?
Why reinvent the wheel? Why didn't the Delaware County Commissioners just make a phone call to Vinita or Bartlesville and take advantage of their planning and research already done?
Why the variance in cost?

Delaware County residents would do well to keep a close eye on this matter, because we are the people who are going to foot the bill for a new jail, most likely with another hike in the sales tax, putting the tax in Grove over 10%. (Actually, the bill for the new jail should be sent to those who planned the current courthouse, going from 49 beds to 61 beds. These persons include Howard Payton, a sitting Commissioner.)

Stuckey will get paid $2,500 for its study. We doubt that much will come from this, as typical studies cost 10 times as much.

It would make sense to have the increase in sales tax be term-limited, and that the jail would be built with enough beds to house DOC prisoners, which generate income of $27 per day per prisoner…helping to pay off the bond issue more quickly. Our new jail should have at least a 150-bed capacity.

The other issue is location. Not many folks want a jail in their backyard. Somebody suggested using the Grove Civic Center and overhauling it complete with a big flashing sign out front that reads: "Crime Does Not Pay, You Do Not Want to Be in Here."

But where would we put the Boat Show?

Airport Missing a Number

The "3" on Runway 36 at the Grove Airport has gone missing, it was reported at the regularly monthly meeting of the Grove Municipal Airport trust authority Monday. "This could pose a problem," Gary Tripennsee noted from the audience.

A ten minute discussion ensued as to what to do about it. Maybe we should repaint all the markings, one noted. Do we need to get OAC permission, another said. We need to get a notice to aviators out, another said. It was finally agreed that someone could just go out with a roller and a bucket of paint and re-apply the number "3" on the runway.

The Board also adjusted its Capital Improvements Project list, something that has been done at just about every meeting, putting runway rehabilitation near the top of the list and using grant money that "is at least a year off." The airport should receive $381,520 in FY '08, airport manager Terry Abercrombie noted. Put at #1 was updating the Master Plan, with rehab of the runway, apron, and shoulders following. Additional land acquisition was listed next.

The Board agreed to accept a bid not to exceed $11,600 for remodeling the airport terminal office to comply with the ADA Act for restrooms and make other improvements, and using volunteers to repaint the office to save the painting cost.

Lendonwood Volunteers Do Spring Cleanup

Several Grove area volunteers are pitching in to give Lendonwood Gardens its annual “spring cleaning,” just in time for the tourism season and the first garden wedding of the year.
The latest work day was Saturday, March 10, when community members helped haul debris, rake pathways, and remove broken limbs. Special attention was paid to preparing the American Backyard Garden for a scheduled mid-March wedding.
The volunteers were joined in their efforts by Fidler’s Tree Service of Fairland and a number of paid assistants from Jay.
More work days may be needed to spruce up the garden, due to January’s damaging ice storm, said Cindy Reynolds, president of the Lendonwood Gardens, Inc., Board of Directors.
“We are still picking up broken branches and removing damaged plants, in addition to the normal spring clean-up needed every year,” Reynolds said. “This year, it’s been especially challenging to prepare Lendonwood for spring visitors.”
Reynolds noted that many people are not aware that Lendonwood is operated largely by volunteers, whether they serve on the board, plant flowers, clear debris, plan events, conduct tours or other activities. “We could not survive without the help of all the people who so generously give of their time and effort to make Lendonwood beautiful,” she said.
Volunteers joining in Saturday’s efforts included: Jim Reynolds, Cindy Reynolds, Pauline Hale, Roger Endo, Gary Lawrence, Harding Collis, Leonard Miller, Braxton Miller, Mardee Dodge, Jodi Poveromo, Rich Poveromo and Maggie Patrick.
Lendonwood Gardens is a three-acre, non-profit botanical garden located on Har-Ber Road in Grove. For more information, call 918-786-2938.

A Matter of Faith...

By Carol Round

Can’t Take it with You

“For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.”
1 Timothy 6:7 (NIV)

Each weekend, especially when the weather starts to warm, signs start popping up everywhere. People are getting rid of their junk. It doesn’t matter whether you call it a garage sale, a yard sale or a rummage sale, people like searching for great buys. As the old adage goes, “One man’s junk is another man’s treasure.”

Our church recently held its annual rummage sale to benefit Heifer International. Each time we have a sale, I am amazed at the number of items donated. Like most people, we have too much “stuff.”

I can recall my mother’s annual sales that caused disagreements because my father didn’t want to contribute anything. Mom’s philosophy was “if you haven’t used it or worn it in a year, it goes in the sale.”

Dad didn’t agree. He refused to part with any item that he might use in the future—even if it was rusty, bent, broken or obsolete.

A friend and I were recently discussing this American obsession with “stuff.” She made a statement that makes sense to me. She said, “We spend the first half of our lives collecting stuff and the second half getting rid of it.”

Why is that? I think, as we grow older, we realize that when we have too much “stuff,” it crowds out the important things in our life, like friends and family. It also puts a barrier between our Savior and us.

One of my favorite television ministers made a good point about this issue. To illustrate her talk, she had a clothes rack on stage with a variety of her own outfits for different occasions. As she removed each one from its hanger—as if to add it to a pile of clothing she wanted to give away—she would make statements like, “Aw, I can’t part with this. I wore this 10 years ago to my daughter’s wedding,” “I’d forgotten I had this black dress. But I have so many in my closet I couldn’t find it,” or “This outfit doesn’t fit anymore, but I might lose weight, so I’d better keep it.”

By the time she went through the rack, she realized she had an excuse for hanging on to each article of clothing that she had considered giving away. Her point? We use excuses to hang onto things that we need to let go of—not just stuff.

When our attitudes don’t fit anymore, when we have outgrown our lifestyles and when we need to give up habits that hold us back from being our best for the Lord, we need to clean out our lives. We need to give it all to God and start fresh with Him.

When I think about our physical birth, I am reminded that we came into this world with nothing but the grace of our Lord. We don’t like to think about death, but when I do, I remember that I will take nothing with me to the grave but His grace.

A collection of Carol Round’s most popular faith-based columns is now available in book form. For more information, readers can reach her at carolaround@yahoo.com.