Recap of 2008 Russell News Service January 01, 2009 | Grant Park Gazette As the new year of 2009 begins, and the old year 2008 has ended, this is a good time to recap and review the many good things and successful events that occurred in Grant Park during the past year. -Monthly Lions Club breakfasts at the Community Building in the park. -Monthly Senior Fellowship meetings at the Community Building in the park with refreshments and entertainment for seniors in the area, sponsored by the GP United Methodist Church. April through May 2008: -The old one-room schoolhouse, "Point School," was finally moved into town from it's rural setting on May 22. Ray Ogle movers arrived in April and began the slow and difficult process of digging out and getting the building readied for the move. May: -A new playground for the pre-school mobile unit on school grounds. June: -The quasquicentennial celebrated Grant Park's 125th anniversary and was combined with the annual Dixie Daze run of the old vintage cars, with its afternoon parade and festivities at the park. Fireworks in the evening. The old Grant Park wooden elevator was torn down. A new grain storage tank was constructed to handle the increased demand for the grain products. July: -Jimmy Buffett Night in town Ð music and food. -Metabolic Management completed its renovation of its downtown building, and a new funeral home is being added to the town. -A new Seniors Independent Housing building will be added in the spring/summer. -The fire department will be finalizing its plans and seeking bids for a much needed new fire station soon. -New lamp posts were erected in the park. When the project is completed, there will be a total of nine lights on three sides of the park. New "Old Style" light heads will be installed on five downtown streetlights. September: -The annual "Wine Tasting" event was sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce at the Bennett Curtis House. -School's Open House and Grandparents Day, plus other school activities. -The "Beverly Roberts" fundraiser, which established a cancer fund foundation for cancer victims in Grant Park. -A free shredding of old, obsolete papers and documents was held at the First National Bank of Grant Park, along with an outdoor barbecue luncheon for participants. -Long time Grant Park reporter Mary Moffatt retired after 18 years with the Grant Park Gazette. She looked forward to finally traveling with husband Tom in their camper. She also plans to spend more time gardening, taking dance lessons, and just enjoying their family. To quote Mary, "It's been a joy to work with the nicest co-workers anyone could ask for." The town of Grant Park truly appreciates her years of service. As of September, Ileane Breslin became the new Grant Park reporter. October: -As part of Fire Prevention Month Ð the GP Fire Department held a demonstration at the GP Elementary School. -Annual Lion's Club "Blood Drive" and "Mini Health Fair" at Community Park. -The annual "Oktoberfest" with a craft show and events in town along with a Sunday car show, the Chili cook-off, a carnival and games. An evening "Lighted Parade" was the finale. -November: "Annual Lions Club Senior Appreciation Dinner with activities and prizes' December: -Dedication and official opening of Point School. -The annual "Christmas in the Village" Ð a celebration of Christmas festivities in Gratn Park with open house at businesses; treats and refreshments. Piano recital at the Musik Room. Santa arriving in a surrey at Point School. All of these improvements and achievements would not have been possible without the help of many dedicated workers and organizations, plus countless volunteers. With the coming of the new year, the village of Grant Park will continue to move ahead and progress to the benefit of all it's residents. _

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