Determining desires for the new year

The little black book that I carry in my pocket shows wear and it is time to use the new one. Too often the book gets lost and I start wondering what I will do without it. It contains vast amount of information, including addresses, phone numbers, blood glucose tests and appointments -- all valuable information for me. This little black book is a pocket calendar that I have carried consistently for many years.

The end of this book marks the ending of another year. We can look back over 2007 and be reminded of many events that have taken place during the year. This is true of our personal lives as well as for the community.

Within the next few days there will be reviews of 2007. There have been some significant events that have happen during the past year. This includes the approval by the voters for a new county jail that is needed. Prairie Pride has started the production of biodiesel. New construction also is present in the community.

We can now look back, but perhaps more importantly, we can look forward to what we would like to see for 2008. Again, this can apply in our personal lives, for the community and in other ways.

What would you like to see happen in the community for 2008?

How would you answer that question if you were asked? I am not sure how I would answer that question if I were asked.

The answer to the question will vary from one person to another.

It was my desire to ask several different people this question to get their answers; but instead, I asked a small number of people. Really, I expected that each on would come up with the same desire, but it did not happen. It would be interesting to make a study to determine what our number on desire for the new year would be -- at least some top ones.

When I asked a close friend, he only replied that he will read about it in my column. I did not get any comments from him. Others when asked were not certain, but came up with some thoughts.

Jeff Feuquay, an attorney, when asked what he would like to happen in the community during 2008, first said that he would need to think about it. The first thing he mentioned was that he would like to see better coordination for fund-raising among not-for-profit groups. He is not talking about the United Fund. There are a large number of groups raising money by donations or grants. All are for good causes. With so many different ones relying on the money, it hurts.

Another thing that he mentioned with hesitation because of his own biases but decided to anyway is that many people do not know how good the hospital has gotten to be. These people do not realize the quality of services that the Nevada Regional Medical Center provides. They rely on memories of what it used to be like. It is not a band-aid station, but it is a regional hospital. Jeff said that the hospital has a better reputation outside of Nevada, such as in other communities, than it does within Nevada. Many do not realize what we do have.

Jeff said that it would be nice to have another restaurant. This is a desire that I thought might be at the top on everybody's list. He does not know if there will be support for a restaurant. If people would go to eat, we would have another restaurant.

As a need for a restaurant is apparent to many, there are some developments of interest. One of the secrets in the community is Carolyn's, which is a new eating establishment in the Historical East Cherry Street. Carolyn's is also located in down town Rich Hill. The one in Nevada has recently opened and a Grand Opening is planned in January.

Echo's is expanding their hours. Cherry Street Grill has recently celebrated their first year. Many people drive from Nevada to Joplin to eat, which was reversed recently. Guests drove from Joplin to Nevada to eat the Sunday Special Wood Fire Roast Beef at Cherry Street Grill.

These are examples of the developments in the restaurants in Nevada.

Erica Skouby, owner of Nine Patch Quilt and Fabric and a new chamber board member, puts a business slant on what needs to happen. She said that she did not know at present, but will have a better idea after a board member training. She wants to receive information and training on bulk mailing. She would like for several businesses to go together on advertising to cheapen the cost and to do promotions together. She finds that those from neighboring communities are good customers.

Jane Ann Hancock, R-5 teacher, said that she would need to think about it and that she would not want to make suggestions for changes unless she had good ideas for improvements.

She mentioned that several have the conception that Bushwhacker Days are always the same and they do not attend.

She would like for the Bushwhacker royalty tradition to be brought back, based on knowledge like it was at one time, not talent.

Jamie Alexander said "This is a great community, really."

He would like to see the football facilities improved, though it would be expensive. The stadium is too close to the field and could get a player injured.

The question is now directed to you, what would you like to see happen in 2008?

We are in a good community, and yet behind where we need to be.

May you have a great and prosperous New Year.