Pleasantly surprised by the Red Oak community

A few months ago, I wrote a follow-up column regarding the closing of the Grand Theatre, and a suggestion offered by a former theatre owner, Bob Fridley, to turn it into a not-for-profit operation.

From dealing with previous theatres that had undergone similar changes, he said a board would have to be formed to oversee the operation, and I issued a call for volunteers.

Since that time, I received probably calls or emails from 8-10 people indicating they would be willing to serve on a board, but at this point, which would probably be enough.

However, what is lacking is someone willing to “lead the charge” and serve as the board chair and key organizer.

With this number of willing volunteers, many of whom see very enthusiastic, the task of leading the board shouldn’t be as daunting as it may seem.

So, if you feel compelled, motivated, or inspired, to headman this very noble cause, give me a call and I’ll be more than happy to turn over this list of able-bodied help.

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Kudos to Red Oak’s street department for doing a bang-up job during last week’s winter storm.

I was out driving around taking pictures after I got dug out of my own driveway late Wednesday morning/early in the afternoon, and I was really impressed at how clear the main arteries were at that early stage.

I was extremely grateful I had a four-wheel drive while driving on secondary roads that day, and even into the weekend, but for the most part, the streets have been in great shape.

I’m not typically one for gushing on people for simply doing their job, but this took a lot of work and extra hours on the part of the street department, which can at times be a frequent target for scorn and criticism. So thanks guys and gals for all your efforts.

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I took an hour or so Friday afternoon to do a little Christmas/birthday shopping for my wife around the square in downtown Red Oak.

Five days separates her birthday from Christmas, so I get most of the major gift-buying duties in one shot, which can be a good and a bad thing.

With Valentine’s Day in February and our anniversary in late March, I kind of get to coast the rest of the year, but it’s a little tough coming up with decent ideas for that many presents in that short of time.

Some years I do better than others, and I think I’m off to a pretty good start this year. I found some nice items for her downtown (at least the women I work with say I did), and I was pleasantly surprised by the variety of wares to choose from.

It’s nice to be able to shop locally, and keep that money in town. If you haven’t already, take some time and check out the local stores, on and off the square.

You’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Gregory Orear is the General Manager/Editor of the Red Oak Express. He can be emailed at publisher@redoakexpress.com.