By reporter Steven Smalley
Photography by Gretchen Taylor
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Magnolia?s Front Doors earned their day and a thorough shining as two volunteer crews of 16 people converged on the welcome signs at two ends of the neighborhood.
With saws and shovels, plus the help of Magnolia businesses and neighbors, the overgrown and unkempt signs at the top of the Garfield Street Bridge and at the corner of 20th Avenue West & West Dravus Street, were trimmed, weeded, and replanted.
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Of special note ? perhaps you barely perceived the brown sign with white letters beckoning, Welcome to Magnolia, among the brush and blackberries on Dravus Street near the railroad tracks. Now with the help of a small brass plate found affixed to the post, it?s understood this sign to be an old Eagle Scout project by Jason Rudolf from Boy Scout Troop 85 in 1989. Jason would be proud to see his Eagle effort now restored with the help of a little paint, and a much put-your-back-into-it effort.
?This was a bigger project than anyone thought,? explains Greg Carnese of the Magnolia Chamber of Commerce.
Even though he admits to an ambitious schedule, Carnese was still thrilled to see the progress. ?I?m ecstatic,? he proclaimed.
Although too numerous to mention, kudos go to many. Special recognition belongs to Chuck and Margaret Flaherty, owners of the Magnolia Garden Center, for the scores of donated plants and all design work for the new and improved Front Doors.
There was plenty of gratitude on the street as well. Volunteers report folks coming over to give encouragement and appreciation. ?One lady stopped and gave us a plate of chocolate chip cookies,? said a worker.
In view of the fact that it?s not completed, the project will take an additional Saturday to finish up, says Carnese. Saturday, October 11 is the day chosen to wrap up both locations. There is still room to do your part. Drop Greg Carnese a line to and let him know of your intentions. gregc@lerouxmagnolia.com
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