Rising From the Ashes

                   On this cold gray day along the river the somber rural town of Emlenton may appear to be a little lost after the raging fire that consumed the historic, "Emlenton Mill" and severly damaged, " Amy's Closet" and several other private residences. We found ourselves humbled in the revelation that life can be altered in seconds, years of memories and sacrifice can be dissolved before our eyes becoming ashes that filter in the winds of our valley and tarnish our souls. We tend to reflect on our memories of the past. "Twig", the gristmill's previous owner who scouffed at boys playing hide n seek amongst the bags of grain.The years of folks visiting the Mill for Ice Cream, antiques, crafts and good old music. Amy's Closet brought style to the women of the valley for decades.

                  In the after math of tragedy we sift through the ashes to find positive energy, creative ideas and possibilities that re define us as a community and a people who continue to find purpose. There are positive changes occuring that spawn bright beginnings. Grants funded by, "Trailtown" will soon provide much needed additions to our town. A kiosk at the up river portion of "The Allegheny Trail" will soon show case a map and signage directing trail users. The addition of Sharro's, to the roadway coming from the trail will direct user's through the town along River Avenue, where at the street corners, signs will point to the businesses along Main Street. A gateway to the town of Emlenton by means of three stone planter's will be created on the corner of Main Street and Kerr Avenue to welcome guest and rekindle the pride of the local residence. The planter's will house a uniquely created schupture of an 1800's bicycle that would have been riden during Emlenton's founding days. The Blueprint Community Planning Committee has created a five year strategic plan based on input from the valley's of Emlenton, Foxburg and Parker. This venture will garnish funding for projects supporting unity in the valley known as, "The Allegheny Clarion Valley." The Blueprint is gathering volunteers and will soon begin to inject the positive thrust the valley needs in marketing, housing, business development and community ventures to bring economic reform and rejuvenate the towns along the river and trail.

               As the river melts and the snow parts to finally expose the earth to the warm sunlight, the green of Spring will occur. Spring brings with it color and lifts our spirits. Our valley must dig deep and decided if we have the energy and time to re build and re create a vision to add to a stronger infulstructure and stimulate an economy to support a better life for the families in the valley and welcome our guest to return and enjoy the beautiful landscape we are daily surrounded by.

              So drink in the rays, open your mind and begin a process of positive progress and healing. From the ashes grows an inspiration. Watch it bloom!