Now, the tough times begin, and you thought the tough time was during the storm. Now we settle into a new normal of paths through the rubble. Now everyone lets down; the enthusiasm wanes. Now is the time for the hard work; now is the time we most need a cooperative effort. There are so many tasks to be done if we are to come through as a success. I do not have time or space to list them in this note. The amount of time and effort required is enormous. If we are to return Elmwood to a vibrant economic location for local business, then everyone needs to take a hold of this effort and contribute.
The toughest part we must do is to talk to each other, work side by side, and respect each other. We all have something to contribute and none of us can do it all, or even know what to do without reaching out to others. We must remember we are in this together. We are especially isolated in dealing with a larger world that thinks a town like Elmwood doesn't amount to much or have a lot to offer. We know we have a vital community, so we must act like it.