Blaine Bridge Meeting

[DennyG]

As a result of the recent "Case of the Missing Milestone", I've made the electronic acquaintance of Sue Douglass and she has provided me with the press release for a bridge related meeting next Wednesday. I can't possibly make it but, for those who live in the area, it sounds like a good opportunity for contact with one of the key National Road communities. What follows is the press release:

----------

 

PRESS RELEASE

 

 

 

RE: Blaine Bridge community Preservation Project

 

Contact : Sue Douglass

 

Date: Nov. 9, 2007

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

 

The Blaine Bridge Community Preservation Project will hold a public meeting WEDNESDAY, Nov. 14 , at the Pleasant Valley Presbyterian Church , located on the Historic National Road in Blaine, Ohio. The meeting begins at 7:00 pm and refreshments will be served.

 

The group is closing out this year’s sessions with a theme of thankfulness, and they are hoping to see many of the people who have participated in the successes beginning in 2001. The culminating event of the project’s work was in September 2005 when the meticulously completed rehabilitation of the historic 1828 Blaine Bridge was celebrated. With the treasured structure secured for the future, the group remains thankful for that accomplishment as it looks to how the site will be developed and the artifact featured in the days to come.

 

While the Bridge remains in the county’s hands, the site is directly involved with the Pease Township Park District. Plans from those trustees have yet to be developed. Currently, the 1828 Bridge is open to visitors and pedestrian traffic only, free of charge, with parking on the road to and on the land nearest the structure. Tours are self-guided . Additional information is available at www.blainebridge.org, the group’s official website , or from any member of the community group.

 

This session will be the last meeting until 2008, when the group will gather on an as needed basis . While they are pursuing additional project work on such items as local history and tourism events, meetings will be announced with press releases and information as it occurs. “ These folks have earned a breather”, stated Sue Douglass, founder of the group. “ We are very happy to have succeeded in saving and focusing attention on this very significant American treasure . Everyone in this effort worked hard, stayed the course, and provided solid support since the day we first met in October 2001. Now we remain anxious to showcase it, eager to share the Bridge and its story”, said Douglass.

 

No individual invitations have been sent but the group hopes to see as many of the “ Bridge Friends” as possible. That large contingent of support is widely scattered yet the project wishes to reach out to them , hoping they will attend . “ Please spread the word, call your friends, forward email, and remind everyone they are welcome to join us, and celebrate our gratitude”, encouraged Douglass.

 

An added bonus to this meeting will be an appreciation sale of 1828 Blaine Bridge logo items. Everything from shirts to pillows to ornaments will be $5 with supplies limited to what is available. Cash sales only. Free information and maps also will be available as supply allows.