And then there were eight

We started with a group of 18, but that number has dwindled to eight. This last couple weeks has been great and I'm glad I am able to stay until tomorrow when the class ends. I've heard some crazy stories and met plenty of characters. I was in a comfort zone back in Wichita. Most of what I wrote was sports content for our school paper, The Sunflower. Having to interview people who have lost more than a game has been a humbling experience. In additon to writing feel-good rebuilding stories, I've been working on a story about controversy and small-town politics in Greensburg. This story has been difficult for me, but I've enjoyed reporting on something that hasn't been fully broached. Here shortly, I will start to work on a story about a farm family that lost everything but eachother. I'm looking forward to getting back.

At last - insight

It has been more than a week since we started this project. Until today I was not able to completely process everything I have experienced.
At the beginning, as I learned more about this devastated but reviving community, I felt that every person I talked to showed optimism and belief in better future. After all, the reasons are many: houses are building, Greensburg is still in the media spotlight mainly for its green initiative, volunteers are still coming and residents are returning back.
However, this week more than ever I can't help but wonder what we are not reporting. Are there any issues that this community feels need to be answered, but nobody does?
I believe some of my peers working on this project are tackling these stories and I hope they will not go unnoticed.

Late nights

Coffee is a good pal of mine on nights like tonight, when I plan to get as much as possible accomplished on stories. When I get into writing mode, you better watch out!

A few people have already hit the ol' dusty trail, and I'm planning to do so tomorrow or Thursday, but it's not without some sadness.

I won't miss the living arrangements much. I miss my comfy bed and a kitchen full of food. But this experience has been eye-opening.

There's a lot to living in a bigger town that I take forgranted.

Like restaurants. And grocery stores. And Internet.

And yet, my complaints seem petty when compared with those of Greensburg residents. Some are still living in FEMA housing. Some are still trying to settle with insurance. Some have no real home to speak of.

There is still so much to do here in Greensburg, and devoted volunteers and officials are seeing that it is accomplished. I only hope that the media attention doesn't die down too soon. The town needs all the publicity it can get for a few years to keep the ball rolling.

Heading Home

Tonight is my last night in Haviland and Greensburg, and even though I am sad to see it end, I am relieved to be finished with my stories.

Kurt Hahn said, “There is more in us than we know. If we can be made to see it, perhaps, for the rest of our lives, we will be unwilling to settle for less.” Before coming out to Greensburg, I was hesitant and sort of excited about writing feature stories for this class. I wasn’t sure that I could keep up with the older undergrad students, as well as the graduate students. I was even more unsure of my ability to write four print stories and write and record my first ever audio story. Needless to say, everyone on this trip rallied behind each other and gave everyone the encouragement and inspiration they needed to finish videos at 2:30 in the morning, create the perfect lead to introduce their stories and to capture the perfect picture to assist their stories. I know I found out that I am capable of accomplishing more than I ever thought imaginable for myself. I have been made to see what I am capable of, as in terms of writing, and although I am still hesitant of my writing skills, I am even more unwilling to settle for less.

Laundry day

After a quick Greensburg trip earlier today to wrap up some unfinished work, an unfamiliar sight greeted me. After the interview hunt, I saw something I hadn't seen in a very long time: a clothesline. I don't think I've ever been more excited to see 16 pairs of pants. Ever.

Hanging the wash out to dry seems simple enough, but this chore shows that it's business as usual for Greensburg residents. More than that, a laundry line is a sure sign of inhabitance, just one more indicator that life is getting back to normal.

Heading Back

It is 6:30 Monday morning and I am getting ready to head back to Haviland and Greensburg. I am looking forward to seeing the stories from last week and what the students have planned for this week. For me it will be a short week due to another commitment later in the week, my first juried art fair in Topeka for my photography.

It will be interesting to see how our new residence works out, we will be spending the week sleeping in classrooms at Barclay College. The Friends church had a larger than expected number of volunteers coming in this week and we moved to make room for them.

Doing photographs for some of the stories it has been great to be able to be there for some of the interviews and hear not just their stories from the last year but their thought and hopes for what Greensburg will become. I hope that they can turn their plans into reality, if they do it will be an even better town than before.

Back to the 'burg

After taking a weekend to recharge, we headed back to Haviland today to settle into our new digs at Barclay College. We went on to Greensburg and it must be said that the town looks worlds better when it's sunny.

I took this photo of the water tower through the window of a partially demolished building.

from the old guy

I survived trying to keep up with 15 college students for three days, not bad for a 50+ guy. I admit they were up later a couple of nights but they said my snoring didn't bother them too much.

After the late nights and early mornings things are starting to come together. Everyone has a story, not just about that night but the days since. As you are talking with people about their story you find two or three more stories, it seems to be a never ending saga.

It's not just the people in Greensburg that lost homes and businesses, it is the people in Haviland, Mullinville and other communities that have stepped up and helped in any way they could. Even now, over a year later, everyone in the area is still dealing with that night in their daily lives.

The men in Haviland no longer have to drive to another town for a hair cut, Greensburg's only barber has relocated his business there. Churches are now hosting the hundreds of volunteers that are coming to help with the rebuilding every month. These are just two of the many examples that you find in the area.

I hope that we can give you an insiders view of what life is like in the Greensburg area.

cort

Staying Positive

W. Clement Stone said, “There is little difference in people, but that little difference makes a big difference. That little difference is attitude. The big difference is whether it is positive or negative.” Everyone who I have met and interviewed in Greensburg has been positive. From signs on buildings saying, “Struck down but not destroyed . . . rising from the rubble with Christ,” to the senior class motto this past year stating, “We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust our sails,” Greensburg has held their head up high with a positive and upbeat attitude and outlook on the hand they have been dealt. During the commencement exercises, George Bush referenced the senior class growing closer together as the world around them blew apart. Darin Headrick, Superintendent of Greensburg High School, received the “I Make a Difference Award” at the ceremonies for emulating Vince Lombardi’s quote about being a great leader. Lombardi said, “Leaders are not born, they are made through hard work just like everything else.” There are so many great leaders in Greensburg, such as those who led and still lead by example and those who become leaders simply from their passion, not their position. As I sit at my kitchen table in Wichita, I find myself thinking about Greensburg and ultimately wishing I was there being a part of their positive story.

Ad astra per aspera

Brightly-painted wooden stars are scattered all over town. After a brief expedition with Ashley S. and Roni, we found what may be the source of all the inspirational stars: St. Joseph's Church. If not the source, then a promising lead at the very least.


As I was typing this, Roni informed me that the stars are part of Stars of Hope, a project undertaken by New York City firefighters to show support for Greensburg youngsters.

Enjoyable concert to wrap up day 3

After spending Thursday walking and talking with volunteers and citizens, checking out unique scenary and eating at Mikey's Hunts Brothers Pizza, Todd, Patrick and I met Cort at Volunteer Village to listen to a mini-concert put on by Shawn Freeman of Portland Oregon and Craig Stramel of Hays. The audience consisted of volunteers from Nebraska in additon to the four of us. Freeman's family is from Greensburg. He's here helping his father get a start on retirement in the town. Stranel is a recent graduate of Fort Hays State University. He has a passion for volunteer work and isn't ready to start a real post-college job. He also has plans to turn in his applicaton for the Peace Corps. Stramel played what cover songs he knew how to play while Freeman performed some songs he's written. Freeman was the better singer/songwriter, but Stramel had the best performance when he wrapped up the show with an outstanding acoustice version of Oukast's "Hey Ya." It was the best concert I've ever seen in Greensburg.

A Rewarding Experience

Then men above are from the great Cornhusker state, also known as Nebraska! Currently, there are two groups from Nebraska volunteering, one from Hastings and another from Holdrege. In any given week, there can be anywhere from 150 to 300 volunteers. Although there is a vast array of volunteers from across the nation volunteering, they are all here to help and to make the community of Greensburg stronger. Albert Schweitzer said, “Even if it’s a little thing, do something for those in need of help, something for which you get no pay but the privilege of doing it.” These volunteers go full force each and every day with expecting nothing in return. When asking volunteers what one word could describe their experience, they all reply with the same word – rewarding.

We're certainly in Kansas

This is a photo from Kansas and Bay streets in Greensburg. Kansas Street is also Highway 54, or if you're from Wichita: Kellogg.

Good green living

It appears that we're not the only college group that has been busy at work in Greensburg. The architecture schools at both KU and K-state have built structures that promote green living. K-state's Greensburg Cubed project is described as a "sustainable residential model" that encourages recycling various resources. KU's project, the 5.4.7 Arts Center, provides artists with eco-friendly gallery space to showcase their work. Studio 804, the group that designed and constructed the building,hopes to pass the rigorous testing process to be LEED Platinum Certified, making it the greenest building in Kansas.

The photo is of the inside of Greenhaus, one of the modules installed as part of K-state's project. Kind of reminds me of Piet Mondrian.

Lost...Not the TV Show

So...I'm a day late on my blogging, but yesterday, after a long day of sitting though some speakers, and moving into the basement of the Friends Church here in Haviland, we desperately wanted to shower.

We set off to find our showering facility. Which we were told was "right up that street," as a fellow journalist waved his hand in a general direction.

This is Ashley Arnold and myself outside of the elementary school here in Haviland. We were pretty sure we were eventually going to get arrested because we weren't sure which building had the showers. So we tried just about every building in town. At the point of this picture we were asking ourselves, "How did we get lost in Haviland?"

Just in case you're dying of curiosity - we DID finally find our showing facilities and were nice and clean this morning to go traipse around in the mud in Greensburg. More on that later...

My Greensburg aerial debut

Today I had the opportunity to take a helicopter ride with local pilot and Haviland city council member, Robert Ellis. It was incredible to say the least. I got to snap some photos while my fellow classmate Ian Crane shot video. Seeing the devastation from overhead made me realize just how wide the tornado was and how empty it left the town. The only regret of my experience was eating such a large dinner beforehand. My stomach fared OK though. Nancy has been spoiling us with her home cooking. That's definitely something I'll miss when I return to Wichita.

Resilience shown through paint, plywood

Throughout Greensburg, Kan., signs can be seen carrying the message of the rebuilding community, which is a resounding bellow of survival.



Greensburg’s citizens have a distinct personality that is evident in such signs, but other signs show the incredible support outsiders have for the town.

Many groups provided inspirational signs to the community, but Matt Deighton, volunteer coordinator and self-proclaimed mayor of volunteer village, accurately has said humor is important. If people aren’t laughing, they might be crying.



Today the group and I toured the ravaged town, and it was interesting to hear the stories of people and how the tornado has altered their lives forever.

But what was better was walking around and taking it all in for myself. I was moved.

For now I am going to work on an audio slide show highlighting the quirky personality of Deighton.

When it’s finished, I will post it on this blog, and before I go to bed, I will try to post a brief recap about a few exciting events of today.

Stay tuned . . .

Everyday Heroes

The coloring above was created by Jessica Nemy of California and is hanging on one of the walls in the Volunteer Relief Village. Posters and banners like the one above can be seen throughout Greensburg.


After meeting many individuals in Greensburg today, hearing their stories, and seeing the efforts of past and present volunteers, I realized that every individual in Greensburg, every individual who has ever been to Greensburg to help in the relief efforts, and every individual who will come to Greensburg to help are all heroes. Christopher Reeve said, “A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” Those individuals who I have met and have heard stories of are remarkable individuals who are going out of their own way to give one more smile to the people of Greensburg. From the inspirational stars and posters to the unseen deeds of volunteers and the conscious efforts of the people of Greensburg, Greensburg will never give up hope.

Wishing Well

Finally, after years of hearing about the world's largest hand dug well, I was able to see it with my own eyes. I knew it was big, but really how big could it be? People, this thing is big or should I say deep, 109 feet deep to be exact. As you can see in the photo, those are the stairs going down to the bottom. There are a total of 105 steps. Right now, however, no one is allowed inside the well. While I was standing there admiring man's "handy" work, I noticed coins inside the edge of the well. They are most likely from children or tourists, trying to make it into the water for a wish. Inspired, I thought I would try making my own wish. I dropped a penny through one of the holes of the metal safety fence, trying to aim for the water, but alas, I believe my penny found it's fate on one of the steps leading to the bottom. I came to this conclusion when I heard a loud clang from the well. So if it never hit the water I wonder if this means my wish is now null-in-void?

Well...

We visited Greensburg's Big Well and it was...well...big. Before visiting, I read that it's 109 feet deep and provided the town with suitable water from the time it was constructed in 1887 until 1932. Today, it's still a popular tourist attraction. Looking down into the well reminded me of climbing to the top of the Kansas Capitol Dome only in the opposite direction. Sadly I won't be able to brave the descent, because the well is currently closed because of safety issues.

Wind-mauled windmill

As I was driving through Greensburg this misty, dreary morning I noticed this windmill on the north side of town; this side of town wasn't hit nearly as hard by the tornado as was the south side. It was on a run-down property that a goat, two burrows and a dog called home, and I was mesmerized with how twisted and contorted the metal was.

Finally Getting A Video Up...only about 2 a.m. though

Here is a really quick video about humor that I'm posting and now before I go to bed. There is a huge point made here that humor can lighten a mood and get you through some tough times. Now comes day two and what to expect is unknown, except walking in any grassy areas is definitely not suggested.

Burning the Midnight oil, thinking about day one

As I said earlier at http://voiceofthevogts.wordpress.com, our first day in Greensburg, Kan., has been interesting.

Personally, I didn't spend much time in the town because of my duties with the Web site, which is now up and running at http://www.greensburgrebirth.com. I am still working on it now, but we are making progress and the site looks great.

In any event, while I was in Greensburg, I shot a few photos. A couple of them showed the destruction of the tornado, but most of what can be seen is the rebirth of the community, which is very powerful to witness.







One of the main achievements Greensburg is touting is the fact they are going "green" in the rebuilding. The town is a world-wide innovator in environmentally friendly living, and this is evident even in the local Kwik Shop as "green" shopping bags are readily available.



I'm impressed. I didn't really know what to expect when I arrived here, but I am glad I am working on this project. I believe the work we will be doing will be good for the growing community, and I plan on personally doing my part by volunteering in the rebuilding efforts, even if only for a day.

As I prepare to go shoot photos and update the Web site come sunrise, I keep thinking about the Kwik Shop workers and the absolute fear on their faces when the tornado sirens sounded. It is hard to imagine the horror they went through last year.

Would I be strong enough to deal with it? I don't know for certain, and that is why this project is quickly becoming very important to me. I want to fully understand what they went through. I realize I may not be able to achieve such enlightenment because I didn't go through it, but I want to try and hopefully at least learn a thing or two along the way.

I know as I drift off to sleep tonight one story we all were told today will stick in my mind.

We were told children were greatly affected by the tornado. Children who were taken by their families to bathrooms in the center of their homes for safety during the tornado strike will not use bathrooms now.

Instead, they soil themselves because they have such a negative association with bathrooms because of the tornado.

I can't even imagine . . .

Settle For More

Today, while on our way to Greensburg and while in Greensburg, I noticed many things, some things that I have never seen before and some things that gave me and continue to give me inspiration. For the first time in my life, I saw armadillos; however, they were not alive. Nonetheless, I was still ecstatic to see these cute and odd little creatures on the side of the road. When we arrived in Greensburg, I noticed something that I would have never expected to see or even come across. On the corner of select intersections, I saw wooden stars with inspirational words on them such as hope, smile, inspire, wish, and miracle. When I saw these brightly colored stars, I thought of one of my favorite quotes. Isak Dinesen said, “We must leave our mark on life while we have it in our power.” The community of Greensburg is doing just that. They aren’t dwelling on their circumstances, but looking forward and taking responsibility for who they, as a community and a team, want to become. They are doing this by settling for more and through inspirational words, humor, and genuine love for each and every member of the community. I can’t help but smile at how encouraging and uplifting the community of Greensburg is and where the great town will be in the days and years to come.

Blast from the Past

On a more frivolous note, the carpet in the Sunday school classrooms at the Haviland Friends Church is nothing short of retro! Pyschedelic and groovy were two words that came to my mind instantly. Think grandma's house meets a child's kaleidoscope. I wonder if they still manufacture floor coverings of this kind. If so, I'm going to have to keep it in mind for when I settle down and build a home, because it definitely lightens the mood.

Close call

Dana Dinkel and Annie Cook react after hearing a siren Tuesday during our orientation in the Volunteer Village in Greensburg, Kan. Everyone in the room was a little nervous after hearing the sirens and after driving around for about an hour I found out most of the people in Greensburg were shaky, too.

Setting up camp in Haviland, Kan.

After caravaning from Wichita, we arrived at Haviland Friends Church, our home for the next two weeks. Haviland is about 10 miles away from Greensburg, a town hit by a devastating tornado just over a year ago.

Students from the Elliott School of Communication at WSU will be covering the rebirth of Greenburg and the surrounding community.

Our group is housed in the basement of the church.
We're sleeping in the Sunday school rooms, but with cots and air mattresses, we're definitely not roughing it.

The kitchen is spacious and we have enough food for about a month.