The Greentown Grapevine – 2001-10, 08:10

              I' Volume 8. Issue 10 " a fia
Greentown Native Witness
to Disaster
Jane Kingseed, a
native of
Greentown,
responded to our
request for a
report
of what she saw
and experienced
on September 11
in New York City.
Jane Kingseed
I want to thank the wonderful people
of my hometown for their amazing
support of my family and myselfduring
the World Trade Center disaster.
On Tuesday, September 11 th, I went
to my job as a Cmfinancial reporter
at the New York Stock Exchange, just
like any other day. There was nothing
particularly memorable about that
morning until 8: 45 am. That's when
word spread quickly that a plane had
crashed into one of the famous World
Trade Center twin towers, about 5
blochfi- om where I was. The news was
met with great interest by everyone at
the exchange, as we were glued to TVs
to see how this would unfold. But when
the second plane collided with the
other tower, the interest turned to sheer
horror. It was becoming more apparent
this was a terrorist act.
The New York Stock Exchange, long
a target of terrorists, is heavily
guarded. Armed law enforcement stand
at the entrances 24 hours a day, my
bags are always scanned, and bomb
snifing dogs patrol the area. I went
outside as I was to meet a CMV
producer just outside the entrance to
work this developing story. As I waited
I could see the towers burning just a
few blocks away. Police were quickly
blocking the streets and public
transportation was being halted so it
was becoming apparent my CNN
coworker would not have access to the
area. Realizing the situation, I headed
back into the exchange, which by that
time was guarded ten fold. 1 went back
to my post and within seconds heard a
5 second rumble and then a huge
BOOM!! This was the collapse of the
11 0 story tower. The electricity went
out, the television sets flickered out,
smoke filled the floor. My assistant and
I grabbed our bags and joined the
stampede toward the doors but we
were not let out because of thick, black
plumes of smoke. We were told, via
public address system, to go to the
basement, then back to the floor, then
back to the basement, then the floor.
Mass confusion was making the
situation worse so we decided to return
to . our post and wait to see what
happened. At some point during this I
ialled my father, Max, who was at
home in Greentown. We exchanged " I
love yous" and I hung up.
Looking back, I'know now the worst
was over at that point, about an hour
and a halfafter the terror began. The
entire financial district as well as our
psyches as a nation are shaken but I
am optimistic. To live in safety, we
need to root out those who hate our
fi- eedoms so much they would go the
lengths that they did and that will take
some time. A day aJer the attack, I had
a bird's eye view of the new New York
City landscape and knew in my heart
that somehow everything was going to
be okay. God Bless the USA and God
Bless those back in Indiana who still
care so much.
Sincerely,
Jane Kingseed
Park Study Group Forming
In May of this year, a survey was
published in the Grapevine, requesting
input from the local community
regarding the future growth of
Greentown. This survey was authored
by a Steering Committee that was
formed to work on Greentown's
Comprehensive Plan. The results of
that survey indicated that a majority of
those responding desired more Town
Parks and Playgrounds. The most
common write- in feature was nature or
walking trails.
Jolene Rule, a member of the
Steering Committee, is seeking anyone
in the community who is interested in
forming a group to study the feasibility
of more parks, recreational areas, and
trails in Greentown. According to
Jolene, " Much can be accomplished by
a small group of dedicated people. If
you want a park andor trails for
yourself and your family, please
consider attending at least an initial
meeting." For more information, call
Jolene at 628- 3460.
ler for the beolile" October 2001
U
Roland Fegan, Project Engineer for
the Indiana Department of
Transportation, says work is going well
on the culvert replacement at Hwy 22
and county road 700E. The existing
culvert was in " pretty bad shape",
according to Fegan. Work was begun
on the project on September 13 and
should be completed by early October.
Baker and Schultz are the contractors.
As signs went up on Hwy 22
forewarning of closure between
Kokomo and Greentown " on or after
Sept. lo", Pump Fest chairman Rachel
Jenkins became concerned about how
the closure might affect attendance at
Work Promesses on Culvert
the Pump Fest on Sept. 15. This was
intensified because a bridge north of
Greentown on 850E was closed
because of a washout on August 25.
There were also reports of road closure
on Hwy 22 in Grant County. The
intersection of Hwy 26 and 850E was
open but expected to be congested due
to the Howard County Vietnam
Veterans Reunion. These concerns
paled in light of the national tragedy of
Sept. 11. Road 850E north of town
was opened on Sept. 14, and with
additional signs, a record crowd still
found its way to the Pump Fest.
Photo by Rachel Jenkins
The Greentown American Legion Post
# 3 17 would like to compile a list of all
from this area who are currently serving
and those who have been activated.
Names can be given to Commander Brad
Flook at 628- 3336 or 628- 3831.
Remember to Pray for those
from our community who
have recently been
activated.