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  • Community Recovering From Storm Save Email Print
    Holiday tradition takes a hit
    Posted: 9:03 PM Jul 3, 2008
    Last Updated: 12:31 AM Jul 4, 2008

    A | A | A

    As power crews worked toward finishing up repairs in the aftermath of last Friday's storm, a small community near Fremont was among the final locations to see the power come back on. Holiday traditions are now taking a hit from the storm.

    The Merryweather family has seen 35 years of July Fourth celebrations at Woodcliff Lakes.

    Lee Merryweather says, "Our next door neighbor is going to have fireworks on the island."

    But this celebration will be different than the 34 before it. A short drive around the community shows you why.

    Sean Kenney, president of the homeowners association says, "Even though there won't be as big of celebration as there was previously, I think people are just looking forward to a time to relax and enjoy after they get some of their stuff back together."

    Kenney is one of 450 residents making new plans for the Fourth.

    "It's unfortunate that we have to suspend our festivities but everyone will still be celebrating as best as we can and as safe as we can," he said.

    Terry Wilson's celebration won't include driving. He lost his car to a massive tree that smashed down on top of it.

    Just down the road, a house was condemned after a tree flopped through its roof.

    Scenes like these are common in the area.

    Wilson says, "This stuff will all go away but the most important thing is spending time with family and friends."

    The town and its residents like the Merryweathers usually enjoy fireworks around the lake as the sun sets on July Fourth. This year is different.

    Lee says, "We've been out here for 35 years and this is the first time we've taken shelter."

    This year's July 4 fireworks show at Woodcliff Lakes has been cancelled. It has been rescheduled for Labor Day.

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    Posted by: schuyler on Jul 4, 2008 at 02:39 AM
    from the members of dodge county react. we are glad we could help out and we are looking forward to helping out at the fire works on labor day. we hope that things will go better next year and that we can have them on the 4th again.

    Posted by: Woodcliffer on Jul 4, 2008 at 12:07 AM
    The response at Woodcliff has been well organized and efficient. Thank you to Woodcliff security, REACT, the Cedar Bluffs fire and rescue, and ALL THOSE WORKERS who have cleared the roads, directed traffic, moved trees off of roofs, provided sandwiches, water, or given words of encouragement. The support has been overwhelming. Thank you everyone. Your kindness is appreciated.

    Posted by: J on Jul 3, 2008 at 10:01 PM
    Glad to see a positive attitude about all this and understanding that in the end, having family and friends to celebrate with is all that matters. There are 2 families in CB that don't. I saw in the paper tonight some guy whining he had no electricity with which to iron his clothes until Wed. p.m. He needs to change his perspective. Maybe get some neighbors like these Woodcliff folks.

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