Hurricane Ike in Old River-Winfree

Old River-Winfree Hurricane Ike 2008 in images

So many people were working behind the scenes in Old River-Winfree. The Mayor, Joe Landry, was out checking the community to see what we needed right after the storm. He reported this back to the state government. The Mayor also attended meetings with other Mayors and the County Commissioner's Court addressing the media and the concerns of the County. He was responsible for getting the generator to the water company in Woodland Acres. He and County Commissioner, Gary Nelson were out helping to fix the water main leak on Magnolia. City officials were helping the Red Cross find where to strategically place the Hot Meals Wagon. Judge Jimmy Sylvia blasted the media on not reporting what was happening in Chambers County and spent many a sleepless night coordinating and getting things done for the County.

Old River Baptist Church was on the job immediately housing the National Guard, people who didn't have a home to go to, and the Highway Patrol that was called in. Old River Baptist called in the Southern Baptist Chain Saw Crews to help us with debris and tree removal. Simple Simons Pizza served pizza almost the minute after the Hurricane passed, in some cases giving it away. Dwight's Liquor Store was open also, serving the community helping in anyway they could.

On November 9th, 2008 at the 11:00 Service, the City of Old River-Winfree presented a token of our appreciation in the form of a Texas Plaque with the Old River-Winfree logo bordered in gold in the middle of Texas. On a gold plate at the bottom on the pedestal was engraved a commemoration of the Service provided by Pastor Danny Biddy and Old River Baptist Church before, during and after Hurricane Ike 2008. The Plaque was presented by Mayor Joe Landry, Mayor of Old River-Winfree.

Mayor Landry and Commissioner Gary Nelson

Picture Courtesy of Bobbie Horn

Barbers Hill Press

Commissioner Gary Nelson went above and beyond the duties of his office after Hurricane Ike. From handing out commodities, bulldozing in Woodland Acres from a water line leak, to being on the job before, during, and after the Hurricane to prepare, answer questions and phone calls, and try to the best of his ability to keep his citizens safe.

Andy Malloy, President of the Old River-Winfree Fire Department

Picture Courtesy of Bobbie Horn

Barbers Hill Press

Under his leadership, Old River-Winfree Fire Department has become what it is today; A Fire Department to be proud of. Sometimes receiving phone calls from upset citizens as the Fire Department upheld the Burn Bans after the Hurricane passed, the Fire Department could be seen out and about checking on citizens in the well maintained fire trucks. As more citizens in our community apply to become a fireman, we can be sure that they will be the best and most committed around.

The Galloway Family

Picture Courtesy of Bobbie Horn

Barbers Hill Press

Yes, these smiling faces are all Galloways! As Mr and Mrs Santa Claus, Jessica and Ronald, have brought joy and wonder to hundreds of children in Old River-Winfree. They take so much time in preparing for and organizing the Christmas Party at the Old River-Winfree Community Building every year, that even parents do a double take to make sure they aren't the real thing from the North Pole!!

Mark Huddleston, Commissioner Precinct 1 accepting for the Commissioner's Court

Picture Courtesy of Linda Murphy

City Secretary

Judge Jimmy Sylvia was recuperating from surgery, so Commissioner Mark was called upon to accept the Appreciation Award for the Court. All of the Commissioner's Court worked hard for Chambers County from clean up to coordination of services provided to citizens. They fought for us with the media and with FEMA. They are dedicated to making Chambers County's voices be heard and providing citizens and communities with services that uphold safety and make the County a great place to live.

Last, but not least!

Ryan Holzaepfel

Emergency Management Coordinator

Picture Courtesy of Linda Murphy

City Secretary

Under the direction of Judy Jimmy Sylvia, Director, Ryan kept us informed right up to the last minute of Hurricane Ike's arrival. We don't know when he actually took cover, but his e-mails and communications were invaluable to us all! This office takes a lot off dedication, knowledge, and professionalism to perform. Ryan makes it look simple.

There were many, many businesses and citizens in Old River-Winfree that didn't get an Official "Thank You!", but we know who you are!

Simple Simon's opening up and serving Pizza even without electricity, sometimes free pizza! Neighbors helping neighbors with cutting trees off roofs and removing debris. Organizations such as the Red Cross and United Way, and Faith-Based crews, who don't even know us, coming in and helping in anyway they could. The list goes on and on!

(Note: The Logo in the middle of the Texas Plaque was designed by Angela Motz of Hometown Journey Magazine)

Thanks to you all!!!

Send your pictures of Old River-Winfree Hurricane Ike to info@orwfoundersday.com

From Chuck:


		Hurricane Ike September 12 - 13, 2008 Snow December 10, 2008
	Old River-Winfree Hurricane Ike 2008 in images So many people were working behind the scenes in Old River-Winfree. The Mayor, Joe Landry, was out checking the community to see what we needed right after the storm. He reported this back to the state government. The Mayor also attended meetings with other Mayors and the County Commissioner's Court addressing the media and the concerns of the County. He was responsible for getting the generator to the water company in Woodland Acres. He and County Commissioner, Gary Nelson were out helping to fix the water main leak on Magnolia. City officials were helping the Red Cross find where to strategically place the Hot Meals Wagon. Judge Jimmy Sylvia blasted the media on not reporting what was happening in Chambers County and spent many a sleepless night coordinating and getting things done for the County. Old River Baptist Church was on the job immediately housing the National Guard, people who didn't have a home to go to, and the Highway Patrol that was called in. Old River Baptist called in the Southern Baptist Chain Saw Crews to help us with debris and tree removal. Simple Simons Pizza served pizza almost the minute after the Hurricane passed, in some cases giving it away. Dwight's Liquor Store was open also, serving the community helping in anyway they could. On November 9th, 2008 at the 11:00 Service, the City of Old River-Winfree presented a token of our appreciation in the form of a Texas Plaque with the Old River-Winfree logo bordered in gold in the middle of Texas. On a gold plate at the bottom on the pedestal was engraved a commemoration of the Service provided by Pastor Danny Biddy and Old River Baptist Church before, during and after Hurricane Ike 2008. The Plaque was presented by Mayor Joe Landry, Mayor of Old River-Winfree. Mayor Landry and Commissioner Gary Nelson Picture Courtesy of Bobbie Horn Barbers Hill Press Commissioner Gary Nelson went above and beyond the duties of his office after Hurricane Ike. From handing out commodities, bulldozing in Woodland Acres from a water line leak, to being on the job before, during, and after the Hurricane to prepare, answer questions and phone calls, and try to the best of his ability to keep his citizens safe. Andy Malloy, President of the Old River-Winfree Fire Department Picture Courtesy of Bobbie Horn Barbers Hill Press Under his leadership, Old River-Winfree Fire Department has become what it is today; A Fire Department to be proud of. Sometimes receiving phone calls from upset citizens as the Fire Department upheld the Burn Bans after the Hurricane passed, the Fire Department could be seen out and about checking on citizens in the well maintained fire trucks. As more citizens in our community apply to become a fireman, we can be sure that they will be the best and most committed around. The Galloway Family Picture Courtesy of Bobbie Horn Barbers Hill Press Yes, these smiling faces are all Galloways! As Mr and Mrs Santa Claus, Jessica and Ronald, have brought joy and wonder to hundreds of children in Old River-Winfree. They take so much time in preparing for and organizing the Christmas Party at the Old River-Winfree Community Building every year, that even parents do a double take to make sure they aren't the real thing from the North Pole!! Mark Huddleston, Commissioner Precinct 1 accepting for the Commissioner's Court Picture Courtesy of Linda Murphy City Secretary Judge Jimmy Sylvia was recuperating from surgery, so Commissioner Mark was called upon to accept the Appreciation Award for the Court. All of the Commissioner's Court worked hard for Chambers County from clean up to coordination of services provided to citizens. They fought for us with the media and with FEMA. They are dedicated to making Chambers County's voices be heard and providing citizens and communities with services that uphold safety and make the County a great place to live. Last, but not least! Ryan Holzaepfel Emergency Management Coordinator Picture Courtesy of Linda Murphy City Secretary Under the direction of Judy Jimmy Sylvia, Director, Ryan kept us informed right up to the last minute of Hurricane Ike's arrival. We don't know when he actually took cover, but his e-mails and communications were invaluable to us all! This office takes a lot off dedication, knowledge, and professionalism to perform. Ryan makes it look simple. There were many, many businesses and citizens in Old River-Winfree that didn't get an Official "Thank You!", but we know who you are! Simple Simon's opening up and serving Pizza even without electricity, sometimes free pizza! Neighbors helping neighbors with cutting trees off roofs and removing debris. Organizations such as the Red Cross and United Way, and Faith-Based crews, who don't even know us, coming in and helping in anyway they could. The list goes on and on! (Note: The Logo in the middle of the Texas Plaque was designed by Angela Motz of Hometown Journey Magazine) Thanks to you all!!! Send your pictures of Old River-Winfree Hurricane Ike to info@orwfoundersday.com From Chuck: Here's a picture of Old River that came up over the intersection of Shady and Woodland lane on Saturday. Notice the ripples on the water from the wind that was still blowing. Pictures from Chris Roy: Fence Row Woodland Lane Woodland Lane Trampoline in the Woods Sweet Gum Tree Pictures taken 10-5-08 Resident on Shady Lane Flying Hurricane torn American and Texas Flags at halfmast. After the storm, residents clean up. County Contractors start cleaning in Woodland Acres Blackberry Lane Shady Lane looking to the North County Contractors Loading up debris And then it snowed!!!!! December 10, 2008 after dark, it snowed! This is the earliest snow we have had since 1944. What a year! The Next day.....Snow on the ground!! Kids went to school on time! Did someone say Global Warming or is it now "Climate Change"