Woodcliff residents celebrate Labor Day with fireworks display

By Chris Bristol/Fremont Tribune
Tuesday, Sep 02, 2008 - 11:15:09 am CDT

The storm that ripped through the Woodcliff community left uncertainty for many residents.

No power, downed trees, broken windows and siding that looked like swiss cheese are just a few of the problems that homeowners had to overcome.

What followed was the coming together of a community. For the approximately 3,000 residents, the only thing they seemed to have was each other.

Groups of residents banded together, going from home to home, cleaning up debris, patching roofs and clearing trees.

One such group was led by Jim and Kathy Griess and Don and Carla Mahrt.

“It was neighbors helping neighbors. Everybody in some way helped one“another out,” said Kathy Griess, a Woodcliff Lakes Board member, “I think it really brought all of us together.”

Residents worked tirelessly over the following week, and still, it appeared as though they had not made much of a dent.

The lakeside community had to postpone its annual Fourth of July celebration, because there was still too much debris in the water as well as near homes.

The result became a summer“long quest to rebuild and restore Woodcliff to its former beauty.

Sunday marked a milestone for the residents as they celebrated Labor Day weekend with a bang.

“We had a hog roast in appreciation of all of the folks who helped us clean up,” Griess said. “We had horse shoes and then fireworks.”

Besides being a lot of fun, the day’s events became a community building event as well. Griess felt it was a chance to get to know your neighbors a little better.

“There are a lot of homes out here and you just don’t get to meet everybody,” Griess said.

While the celebration marks the end of summer, there is still plenty of work to do.

“It might take a couple of years,” Griess said, “We just don’t know.”

Griess also talked about the work being done by RePlant Woodcliff, a group of residents led by Carla Mahrt who are working on projects, fundraisers and grants to replant trees and landscape throughout Woodcliff.

“We would just like to thank the community as a whole,” Griess said, “The Red Cross came out, Saunders County REACT, the Cedar Bluffs Fire Department, we couldn’t have done it without those folks.”

Griess was also quick to thank all of the area businesses that have assisted in the cleanup effort by donating equipment and labor in an effort to restore Woodcliff.

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fremonter
Sep 2, 2008 11:32 AM
why can they shoot fireworks and it isnt the 4th of july? noone else can. seems to me that its just another case of money talks. when your wealthy you can do what you want. i think it stinks to high heaven. typical political payoff.
farm boy
Sep 2, 2008 11:58 AM
all you have to do is call the state fire marshals office and they will issue you a permit. Has nothing to do with "money".
Learn the "political" process and it wont make you seem so ignorant
k
Sep 2, 2008 11:59 AM
Gee - I was wondering how long it would take someone to complain!
JSR
Sep 2, 2008 12:02 PM
To Fremonter:

You've got to be kidding me? Special permits for commercial displays can be issued for non-July 4th events. Did fireworks being shot off on Sunday affect your life in any way, shape or manner? I don't think so. So what if they postponed their celebration. I happen to know several people who live full time at Woodcliff that are "normal working folks". Get a life Fremonter!
fremonter as well
Sep 2, 2008 12:17 PM
Get a life Fremonter! I'm sure that the people of Woodcliff had the proper permits and professionals involved in the lighting of the fireworks. I believe sufficient secutiry measures were taken as well.

The fact that Woodcliff shot off fireworks on Labor Day has nothing to do with wealth (or the lack of it). It has to do with a community that is willing to put on the event and let thousands of others enjoy the beauty of the fireworks. If you would quit your belly aching and go see what Woodcliff has accomplished in a little over 2 months, you too would marvel at the progress that has been made out there. I don't have any connection to Woodcliff other than I know a few people who live out there. And no, I would not call them wealthy. They work hard just like I do. Own their home, just like I do. And enjoy a community celebration just like I do. Get off your backside, quit blaming others for enjoying a good time and try joining in. It did not cost me a thing to go and watch on Sunday night.
Bonnie
Sep 2, 2008 12:32 PM
Dear Fremonter:

To post a comment like that is very distasteful! Do you not understand the fact that the people in woodcliff did not have a firework show as they had planned this year due to the fact that a storm ripped through there? They were unable to have a firework display out there, they had to get the place cleaned up and ready. Also, your comment on MONEY.. well, that has nothing to do with it. I know a few families that live there and they are hard working people just as some that live within Fremont. So, before you go judging and accusing certain things, get your facts straight. Be thankful they can still have a firework show out there and they aren't REBUILDING the whole community.
fremonter
Sep 2, 2008 12:41 PM
to all you morons that say things like "get a life":
i have a life. i dont belley ache about things that happen in my life so as to make people feel sorry for me. you do what you have to do to get along and you dont cry to others and wait for someone else to fix your problems. a storm hit and caused alot of damage. ok so quit crying about it and quit trying to make yourselves out to be so hurt and inconvienced, and get off your high horses and fix whats wrong and get on with your lives. and yes i have been to woodcliff to do work on some homes. there are a few people i have met there who are decent everyday people, but there are a lot of them who have their noses so far in the air that it makes me sick. why is it that people in nebraska are such cowards to voice their true feelings and tell it like it really is? i do it and it really "upsets" some people around here. well the more it upsets you the more i like it. its about time that you heard the real thing from someone and get your heads out of the sand. so please dont give me any "stuff" about how i dont know what i'm talking about or that i have no feelings for people or any other "stuff". save it for the simpletons that believe it.
Marla
Sep 2, 2008 2:21 PM
To: Fremonter
Obviously you have real issues if you are calling some of us posters a moron. You are awfully defensive and your comments about residents of Woodcliff are not nice. In any community there are a few people who do have their noses in the air and think they are better than others, but for the large majority of Dodge & Saunders. My suggestion to you is get over it and surround yourself with like-minded positive people. Posting negative and saying tear down comments is never productive.
Dan
Sep 2, 2008 3:13 PM
What is the deal with these posts? Enough with the arguing! I would actually like to see the tribune take this off the website just so we dont have this arguing! To the residents of Woodcliff...Great job!! Im glad you got to celebrate, a little late but better than never!!!
Your Special
Sep 2, 2008 3:34 PM
to Fremonter,

I'm glad that making people "upset" makes your day! Also poking fun at people who have been hit by a major storm. You must be a special individual. You going to start on Hurricane Gustav victims next?? I was at Woodcliff this weekend and commend all the volunteers on how nice it looked!!
fremonter
Sep 2, 2008 3:46 PM
to dan:
i'm not arguing. i am just telling it like it is. as i said, people in this area cant stand anyone rocking the boat. just go along with whatever happens and thats the life they like to lead. they believe whatever anyone tells them. not all, but a great deal of them are so programmed to accept what they get. its really sad. as i have said before i am from a big city and have travelled extensively in this country as well as abroad. there are way too many passive people in this country and thats why this country is going down the toilet. these people believe in their (i say again "their") lying, crooked politicians. i dont feel sorry for the people of woodcliff anymore than they feel sorry for anyone else. this country has got to get its head of the "sand" and wake up. to bonnie: so what if they didnt have a fireworks show on the 4th.? how about the people that were in hospitals, people that couldnt afford to get to the fireworks? but the poor people of woodcliff just had to have their fireworks show huh? isnt there anything better they can do with their time? get my facts straight? the facts are simple. this paper did a story on them and woodcliff people just complained about the insurance companies and how tough they have it. what about the poor guy or woman who works hard, has very little, is busting their "back" to make a living for their family? theres alot of people like that in fremont but i dont see or hear them complaining. if they have a problem, they just take care of it themselves. they dont go to the paper to cry and complain. i know most if not all of you people dont like what i write, but i really dont care. i, as i have said before, just tell it like it is and you people cant handle it. have a nice day and i'm sure i will hear back from you again.
Read Between the Lines
Sep 2, 2008 4:19 PM
The Tribune will never remove these postings. And if you notice, they actually cut and paste other newspapers stories that fuel all of the ignorance that begins here. It's easier than going out and getting their own story ideas.
Resident
Sep 2, 2008 4:35 PM
Boy did i read the paper in the nick of time.I ha no idea woodcliff was doing fireworks until i read the paper sunday.Great show and hope you will continue next year! It was awsome!
Marla
Sep 2, 2008 4:43 PM
I couldn't agree more. I wish that the Fremont Tribune would not permit people to post their comments on this entire site.
kms
Sep 2, 2008 9:26 PM
to the fremonter....you have alot of nerve making that comment about the woodcliff residents!!!! those people had their world turned upside down when that storm came thru. they have worked hard these past few weeks to clean things up and still have a ways to go. don't stick your nose where it doesn't belong!!!!
Woodcliff Fan
Sep 3, 2008 10:32 AM
I too was at Woodcliff for the fireworks and totally enjoyed myself and appreciate the fact that they welcome non-residents to join them for their displays. As for "Fremonter" you need a spell check on your computer! And to the rest of you, just ignore his ridiculous rantings and he'll have nothing else in his miserable existence.
I Agree With Fremonter
Sep 3, 2008 12:26 PM
Ah, the poor little rich people.
Must be rough to have such problems.
Mardy Gardner
Sep 3, 2008 4:32 PM
FYI. The July 4th Woodcliff festivities that were postponed due to the storm are totally sponsored by the Woodcliff Lions Club. Many Lions and other volunteers cleaned,repaired and rebuilt the volleyball courts and horseshoe pits. Wald and Company were most understanding about rescheduling the fireworks display and the Woodcliff Lions Club is totally responsible for collecting any and all donations for the event. Glad everyone enjoyed their weekend.
woodcliff
Sep 3, 2008 6:01 PM
The Woodcliff Lions club is a great organization that meets year round. They collect donation from the Woodcliff community through-out the year. They also donate money to many charities in Fremont which include: Care Corp Homeless Shelter, Jefferson House, Crisis Center, YMCA and many other great non-profit agencies.

Also, Replant Woodcliff is a 501 C 3 organization and they will collect most of their $$$$$$ through donation from the people of woodcliff and some grants to help replant trees on all common ground - not the property of the people. Great Job for a group of volunteers who don't get paid for doing a great service to their community (very proactive place - not reactive). It is too bad more communities don't band to together like the efforts of Woodcliff.
fremonter
Sep 3, 2008 6:21 PM
to mardy gardner:
who cares who paid for it? that money could have been used in more constructive ways. quit trying to cover for the poor rich people. personally i am sick of reading about them.
Bender
Sep 4, 2008 9:41 AM
Hey Fremonter,

I just read that the little town of Holdrege, Ne just approved the lighting of fireworks during and after their homecoming football game this year.
Can you believe the nerve of those "richies", trying to impress everyone with their wealth?!?!
To Fremonter
Sep 4, 2008 10:38 AM
Geeze...you must have a very sad life. I find it interesting that you never have anything positive to say, well maybe once. You make some very very negative comments but yet you don't have the nerve to put your actual name out there. I would guess it is because you don't want people knowing your real name. You get your jollies from agravating and belittling others. I find it highly unlikely that you ever help anyone, even though you claim to do so.

To the Fremont Tribune...I personally believe that "Fremonter" and all comments from this poster should be banned. You claim to read all comments, so there is my suggestion. This person attacks everyone and anything and the fact that you allow this person to continue to make comments...Your own "Rules" include:

Use the Site to upload, post, email, transmit or otherwise make available content that is harmful to minors in any way, or that is harassing, harmful, threatening, abusive, vulgar, obscene, defamatory, libelous, hateful, or racially, ethnically or otherwise objectionable.

In my opinion, pretty much all of the comments that "Fremonter" makes will fit into one of these catagories. Please ban him from commenting!!!!
wazman
Sep 4, 2008 12:33 PM
I agree with "T0 Fremonter"
this so called "fremonter" post the worst dribble and negative comments that I have seen. Yet oddly enough if I try to post a response mine never make print.... Fremonter must be a good buddy of whoever is reading and deciding which post to allow or not.
Bender
Sep 4, 2008 12:40 PM
TO: To Fremonter,

Good post, but for whatever reason, I have always gotten the impression that "Fremonter" is a woman.
Brian
Sep 4, 2008 1:05 PM
#1. To those who feel "fremonter" should be banned from comenting simply b/c he is negative and disagrees with evryone is overboard and contrary to the first amendment to the freedom of speech or press. Either anyone can post with reasonable limits, (no cussing, threatening or harrassing type or releasing personal information such as phone numbers.) or no one should be posting at all. And I personally disagree with fremonter in my posts 99% of the time but I dont think he should be banned unless he threatens someone or commits libel in some way when posting.
Now to fremonter and anyone who plays the "class warefare/wealth envy card".
First of all to complain about the wealthy simply b/c they are wealthy is just as wrong as complaining about someone simply due to race, gender, or religeon. People should be judged by character and not their net worth. There are good and bad people of ALL demographics that one can name.
Secondly a person's net worth can change in a blink of an eye. A poor person could win the lottery. Are they suddenly evil if they were not evil before? Also, I have personally known people over the years who were "wealthy" for thier age or income bracket, only to have life's moutains fall on them. Losses of a job, medical expenses, and divorces have turned wealthy people I have known broke over the years and forced them to rebuild. Were they evil, then good, then evil again as their net worth changed up or down over the past 2 or 3 decades as they have gone through life? Besides all the net worth of those at woodcliff combined could not hold a candle to the riches of Hollywood, professional athletes, or the Washington DC "eleiteists" politicians of all parties. So no matter how wealthy they may be it does not stack up to much nationwide. So for anyone to complain about the "poor rich" in Fremont or Woodcliff, they need to look at the bigger picture. Have a good day all.
fremonter
Sep 4, 2008 3:07 PM
to everyone:
no i dont know anyone on the tribune. some of my posts do not get printed. i would hope that just because i upset some of you people that the paper wont print it. it just goes to show you that the people that want me banned are so programed to be nice and understanding, regardless of what the subject is, that they dont have the guts to say what they really want to say. i'm sure some of you would never say anything bad about someone else because your just so passive. people like you will be pushed around and told what to do, when to do it, where to do it all of your life. i at least stand up and say what i think regardless of whether or not it upsets anyone. maybe i should ask the paper to ban those of you that want me banned? your infringing on my rights to speak my mind. sounds stupid dosent it? well folks, if you dont like what i write, then dont read it. its like whats on the television or radio. if you dont like it turn the channel or turn it off. grow up and get with it.
From To Fremonter
Sep 4, 2008 4:03 PM
First of all. Thank you to Bender and wasman for agreeing with me, even though I wouldn't call you a name if you didn't agree.

Second. To: Brian, I understand what you are saying and see why you might think I am overboard for suggesting he be banned from posting, but he is SPECIFICALLY breaking a rule of posting on the Fremont Tribune's Website. I cut and pasted from their "Rules" and they state that "hateful" comments are not allowed. I also believe in a persons right to free speech and I love the tribune's website as an outlet to talk about the stories here. I also believe in rules and if you are going to have rules, enforce them.

Also, Brian, thank you for posting a rebuttal to my comment without using terminology like moron or something similar.

Last but certianly not least....

Thank you Woodcliff for putting on an amazing fireworks display for ANYONE in the area to be able to enjoy. My little $20K annual salary doesn't get me much, but when a local community puts on such a nice display, it makes a fun FREE family night, and helps stretch the budget. Also Congratulations Woodcliff on the wonderful progress that you have made since the storm. Same goes for Cedar Bluffs. Good luck on the continued work.
Astonished
Sep 5, 2008 11:00 AM
Wow. How pathetic are you Fremonter? You obviously don't know many people out at Woodcliff! Why don't you stop complaining about everything in life and enjoy something positive the community is doing. This is what is wrong with the world today...people like you. It sounds to me like you are wanting people to feel sorry for you because you aren't "rich." I don't know why you assume everyone that lives at Woodcliff is rich, because that is far from the truth, and doesn't have anything to do with having fireworks anyways. What is so bad with people working hard and having money...or going to school and making a decent living? I didn't know that made someone a bad person!

By the way...Good JOB WOODCLIFF. I go to woodcliff almost every weekend and I absolutely love the people!
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