Master Sergeant Jan Speaks~

Well, Army, only two weeks left. Hope everyone was able to make up for our rain out last Tuesday. I understand that several folks did the course Thursday night!! Great!!

With Fair set-up being in full swing, we've decided that the Corporals should meet at gate 11. Some people call it the 8th Street gate. It's by the Ag Building, across the street from Franny's. You should still be able to park on the grounds by turning left into the parking lot after you enter the Fairgrounds or on the streets in the neighborhood. Linda will have water in her vehicle in the parking lot and we'll have water at the Abe's Amble stops. Parking right inside the entrance will avoid the confusion and traffic related to last minute fair set up near the Commodities Building.

We'll plan to use the course into the Cemetery. Remember to stay to the left when entering the Cemetery and leave the same way. We're avoiding going past the Tomb because of the Flag lowering ceremony. Remember rules of the road. Pedestrians stay to the LEFT at all times. However, during the race, when the roads are closed to vehicular traffic, we stay to the RIGHT. Please, no more than two abreast.

With the fair opening this Thursday, Corporal Sergeants should plan alternate locations for the last training of Abe's Army on August 12.

Carl Benton is taking up a collection for distribution to the folks that run their water sprinklers for us. We all know how welcome those sprinklers are so let's show our appreciation and contribute $1.00. Collections containers will be at the Park and at Gate 11.

Peter Tosh, from the American Red Cross will be at Gate 11 to speak to the Corporals about Red Run Team. Run Red Team is a fund raising effort benefiting the Red Cross and their many efforts to serving our community. If we reach 100 runners signed up for the program a name will be drawn at the Picnic for a prize package that includes a $100 gift certificate for The Running Center, a $100 gift certificate for the restaurant of their choice and a gift certificate for a two night stay at the Crowne Plaza.All of the money raised stays local and there is no cost or penalty for the runners if they fail to reach the $100 per runner goal.

Speaking of the Picnic --sign-up sheets will be available at the Park and at Gate 11. Please take a moment and register for the Picnic so that we can have a good idea about how much food to purchase. Remember, the date is Tuesday, August 19, Lincoln Park, at 5:45. Let's get together and talk about how much fun we had completing Abe's Amble!!! It's always a good time!

Don't forget the Parade Run this coming Thursday night at 5:30! Always fast, always hot, always fun!! Sign up now before you forget!!

And last, Linda will have the shirts for those who haven't received theirs. We had them at the Fairgrounds last week, but with everyone running for cover, not too many folks picked theirs up. They'll be back at the Park on the 12th.

Don't forget to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Take care! See you soon.

Jan