Unity Day

[Atok]

Seems a lot of vinegar lately and I thought maybe we need more Sugar.

I posted this on the Dr. Godwin thread because the idea struck me when I was addressing a concern there. But apart from Matthew no one commented afterwards. So I thought I'd make a new post with a bit of mine and some of his in it to see if any locals want to "Take a bite."

Many people could ease the tensions with a little more working togetherness.

How about a great big multi- church and community "potluck dinner"?
This community needs a positive focus to re-energize everyone. Get the teens involved. Make the tables all round so no one can line up in "camps".

Please don't blast me for thinking the community can do something that seems "celebratory" when there is nothing but grim suspicions and sadness all around. I think a cathartic get together might actually help unite people again.

...and from Matthew...

National Prayer Day is the first Thursday in May - Maybe the good people of Ocillia and IRWIN county could turn it into a cathartic event --the planning and organizing might be just the ticket.

From what I have read, the people down there are some of the most kindhearted around -- I wonder if this is not a big reason why Tara chose there to call Home and make a life and why the events and continued lack of closure are bruising and taxing these good people!

The preachers down there know their flock and there are surely regional and maybe even national resources to draw to help the town!

I really think it's a good idea...:seeya:

[Atok]

Originally posted by seekeroftruth

There are so many fractured relationships that you feel as if you are walking on eggshells every where you go now.

Which is exactly why it's needed now.

Originally posted by seekeroftruthI don't know how to even begin to fix it and I'm not sure who would be that person to initiate the effort if it is possible.

Matthew noted that National Prayer Day is coming right up. Maybe the church members, sheparded by church leaders, could invite one and all, people of the faith and not, to come together in the spirit of caring and concern, regardless of what slight or insult has been hurled in their general direction for a "good faith" gathering of cleansing and renewed hope in light of that National Day?

Get the mayors, have the police chiefs, have people from all the factions agree for four hours on one day to not discuss the "case" as it were, but to discuss hope. To discuss a unity for the towns involved. To renew cooperation.

This loss and the intrusions into daily living is scarring the towns and it's residents.

I think a few well placed letters to leaders of the community suggesting this, might be in order. They don't need to spend alot of money, they can make the gatehring relatively cost free.

There are peopel who still want to help and wounds need treatment or they fester and seep.

Take care of your town and it's people. I know most are fatigued, but a focus like this may be a good place to use what reserves are left and might reenergize people.

I don't know if Ocilla does a memorable thing with food, Chicken or spaghetti suppers or pot luck or whatever, but whatever you guys do, it's time to heal up a bit for the long journey still to go.

[Esah]

CALLING ALL CHURCH LEADERS IN OCILLA AREA!

You are needed to reunite the families of Ocilla.

If someone can give me the phone numbers to all of the local churches, I will call the Ministers and see if we can get them to participate in "Ocilla's Good Neighbor's for TARA Festival".

The flocks of Ocilla's spiritual leaders will be motivated if their leaders are.

Of course, I am not local, but I have no trouble asking. Maybe it would help, since I am not aligned with any of the "camps" at all. Just a concerned outsider.

Let's make it a Saturday too, so that it doesn't conflict with any Sunday Services. How about Saturday April 22nd at 2:00pm?
This would be the 6 month mark of Tara's dissappearance.

We could set up a donation box, for the much needed funds to continue the search for Tara.

If someone can PM me the Phone numbers I need, that would be great. I will start today.

If we can put aside our differences and remember who this is about, then your beloved community can regroup and become once again the community that rallied for one of their own. (From the beginning, that impressed me so much about Ocillian's. Your community spirit was felt way beyond your small borders!)

It would also be suggested that we give Tara's family a break and not expect them to lead this event. They have enough going on. Just a dinner on the grounds kind of day. Bring your family, your frisbee, your food, your folding chairs, and an open heart.

This is all just a thought. If someone has a valid reason why this won't be possible, please post it here quick. This may get planned before we know a reason not to. Hopefully there aren't any reasons not to.

Any locals who can be available to help organize? We will also need a place to hold this event. You local folks know the biggest place to do this. So I can't help there, but that is the first thing we need to arrange.

Supporting a cummunity that needs a little love!

Esah

p.s. From what I have learned about Tara, in these past few months, I'm pretty sure it would pain her to know that her community has been divided over this!

[jela72]

.... pm and ask Hotwater to put up a permanent 'sticky' entitled Ocilla's Spirit of Unity (or whatever) and that way, locals don't have to sift through posts - or try find this thread if it slips too far down the page?

On a sticky, people may v/teer to help AND pm details, emails and planning. The organisation will flow; feedback may even be recorded in one place for those of us that are unable to attend. Believe it or not - we DO care!

And boy - if ANYTHING - this crime *needs* a little more unity and a little less animosity.

Just a suggestion.... :)

But whatever, good luck with your campaign.

[Saunterer]

There are several lists of local churches on the Net. This is one (Googled list):
http://ocilla.areaconnect.com/churches.htm

Don't forget Tara's church ... was it the First Baptist Church in Hawkinsville?

[Esah]

Great thanks for the links to the churches.

I'm taking it that this is a go. I am right? I'll give it a couple more hours to be sure.

Esah

[mooloo]

Even better. So Tara's family can see and feel the love, how about moving it to Hawkinsville to her home church? The people from everywhere could gather, cook and eat and enjoy each other's company.

I think Ocilla has had enough. Perhaps a new location could cause new thoughts and new plans for more searches and better searches.


Originally posted by Esah
Great thanks for the links to the churches.

I'm taking it that this is a go. I am right? I'll give it a couple more hours to be sure.

Esah

[Esah]

Brilliant idea Mooloo, I will call them today.

[Atok]

Thank you so much Esah for moving forward with connecting people and making the calls, very pro-active! Excellent!

A great idea Mooloo, moving the main event to Hawkinsville, very appropo since she was baptised in that church and chose that community to grow on her spiritual path. What a perfect selection for a place to begin rebuilding spirit!

Absolutly all communities or people from any town would be certainly welcome to come, show unity and support. How they ultimately agree to gather is certainly up to them all, but I envision a friendly, food related, prayer inspired event designed by people who understand Southern Hospitality.

:rose: <--- for the communities and their people.

[Esah]

I called Tara's church in Hawkinsville and their pastor is out of town and will call me back. The person I did get to talk to, thinks it is a great idea to do this but that maybe doing it in Ocilla would better serve the good people of Ocilla. That makes sense now that I think about it. This person is also going to ask the family what they feel about this idea and will let me know.

Someone else pointed out that it is nearly 60 miles to Hawkinsville and that would be a lot to ask for them to drive that far.

They also suggested that maybe Tara's High School, where she teaches, could be used. Anyone know about the possiblity of this?

I have a disadvantage in not being there, but I plan on coming to the Unity of the Community party!

[Atok]

The highschool probably has the space and grounds for it, even better!

[benhill29]

I know it will be an uplift for the community to be able to come together for Tara. I didn't know her but I bet she would be proud but the kids who had her in school speak so highly of her. This is GREAT!
:rose: Always for Tara

[mooloo]

I was thinking this might take the spotlight off Ocilla for a while. The locals might enjoy a well-deserved quick break from furnishing and doing everything and might enjoy being treated as guests for just one night, imho.

People could carpool to Hawkinsville, no problem. And it might be easier on Tara's family, especially her mom, who is in poor health from what I hear. She might enjoy meeting people from all over that are looking for her beloved daughter.

Using the school in Ocilla means that the people who have been doing and doing and doing and doing will end up doing again. And I know they wouldn't mind, that's not what I mean at all.

Originally posted by Esah
I called Tara's church in Hawkinsville and their pastor is out of town and will call me back. The person I did get to talk to, thinks it is a great idea to do this but that maybe doing it in Ocilla would better serve the good people of Ocilla. That makes sense now that I think about it. This person is also going to ask the family what they feel about this idea and will let me know.

Someone else pointed out that it is nearly 60 miles to Hawkinsville and that would be a lot to ask for them to drive that far.

They also suggested that maybe Tara's High School, where she teaches, could be used. Anyone know about the possiblity of this?

I have a disadvantage in not being there, but I plan on coming to the Unity of the Community party! :shrug:

[concernedperson]

By all means take the spotlight off Ocilla. Not that the Hawkinsville aspect isn't a good thought but it seems people are too ready to relinguish it. This bothers me a lot. On many different levels.

[mooloo]

WElll, I just thought maybe more of Tara's friends and family (from the area where she grew up) would enjoy getting together for her and showing her parents their support and love. They've been drung all over the place, let people go to them for one day.



Originally posted by concernedperson
By all means take the spotlight off Ocilla. Not that the Hawkinsville aspect isn't a good thought but it seems people are too ready to relinguish it. This bothers me a lot. On many different levels.

[concernedperson]

Originally posted by seekeroftruth


Seems like everything bothers you CP. Sheesh

Mooloo was trying to be gracious it looks like to me. JMO

So even an attempt to do something positive has to draw fire? Come on now. Let's be open minded and work through this like adults and allow the locals to make comment about what they think is a good idea. After all, it affects them directly. Not you.

Repairing fractured relationships is no easy task. Maybe it would be a good idea to head to Hawkinsville first to get the ball rolling. I'm hearing you mooloo.

You no nothing about me. I said the Hawkinsville aspect was good but I still have doubts. Why does that bother you so much? Just because I won't take everything at face value? You really need to step back and quit attacking me every step of the way. I am not a one woman show to disenigrate Ocilla, Ga. I live in Georgia, too. Repairing fractured relationships is a good thing once Tara is found and the perps brought to justice. Until then everything else is a moot issue. I assume you are here to find Tara and get justice?

[mooloo]

Thank you very much, seeker. I think I'll just let things cool for a while. And maybe go do something more relaxing....like-- play in traffic.


Originally posted by seekeroftruth


Seems like everything bothers you CP. Sheesh

Mooloo was trying to be gracious it looks like to me. JMO

So even an attempt to do something positive has to draw fire? Come on now. Let's be open minded and work through this like adults and allow the locals to make comment about what they think is a good idea. After all, it affects them directly. Not you.

Repairing fractured relationships is no easy task. Maybe it would be a good idea to head to Hawkinsville first to get the ball rolling. I'm hearing you mooloo.

[mooloo]

Sorry...just had to come in for a moment and get the grill marks off my butt, that little VW came from nowhere!!!

If we don't protect our relationships NOW, we will have no relationships when this is finally brought to whatever conclusion we have. Relationships destroyed in the heat of emotion don't repair easily, no matter what the original intent. Been there, done that, got the divorce papers to prove it.

Now....if I run reeeeeaaaaaalllllly faaaaaast I might make it between those two sem----WHOOMMMPPPP!!! bad idea. One of many I've had lately.

Mooloo--looking a little like road pizza right this minute--ouch! that smarts.


Originally posted by seekeroftruth


This thread is about repairing fractured relationships NOW.

If it bothers you that some feel that this is a good concept then please don't frequent this thread. tia

Mooloo -- LMAO @ you playing in traffic! Please don't! ;)

[mooloo]

Would be fabulous if we all woke up tomorrow and it was just a nightmare, unfortunately we will wake up and still have the nightmare with us. Our relationships need to be treasured and protected and nurtured.

heh heh ...tread marks on YOUR behind?? My butt looks like the staging area at the Gatornationals Dragway....well, the parts that haven't been bitten off at work.

Gotta go recharge my batteries...long day tomorrow. Night all...let's all keep Tara in our prayers.

Originally posted by seekeroftruth


LOL Mooloo. Thanks for the giggle. Please, please stay out of the road! Those semis always win! Of course I have a few tread marks on my behind from standing in the middle of the road too! ;)

You are so right about protecting relationships. I wish there was a way to go back to the way it was in the beginning. Not that I WANT this nightmare at all but if we must weather it wouldn't it be nice to be doing it in unity the way it was in the beginning?

[concernedperson]

Originally posted by ~~OH MY~~
My thoughts and prayers for all of you who are so close to this case.....I really wish I was closer and could partake.

:rose: Your love is apparent. And the people who love Tara and want a resolve get strength from your post. Bless you every day for your heartfelt response.

[jela72]

mooloo & seeker .... *chuckle* :)

Hope the event turns out good for everyone...

:)

[Atok]

Makes no matter to me what community hosts as long as all communities are welcome, as long as the people who attend do not sit in camps and refuse to mingle.
I see value in hosting it at a school, but perhaps not Tara's school. Schools have large facilites, fields, stands whatever that would accomadate more than some town park.
I see value in hosting it OUTSIDE Ocilla because they've been feeding searchers and being searched repeatedly. Let someone else prepare the food for a change.
This is not a day to be working the case, this is a day to be resting and healing.

I entrust Esah with making connections, I know people of their heart-type will do well even if they aren't from Georgia.

I hope this is a successful chance to repair some damage and rebuild resolve.

[gacountry]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Atok
[B]Makes no matter to me what community hosts as long as all communities are welcome, as long as the people who attend do not sit in camps and refuse to mingle.

Atok
This was a great idea at a most inapproiate time, not even Esah with her phychic charms will be able to pull this off.
The main part that will be impossible IMO," AS LONG AS PEOPLE WHO ATTEND DO NOT SIT IN CAMPS AND REFUSE TO MINGLE."
Ok are we to suspose that Anita will be able to sit with Marcus, or that our local sheriff can give the key note address? All the people that have turned against one another in our community will be able to sit down over chocolate delight and talk about the weather and not discuss their opinions? The ones that have felt threatened will fell a sence of peace looking across the table at the ones that they feel threatened them?
Our LE who has done tons of work will feel the love and support from those that have openly critized them? I could fill this page with these questions but I can't think of 1 good thing that could come from this "party" now with Tara gone.
When we reach a conclusion to this horror and the two communities come back to normal maybe this will be an excellent idea but until them it could only cause more open hard feelings IMO. I told Esah I would support her effort but I think one box of KFC would feed all that would show up.
We are literally in a war zone in Irwin County, we are all shell shocked and hurt much more than youall' seem to realize. I can see 14 people posted in the next hour to condem me but this is the way I feel.
I am in no party mood till we find what happened to Tara and can have some peace in our community.

[Atok]

I see how it sounds to Pollyanna-ish to assume people will act like they all ate happy pills and are not in any grief or anger amongst each other. It's not realistic.

It's about saying "Come Rest, everyone." Come and eat and take one day in prayer to attempt to ease the pain. To acknowledge that EVERYONE is in pain.

Maybe no one will come, maybe this event is too late, maybe one box of KFC is all that will be eaten.

People should think about it in terms of doing something to re-strengthen the communities and the spirits, during the crisis. It's not a party. No one is happy.

Have a wing ding of a fiesta if Tara ever comes home alive, but I doubt anyone is going to want to have one during a burial service or trial of accused. I doubt there will be a happy fiesta at sentancing either if the perp is one of your own. I don't see a more appropriate time except for maybe BEFORE now.

[gacountry]

Atok,
In the beginning we did have that love and peace toward one another, we did respect and fellowship when we joined for our noon meal after a search.
But now it is not the same at all. I think we have been through too much and I am afraid we will not get that good feel back with a Unity Meal.
The searchers have turned into small groups and we have respect for one another but even we are not the same, just pray for us and know we are doing the best we can.

[Saunterer]

Unity Day competition (or perhaps an added perk?):

Riverbend Bluegrass Festival - April 20-22, 2006 - set on a South Georgia family-owned farm, 6 miles south of Ocilla, off US 129 ... 3 days of good music and fellowship with some of the best musicians in the business ... over 440 RV hookups ...

http://www.riverbendbluegrass.com/