I can’t believe it’s already been a year. One year ago this week, I made an emergency trip home. I was hoping to make it in time to say one last good bye to grandpa, instead I was greeted at the airport by a tearful mother and bad news. The week was full of emotional roller coasters, good times and bad, seeing family, new memories and talking about old ones, laughter and crying, good food and lots of support from neighbors, friends and the community. I still think about and miss my grandfather every day. He was a huge inspiration to me and I only hope that I can become half the man that he was. I just wish he were there to continue to share in our families joys.

I still kick myself every day for not going home a day earlier. If only I had I could have seen him. I could have said goodbye and how much I loved him, how much I’d miss him. How much he meant to me. I hope that he knew that and I’m glad that the rest of the family was there to support him in his last moments on earth. I hope that he’s out there somewhere, in kind or in spirit watching over us and smiling.

So the other day I was invited out to see a screening of “The Proposal”… I really enjoyed it! Very funny, lots of laughs, etc. I would suggest checking it out once it hits theaters.

When she learns that she’s in danger of losing her visa status and being deported back to her native Canada, overbearing book editor Margaret Tate (Sandra Bullock) forces her put-upon assistant, Andrew Paxton (Ryan Reynolds), to marry her. Directed by Anne Fletcher (27 Dresses), this romantic comedy also stars Craig T. Nelson and Mary Steenburgen as Andrew’s parents, Joe and Grace, and Betty White as the outspoken Grandma Annie.

I got to go see the premier of this movie this past weekend… I HIGHLY suggest everyone go see it!

Fueled by dazzling high-definition photography and stunning locations around the world, this nature program captures three animal families in action over the course of a year, revealing how the sun influences animal behavior and migratory patterns. Oscar nominee James Earl Jones provides a compelling narrative as polar bears march across the ice, elephants enjoy a swim and whales breach the surface of the ocean.

The movie “The Crazies” will be partially filmed in my grandparents home town! How cool! I spent many many summers there as a child. It’ll be really cool to see what happens on the big screen!

The movie The Crazies will be partially filmed in Lenox. Iowa offers tax incentives for filmmakers and this makes it very attractive to the movie industry. John’s job is to find locations in Iowa that fit a particular look that is needed for a movie or commercial. In mid December rural landscapes were looked at and they settled on Lenox. This is a remake of the science fiction movie from the 1970′s called The Crazies. George Romero directed the original movie, and he is serving as Executive Director. The premise of the movie is: An army plane crashes into the town’s water supply contaminating it with chemical warfare. The hero is the hometown sheriff played by Timothy Olyphant and Radha Mitchell plays his doctor wife. You may be familiar with Timothy in his HBO series Deadwood and the film Hitman. Once the water supply is tainted it makes the residents crazy. The town is cordoned off by the military to contain the situation.

Production will begin in April with pre-production crew arriving the beginning of April. Iowa State Savings Bank will be the setting for the jail, Trost Agency will be the interior of the medical clinic, and Gary Freeman’s abandoned house in the country will be burned down for the film. Ritchie Funeral home will be used for the exterior shots of the funeral home, Lenox Community School will have shots of the gym, hallway and baseball field, the water tower and Main Street will also have scenes filmed.

John’s roll is to coordinate the locations and to keep the public informed. The movie crew will be focusing on shooting this $18 million project and will be working 10-12 hour days. They may seem abrupt but they are very focused on their job. Filming will begin around April 20th and conclude around May 8th. The community will benefit financially with fees going to the school, city and chamber for their help as well as site locations. This is a firm deal and they are definitely coming to Lenox.

Approximately 140 pre production people will be arriving and need housing. They are interested in hunting lodges, motel, bed and breakfast and RV’s. If anyone is interested in providing lodging please contact Michelle at the chamber.

The Crazies will be released by October of this year.