CAT Tracks for October 18, 2011 AND A CAT SHALL LEAD THEM

Over the past couple of months, CAT Tracks has followed the progress of the painting of the USS Cairo Mural. Except for some finishing touches and a protective clear coating, that initial project is complete.

Last week, while surfing the "Net" for pictures of Cairo, I ran across an old picture of the USS Cairo. If you harbored any question of the quality of the mural, see for yourself:

Before: (The real thing...as it was in August 1861)

After: (The mural as it was on October 14, 2011)

Cairo Elementary Teacher Janet Rose (who has tirelessly sponsored and spearheaded this effort) as well as everyone else involved in producing the USS Cairo mural should be very proud!

But, wait!!!

Remember...

It ain't over; it's only just begun.

The vision is to move on to the river wall...to paint several more murals capturing and preserving Cairo's place in history.

Over the years, there has been a lot of talk of "projects" in Cairo. Unfortunately, too many of the projects proved to be "all talk, no action."

Well, in this "Cairo Mural Project", seein' is believin'!

If you didn't think these folks could pull it off, well WE were wrong.

BUT...

Talk is cheap, painting is not.

Oh, Cairo is getting a bargain...the work being donated. However, painting supplies cost money. The USS Cairo project was financed through the sale of USS Cairo t-shirts and some individual donations. I'm sure this will continue...

But, to be really successful in the next phase, wider support will be necessary...the support of organizations to match the enthusiasm of the students and adult volunteers.

Yesterday, the call went out...

...to the teachers of Cairo School District Number One.

These are our students...this is our community. What better organization to step forward and lead the way?

Yes...you give back every day, in every way. You give freely of your time...above and beyond what is "required" to earn your paycheck. Many of you reach into your pockets and donate your own money to provide your students with "extras" that they would otherwise be denied.

Well...

...one more time!

If you can...

...answer this latest call for support.

Let's live up to the CAT "slogan":

"Want To And You Can"

If CAT can make a good showing, hopefully other organizations will be inspired to follow suit and show Cairo's kids that we share their hope for a better tomorrow!