I am thankful for Durand, my home community all of my life. Durand’s population as estimated by this year’s census is 1,364. The community has always been considered as the school district which includes the surrounding area. Durand is a one-mural town. The Durand Charm organization had a panorama painted on the south side of an old brick, building on the east side of the square. It highlights the people and places significant in the village’s history such as the first volunteer fire department in the state.
The people who have had faith in the community to start a business here are what kept the area productive.
Four generations of my family have graduated from Durand High School, beginning with the two women who were members of the class of 1930. All of the adults have been educated and prepared to pursue their career of choice.
We’ve had our storms but none have wiped out our community. Chain saws and the electric company have restored us.
We have a police force but crime is not a big issue.
Durand is centrally located–it’s about twenty miles from Rockford, the county seat, Freeport, plus the Wisconsin cities of Monroe and Beloit. Sometimes this is a curse, when I want something from two towns in opposite directions.
Medina Manor, the local, nursing home and rehabilitate center, which also provides retirement apartments has, won state recognition for excellence.
Saelens Park is also one of our community assets. Its paths provide walking and biking lanes away from traffic, and facilities for various games. Its Otter Creek becomes a raceway for plastic, yellow duckies during the 4th of July festivities.
Several years ago, the community adopted the motto “village of volunteers.” We have Mary’s Closet, which has donations of used clothing and s free pantry for those who need help at no cost. Through the years, our family has benefited from the community’s generosity and been part of the giving network.
Recently, I knocked on some neighbors’ doors to add their cell phone numbers to my list of contacts in case I needed help when I was home alone.
I don’t know all of the people in the community like I did when we moved into town in 1966, but I am glad I live here.
What are you thankful for this season?