The chamber is back on line at last. What a week it has been.

We moved the chamber office March 4, but somewhere along the line, we could not get the computer to re-connect. Local AT&T representative and Fort Gibson resident Todd Hinkle spent Friday evening and Monday evening trying to correct the connection. He changed out the modem, reconfigured the system, had the central port checked, examined all the cables and connections, etc. Nothing seemed to work. We both had spent hours on the phone with AT&T trying to solve the problem.

When Todd hooked his personal laptop up to the system, it worked fine, but the chamber computer would not connect to the Internet. Ultimately, he suggested we change the Ethernet card in the computer and see what happens. I did that Tuesday morning, and success! Anyway, thanks to Todd for his efforts and the patience of all who had sent me e-mails that weren’t answered. We are back and running.

Then, if that wasn’t enough, we had additional plumbing problems. I already told you of the toilet overflow we had before we moved in, causing new carpet to be laid. Well, we had an additional “back-up” in the toilet that threatened the new carpet. Luckily, we were able to confine it to the tile area and were able to control it before it ruined anything else. Ready Rooter was able to unclog the line between the cleanout and the city line, so we are back and “flushing.”

As I mentioned, we are now in the “new” Fort Gibson Chamber of Commerce office, at 112 N. Lee St., next to Scott’s Pharmacy.

I want to thank those who have had a hand in making this move take place. Especially, Scott and Sandy Atkinson for donating the space to the chamber.

Additionally, Tonia Cooper at SonBurst Graphics, for the sign on the window (coming), and their donation of a copier for the chamber to use. Also, the Bank of America, not only for their hospitality these past couple years, but for donating the chamber two large file cabinets to take to the new office.

We are slowly getting furniture in place, and pictures on the walls and soon to get a new coat of paint. I’ve also received commitments from several individuals to get additional old pictures of Fort Gibson to decorate the walls. Stop by and look us over. Although I am in and out of the office quite a bit, I am generally here between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Our phone number is still the same — 478-4780, and the mailing address is the same — P.O. Box 730, Fort Gibson, OK 74434. You may also contact me on my cell — 577-2069.

I want to thank those who made it out to our last Chamber luncheon, at Badlands Smokehouse. Our numbers were a bit less than normal, but I attribute that to the fact I couldn’t send out a reminder e-mail last week. In attendance were: Mike and Bette Bradley, Tonia Cooper, Denise Bain, Mark Young, Theda Rowan, Tim Espe and myself.

Tim mentioned that the city is looking for several truckloads of fill dirt to use in the landscaping around the new gazebo. Before the sod can be laid, they must have a 6-inch base of topsoil. Anyone interested in donating “clean dirt” to the town should contact Tim, or a member of the Town Council.

Speaking of the gazebo, it is really starting to take shape, and should be ready for use in the near future. We are looking forward to using it as part of our car show in June. It should be a great place for the disc jockey to set up and broadcast the going-ons.

Again, thanks to all those who helped in making the chamber move a reality. It feels great to be a true part of downtown.