by Alexis Dierker

The SEGway ’ s year of absence has revealed just how strong Nancy Gore ’ s impact on the community of Upland was . In this time of an exciting SEGway relaunch , Upland remembers this vibrant and devoted woman who poured life into her community .

Even before the very first SEGway article published on May 1 , 2009 , Nancy ’ s heart for her town of Upland ran deep . Many Upland locals can recall meeting a young Nancy helping out in her parents ’ store , Showalter Grocery Store . Nancy ’ s son , Neal Gore shares his belief that Nancy ’ s early experience in this store really developed her heart for cultivating life in Upland —“ In the ’ 40s when she was growing up , there were lots of small businesses , and they depended on each other for their livelihood . They were committed to supporting one another . She valued the history of the town and wanted people to understand what Upland had been — not just for the nostalgia , but for the lesson of interdependency .”

After raising a family and running several small businesses in Upland , Nancy continued to find new ways

to bring people together in celebration and care for one another . From taking massive amounts of responsibility in planning the Labor Day Parade , to implementing the “ Christmas Tour of Homes ,” Nancy cleverly drew friends together with a sense of celebration and pride over the beautiful houses they each lived in .

These passionate roots for her community wove together with those of her friends in Upland , to form a support system with the goal of nurturing the beautiful town they called home . Cindy Wright , a close friend to Nancy , and a partner in building community connections , recalls many conversations with Nancy “ trying to solve the problems of the world together .” Cindy explained Nancy ’ s joy at bringing people together — “ her mission in life was to help create memories for others … she would do anything to get people out to meet each other .”

“ It was nothing for us to be on the phone until one or two in the morning .” Cindy recalls . Together these conversations and ideas drove them to begin many new things like the Upland Historic Society — a place to encourage and celebrate the rich history

On her 75th birthday , instead of presents , she asked each friend write what they loved most about Upland . Her “ birthday presents ” were then proudly displayed in next month ’ s issue of the SEGway .

and charming small-town consistency of Upland , Indiana . The Lion ’ s Club New Year ’ s Eve gatherings , and Christmas Buffet were other projects of her doing .

Nancy ’ s stubborn , yet enthusiastic attitude , led her to accomplish many lasting cultural projects . Lion ’ s Club friends laugh in recalling , “ You almost had to really sneak in the back door to give Nancy any help since she was so independent — make it so she seemed to be the one helping you .” Laughing , Nancy ’ s daughter-inlaw , Tamara confirms these

fond memories —“ Nancy was very self-sustaining and could do a lot of things . Determined is the word she would ’ ve used to describe herself — never stubborn or strong-willed .”

Nancy was a quiet person , but her heart and her work spoke so many novels . She was clearly fighting to reveal the beauty of her

town all around her — best represented by her request on her 75th birthday that instead of presents , each friend write what they loved most about Upland . Her “ birthday presents .” were then proudly displayed in next month ’ s issue of the SEGway .

After Nancy ’ s passing this past Spring , the continual flow of wishes from the community at large for the return of the SEGway , reveals just how well Nancy brought together the people of Upland . Her work in the SEGway truly served as a web in providing one common and familiar source for seeking involvement in the neighborhood of Upland . Nancy had an incredible devotion to the people and made it her priority to include each person ’ s submissions to ensure that anyone could find out or share what was happening in their town .

With great excitement and respect for Nancy , the SEGway

re-launches today , with the strongest desire to honor the legacy she built , and continue

in her devoted efforts toward instilling pride and enthusiasm into her environment .