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Couple makes annual pilgrimage to Grove Hill
Thursday, Aug. 30, Elbert and Genie Vix of New Orleans and Pass Christian, Miss. made their promised pilgrimage to Grove Hill to mark the anniversary. The Vixes and their daughter, Betty Vix Weinberger and her family, sought refuge in Grove Hill as they fled Katrina in 2005. Their Gulf front home in Pass Christian was completely wiped away by Katrina. The Vixes and Weinbergers would spend weeks in Grove Hill, first at the Windwood Inn and then renting a house. They were so taken with the concern and generosity of the Grove Hill community that Elbert Vix, now 81, vowed he would return every year as long as he was able to mark the milestone in his life. "This is our new home," Elbert explained as Genie beamed as they showed pictures of a two-story house built on the site of their old one in Pass Christian. They recently moved into the new home, built by their son-in-law, a New Orleans contractor.
One carries visible evidence of Katrina's fury. A circular saw blade blown from Vix's shop was driven deep into one of the Hurricane Katrina Anniversary trees. The Vixes divide their time between New Orleans and Pass Christian. In Pass Christian they lived in a FEMA trailer until their home was rebuilt. The Vixes said that while they have rebuilt, many have not and the Gulf Coast is still in need of help to recover from the storm. Ditto for New Orleans. Some parts of the Crescent City have recovered but many have not, and may not for a long time to come.
They spent a night at the Windwood Inn and ate at Gloria's Pour House Café where they said Gloria Newton "welcomed us with open arms." They restated their appreciation for all that was done for them by local residents in 2005. Elbert Vix offered firm handshakes and Genie Vix gave warm hugs as the couple departed with the promise to be back next August.
"There's only one way I won't be back," Vix remarked.
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