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 Gleason Downtown Revitalization Fundraiser:

     A Big - Small Town Success

 James H. Johnson

GleasonOnline.com

Charles Anderson, emcee, Mike Snider and Ricky Morgan

On Saturday, August 2^nd, 2014, a Fundraiser, designed to support  Gleason Downtown Revitalization efforts, was held from  5 until after 8 PM at Huggins Park in Gleason.

The fundraiser was initially organized by the Gleason Downtown Revitalization Committee (Members: Charles Anderson,  Ron Arnold, Mary Margaret Beasley,  Andy Carroll,  Gary Doster, Police Chief Jeff Hazelwood, Doris Owen, and Mayor Diane Poole) and  focused  on raising funds to support initial downtown revitalization projects that can  provide the foundation for grant applications to fund larger projects.

The evening began with an opening prayer, provided by Mr. Jacky Esch and the National Anthem, wonderfully sung by Mr. Wendell Verdell.

The program consisted of gospel music, generously provided by  "Witness Southern Gospel of McKenzie, Tennessee, as well as Gleason's own Mike Snider, widely known for being a regular  on the Grand Ole Opry, as it is commonly known and referred to, and formerly a regular on the old Hee Haw television show as well as having received other honors associated with the country music industry.  Additional musical entertainment was also provided by Ricky Morgan of The Great Pretenders, Wendell Verdell and Charles Ross and family of Gleason. Each of these individuals and groups provided their services freely in support of this initiative.

Those in attendance were provided with plenty of great food, including both BBQ plates and hot dogs from  Big Daddy's BBQ, Highway 79, McKenzie, Tennessee. Soft drinks, bottled water,  as well as snow cones and desserts were also available at the concession stand.

All in attendance had the opportunity to win more than 20 door prizes, such as gift cards and a variety of other items provided by numerous donors. Numerous attendees purchased chances to win various prizes ranging from gift certificates, to bicycles, to a Winchester Repeating Arms 12 gage shotgun,  along with 5 boxes of shells and electronic noise-suppression ear muffs.

With approximately 400 total in attendance, including lots of people from Gleason and the surrounding areas, others coming from further away, and more than a dozen others who were candidates for local, and state offices, this event has to be judged as having been a huge success.

Not only did the citizens of Gleason come out in numbers to support this important event, but many also made cash donations during the evening. Others supported this initiative by simply coming to enjoy the entertainment and fellowship with friends, while enjoying the excellent food and beverages and buying  tickets for the various prizes that were offered. Numerous other individuals, groups, and businesses made significant financial contributions, or  provided  goods or  services that were significantly discounted or  given freely for this event.

It is heartening to learn that the funds derived from this Gleason Downtown Revitalization Fundraiser were in excess of $4,000. 

This figure seems to highlight both the generosity of the citizens of Gleason, as a group, and the degree to which they care for their community and want it to be all it can be!

Candidates for Local, County, and State Offices

Rose Anderson, Mayor Diana Poole, Angie Hazelwood and Doris Owen

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Gleason Board Endorses Downtown Revitalization Initiative

At a recent meeting of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen, Gleason resident Charles Anderson spoke on behalf of the newly constituted Gleason Downtown Revitalization Committee.

Mr. Anderson noted that we all take great pride in our small town and always want it to look its best. He went on to say that unfortunately, Gleason hasn't kept up with the times when it comes to the downtown area, as compared to other towns. While other city's are making improvements, Gleason's downtown area is moving in the opposite direction.

Mr. Anderson indicated that the focus of this committee will be on sprucing up the City of Gleason in all ways possible in order to make Gleason a more attractive destination for visitors. He stated that the Committee hopes to get all citizens involved in turning the downtown area around and making it a more enjoyable place to visit.

He suggested that the purpose of coming before the Board was not to ask the city for money but simply to get support from the board. He said that the committee hopes to use grants and individual donations to fund specific projects.

Some initial ideas for possible improvements include improving sidewalks/parking/awning in front of the school, a new LCD electronic billboard for the school, Flashing Safety Lights in school zones, restoring a Railroad Caboose to commemorate the old long & forgotten train station, new park benches/flower planters, hand painted murals on walls of buildings (looking for volunteers for artwork), the construction of a fountain, and potentially the development of a farmers market.

The Mayor and Aldermen expressed their excitement regarding the committee's ideas for improving the Gleason community and voted unanimously to support this new initiative.