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The Mike
Snider Park Memorial Wall
A
way to memorialize loved ones for generations to come
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Jim Johnson
GleasonOnline.com
(Left
to Right) Mary Margaret Beasley, Rose Anderson, Chief of Police
Jeff Hazelwood, Mayor Diane Poole, Scotty Corum, Charles
Anderson, Andy Carroll, Jacky Esch, Jim Johnson, & Lynne Shores.
After receiving
approval from the Gleason Board of Mayor and Alderman to construct the
long-planned Memorial Wall at Gleason's Mike Snider Park on April 14th,
2016 representatives of the Gleason Downtown Revitalization Committee
and the Gleason Rotary Club participated in a groundbreaking ceremony on
Wednesday, May 27th, 2016.
The location of
this brick wall, will be near the main walkway to the park, in the
vicinity of the children's play area. When completed, it will be
some 80 feet in length, with brick flower boxes on each end. In the
center of the wall will be a
large rounded brick flower box that will feature a 40-foot tall flag
pole proudly flying a large 8' by 12' American flag.
Special
sections at each end of the wall, will contain
Black Granite Memorial Stones (approximately 4 x 7 inches in
size) that serve to remember family members or others who have
passed, to honor others who should be remembered, or those who have
in one way or the other provided significant support for this very
special community project.
A smaller
section in the middle of the wall is reserved for memorial stones of
those who have served in the military.
It should be
noted that some 8,000 bricks for the construction of the wall have
been provided by Boral Brick Company of Gleason. The concrete for
the wall was provided by Gleason Clay Company (GCC: Cheryl Lehmkuhl,
Plant Manager). The actual construction of the the wall represents a
joint venture involving the Gleason Downtown Revitalization
Committee and the Gleason Rotary Club.
Laying the Foundation for
the Wall
Ronnie Lawrence Operating
the Tractor; Jeff Hazelwood (in hoodie)
Bobby Hoskins Operating the Excavator
Laying Concrete: Randy Kent and Randy
Stafford
The
foundation for the wall was completed (with the help of Ronnie
Lawrence Bobby Hoskins,
Randy Kent and Randy Stafford)
along with contributions of members of the Downtown Revitalization
Committee and Rotary Club and a range of others who have contributed
both their time, energy and skills to this endeavor.
The
construction of the wall is currently underway, with skilled Gleason
bricklayers Darrell Bell and David Hopper contributing their time
and skills (in addition to their other work responsibilities) to
finish the remaining work on the wall
Gleason Bricklayers Extraordinary
David Hopper and Darrell Bell
Foundation Completed:
Darrell and David begin Laying Brick With Others
in a Supporting Role
Done for the first day
- First Section of the Wall Behind Us !
Darrell Bell, David Hopper, Charles Anderson, Jim
Johnson, Jeff Hazelwood
Food and General
Support Group
Memorial Wall Update - October 2016!
Darrell Bell (L) - David Hopper (R)
Memorial Wall Update - April, 9 2017
Brick Layer, Darrell
Bell, placed 108 Black Memorial bricks on the area of the wall
located just above the right flower box.
He also placed another 72 Memorial bricks in the area of
the wall located just above the Left flower box.
Memorial Wall Update - June 20, 2017
Today, members of the Gleason Downtown Revitalization make a major
push toward the completion of the Mike Snider Park Memorial Wall.
With the help of Rodney Garner and his backhoe, the flower boxes at each
end of the wall were filled with dirt making it possible to begin landscaping,
using
plants of contrasting colors (Soft Touch Holly and Purple
Queens)
against a white marble rock background.
Ross Chandler, owner of Performance Steel, volunteered his
time and expertise with heavy machinery to dig the very large hole
necessary to
hold the ground sleeve for the forty-foot flag pole that will grace the center of the wall.
Ross Chandler digging the hole for the underground
sleeve that will hold the flagpole
Jim Johnson
Ross Chandler (L) and Charles Anderson (R) -
Making sure the underground sleeve is level
The next step involved filling the
hole containing the underground sleeve with
concrete and preparing the larger foundation that will support
the accompanying granite stone and plaque associated with the flag.
Gary Doster (L) and Charles Anderson (R) - Making
sure the concrete is distributed where it is needed.
Gary Doster (L) & Charles Anderson (R)-making sure
the concrete, surrounding the flagpole is level.
Memorial Wall Update - July 20th, 2017
Raising the Flag
Today the Gleason Downtown Revitalization Committee took another
major step toward the completion of the Mike Snider Park Memorial
Wall.
With the help of Mr. Ross Chandler (owner of Gleason-based
Performance Steel)
and Jennifer Chandler, along with several members of the Downtown
Revitalization Committee, we put up a 40 foot flagpole and raised a
beautiful 8 x 12 American flag to grace the center of the wall.
This involved unpacking the two sections of the flag pole, placing
the large gold decorative ball at the top of the pole and attaching
the two sections of the pole and the ropes and other internal
equipment necessary to raise and lower the flag.
Then, using heavy machinery manned by Mr. Chandler, the bottom of
the flag pole was placed in the center of the large metal
underground sleeve that had been prepared during our previous work day.
Jennifer Chandler (L) - Ross Chandler (R)
Rose Anderson with the Camera
After the pole was appropriately placed, the remaining space in the
underground sleeve was filled with a special type of sand, designed
to both keep the pole in place and protect it.
After the pole was securely in place, the flag was raised for the
first time, with the flag dedication stone being placed at the base
of the flag.
Special thanks go to Mr. Chandler
for this major contribution to the Memorial Wall; we could not
have completed this project without his help.
Jennifer and Ross Chandler & Jim Johnson
Without skilled, caring and dedicated Gleason citizens who have
voluntary contributed their time and efforts to the development of
this Memorial Wall - none of the work completed to date would have
been possible.
Memorial Wall Update - July 26th, 2017
Landscaping the Center Flower Box around the Flag
As was noted earlier, we have completed the initial landscaping of
the flower boxes, located at the far left and far right ends of the
wall.
Today we completed the landscaping of the large flower box located
in the middle of the wall (containing the flag pole) using "soft
touch holly" shrubs and "purple queens", with a white marble rock
background.
With the flag pole now up and each of the flowerboxes
having now been landscaped, remaining tasks involve placing brick
caps on each of the brick posts that make up the wall and the
placement of a number of previously purchased memorial bricks to
fill the remaining space above the flower box on the far left side
of the wall, as well as additional memorial bricks, for those being
remembered for having served in the military - which will be placed
in the center section of the wall located behind the the flag.
Memorial Wall Update - August 12, 2017:
Approaching Completion
Today our bricklayer, Darrell Bell, added a significant number of new
memorial stones to the wall bringing us closer and closer to the wall's
completion.
As indicated in an earlier update, all of the memorial stones for the
right side of the wall
(above the right flower box)
had already been placed in this section (See below).
Today, all
of the more recently purchased stones for the left side of the wall (above
the left flower box) were added to those stones which had already been
placed in this section (Pardon
the reflection in this graphic).
Today, Darrell also added all of memorial bricks,
for those individuals being remembered for having served in the
military. These military service memorials were placed in the center
section of the wall located directly behind the the flagpole.
At this point, the flag pole is now up with the flag
proudly waving. All of the memorial bricks for both the right and left
ends of the wall and the military section have now been placed. The
flower boxes at each end of the wall and the center section, have been
landscaped.
Remaining tasks involve completing the borders at the top
of each of the three areas that contain the memorial stones and placing
brick caps on each of the brick posts that make up the wall, in addition
to some landscaping in the area around the wall.
Memorial Wall Update - August 28, 2017
Darrell Bell put the finishing touch on the wall on this date by
completing the brick caps on each of the brick posts on the wall. Thank
you Darrell for all of the work you have done on this wall !!!
Dedication Service for the
Memorial Wall
Given the present stage of completion, the date for the
Dedication Service for the Memorial Wall is scheduled to take place
during the 2017 Tater Town Special celebration @ 4 pm on Saturday,
September 2nd at Mike Snider Park.
CLICK ON LINKS TO SEE CLOSE UP OF MEMORIAL BRICKS IN VARIOUS SECTIONS OF
THE WALL
LEFT
SIDE OF WALL
-
CENTER WALL
-
RIGHT SIDE OF WALL
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Gleason Downtown
Revitalization:
A Look Back at the First Year
Jim
Johnson
GleasonOnline.com
As
it has now been somewhat over a year since the work of the Gleason
Downtown Revitalization Committee was formally approved by the Board
of Mayor and Aldermen, it seems appropriate to take a look back in
order to assess the accomplishment of the Committee now that 2015
has come to an end.
Here
it can be noted that, under the leadership of Charles Anderson as
President, a wide range of projects designed to enhance downtown
Gleason and the surrounding area have been undertaken.
At
the outset, it should be noted that many of the activities that the
Revitalization Committee has engaged in during the past year would
not have been possible without the generosity of those Gleason
residents who have supported the work of this committee during the
past year. Their generosity has included furthering revitalization
efforts by making contributions at fundraisers as well as by
volunteering their time and talents in helping make various
revitalization projects a success.
Activities engaged in during the past year have been of a varied
nature. Some of these have been beautification efforts, other have
been restorative in nature, while other, somewhat larger efforts,
have represented a combination of the two.
Examples have included providing new and more visible handicapped
parking signs throughout the downtown area, the painting of fire
hydrants, providing flower boxes throughout the downtown area and
making major repairs to the Senior Citizens Center to deal with
significant termite damage.
A
major initiative during the first year has involved making a number
of improvements to Huggins Park, which had previously seen very
little community use during recent years.
During the past year a number of the building in the park have been
painted, an old rusty chain link fence that posed safety issues has
been torn down and replaced by a brand new 190 foot section of white
vinyl fence - thanks to the generous donation by Imerys Ceramics.
Thanks to the hard work of Luke Hughes, along with the efforts of
committee members and others, Huggins Park now has a brand new nine
hole Disc Golf course which has to this point hosted three
successful Disc Golf tournaments, with the most recent tournament
hosting the University of Martin Disc Golf team.
Park
beautification efforts have also involved the planting of several
memorial trees, the donation of a fountain (by Charles and Rose
Anderson) and planting a wide range of flower beds to enhance the
look of the park.
These park-related enhancements have resulted in many more citizens
of Gleason and the surrounding area coming to the park to attend a
various community events hosted by the Committee. These events have
included an initial Revitalization Committee fundraiser, featuring
Mike Snider and his band, a Gleason Movie Night which featured
family friendly entertainment along with a full-service concession
stand, the Committee's First Annual Fall Music Fest, and a Chili
Supper Cook-off.
These improvements have made Huggins Park a more suitable venue for
an even wider range of community events that will allow families to
enjoy wholesome activities and entertainment while also spending
time with friends.
Another major beautification/restoration project completed during
the past year has involved the painting of the J & P Auto Care
building, as well as the outbuilding adjacent to the service
station.
The
painting of this business related to the Committee's belief that J &
P Auto Care represented one of the major landmarks of downtown
Gleason, having now been in business at the corner of Cedar and Main
for over half a century.
Much
effort was put into completing this work project prior to the 2015
Tater Town Special to insure that visitors to Gleason during this
event might see the downtown area at its best when viewed along the
parade route.
An
additional fund-raising project during the past year has involved
developing a Community Calendar that provides the dates of important
family events such as birthdays, anniversaries and the like for
Gleason citizens. The proceeds from the sale of these calendars help
fund downtown improvements, as do all proceeds from activities
sponsored by the Revitalization committee.
Completing projects such as these is seen as important in laying the
foundation for obtaining grant money to support other more costly
revitalization projects.
While a major focus of the committee is on beautification and
revitalization of the Gleason community, another interrelated focus
is on highlighting Gleason businesses, realizing that encouraging
hometown shopping by promoting home grown businesses is a boon to
the local economy.
During the past year, President Charles Anderson has initiated a
"Gleason Business of the Month" initiative, whereby one local
business is highlighted each month through a special article
focusing on that business. The article is first published on the
Gleason website (GleasonOnline.com). The Weakley County Press
has also agreed to provide a print version of each article in their
widely read newspaper.
During the past year some 10 Gleason businesses have been
highlighted in this manner. These include
Gleason Superette ,
Jozelle's Beauty Shop,
City Drug Store.,
Gleason Lumber
& Supply Company,
Floyd Greenhouses,
Gleason Hardware,
Eveready Auto Parts.
Gleason Clinic,
Steele Plant Company
and the
Bank of Gleason.
In terms of other items,
it is also noteworthy that, during this past year, the Downtown
Revitalization Program has also filed for and has been approved as a
501(c)(3) non-profit, Tax Exempt organization. This designation
makes it possible for those individuals making financial donations
to the Gleason downtown revitalization effort to declare their gifts
as charitable contributions when filing their income tax return.
Despite those things that the Committee has accomplished during the
past year, much more work needs to be done during the coming year
(and in the future) to enhance the City of Gleason's ability to
attract new businesses, to improve the economic growth of the
community and make the Gleason community a better place to live,
work, raise a family and experience an improved quality of life.
It
is hoped that, based on these initial accomplishments, the Gleason
Downtown Revitalization Committee will be seen as deserving of the
generous support that it has received from the citizens of Gleason
during the past year.
It
is also hoped that there will be others who will join with the
Committee and contribute their time and efforts in helping 2016 be
an even better year in terms of enhancing the Gleason community.
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Downtown Revitalization Committee Hosts
Huggins Park - Chili Cook-Off
Jim Johnson
GleasonOnline.com
On Saturday, November 7th, the Gleason Downtown Revitalization
Committee hosted its first Annual Chili Cook-Off. With temperatures
in the upper 50's and low 60's, and a mild wind blowing, the
weather was perfect for eating all the great chili you could eat
(for only $5), along with cornbread, a drink and a great selection of desserts.
Those who came were not only treated to good food at a great price, but
were also able to shop for
handicrafts and buy books at a discount price at the Gleason library
book sale. Here, there was a great selection of books of all
kinds and for all ages for only 25 cents each. And, everyone was
treated to some great music provided by local talent from
10:00 in the morning to 4:00 in the afternoon.
Participants in the Chili Cook-Off included Not-Hig's restaurant in
McKenzie, Gleason's own Andy Carroll and Chris Chadwick from Hawg
County Cookers in McKenzie.
It should be noted
that in 2008 Chris Chadwick won the Gleason Tater Town Special Back
Yard BBQ trophy for his bacon-wrapped hotdog with peppers and onions
and has continued to attend and win at the Tater Town festival.
Being a bit of a celebrity, he has also had the opportunity to share
his expertise regarding the art of cooking on radio and the TV
Discovery Channel.
The local musical talent included Gleason's own McKenna Cady, the group
"Forest Drive" (from Martin, TN), Gleason's Jon and Anna Eaton and
Jim Arnold and his group "Crossroads" from Gleason.
With the
cook-off winner being determined by those who had bought a ticket
for the chili and who chose to vote for one of the three
competitors, Andy Carroll of Gleason managed to edge out the others
to win the Chili Cook-off Championship trophy. An informal survey seemed to suggest
that all of the Cook-off chili was excellent.
As always, the
people of Gleason were generous in coming out on a rather chilly Fall day in
support of this event. With over 90 people being served throughout
the day, a total of some $480 was raised to support
additional Gleason Downtown Revitalization efforts.
Matt Cady - Ready to Sell Some
Great Chili
Emily Bell and Brooke McClure
Mike and Carole Blassingame
Judy Paschall, Library Director -
Gleason Memorial Library
Not Hig's (Tina Neil &
Jerry Morgan)
McKenzie, TN
Not Hig's (Tina
Neil & Jerry Morgan)
& Andy Carroll (Behind Tables)
McKenna Cady
McKenna Cady and Forest Drive (Cooper
Gilliam; Jackson Kellyk Peyton Forrester; Keaton Penick
(Martin, TN)
Jon and Anna Eaton
Crossroads: (Jim Arnold; Keith
Arnold; Thomas Chandler; Jeff Ellis Booths)
Matt Cady - Giving the Chili
Cook-off-Award to Andy Carroll of Gleason
Chris Chadwick (Hawg
County Cookers) - Andy Carroll (Gleason) - Jerry Morgan (Not Hig's) |
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Gleason Downtown
Revitalization Program
Hosts First Annual
Fall Music Fest
Jim
Johnson
GleasonOnline.Com
 The Gleason Downtown Revitalization Program hosted its First Annual Fall
Music Fest on September 26.
With admission being free and free tickets
for drawings being being given to
all in attendance, an estimated 175 Gleason citizens and visitors from
the surrounding areas turned out for this event. They were all treated to
some great music provided by local celebrities at the "new and
revitalized" Huggins Park.
Good food, including Hamburgers, Cheeseburgers, Walking Toco's, Popcorn,
Candy and Drinks were also provided at the Concession Stand.
This was an evening that offered something for people of all ages.
Children's activities started at 4:00 PM and featured Face Painting by
Matt Cady and a "Bounce House", which the younger children seemed to
really enjoy.
Hosted by MC Charles Anderson, musical entertainment started at 5:00
PM. Opening the show was Anna Eaton who sang the National Anthem. This
was followed by musical selections provided by Ronnie Story, Keith
Dunning, Wess Whitworth, Larry Morgan, McKenna Cady, Micah Arnold,
David Hoppe and Jon and Anna Eaton.
Among the selection of songs that Anna and
Jon Eaton sang to round out the evening was one very special song, which they wrote,
that
featured a friend of theirs - Gleason resident Billie Joe Ward.
It is noteworthy that the citizens of Gleason, once again showed their
great generosity in terms of supporting Gleason revitalization efforts by
making donations on the order of $800 during this event. These funds
will be
used to support further downtown revitalization projects.
Click Here for Music Fest
Pictures
Disc golf to heat up at Huggins Park
BY CLAY SMITH
Weakley County Press
If you’re looking to prove
your disc golf prowess this weekend, Gleason has you covered.The
Gleason Downtown revitalization Committee presents their Tater Town Throwdown Disc Golf Tournament on Saturday, Sept. 5 at
Huggins Park in Gleason.
Disc golf is a hybrid sport between golf
and Frisbee. Instead of throwing a Frisbee to another person,
participants tee off to throw Frisbees into “holes,” metal-chained
receptacles. Scoring is like that of golf; the objective is to get
your Frisbee into each hole in as few throws as possible.
There are
multiple divisions for all ages and skill levels including: Kid
8-10, Kids 11- 14, Novice 15 and up, and Open. There will be a check
in at 2 p.m., player’s meeting at 2:30 p.m., and the tournament will
begin at 3:00 p.m.
Proceeds from the tournament will go for course
improvements. Each person that signs up will receive a custom Tater
Town Throwdown golf disc (while supplies last). You may throw any
discs of your choosing during the tournament. Kids play 9 holes,
novices play 18 holes, and open players play 36 holes. Registration
is $10 for kids, $15 for everyone else.
Food and beverages will be
available at the park. There will be awards presented to the top
finishers in each division.
Registration and fees can be paid the
day of the event or may be mailed to: Gleason Downtown Restoration
Fund, P.O. Box 125, Gleason, and TN 38229 or turned in at Gleason
City Hall. Please make checks payable to: Gleason
Downtown Restoration Fund. For
more information, contact Luke Hughes at 931-305-9233 or Charles
Anderson at 731-695-5753. Source: Weakley County Press.
Helping Enhance the Gleason Community Through Clay:
From its beginning, in June 2014, the focus of the Gleason
Downtown Revitalization Committee has been on the
enhancement of downtown Gleason and the surrounding area -
including both City Parks.
During the past year the Downtown Revitalization initiative
has been involved in several beautification projects that
have focused specifically on downtown Gleason. These
projects have included the painting of fire hydrants and
planting flowers at various locations throughout the
downtown area.
Perhaps the largest downtown revitalization project
undertaken by members of the Revitalization Committee has
been the recent painting of the J & P Car Care building at
the corner of Cedar and Main streets. This service station
has a long history going back at least to the early 1950's
and represents one of downtown Gleason's most notable
landmarks. This downtown enhancement effort provides
visitors entering the downtown area with the most positive
view of downtown Gleason possible.
As a result of having a successful year of funding,
resulting from hosting several park events and community
calendar sales, other projects have also taken shape. One
such project has been an attempt to enhance Huggins Park
after several years of neglect.
Here, flowers, trees, and a herb garden have been planted.
And, a Disc Golf course has been developed for all to enjoy.
The Revitalization Committee has already hosted an initial
disc golf tournament - which had a very good turnout.
In terms of structural modifications at the park, two
lengthy sections of rusty chain link fence were recently
removed which had previously posed potential safety concerns
and been aesthetically unappealing.
Upon removing this section of fence it was determined that
the old fence should be replaced by a new vinyl fence to
separate the park area itself from the driveway and parking
area adjacent to the park.
Given
the cost of this fence, we were very fortunate that Imerys
Ceramics graciously volunteered to serve in the role of
Corporate Supporter, by providing the funds necessary for
the purchase of the needed 190 foot section of white vinyl
fence.
This new fence for Huggins Park was formerly dedicated on
Wednesday July 29, 2015, with members of the Gleason
Downtown Revitalization Committee and a number of
representatives from Imerys Ceramics being present.
Charles
Anderson, President of the Gleason Downtown Revitalization Program,
receives a check in the amount of $1,500 dollars from Brent Eugley of
Imerys North America Ceramics (formerly KT Clay Co.) for the new vinyl
fence at Huggins Park.
Left Side: Imerys Ceramics Representatives:
Front Row: Left to Right: Kim Montgomery - Ball Clay Lab
Technician; Katy Lucas (dark green shirt/brown pants) - Geologist
Back Row: Left to Right: Stacy Collins - Ball Clay Technician;
Cruz Legens - Ball Clay Lab Technician; Eric Duke (white shirt)
Production Supervisor; Kerry Arnold -(EHS) - Environmental Health and
Safety Manager; Brent Eugley (with check) - Environmental Coordinator;
James Jarrett (right side with bright yellow shirt) - Ball Clay Quality
Control Manager/Product Development Coordinator.
Right
Side: Revitalization Committee Representatives:
Left to Right: Mayor Diane Poole (behind fence) , Charles Anderson-President
(receiving check), Rose Anderson, Gary Doster, James Jarrett (Imerys
Representative), Chief Jeff Hazelwood, Doris Owen-Treasurer, Jim Johnson
and Matt Cady.
The entire city of
Gleason would like to say Thank You to Imerys Ceramics for their very
generous donation to cover the cost of this beautiful new white vinyl
fence at Huggins Park
Individual and corporate
sponsor donations are greatly appreciated as we move forward into the
year, and make plans for 2016.
Revitalization Committee Members at Tater Town Disc Golf
Tournament
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Gleason's First Disc Golf
Tournament Held at Huggins Park
Jim Johnson
GleasonOnline.com
As
a result of a generous gift from the West Tennessee Disc Golf Club
to the Gleason Downtown Revitalization Program and City of Gleason's
Park and Recreation department and, with the help of Mr. Luke Hughes of
Gleason, it has been possible to develop a disc golf course at Gleason's
Huggins Park for use by the people of Gleason and the surrounding area.
The design and development of the course was under the direction of Mr.
Luke Hughes, of Gleason, along with Chris Dodson, Will Trimble and Kent
Fothergill, all of whom are actively involved with this rapidly growing
sport.
The course is open to all Gleason citizens who are interested in the
sport and was set up to allow for competitive disc golf tournaments for
players of all ages.
Sponsored by the Gleason Downtown Revitalization Program,
Gleason's first disc golf tournament, the
"TaterTown
Throwdown" was held on Saturday, May 23, 2015.
Registration for the tournament began at 1:30. The registration fee was
$10, which included a free disc, bearing the "TaterTown Throwdown" logo.
All funds derived from this event will be used to support Gleason
Downtown Revitalization efforts.
Prior to beginning the tournament, a disc golf workshop was
conducted by Tournament Director Luke Hughes. This pre-tournament training session was open to all registrants
and
served as an introduction to the basics of disc golf, including rules of
the game, disc golf fundamentals, and an introduction to the new Huggins
Park course.
The tournament itself began at 3:30 and lasted for several hours, with
the 36 participants playing varying numbers of holes,
depending on their age.
The concession stand was open, serving water, soft drinks, hamburgers, cheese burgers, bologna and various
other tasty edibles.
Certificates were given for outstanding play in both the "Novice" and
more "Advanced" disc golf participants.
It
is hoped that this inaugural tournament will stimulate
participants to come out to Huggins Park and use the facilities to develop their disc golf skills and
enjoy playing the course with friends over the summer.
Tournament Registration: Only Ten
Bucks
With a Free Disc Included
All Ready to Go!
Concession Stand - Open for
Business
Luke Hughes Provides
Pre-tournament Disc Golf Workshop
Small Group/Family Instruction
Focusing on Fundamentals
Off to the Course
Somebody Has to Keep Score
On to the Next Hole
This Group Had Spectators !
No - The Next Hole is THAT Way
!
Just About Time for
a Cheeseburger and Coke!
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Development of Disc
Golf Course at Huggins Park
As
a result of a generous gift from the West Tennessee Disc Golf Club
to the Gleason Downtown Revitalization Program and City of Gleason's
Park and Recreation department and, with the help of Mr. Luke
Hughes of Gleason, it has been possible to provide a disc golf course for use by the
people of Gleason and the surrounding area. The course is located at Gleason's Huggins Park, located off of West Main Street in Gleason.
The design and development of the course was under the direction of Mr. Luke
Hughes along with Chris Dodson, Will Trimble and Kent Fothergill, all of
whom are actively involved with this rapidly growing sport.
Plans are to have this course open to all Gleason citizens who are
interested in the sport and to use this facility to support organized
disc golf tournaments for players of all ages.
The
development of this disc golf course fits nicely with other plans of the
Gleason Downtown Revitalization Committee to enhance the existing
Huggins Park so as to make it more attractive and more suitable for an
increasing variety of community activities.
Current plans are to host Gleason's first disc golf tournament on the
afternoon of May 23, 2015. Prior to beginning the tournament, an
introduction and
training session will be offered that will provide an introduction to
disc golf and the Higgins Park course itself for those who are new to the
game.
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 2nd,
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.
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Valued Supporters:
Final Flight Outfitters, Union City; Big
Daddy's BBQ, McKenzie; Owen Brothers, Gleason; Pepsi Cola,
Paris; Jim Johnson, Huntingdon; Coca Cola, Union City;
Flowers by Jan, Gleason; Aletha Jones, Gleason; Simply
Southern Restaurant, Gleason; Bank of Gleason, Gleason; WCMT
Radio, Martin; Salon 104, Gleason; Gleason Superette,
Gleason; Jerry Chestnut, General Manager of Boral Brick,
Gleason; J&P Exxon, Gleason; J & J Restaurant, Gleason;
Bryant Video, Gleason; Blossom and Blooms, Gleason; Tumbling
Creek Baptist Church, Gleason; Weakly County
Electric. |
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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PICTURES
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