Town gets early Christmas gift
ROACHDALE -- The town of Roachdale is getting an early Christmas present this year thanks to a $7,500 anonymous donation to the PRIDE (Preserving Roachdale's Identity enthusiastically) group.
When Pat Allen, Allen's TV & Appliance in Roachdale, heard about the donation from Elaine Peck, Director of the Putnam County Foundation she was determined to find a good use for the money.
"Roachdale is my town and I'm going to do something for it," said Allen.
She put together a committee of herself and five other Pride members, Kara McGill, Jim Jackson, Larry Jones, Barb Phelps and Bonnie Yarhous. Together the group decided the best use of the money, which is specified to be used for the beautification of Roachdale, is to purchase lighted Christmas wreaths for light poles in downtown and across the highway.
The cost of the lights are $5,000.
The remaining money will most likely be spent on planters for downtown that will hold flowers in the spring and summer and trees at Christmas.
The group plans to get back with the Roachdale Town Council once they determine where to place the planters.
They are also trying to contact the owner of a vacant lot, which they would like to clean up and use for town events.
The group presented their ideas to the Town Council at Tuesday nights meeting.
"They loved the idea of the Christmas lights," said Allen.
The Putnam County Foundation will administer the funds for the group.
"I hope more people will make donations and support the project," added Peck.
"I'm hoping the other towns like Bainbridge, Fillmore and Cloverdale will start similar projects," she said.
For information on making a donation contact the Putnam County Foundation at 765-653-4978. To help with PRIDE or the Christmas project please contact Pat Allen at 765-522-1381.