Town gets early Christmas gift

Thursday, October 16, 2008

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.

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  • I think it is great for this little town. I just hope that whatever is done everyone contributes and participates. I hope it is not like that memorial garden they did and you never see the correct people taking care of it. There is always someone else doing the work rather than the people pushing for the garden saying they would take care of it. Again, wonderful for the town and would like to be involved to better the town.

    -- Posted by lovinglife1725 on Fri, Oct 17, 2008, at 6:44 AM
  • In behalf of the PRIDE initiative I would like to extend a public thank you to the anonymous donor who has generously given toward beautifying the town of Roachdale through their gift. Also a word of thanks to the community members who have stepped forward to research how this gift might be best used for the enhancement of the community through the Christmas holidays and beyond.

    The PRIDE Initiative is all about enlisting community members to do what they can do in making their town a great place to live. Many people joining together, each taking the responsibility of sharing their ideas, time, talents and finances will accomplish a lasting affect. Anyone interested in supporting the growth of hometown PRIDE in Roachdale may contact the PRIDE representative at 522-1430. Workers as well as committee chairs are needed for the growth of Summerfest, cleanup days, fund raisers, and more. A job shared by many is a lighter load for each person and accomplishes a greater resultant effort. Let's put the "YOU" into our comm"YOU"nity.

    Lovinglife1725 and others who would like to be involved to better the town please contact the PRIDE representative.

    -- Posted by PRIDE on Fri, Oct 17, 2008, at 4:15 PM
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