Monday's Internet Edition, September 08, 2008.
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- The City of Thomasville Beautification Committee has announced new officers for 2006.
This year marks the second term for Carol Brown as committee chair.
Longtime members Sue Hunter and Butch Langfitt serve as vice-chair and secretary-treasurer, respectively.
Other members include Brenda Cline, Larry Darr, Gloria Delgadillo, Crystal Hodges, Dana Holliday, Heather Muscatello, Thea Nyll, Jane Osborne, and Pat Shelton.
Todd Sechrist serves as ex-officio member, and Raleigh York Jr. is the City Council representative.
A History of Service
The committee was started in 1979, but it was dormant for several years.
Former Thomasville city council member Sue Hunter then became chairperson and since then, the committee has done various projects.
Hunter said that when she and her late husband, Dr. Jim Hunter, first came to Thomas-ville in 1968, Dr. George Highsmith took them around town to show them what there was.
He then told the Hunters, “Thomasville is a very ugly town, but the people are nice.”
From that moment on, she strived to beautify the city of Thomasville. At that time there were no gardens by the chair and the fountain.
Pauline Walker and Nona Welborn were very active prior to this time.
Since then, when one crosses the railroad tracks at Randolph Street, you are greeted by a downtown with beautiful flowers to your right and left. This is the work of the Beautification Committee.
The Beautification Committee has a budget and they spend those funds in the promotion and beautification of the City of Thomasville.
The “Welcome to Thomas-ville” signs at National Highway, Randolph Street and Hwy. 109 and Lexington Avenue have beautiful flowers thanks to the efforts of the Committee.
The parks are enhanced by the work of all the members, including Will Harper Park and the new John Hauss Park on Salem Street. The John Hauss Park was done with the help of the Thomasville Historical Committee.
The Beautification Committee bought the colorful flowers that we see by the chair and fountain, and other City of Thomasville areas — 3,000 Tulip bulbs were planted for this spring’s flowering.
The Committee is thankful for the city employees who help in our various endeavors. They also involve themselves with road and street clean-ups and recruit volunteers to help on clean-up days and sponsors for parks so that our parks will always be maintained and clean.
A Busy Schedule
The Beautification Committee sponsors many activities throughout the year — one of which, the Spring Litter Sweep, will kick off on April 8.
Volunteers will meet at the Clock Tower at 8:30 a.m. Any group or individual is welcome to join us.
The State’s Spring Litter Sweep is scheduled for April 17-30.
Those interested in adopting a spot or street clean-up or assisting with any of our projects should contact Brown at 886-5189. The Committee will provide the bags and gloves for the cleanup.
“Spring Daze at the Depot,” is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 6. Vendors will be set up on Main Street at the John W. Thomas Visitor’s Center.
The Committee is still seeking vendors for the event. Space is limited. Applications can be picked up at City Hall, 10 Salem St., or by calling Brown at 886-5189.
(March 21)