|
Sometime in August, 2001, Mayor Briley received a letter from the Department of Community Affairs describing the Better Hometown program. He tasked Decius Aaron and Claudia Pitrowski to gather more information to see just how this program could benefit the city. A meeting was set up to orientate interested persons with the program. It was attended by approximately 12 people from Jones County, the City of Gray and DCA. From this initial meeting the steering committee was formed. Since this was a grant program, Tammy Brittain, Sandra McKinney, David Tuft, Decius Aaron, and Claudia Pitrowski began the application process. After weeks of writing, editing, and re-writing, the application finally met everyone’s approval and was hand delivered to DCA by Mr. Aaron. Weeks of waiting culminated in the sad news that the City of Gray was not selected as a Better Hometown community. But Mayor Briley, City Council and the Better Hometown steering committee would not be daunted. They decided to continue with the program as if they had been designated. A few months passed and a Better Hometown manager was hired. Ms. Pat Daniels was selected due to her community spirit and interest in seeing downtown Gray become a place to visit instead of just a drive-through city. Since July, 2002, Ms. Daniels has attended various seminars and workshops around the state including a Strategic Planning Session held on Monday Aug 12, 2002. She was also key to organizing and conducting a successful fund-raising event. Ms Daniels and the newly formed BOD are in the process of enlisting key people to help in re-activating the Downtown Development Authority and selecting projects that are Better Hometown doable. They are now awaiting instructions on completing a new application. Since its inception, the BOD has increased by nine. Committee chairpersons were appointed and regular meetings are being held. An orientation was conducted on November 14, 2002 to acquaint new members with the basics and encourage volunteers to pitch in their time and effort. Names were submitted for the Better Hometown corporation. With a three to one vote, the name “Gray Station Better Hometown” was selected. To update, we have been informed by DCA that our second attempt at Better Hometown status has failed. This was very disheartening after all the work that was put into developing what we thought was an excellent application. Regardless of this recent set-back, the Board of Directors, Mayor Jason Briley and City Council are determined to continue with the program as if we were indeed designated. We will not give up. We have now received our 501c3 status (non-profit). This is another step in the right direction. We need you. If you wish to be instrumental in managing growth while retaining that home town feel, then volunteer your time. Commit to self-help revitalization. Serve on a committee. There are four: Design, Economic Restructuring, Organization, and Promotion. Help make Gray as attractive as it can be. Call City Hall, 986-5433, Chamber of Commerce, 986-1123, Keep Jones Beautiful Commission, 986-5861, or Pat Daniels, 986-5199 for more information. |
|
History |
|
“We will not give up!” |
|
To contact us: |
