Spirit of Athens: Spirit of Athens Announces Revitalization Award Winners

At the annual meeting last Thursday, Spirit of Athens announced the winners of the following awards:

“Friend of Downtown” Award - Athens Storytelling Festival
Goes to an individual or group that took an active role in making the downtown better.

Charlie Hughes accepts award on behalf of the Athens Storytelling Festival committee. Also pictured, Carole Foret, SOA Board Member.

Athens Storytelling Festival took an active role in downtown beautification in 2009. This committee is responsible for the beautiful fall decorations that are placed around the square in October. They also commissioned Travis Fleming to make the new trash receptacles, and have already purchased the four containers seen downtown. Last year, they hired an architect to create five artist renderings of a revitalized downtown.

“Downtown Revitalization” Award - Limestone County Commission
Goes to property owner that has invested in his facade.

Limestone County Commission Chairman David Seibert

Last year, the Limestone County Commission invested in extensive cleaning and painting the Washington Street Annex and Limestone County Courthouse. Additionally, they invested in the sound system and brought the sound of the clock chimes back to the square. The interior of the courthouse has also received a facelift - with a lot of “hands on” work done by Commission Chairman David Seibert.

“Spirit of Giving” Award - 100.3 the River
Goes to a corporation or business that goes above and beyond “regular" sponsorships or normal cooperation to assist the Program and/or the downtown.

Maize Eaton accepts award on behalf of 100.3 the River.

The radio station donated extensive promotion of the “Cruise In.” The monthly event was advertised on the station’s website, via email campaign, and cross promoted on WTAK. The station also provided live remotes during the event. The station’s listening audience extends through Southern Tennessee and North Alabama.

“Volunteer of the Year” Award - Diane Lehr
Awarded to a volunteer that devoted over 40 hours and serves as a role model for Spirit of Athens.

Diane Lehr, Volunteer of the Year

Diane donated 245 hours of volunteer time to Spirit of Athens in 2009. She is currently the chair of the Organization committee and incoming board member for 2010. She attended the Main Street sessions at Alabama Preservation Conference in Auburn last October and strives to learn more about SOA and the Main Street program. She has proven to be a role model for the program.

Volunteer Recognition of Service
Certificates were given to volunteers that reported over 40 hours during 2009.

Those volunteers are Bland Allen, Regina Crawford, Wyn Heisler, Brent Hobbs (webmaster and graphic designer), Diane Lehr, Amanda Romine, Teresa Todd, Patti Whitaker, and the members of T.R.A.I.L.