Garrison gears up for holiday season
Garrison gears up for holiday season Groups receive donations for past events By CHERYL ODDEN One thing was obvious Monday during the regular meeting of the Garrison Chamber of Commerce – the community is alive with events. Dick Messerly, CANDISC founder, congratulated three entities for their participation in the 2008 cycling tour by providing hospitality to the riders. On hand to receive monetary awards for their groups were Hedi Rime of Vision for a Cure and Shawna Hauf of Team L.O.V.E. Both are Relay for Life teams that provided rest stops for the cyclists. A third monetary donation went to the chamber for hosting a return picnic lunch at City Park. Over the next couple weeks, CANDISC leaders will make similar presentations in other communities that were voted most popular by CANDISC participants. Another report alluded to the success of the 2008 Beach Party. About $1,900 in proceeds from the event this past August will be funneled back to local non-profit groups that played a part in its success. Numerous other committee reports painted a picture of a community that is active and preparing for a busy holiday season. Chamber members were encouraged to attend an informational "Business After Hours" that will take place Thursday. The public is invited to take part in the city’s annual Walks Around pre-holiday shopping event. Walks Around will be Friday from 4-7 p.m. at participating Main Street businesses. The event will serve as a kickoff for the annual Gifts from the Heart food drive. See related article on page ____. Next Wednesday, the Garrison Church of God will host the non-denominational Thanksgiving Worship at 7 p.m. Offering will be donations to Gifts from the Heart – either non-perishable food, canned goods or monetary gifts. See related article for more information. Several reports included information on the upcoming Dickens Village Festival. Members heard that a new PA system has been installed in the Queen Elizabus. A new heater has also been installed in the double-deck bus. Jude Iverson reported that ticket sales remain strong for the Dickens play with about half the seats for the first two weekends already sold. She described availability for the final weekend’s theatrical performances as being "wide open." Iverson said she also encourages the public to attend a special Christmas concert by the Dixie Cups. Two performances are scheduled for Nov. 30. Mike Matteson, a Community Development Committee member, said the committee is helping to fund equipment that can be used by various groups that meet at the SACA Lodge. Additional funds will go towards renovation of the Queen Elizabus and to replace garbage cans/ball-washers at the Garrison Golf Course. During the meeting, copies of the chambers’ proposed budget for 2009 were distributed. Proposed budget changes include a $300 increase for City Wide Cleanup and a $500 increase for liability insurance. The proposed budget also calls for $2,500 for chamber promotions and $1,500 to help finance the CVB position.
