Festival raises money, laughter

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From left: Amber Wright, India Hughley, Shamirican Holley and Zykeivous Walker raced for the finish line to win a hamburger. Kim Purrier

May 30, 2009

Kim Purrier The Times-Recorder Sat May 30, 2009, 07:58 PM EDT

ELLAVILLE — At 10:30 a.m. Saturday, the John Lewis Resource Center was full of music, laughs and running children. The first May Day Festival, hosted by the Schley County Association of Concerned Citizens Inc. (SCACC), was a success.

The purpose of the event was to raise money through food sales and donations for much needed renovations at the Resource Center, the former John Lewis High School building. That purpose was not lost on any attendees at the Festival.

When asked what her favorite thing about May Day was, Shatrice Mitchell replied, “to help raise money for the school.”

Martha Shelton, an event organizer, was hopeful that the event would not only raise money but raise awareness for the need of a safe, renovated Resource Center. “When you walk in here, you get the chills,” she said as she walked through the building. “One day this is going to be a place for you to go, your children to go, your grandchildren to go.”

Jones’ opinion was seconded Ellaville City Council member Pat Jones. “We’re at a point to where we want it for everyone, but we need help. We want to provide activities for a family environment.”

The building has a leaky roof, loose wires hanging from the ceiling and graphic graffiti covering much of the walls and chalkboards in the old classrooms. Many of the windows have also been broken. Shelton said that the SCACC has applied for grants but has yet to hear back. U.S. Congressman Sanford Bishop, D., Ga., visited the Resource Center in December 2008, to see the many problems in the building and help get funding for repairs.

Some people who came to the event not only had fun but considered it an obligation to their community. “I’m a citizen and that’s my duty,” said Juanita Gordon, who is present at all of the events the SCACC hosts. “Anytime they put on something, I help them.”

Regardless of the building’s condition, children were having fun throughout the day. Limbo, musical chairs and a heated potato sack race kept the kids (and some of the adults) busy.

Any person interested in making a donation towards renovations can call Shelton at 937-5165. Shelton is optimistic that one day soon the Resource Center will be repaired. “If I could say I have a dream,” she said. “It’s that one day this will be our Resource Center, for real.”

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