Speaking of pride, many of the new Glass Farm house banners were distributed at the Christmas party and we were so glad we were there to hear everyone’s excitement and plans to hang their banners on their homes. As always, our appreciation to the Lilian Colby Foundation for sponsoring this project, which was sparked from an idea at a Glass Farm Block Leaders meeting nearly two years ago. It is so gratifying to see ideas from our neighbors turned into action. Now, everyone who drives through Glass Farm, will be able to see banners flying proudly from homes all around the neighborhood. Coming next: Be on the lookout for more neighborhood pride signs to place in yards as we look for different ways to celebrate and utilize the new winning design voted by the community!

In all, the evening was really special and we are so proud to see so many people working together to celebrate one another. Archway, especially Michele Peterson and Nedra Davis, generously hosted the party in their space and were the party sponsor. All the presents were generously gifted by Lee/Santa with Progress Barber Shop on Glass Street. Events With Taste provided the delicious food. And The Glass Farm Block Leaders provided the postage for the Christmas party invitations. Thanks for inviting us!

PHOTOS HERE

The gathering proved the perfect setting in which to honor local leaders like Dr. Everlena Holmes, acknowledged by Teal Thibaud and Dawn Hjelseth for her leadership over the Block Leaders program in the Glass Farms neighborhood. Then Dr. Holmes surprised Glenda Welcher, Janette Richie, Johnny Patmon, and Jeffery Evans as well, awarding them plaques in recognition of their work as Block Leaders in the neighborhood. After a nice thank you note and welcome read by Mr. Johnny Patmon, everyone was encouraged to fill their plates and enjoy the music and friendly conversation.

The photo booth set up in the back room by local photographer, Andrew Rodgers, provided goofy entertainment as well as printable party favors that attendees could take home or have e-mailed to themselves to print later. And it felt like not a single neighbor went away empty handed, as dozens of gifts were handed out as door prizes throughout the night. 

Everyone seemed to agree that occasions like this allow for vital friendships and relaxed conversation to flow, building the backbone of a strong proud community where everyone is welcome, taking turns to give and receive.

This year friends and partners of the neighborhood revitalization work in this community have all been personally invited to join the fun as we mingle and share food together. It’s been a challenging year for many, but those organizing agree that there is also so much to celebrate and be festive about, so we welcome the chance to join in.

The party will take place at Mark Making on Thursday, Dec. 15 from 6-8PM.

Please RSVP  via e-mail if you have not yet done so and plan to attend:

teal@glasshousecollective.org or call Nikki Lewis at 423-618-9865

If you plan to attend, please RSVP via email or Facebook.

Mark Making is a Chattanooga-based nonprofit seeking to empower individuals and transform communities through professionally led public art projects, with a focus on the underserved. Since 2014, Mark Making has relocated to East Chattanooga’s Glass Street.

Founded in 2012, Glass House Collective is working to bring life back to Glass Street and Glass Street back to life. For the past two years, GHC has been working to make Glass Street more clean, safe and inviting through artist-led and community-involved projects to catalyze redevelopment in East Chattanooga.

You let the community organize it. On Monday, December 16th Glass House Collective asked the Good Neighbor Network to organize their neighborhood Christmas party. The night included a visit from Santa, chili, cookies, DIY ornament making and an overall good time between residents, partners, and supporters.

Daniel Crelinc and Gail McKeel provided the Christmas lights and decorations. Their crafty and creative talent filled the room along with families from the neighborhood waiting in line to share their ‘wish list’ with Santa.

Halfway through the evening, Katherine Currin made a surprise announcement inviting all guests to join her outside for the lighting of the first phase of pedestrian lights along Glass Street. The eleven lights started blinking at the same time along with excitement, cheering, and smiles from everyone in attendance.

Outcome:
Over 75 guests attended
13 street lights activated

Media:
Facebook album can be viewed here