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

This year’s party was collaboratively sponsored by Glass House Collective, the Good Neighbor Network, and Mark Making, with Mark Making serving as gracious hosts. The festivities kicked off with an onsite mural and sculpture unveiling.  Marcellus Barnes of Unity Performing Arts Foundation of Chattanooga welcomed the crowd of over 150 East Chattanooga residents and visitors with live holiday music.  Mark Making’s Chris Anderson emceed the event and began by unveiling “Painted Gardens,” a vibrant set of surrealistic garden murallettes adorning Mark Making’s new East Chattanooga headquarters.  The piece, collaboratively created by East Chattanooga students from Orchard Knob Middle School and Girls Inc. of Chattanooga, brings a pop of color to the area and invites viewers to experience Glass Street out of their cars and on their feet.  Mark Making also unveiled their new cutting-edge 3D printed sculptural masks created by East Chattanooga youth titled “The Kings and Queens of East Chattanooga,” which also adorn their headquarters.  Students were honored for their accomplishments, receiving accolades from Mark Making board members and the audience at large.

After the unveiling ceremony, guests were invited inside Mark Making’s beautifully lit studio.  Mark Making had prepared their space to wow guests into holiday wonder.  Lit completely by Christmas tree lights, quite a feat in such a large space, the studio featured a 14 foot tall hand painted Christmas tree, a slideshow showcasing Mark Making’s East Chattanooga work, and chairs and tables for guests to rest and enjoy the evening.  As the crowd enjoyed hot apple cider served by the Good Neighbor Network, Marcellus Barnes led them in Christmas carols. City Councilman Moses Freeman then blessed the food and all guests were treated to a delicious holiday meal from The Glass Street Breakfast and Lunch House.  The party was truly a celebration of the Glass Street community!

After dinner is when the real holiday magic began.  As the crowd sang “Santa Claus is Coming To Town” the sound of bells and Ho Ho Ho filled the studio.  From around the corner came Santa and a few holiday helpers bearing an abundance of gifts for all children in attendance.  One-by-one Santa gave a gift to each child in attendance.  You could hear the oohs and ahhs as children opened their gifts, the holiday cheer was palpable.  Santa had once again done his job and Glass Street looks forward to seeing him again in 2016.