Even Though It Rained, the Hometown Harvest Was Still a Successful Endeavor
As a member of the Green River Academy Board of Directors, we want to express our thanks to the City of Elkton for hosting Hometown Harvest on September 14, 2024, and for earmarking the proceeds from the event to the GRA for the naming of the John Walton Memorial Hallway at the Green River Academy located at 204 Goebel Avenue for a period of 20 years.
Hometown Harvest, a Celebration of Todd County
Guests were entertained and dined at the historic Milliken Memorial Community House in Elkton.
The event included a social hour, appetizers, a catered meal by “It’s a Southern Thing Catering” of Russellville, a video tribute honoring the late John E. Walton, a silent auction, and the Cumberland Winds Jazz Trio providing music throughout the evening. Although the original plans were for the event to be held on the Square, the threat of rain, and the actual rain that did occur during the event, led to a change of venue to the beloved Milliken Memorial Community House located at 208 West Main Street.
Of interest to everyone was the silent auction with items including gift baskets from Hip Harvest and “Something Special,” a pair of UK basketball tickets, items from Casey Jones Distillery, an original cut art framed piece, a cutting board shaped like Todd County, a handmade charcuterie board with handles, a “Taste of the South” gift basket, a one night stay at The Haley Haven Airbnb, a framed “Art Strong” print, a framed Kim Daniel Rager pic of the Courthouse, and a Buc-ees gift basket. Two other items painted and donated by Lexie Johnson included an original painting of the Courthouse as well as the painted artwork that accompanied the theme of “Hometown Harvest.”
One of the highlights of the evening was a video prepared by Matthew Colin Bailey, president of the GRA, honoring the late Mr. John, an original member of the Green River Academy Preservation Society who devoted many years to the work of rehabilitating the GRA for future generations. Those who contributed to the video all focused on a central theme – the caring nature Mr. John had for the Todd County community and his relentless efforts to promote the community at the local, regional, and state levels. Remarks from Scott Marshall, Mike McGhee, Laura Brock, Matthew Colin Bailey, Judge Executive Todd Mansfield, Elkton Mayor Arthur Green, Amy Frogue, and Eston Glover expanded upon the tremendous influence Mr. John had on so many prominent leaders and groups who have helped Todd County grow in recent years. As most know, one of the key roles Mr. John held for many years was being the president of the Todd County Industrial Foundation, a major contributor to Todd County securing the Novelis plants at Guthrie.
Those who desire to contribute to the naming of the center hallway at the GRA in memory of Mr. John are asked to send contributions to the GRA at P.O. Box 869, Elkton, KY 42220. At this time donations have already been received from several contributors to the GRA including:
Novelis
($5,000)
D2 Energy
($1,000)
McGhee Engineering
($1,000)
Matthew Colin Bailey
($500)
Laura Brock
($500)
CWP Industries
($500)
Eston & Jo Glover
($200)
Evelyn Boone
($250)
Also noteworthy is the Josephine Ardery Foundation has provided a $5000 grant that is financing most of the construction work for the addition of a sidewalk at the GRA. The application, penned by Mrs. Alisa Walsh, the grant’s goal is to support the preservation of historic buildings. Another integral part of the fundraising for the GRA has been, and continues to be, the sale of Notables of Todd County, a collection of notable people, places, and events from the history of Todd County. Penned and donated by CLW with copies still available, the book continues to bring in more money for the rehabilitation effort with all monies added to the coffers of the GRA.
Green River Academy’s Sidewalk Project
The installation of the new sidewalk, soon to be covered in reproduction brick with hewn limestone curbing to mimic the original walk, is being completed by Nathan and Jonathan Combs. The sidewalk is made possible due in part from a grant awarded by the Josephine Ardery Foundation.
Thanks is also extended to Lucio Tent Rentals for assisting with the addition of a large outdoor tent to provide extra seating for the overflow from the ballroom at the MMCH. Cloie Rager, who coordinated the event and its decorations, was also crucial to the event being so successful. Members of the TCCHS Beta Club also aided on both Friday and Saturday, and their assistance was again so helpful in making the event a successful one.
Green River Academy Preservation Society also acknowledges the generosity of benefactors towards the general fund, including the Todd County Fiscal Court, and George & Vicki H. Kennedy.
