August 2002
Pride in Plymouth
City pride is alive and well, thanks to the efforts of a 12-member committee.
Since its creation this spring, the Community Pride Task Force's mission has been to promote city pride to Plymouth's residents and business community in a number of ways.
The task force's first city pride project, the first of its kind in five years, was the clean up of the downtown business district. It was sight to behold! On May 15, beginning at 5:45 a.m. more than 30 volunteers showed up. With brooms in hand, they swept sidewalks in front of businesses along North Michigan Street, south from Adams Street to the bridge, while city firefighters hosed down the streets and curbs. The project was a great display of city pride. It also showed city pride is ageless with Plymouth High School students from the Future Teachers of America and Spanish Club being among the volunteers. ìTheir help was very valuable,î said task force member Doug Anspach, Executive Director of the Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce.
Riding on the success of the clean up project, the task force turned its attention to additional projects to promote city pride. Next up was the Pride in Plymouth Award. The award is presented to residents and businesses within the city limits for outstanding achievement for projects which improve, enhance or beautify the city. A yard sign is also posted at the award-winning resident or business.
In June, a newly-expanded parking lot, a joint venture between Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home and Plymouth Church of the Brethren, was named the award's first recipient. The parking lot was chosen for its beautiful landscaping and meditation garden at the rear of the church property. Parking is now double what it was-36-38 spaces in all-with the lot being expanded to the east.
In July, the extensively restored home of Plymouth's first mayor was named the award's second recipient. The award was presented to Joan and Dennis Emmons, Jr. The Emmons purchased the home in 1998, becoming the fourth owners since it was built. The first were Mayor Horace Corbin and his wife Catherine from 1865-1903. The Emmons home was presented a historical landmark award in 2000 by the Marshall County Historical Society.
And a note: We do have a city to be proud of! Visitors to this community make a point to stop at the Chamber to extend their compliments. We let them know that we live in a community that cares and works together to maintain and advance our pride in this special place to live. If you would like to nominate a business or residence for the Pride in Plymouth Award, you may use the nomination form. Thank you for being a part of our lives.
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