As the Bellville Council members gathered for their meeting Tuesday evening the focus quickly shifted to an attitude of gratitude and praise for a few of the village’s local organizations and two young citizens.
“Citizens, we owe the AMVETS so much,” said Bellville Mayor Darrell Banks as he praised the contributions of the local organization. Banks went on to add, “The village and I are very grateful to all you have given to this community. We thank you in general for all that you have done for our residents. Most of all, we thank you for your service.”
Recognized in part by their donation to Phase One of the AMVETS Community Park project, according to Banks, the organization matched the village for their share of an Ohio Departments of Natural Resource’s Grant (ODNR). That contribution led to the park being provided restrooms and a skate park.
Additional praise and recognition were bestowed upon the organization for their contribution to Phase Two of the park project where once again a donation by the group matched a second ODNR Grant that allowed the village to add over $30,000 in playground equipment, benches, and sidewalks.
To further honor the AMVETS an American flag will be erected in the park in the near future stated Banks.
Sammy DeSanto and Bekka Beverage, sophomores at Clear Fork High School were recognized for their community service efforts that resulted in the purchase of two Oak trees for the AMVETS Community Park in order to provide shade. The two girls, according to Banks spearheaded fundraisers to pay for the trees. Though Beverage was not present at the council meeting both girls received praise for their involvement.
Banks said, “We are grateful for the shade provided, most of all we appreciate that these two young ladies saw the need and worked hard to bring a solution to the need. They did not talk about the problem, they did not ignore the problem, they got involved. Thank you to a couple of young problem solvers in the community.”
Also recognized for service to the community was the Bellville Lions Club. The services provided by the local club to the community covers “decades of giving” according to Banks. Projects that include helping people with vision issues that includes helping those who can’t afford glasses or eye exams to a more recent contribution to the AMVETS Community Park. With a goal to provide a more family-friendly atmosphere the service club helped fund and build a pavilion during the Phase Two of the park project. The addition was readily used by picnickers, skaters, families and groups, making their time in the park much more enjoyable according to Banks.
“Thank you so much for your work, funding and efforts to make this excellent addition to our AMVETS Community Park,” said Banks.
Mayor Banks presented members of the club with a sign representing the club which will be mounted on the front of the pavilion.
