Greater Meredith Program celebrates an eventful 2017 at annual meeting

MEREDITH — The Greater Meredith Program held its annual meeting at Church Landing on Tuesday, Feb. 6, to celebrate its accomplishments in 2017, to thank all who supported and volunteered advancing the GMP’s mission, to recognize two GMP board members who passed away during their terms of service, and to honor those who made special contributions. The GMP’s five committees were highlighted with reports from the Career Partnership Program, Design/Beautification, Finance, Promotion and Meredith Sculpture Walk Committees.

With their families present, GMP Board member, Rusty McLear, spoke about the late John Cook. Fellow board member Chris Williams, spoke about the late Miller Lovett. Both men’s GMP Board terms remained unfilled in 2017 as a gesture of respect for their unique contributions and service.

Chris Kelly, offered words of remembrance about another community member who was dedicated and selfless in her service to GMP and many local causes, the late Christine Hodecker-George.

Mae Williams, of Unlocking History, gave a presentation “The Swasey Canal: How One Man’s Vision Shaped Meredith’s Economy.”

For his outstanding contributions and leadership, the GMP Board Member of the Year award was presented to Steve Durand, co-chair of the Meredith 250th Anniversary Committee. Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Bill Gartner. Outstanding Business Supporter of the Year was presented to the Christopher P. Williams Architects, PLLC firm.

Three additional awards were presented: The “How Did You Get So Much Done in a Single Year? Helping Hands Award” went to GMP Design Committee and subcommittees members. The “Most Consecutive Years of Dedicated Planning and Diligent Preparation Award” went to the Meredith 250th Anniversary Committee and subcommittees members, its Youth Ambassador, Kaitlyn Gable, and to 250th logo designer, Malik Carter. The “Superhero ‘McFundy’ Award” went to Jim McFarlin, chair of the Archie Statue subcommittee.

Members of the Meredith 250th Committee were among those honored at the Greater Meredith Program's annual meeting on Feb. 6. (Courtesy photo)