The Greentown Grapevine – 1994-01, 01:01

              Volume 1 Issue 1 January 1994
The Birth of a Newspaper
What is the Greentown Grapevine and
how did it originate? For those who have
been working on the project, it has seemed
a long time in birthing, but when the
calendar is consulted, it really has been
accomplished quickly.
The need for a local newspaper was
raised by Don Deshaney at the July meeting
of the Greentown Area Economic
Development Committee. This is a
sentiment whch has been voiced by many
citizens since the closing of The Howard
County News. Rachel Jenkins contacted
editodpublishers of several small town
newspapers for suggestions and insight into
the various ways local news might be made
available. All wished us well and
emphasized the importance of a local
newspaper in community identity and pride
and the practical aspect of a
communications link between groups.
Experienced news persons also stressed the
difficulty of maintaining the two necessary
ingredients of such a venture, time and
money.
In September the Greentown Area
Residential Association was asked if some
of its members would serve as reporters if it
became possible to get more Greentown
news in an existing newspaper. As it
happened, the Residential Association had
been thinking of printing a newsletter and
had adopted local news coverage as one of
its interest areas. With encouragement
from the Economic Development
Committee, they decided to publish an
issue of general Greentown interest in
order to have first- hand experience as to
how much work is involved and what the
exact costs are. Christina Tanner, EHS
Greentown Area Residential Association
The Greentown Area Residential
Association was formed when several
residents were discussing concerns that
some of the problems of the world might
start affecting our small community. We
have been blessed with a clean
environment, safe streets, good schools, a
peaceful atmosphere, and caring citizens.
But we also realize, in today's world, that
these same blessings could be in jeopardy.
We are dedicated to building a strong
foundation in order to assure ourselves of a
prosperous tomorrow. We believe the
strength of this foundation lies in a
commitment to community involvement
and family togetherness. We have formed
several committees to accomplish these
goals:
Local News Coverage
History
Community Activities
Environmental Concerns
Town AppearanceAmage
Real Estate Development Projects
Political CandidatesDssues
Our first major project is establishing a
communication link within the community
by starting a Greentown newspaper. This
would not only be a voice for the people but
a support system for our businesses.
Recent reports indicate that enthusiasm is
high among the residents about again
having our very own newspaper.
Another project is community activities.
Each month ( except for June and July) the
GARA will sponsor an informative meeting
or fun event. These events are directed at
promoting community spirit and family
activities.
The GARA is comprised of Greentown
area residents, like you, who recognize the
values of our small town and want to work
€ or a better tomorrow. This is our home - a
warm and safe place to raise our children.
We want it to always be that way.
If you would like to join us and learn of
some exciting projects for Greentown's
future, we welcome you. It's easy - just
come to one of our meetings on the second
Wednesday of each month at 7: OO p. m. in
the Greentown Library Community Room.
Hope to see you there!
Our Advertisers make this paper possible.
Show your appreciation by shopping
Greentown first.
by Rachel Jenluns
Yearbook Advisor, gave valuable
professional advice and encouraged makmg
a commitment to a regular publication. So
the decision was made to publish a monthly
newspaper " for as long as we are able."
It is a charming coincidence that this
paper is beginning exactly 100 years after
John Melton started the Greentown Gem,
first published from a shed on his farm.
We have adopted lus slogan, " A paper for
the people." In order for the Grapevine to
survive, it must also be " a paper by the
people" with regular submissions of your
news and regular advertising support by
businesses. We hope it will grow from
infancy into maturity and become
something else which makes the Eastern
Howard County area special.
by Jolene Moore
MEET YOUR MARSHAL
Thursday, January 20, 1993
Greentown Library Community Room
What is the crime rate in Greentown?
Does Greentown have a drug problem?
Are the Streets in Greentown safe after
How can we better protect our homes,
dark?
children, and ourselves?
Find out answers to these and other
questions you may have.
Merrill Shrock and Jeff Bennett, our
marshal and deputy, will update us on
crime in Greentown and offer suggestions
on how to avoid becoming a victim.
Don't miss tlus opportunity to become an
informed citizen!
Join us for our first Community Activity
sponsored by the
Greentown Area Residential Association