Greene County Democrat

Tag: Marilyn Gibson

  • Charity Days provide $116,00 in grants Greene County Racing Commission distributes $720,000 for first 2 quarters of 2025

    Front Row – Commissioner Donald F. Means, Commissioner Linette Brown, Commissioner Morris Hardy, State Representative Curtis Travis Back Row – Johnny Isaac, Lameka Bryant, Cortnei Hood, Mollie Rowe, Reginald Spencer, Marquita Lennon, Christopher Jones, Marcia Pugh, Andrea Woods, Charlie McAlpine, Miriam Leftwich, Darlene Robinson, Johnnie Knott, Marilyn Gibson, Brandon Merriweather, Hodges Smith, Hattie Samuel, Howard Crawford, James Morrow, Teresa M Atkins, Brenda Burke, Anita Lewis.

    The Greene County Racing Commission (Linette Brown–Chairperson, Morris Hardy–Vice-Chairman, and Donald Means–Secretary), was joined by Alabama State Representative Curtis Travis, legal counsel Brenda M. Pompey, Esq., and Office Manager Gerry Coleman on August 8, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. to welcome recipients of its 2025 Charity Awards disbursements. Also, welcomed were recipients of disbursements under Senate Bill #40, Act No. 223-206 (“Bill”) for the first and second quarters of 2025. These awards were made possible through proceeds generated from licensed gaming activities at the Palace.
    Chairperson Brown explained that the Racing Commission hold two charity days each year – one in March and one in July – which are advertised approximately two weeks in advance. The funds raised during these events make up the money distributed as charity disbursements. The Commission’s goal is to assist as many qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations as possible that provide vital services to the community. These organizations offer a range of support, including health initiatives, food drives, parenting and adoption guidance, housing assistance, youth development and camps; fire and emergency services, educational, and social services. The Racing Commission encourages everyone to support charity days at the Palace.
    This year, the Racing Commission was proud to support a total of 12 charities, including the Greene County Volunteer Fire Association which represents 14 volunteer fire departments. Chairperson Brown said, “We’re proud to support the important work being done across our communities, and we recognize the impact these funds have for those in need.” The Commission remains committed to ensuring that these proceeds benefit organizations that align with its mission to promote public welfare and community enrichment. The total amount for charity this year was $116, 500.00.
    The second group of disbursements, based on the Bill, covered both the first and second quarters of 2025. Under the Bill, each recipient’s percentage is determined by legislation. Chairperson Brown reminded the mayors representing the various municipalities across Greene County of the importance of encouraging their constituents to complete the Census survey, as each municipality’s award is determined by its population – the larger the population, the larger the award.
    The Statement of Distribution details the amounts allocated to each recipient under the Bill. The distributed for the first two quarters of 2025 was $720,000.00.
    Future allocations under the Bill will be made quarterly, subject to the continued availability of funds. The Commission has requested that the Greene County Commission issue payments within the next 10 days (by August 18th) to recipients who receive funds under the Bill.
    On behalf of the Greene County Racing Commission, Chairperson Brown said, “Though it’s been a long time coming, the Commission is grateful that the road has led to this moment, where we can give back to the people of Greene County. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank the citizens of Greene County for their patience, kindness, and support along the way. Every bit of the funds shared today is meant for the citizens of Greene County, and for the good of the county we all call home.”
    Chairperson Brown thanked everyone for attending, for the work they do in their communities, and for their continued partnership. She said the Racing Commission looks forward to seeing the positive impact these funds will make in our county.
    Linette Brown, Chairperson
    Morris Hardy, Vice-Chairman
    Donald F. Means, Secretary

     

     

  • Library receives new computers from ARPA grant

    Marilyn Gibson assists student to use new computers
    Brandon Meriwether helps to install new comptuers at Library

    By: Marilyn Gibson, Chief Librarian

    Last year the James C. Poole Jr. Memorial Library was awarded an ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) grant to purchase 14 new computers. The grant also provided Microsoft Office softwear to make the computers operational. It has taken 6 – 7 months, but they have finally arrived! I would like to personally thank newly elected School Board Member, Brandon Meriwether, for taking time out of his busy schedule to set them up and for making sure they are working properly.
    Libraries are community gathering places. In addition to connecting people to information, libraries connect people to people.
    They are safe havens for kids when school is not in session. Our technology can be used to prepare for entering the workforce.The computers can be used for studying for the General Educational Development Test (GED); College entrance exams, or taking Continuing Education classes to prepare for the next step in a career. We encourage older adults to come and get one-on-one training on the computer, so they can stay engaged in this digital world. Libraries are the only place in most communities with free, reliable internet access available to the public.
    Public libraries also help communities cope with the unexpected. Libraries play a key role in the wake of natural disasters; people left homeless by devastating storms use library computers to complete federal forms and communicate with loved ones. Last year the James C. Poole Jr. Memorial Library was awarded an ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) grant to purchase 14 new computers. The grant also provided Microsoft Office softwear to make the computers operational. It has taken 6 – 7 months, but they have finally arrived! I would like to personally thank newly elected School Board Member, Brandon Meriwether, for taking time out of his busy schedule to set them up and for making sure they are working properly.
    Libraries are community gathering places. In addition to connecting people to information, libraries connect people to people. They are safe havens for kids when school is not in session. Our technology can be used to prepare for entering the workforce. The computers can be used for studying for the General Educational Development Test (GED); College entrance exams, or taking Continuing Education classes to prepare for the next step in a career.
    We encourage older adults to come and get one-on-one training on the computer, so they can stay engaged in this digital world. Libraries are the only place in most communities with free, reliable internet access available to the public.
    Public libraries also help communities cope with the unexpected. Libraries play a key role in the wake of natural disasters; people left homeless by devastating storms use library computers to complete federal forms and communicate with loved ones.