Exactly five months ago, a tornado changed the city of Glenville and its residents forever.

Monday, October 01, 2001

Exactly five months ago, a tornado changed the city of Glenville and its residents forever. But in the short time since, the effort to rebuild the town and develop a new image has found a firm foothold.

Perhaps no group represents that spirit better than the Glenville Women of Today. With only 20 dedicated members, the group has managed to undertake several beautification projects, gather donations, find grant funding, recruit volunteers and create a five-year plan to make Glenville the best looking town in the region. At the center of that plan is a rejuvenated city park that will serve as a memorial to the citizens affected by the May Day tornado.

&uot;The park belongs to everyone in Glenville. It was hit pretty hard, but it’s going to look even better when we’re through with it,&uot; said beautification project coordinator Charlotte Johnson. &uot;I think the idea we have is to make the park a symbol that shows our citizens and the rest of the area that we can be prosperous again.&uot;

Working closely with the Glenville Boosters and the city council, the Women of Today arranged for the rescue of the bell tower from the old fire station.

The 100-year old building, due for demolition in the coming weeks, was deemed structurally unsound after the tornado shifted the building off its foundation.

But the tower that crowned the old building will survive to become the centerpiece of the memorial in the town’s restored park.

Johnson said the tower will be restored, strengthened, wired for lights and installed permanently on a concrete pad. Eventually, rose bushes will flank the tower, and a large plaque or granite marker will tell the story of the recovery effort.

&uot;Certainly, it’s to recognize all the people who have contributed time and money to cleaning up and rebuilding the city and the park specifically,&uot; Johnson said.

Along with the bell tower, Johnson said the five-year plan includes new playground equipment, hundreds of new trees, a community orchard, a gazebo and a new landscape plan with pathways and decorative lighting.

Johnson said the trees are a top priority. &uot;Everybody said they wanted to see us bring back the trees, and we’ve been working on that,&uot; Johnson said. &uot;We’ve already planted quite a few, and we’ll be planting dozens more.&uot;

But the Glenville Women of Today have plans for the city beyond the park. They hope to raise enough money to help with new street lights, new sidewalks on Main Street and a new emergency siren system.

&uot;They’re all good workers in the group, and they’re going to get this done,&uot; said Marcella Nelson, the organization’s newest member. &uot;That’s what I like about them. It’s why I’m joining.&uot;

Johnson said the key to the park revival and the group’s long-term plans is the generosity of Glenville’s citizens and other area interests.

&uot;Basically, every one we’ve asked to do something has either given us a deal or done the work for free,&uot; she said. &uot;If that kind of kindness can continue, I think we can accomplish our goals.&uot;