Greenfield can be rejuvenated
By
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To the editor:
Genesis 2:15 reads, "And the Lord God took the man, and put him in the Garden of Eden to till it and keep it." The words "till and keep" suggest physical labor was required of Adam. The description of this garden also suggests Adam's work was enjoyable in this beautiful environment. In short, God ordered Adam to be a good and faithful steward over what he was given. I believe God also expects us to be good stewards over what He has given us, regardless of how big or small.
Many have responded to my first letter expressing their thanks and voicing the same concerns for Greenfield. Unfortunately, many will complain but are unwilling to make themselves known or become involved.
I have written these letters in hopes the "good" people of Greenfield would become concerned with their community and also for the "silent" that have voiced their displeasure to me. I do not write to create enmity between myself and the people of Greenfield. I have family and friends buried there. I also have family living there.
As I have previously stated, I have a love and passion for Greenfield and Edward Lee McClain High School. I feel that gives me the right to have a concern.
Something has been woefully wrong n Greenfield these 30 years.
The following are two of the many comments I received: 1. "I have been well acquainted with Greenfield for many years. This 'downslide' has been continuing for 30 years and more so these past 10 years. McClain is the 'gem' of the village; once you pass the school, it becomes very bad. It used to be such a quaint little town!" 2. "It is not the town I grew up in. Trashy properties throughout, including businesses, too lazy to clean up, weeds growing everywhere. I do not like going to Greenfield!"
Someone should have been asking some questions. Where were your city council and what were they doing to prevent this "downslide?" What were their qualifications and talents in exercising the duties and obligations to the town? May I give you an example? I am informed the village has "city codes," but your present city council chooses not to enforce them. This contributes greatly to your unsightly appearance, trashy properties consisting of trash, junk, weeds and even junk vehicles.
This has earned Greenfield the stigma that is now attached to it. One would wonder, if the present city council neglects to enforce simple codes, what else may they and past city councils have neglected to do? One does not have to be too intelligent to realize allowing these conditions to exist has been very costly to not only the village but also the individual. Space does not allow to explain, but I will give you three examples.
1. Property values are greatly decreased.
2. You will see few, if any, newcomers moving or building in your community.
3. You can be assured, you will not acquire any new business.
I might also add (check with your health board) that trashy properties are an attraction to all kind of vermin, many with diseases that can be transmitted to humans. My mother and father always told us kids "there is no shame in being poor, but there is shame for being lazy and dirty, they go hand in hand."
During my experiences, I had the privilege of becoming acquainted with Dr. George Bowen, a renowned expert in rejuvenating communities. He very frequently emphasized, "Your appearance is your most valuable asset. If your appearance is bad, you will never succeed." How true!
Appearance is the outward aspect of anything. For example, if you are entering a restaurant for the first time, you automatically observe its appearances. If it is unsightly, are you going to eat there? I'm not! People passing through Greenfield notice your "outward aspect" as well.
I have been informed city manager Betty Bishop is very concerned with Greenfield and is a tireless worker. I have never made her acquaintance, but if what I have been informed is true, the people of Greenfield need to support her. I would be happy to assist her or anyone I could help. I have had many years of experience in dealing with many of these problems. I have worked closely with our city, county and courts. With their cooperation, I developed programs that were very successful. I believe my background is very adequate. Betty, I will be sending you a news clipping of an organization I am involved with. It shows what can be accomplished with community involvement.
This program was such a great success it has been adapted throughout the state of Tennessee, all accomplished by volunteers.
Greenfield can be rejuvenated! Other communities have done it, so why not Greenfield?
First and foremost, your appearance must change. Your city council needs to exercise the three "D"s, determination, dedication and discipline, to be successful in this task. They cannot accomplish this alone. It will take community concern and involvement. Attend council meetings voicing your concerns and giving positive suggestions.
Your input can be of great value. There are many ways and means to correct your problems. Greenfield can be brought back to that quaint little town it used to be. As beautiful as Franklin Drive is, they need to become involved as they are also in the village limits.
Everyone I have spoken with has basically made this same comment: "It is a shame a beautiful, historical Edward Lee McClain High School is encompassed by this unsightly appearance."
I will close by asking Greenfield the same question Dr. Bowen would ask, if he were addressing your city council: "Appearance is your most valuable asset. How does your appearance look?"
Anyone that may want to contact me are welcome to do so. However, if you are negative, I would expect you to present evidence to support your views.
Sincerely,
Larry W. Roosa
Newport, Tenn.[[In-content Ad]]
Genesis 2:15 reads, "And the Lord God took the man, and put him in the Garden of Eden to till it and keep it." The words "till and keep" suggest physical labor was required of Adam. The description of this garden also suggests Adam's work was enjoyable in this beautiful environment. In short, God ordered Adam to be a good and faithful steward over what he was given. I believe God also expects us to be good stewards over what He has given us, regardless of how big or small.
Many have responded to my first letter expressing their thanks and voicing the same concerns for Greenfield. Unfortunately, many will complain but are unwilling to make themselves known or become involved.
I have written these letters in hopes the "good" people of Greenfield would become concerned with their community and also for the "silent" that have voiced their displeasure to me. I do not write to create enmity between myself and the people of Greenfield. I have family and friends buried there. I also have family living there.
As I have previously stated, I have a love and passion for Greenfield and Edward Lee McClain High School. I feel that gives me the right to have a concern.
Something has been woefully wrong n Greenfield these 30 years.
The following are two of the many comments I received: 1. "I have been well acquainted with Greenfield for many years. This 'downslide' has been continuing for 30 years and more so these past 10 years. McClain is the 'gem' of the village; once you pass the school, it becomes very bad. It used to be such a quaint little town!" 2. "It is not the town I grew up in. Trashy properties throughout, including businesses, too lazy to clean up, weeds growing everywhere. I do not like going to Greenfield!"
Someone should have been asking some questions. Where were your city council and what were they doing to prevent this "downslide?" What were their qualifications and talents in exercising the duties and obligations to the town? May I give you an example? I am informed the village has "city codes," but your present city council chooses not to enforce them. This contributes greatly to your unsightly appearance, trashy properties consisting of trash, junk, weeds and even junk vehicles.
This has earned Greenfield the stigma that is now attached to it. One would wonder, if the present city council neglects to enforce simple codes, what else may they and past city councils have neglected to do? One does not have to be too intelligent to realize allowing these conditions to exist has been very costly to not only the village but also the individual. Space does not allow to explain, but I will give you three examples.
1. Property values are greatly decreased.
2. You will see few, if any, newcomers moving or building in your community.
3. You can be assured, you will not acquire any new business.
I might also add (check with your health board) that trashy properties are an attraction to all kind of vermin, many with diseases that can be transmitted to humans. My mother and father always told us kids "there is no shame in being poor, but there is shame for being lazy and dirty, they go hand in hand."
During my experiences, I had the privilege of becoming acquainted with Dr. George Bowen, a renowned expert in rejuvenating communities. He very frequently emphasized, "Your appearance is your most valuable asset. If your appearance is bad, you will never succeed." How true!
Appearance is the outward aspect of anything. For example, if you are entering a restaurant for the first time, you automatically observe its appearances. If it is unsightly, are you going to eat there? I'm not! People passing through Greenfield notice your "outward aspect" as well.
I have been informed city manager Betty Bishop is very concerned with Greenfield and is a tireless worker. I have never made her acquaintance, but if what I have been informed is true, the people of Greenfield need to support her. I would be happy to assist her or anyone I could help. I have had many years of experience in dealing with many of these problems. I have worked closely with our city, county and courts. With their cooperation, I developed programs that were very successful. I believe my background is very adequate. Betty, I will be sending you a news clipping of an organization I am involved with. It shows what can be accomplished with community involvement.
This program was such a great success it has been adapted throughout the state of Tennessee, all accomplished by volunteers.
Greenfield can be rejuvenated! Other communities have done it, so why not Greenfield?
First and foremost, your appearance must change. Your city council needs to exercise the three "D"s, determination, dedication and discipline, to be successful in this task. They cannot accomplish this alone. It will take community concern and involvement. Attend council meetings voicing your concerns and giving positive suggestions.
Your input can be of great value. There are many ways and means to correct your problems. Greenfield can be brought back to that quaint little town it used to be. As beautiful as Franklin Drive is, they need to become involved as they are also in the village limits.
Everyone I have spoken with has basically made this same comment: "It is a shame a beautiful, historical Edward Lee McClain High School is encompassed by this unsightly appearance."
I will close by asking Greenfield the same question Dr. Bowen would ask, if he were addressing your city council: "Appearance is your most valuable asset. How does your appearance look?"
Anyone that may want to contact me are welcome to do so. However, if you are negative, I would expect you to present evidence to support your views.
Sincerely,
Larry W. Roosa
Newport, Tenn.[[In-content Ad]]