Copyright © 2004 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved
News from the Cherokee Nation, OK
Copyright © 2004 CNO
TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA - Elm Tree Baptist Church will soon have a new place to play basketball, host dramatic performances and walk safely, thanks to a community work project grant from the Cherokee Nation. Members of Elm Tree Baptist Church along with many volunteers from the community will provide labor to build a basketball court and a mile-long walking track."There are always children playing on the streets close to the church," said Jesse Deere, Elm Tree Baptist Church youth director. "This will give them and others a safe and secure place to play without getting hurt."
"These projects let communities prioritize what they need and work together to make it happen," said Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. "We're proud of the work our citizens are doing for their own community and are happy the Cherokee Nation can contribute to the good things that are already going on here."
"The court will not only be used for basketball, we will also use it as a stage to do small performances and many other activities," Deere said
The Cherokee Nation awarded more than $900,000 to a variety of community and faith-based organizations throughout the Cherokee Nation's 14-county jurisdictional area to implement various types of community work projects. To apply, organizations filled out an application with their community needs clearly stated, volunteers that would be contributing to the project, total dollars needed to complete the project and how this project would benefit the community as a whole.
The Cherokee Nation has awarded a total of 22 projects with funding. Projects vary and include everything from replacing water lines, building walking trails and recreational facilities to roofing buildings.
"These grants allow communities to come one step closer toward building stronger communities," said Rick Gassaway, manger of community works.
For more information about Cherokee Nation community work projects, contact Rick Gassaway, phone: 918-431-4173.
| Related Cherokee Nation contact information: |
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Mike Miller, Cherokee Nation Director of Communications Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2210) Fax: 918-458-5580 E-mail: Communications@cherokee.org
Larry Daugherty, Advertising Manager |
Steven Swogger, Agriculture Liaison Natural Resources Department Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2546) FAX: 918-458-7673 E-mail: sswogger@cherokee.org
Bradley D. Peak, Cherokee Nation |