Councilman Glenn declared all the dance competition ‘winners’ and awarded them $5 each.
Shannon Bohle | The Lima News
LIMA — Community members hosted a six-hour appreciation event Saturday at Hover Park, featuring a DJ playing music, a dance competition, food and fun in honor of the years of service Councilman Derry Glenn has dedicated to Lima’s sixth ward.
“I have had the privilege to live within his ward before the ward was redistricted. Where my parents and I grew up, we were under Dr. Glenn’s leadership … [Today,] as a co-councilman with Dr. Glenn, I sit to his right and he sits to my left … Working together for the betterment of our community is one thing Dr. Glenn has always been about … so, being the youngest on Council and coming up under someone like Dr. Glenn has been a privilege,” said Councilman Jamie Dixon, who represents Lima’s 5th Ward.
“It reminds me of what us in the African American culture say … Give the flowers while they can still smell them instead of waiting until it’s too late and the person is deceased. That way we have a room full of flowers and people amongst the living can smell them. Give them the flowers while yet they live,” Dixon said.
The event was spearheaded by Rose Jackson. She brought people together and formed the 6th Ward Appreciation Committee.
Jackson said she most appreciates Glenn’s ability to connect with his constituents.
“I’m very excited to be a part of this,” said Jackson. “He deserves this and more, because he’s really been there… helping people and reaching out. When people reach out to him, he definitely reaches out to them… He’s fantastic.”
Jackson, who lives in Lima Towers, said she personally benefited from Glenn’s generosity.
“He always does our Thanksgiving and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and helps the elderly.”
Dr. Renee Bradley, special assistant to the president for diversity, equity and inclusion at Rhodes State College, said that when she found out what Jackson was trying to do, she jumped on board.
“When we started telling people about what we were trying to do here today, people started volunteering. Once we had a plan, it all started coming together.”
In addition to events at the park, on Friday night a large banquet was held in Glenn’s honor.
“My mother always said this would happen one day. I’m excited that people would show their appreciation and that people would say, ‘We care about you, Derry Glenn.’”
