Braselton citizens "Can Do" for neighbors

(Braselton) More than 600 grocery items were collected by residents of The Village at Chateau Elan in Braselton to bolster the efforts of local food banks.

Canned and non-perishable goods were collected by volunteers to benefit The Vine Food Bank and Zion Baptist Food Bank of Braselton. Residents Ray Booher, Larry Deal, Ed Roach and Derrell Patrick organized the collection campaign, and Braselton Councilwoman Peggy B. Slappey was appointed to lead the "Can Do" program.

(Photo: Braselton Councilwoman Peggy B. Slappey)

Braselton recognizes first Citizens Academy graduates

(Braselton) Eight Braselton residents completed the town's first Citizens Academy and were recognized by the Braselton Town Council.

(Braselton) Eight Braselton residents completed the town's first Citizens Academy and were recognized by the Braselton Town Council.

The academy held classes once each month from May through October to allow citizens a comprehensive understanding of each of the town's departments and missions.

"We were very pleased with the success of the academy in its first year," said Town Manager Jennifer Dees, "and believe the program will grow in 2012."

Disney's "Cars 2" is Braselton's movie in the park

(Braselton) Families will revel in laughter and adventure as the Braselton Visitors Bureau Authority presents "Cars 2" during Saturday's festivities in the town's historic downtown.

The annual lighting of the Christmas tree begins at 5:30 at the Braselton Brothers Store with singing, dancing and prizes for all. After the lighting, "Cars 2" will be shown free in the Braselton Park.

The family, animated-comedy features an overseas race by Lightning McQueen called the World Grand Prix. The international espionage takes racers and viewers through the streets of Europe and Japan. The 113-minute movie is rated G and features the voices of Owen Wilson, Larry the Cable Guy, John Turturro and Michael Caine. Movie patrons are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets for the outdoor feature.

The tree lighting and movie usher in the multi-events planned for "Holidays in Braselton." For additional information, visit www.braseltonfestivals.com.

Braselton earns state grant for downtown redevelopment

(Braselton) The Georgia Department of Community Affairs awarded the Town of Braselton a $500,000 grant to assist with its renovations of the historic Braselton Brothers Store.

The announcement was made by Shane Short of the Jackson County Area Chamber of Commerce at the annual meeting of the Braselton Downtown Development Authority.

The grant is under the Community Development Block Grant program from the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development through the state’s Department of Community Affairs. The program provides financial resources to smaller and rural communities to support projects that will create jobs and assist low- and moderate-income citizens to support economic development and enhance local quality of life. The grant co-applicants are the Town of Braselton and its Urban Redevelopment Agency.

The Town announced the grant funds will be applied to the comprehensive redevelopment efforts downtown focusing on the renovations of the Braselton Brothers store complex. The project will address electrical upgrades, fire and safety measures, public access, parking and exterior enhancements. Under the terms of the grant, the Town will add $150,000 in local funds to complete the project.

Town manager Jennifer Dees said, “We envision the makeover to be an economic boost to the community retaining sixteen full-time jobs and creating 29 additional ones. It is a central part of the downtown master plan which the Council adopted several years ago, and it is essential to the scope of the plan.”

Confirmation of the grant supplements a list announced by Governor Nathan Deal in August. DCA Commissioner Mike Beatty said, “We are pleased that these funds will be combined with private investments and local funds to implement critical community and economic development projects. Each year, CDBG investments demonstrate how the state and local partners working together with the private sector can create a climate of success in local communities for families and businesses.”