News
In the News: Expressing gratitude
Posted on July 19, 2017
Photo by Alison James | Franklin County Times
Originally published in the Franklin County Times.
The Russellville City Council often approves resolutions to honor people and groups for their hard work or success in some area of life. Monday, the councilmembers honored one of their own for his efforts.
Councilman Gary Cummings was honored with a resolution from the council for his hard work each year in making Jam on Sloss Lake a reality. The Jam was spearheaded by Cummings in the beginning, and each year he coordinates all the logistics of planning – from lining up the entertainment to organizing preparation efforts among different city departments.
“He’s going above and beyond,” Mayor David Grissom said. He read the resolution at Monday’s city council meeting, proclaiming the details of this year’s Jam on Sloss Lake and concluding, “The mayor, city council and entire community of the City of Russellville do hereby express our appreciation to Councilman Gary Cummings for his hard work and congratulations on a job well done for the citizens of the City of Russellville and the surrounding area for the past nine years and looking forward to many, many more.”
Cummings’ family packed the city council chambers to celebrate his recognition and join in the round of applause that followed the adoption of the resolution. Cummings thanked the council for their appreciation but was quick to credit all those who assisted in making the event a reality.
“All the people who work here know the planning that goes into this. I can’t say enough about Parks and Rec, our street department, our police department, our fire department,” Cummings said. “I appreciate all the councilmen, the mayor – whatever we see needs to be done, we do it.”
Cummings spoke with emotion about how much he loves putting together the Jam each year.
“This is one of those things I want to be perfect,” he said. “I want everybody there to have memories for the rest of their lives about the things we do out there on the Fourth of July … It’s a perfect day to celebrate every year with family. That’s what our freedom and our country is all about. It’s always meant a lot to me.”
The Russellville Police Department estimated a record crowd at this year’s event.