The Johnston Development Corporation, a non-profit volunteer organization that has helped the Town of Johnston grow in many ways for over 20 years, has donated to the Town a Christmas Tree made of lights.

The Tree was unveiled at the November 28 Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in Johnston. The Development Corporation hired the students in the Welding Class at Strom Thurmond High School to build the tree out of metal, under the supervision of teacher Bill Cheatham. After the tree was built, the lights were added by volunteers that included the Americorps student volunteers.

The funds to buy the custom-made tree came from proceeds from the Peach Blossom Festival, which is sponsored by the Development Corporation.

In addition to the tree, the group has also recently provided a set of “Welcome” banners and Festival banners for the town to use at its main intersection.

Dean Campbell, Johnston Development Corporation Board Chairman, said he was pleased the organization continues to work hard to promote the Town and its events.

“Our Board of Directors is dedicated to providing positive, new attention to Johnston,” Campbell said. “The proceeds from the Festival give us that opportunity, and we appreciate all those who support the Festival and the Development Corporation’s work.”

Andy Livingston, Johnston Mayor, said the new, reusable tree, coupled with new LED lighting on the downtown buildings and additional lights in the downtown area, will help make the town a showplace and enhance the chances that visitors will want to come see the Town sparkle at night.

“The Development Corporation is the most active group in Johnston, and they are doing great things,” Livingston said. “The Town Council and I appreciate them working with us to make Johnston an even better place to live and work, particularly this Christmas season.”

The Johnston Development Corporation works to aid the community in areas such as economic development, education, recreation, historic preservation, tourism, scientific and cultural opportunities, and continued promotion of Johnston.

The Johnston Development Board has also worked hard throughout the years to promote the Town, surrounding areas and businesses, complementing the work of the Town, Chamber of Commerce, local civic groups, as well as other local and Edgefield County organizations.

To learn more about the Festival or the Johnston Development Corporation, visit the website at http://www.johnstondevelopmentcorp.org/.

CUTLINE: With the new Johnston Christmas Tree as the backdrop, members of the Johnston Development Corporation (JDC) Board enjoy presenting the new tree to the Town. From left are JDC members Ann Yonce, JDC Board Chairman Dean Campbell, Don Smoak, Debra Aston, Chris Clancy, Johnston Mayor Andy Livingston, Roger Lamb, Secretary Bridget Clark, Tommy Stone, Vice Chairman Frank Davis, and Mary Anne Hair. Not pictured are members Goldie Dean, Noah Peterson, Shane Massey, and John Timmerman.