The Beauty of Leadership

By Cherie Vaughan

Leadership in its most pure form was on display at the Ole French Restaurant this past Thursday.

As a summer breeze filled the air, the staff delivered hors d’oeuvre and cold lemonade to those in attendance. This was the first reception of a group of fifteen ladies identifying themselves as the committee of Beautify Barren County.

According to Judge-Executive Jamie Bewley Byrd, the ladies came together and made personal financial investments of $1,000 each. The idea of having a committee of all ladies could serve as an example of empowering young women and other ladies to get involved. They have partnered to raise $85,000 to date.

She shared after the meeting that Kylie Foushee and her reached out to the former Mayor of Bowling Green, Johnny Webb, who is the founder of the nonprofit Pride. Pride has done many recognizable projects around Bowling Green including the welcome signs on main roads entering the city.

Members of the group in attendance were Monica Froedge, Ashley Williams, Charlotte Glass, Lisa Riley, Laura Frasier, Lisa Elmore, Wilma Bunnell, Hannah Glass, Caroline Wells, Kylie Foushee and Judge Byrd herself.

Board President Kylie Foushee described the committee’s mission as an effort to enhance the natural beauty and environment of the county.

At first glance, it might appear to be a diverse group but soon it became clear that all in attendance love Barren County, and although the attendance was on par with most ribbon cuttings, this one brought out individuals making a difference on their own and willing to support and partner with others doing the same. New leaders are emerging and with it new ideas.

Conversations were filled with individuals complimenting one another and nobody wanting attention for themselves. They spoke of projects started and plans for the next few months ahead:

Signage along the interstate to welcome motorists to Barren County: Five designs were on display and those in attendance were asked to vote on their favorite.

Cooperative mowing projects were discussed: Glasgow and Barren County governments are working with the committee in an ongoing effort to mow and maintain the grassy areas along Cumberland Parkway and Veterans Outer Loop.

Median project: The plan is to have a section of road near South Green Elementary School at the entrances of Rogers Wells Blvd. and 31E to have similar landscaping seen on Cemetery Road in Bowling Green.

Highway 90 Median Project: Is planned to focus on the high traffic volume from areas like Monroe and Cumberland counties to enhance the median along Highway 90 in east Barren County.

Halloween Sponsorship Event: An annual event is planned again for the last weekend in October to celebrate the group’s sponsors and achievements.

Christmas Festivities: Last Christmas, Beautify Barren County sponsored an expansion of holiday lighting in downtown Glasgow. This year, they plan to further enhance the festive atmosphere by installing two additional Christmas trees and more lighting for the downtown business square.

Cave City Mayor Dewayne Hatcher, Glasgow Mayor Henry Royse, Barren County Magistrate Marty Kinslow, and Glasgow City Council members Marna Kirkpatrick and Terry Bunnell were in attendance to show their support.

Councilwoman Kirkpatrick agreed with Judge Byrd saying, “This will indeed give people visiting our community a better impression of who we are and what we have to offer.”

This group operates on donations and fundraising completely so their success will come from others who share this vision of beautification to get involved either financially or help raise money to fund these projects.

If you would like more information on Beautify Barren County, would like to nominate a business or private property for an award, or would like to contribute to funding their projects, you can go to beautifybarren.com.