“Every young person, especially those in Greene County, needs to know the story of the Mahanay Carillon Tower, experience the breathtaking ride to the top, and see the magnificent view from the observation deck, “ says Carole Custer, president of the Bell Tower Community Foundation.
And Jim Daubendiek and the Jefferson Telephone Company Charitable Trust agreed. For the rest of this tower’s season, daily from 10 am to 4 pm through Labor Day, and then on weekends in September and October, all youngsters aged 18 and under will get free admission to the top of the tower, compliments of funding by the trust.
Children in the school-age summer program at the Greene County Early Learning Center were among the first to take advantage of the courtesy admission. They’re pictured with Daubendiek at the bell tower Tuesday. (See Good News Sunday July 27 for more photos of the ELC’s visit.)
With the gift, Daubendiek, president of Jefferson Telecom, has committed enough funds from the trust to cover admission for young people during the 2015 season as well.
“We believe this landmark that has defined Jefferson and our county for almost 48 years should be enjoyed by our youth regardless of their ability to pay,” said Daubendiek. The current admission charge is $2 for youth 6 and under and $3 for all other ages.
“We are so grateful for the Daubendiek gift. It will now be easier for more child care givers, Sunday School teachers and other youth group leaders to schedule tours of the tower without having to worry about collecting money from children or applying for grants,” said Custer. “We also hope this will stimulate interest in the tower from teenagers and their families who can pass along the story of the tower and its features over their lifetime.”
Those interested in scheduling group tours should contact the Greene County Chamber and Development office at 515-386-2155.
The Bell Tower Community Foundation was created in 1988 to accept donations to enhance the Mahanay Carillon Tower. Private donations have funded an additional 15 bells (19 are still needed), the umbrella seating sets and planters on the Bell Tower Plaza, air conditioning for the observation deck, a new sound and digital music system, new furniture for the tower atrium, a slide show about the tower and Greene County communities, and a narrated observation deck tour.
Custer, all smiles, concluded, “ The Jefferson Telephone Company Charitable Trust donation is a terrific example of the kind of community support the tower needs.”
