The children in the school-age program at the Greene County Early Learning Center were among the first to take advantage of the complimentary elevator rides at the Mahanay Bell Tower. Everyone 18 and younger can now ride the elevator to the observation deck at the top of the 168-foot tower, thanks to generous funding by the Jefferson Telecom Charitable Trust. There is still a small charge for adults.
Social studies teacher Pat Richards, who mans the bell tower, is appreciative of the Jefferson Telecom gift. “I’d see families walk up to the door, see there was a charge, and walk away again. That doesn’t happen as much any more,” she said. She added that not having to charge youngsters makes it a lot easier for groups to take field trips to the bell tower.
Richards retired from teaching in a classroom, but she’s still teaching at the bell tower, particularly when the visitors are children. She’s pictured (above) telling the ELC group the story of the bronze mask of Floyd Mahanay, which is directly opposite the door to the bell tower.
She also fielded questions of all sorts from the excited children at the top of the tower. They were very interested in the view of the bells through the observation deck’s glass ceiling.
The ELC children made an afternoon of their trip to the bell tower, with a tour of the courthouse hosted by Don Van Gilder, a stroll through Sally’s Alley, and a chance to sit and check out what Thomas Jefferson is reading at the Thomas Jefferson Garden.
