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10 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14,2007
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THE SEA COAST ECHO
Projects ■■ Bucks-Mont brings millions to Hancock__________	Continued from Page 1
The Hancock JROTC Color Guard helps open dedication ceremonies on Tuesday.
to the hard work, dedication, and vision of a "League	of
Extraordinary Gentlemen" for Bucks and	Montgomery
Counties, Pa.
"Today we do not have a ribbon cutting," Grover Friend of the Bucks-Mont group said. "We have a ribbon tying to symbolize the tying of the Bucks and Montgomery communities to the wonderful people of Hancock County."
The idea for the center came about in the chaotic days following Hurricane Katrina. Watching the coverage of Katrina on television, a small group of businessmen from the Bucks and Montgomery Counties area began a grass roots effort to raise money and begin a foundation dedicated to helping needy communities affected by the storm.
What began as a few good Samaritans soon grew into a huge operation and the Bucks-Mont Katrina group was formed. Led by attorney Bill Eastbum and philanthropist John Otto, the group began raising money, soliciting volunteers, and bringing a vision of hope and brotherly love to the Gulf Coast.
To date the group has raised more than $2 million dollars, and secured countless donations and volunteers.
The group singled out Hancock Countv as a
help, and representatives from the group began coming here a few weeks after the storm to see what needs were the greatest.
The child development center project was started last April, when a ground breaking ceremony took place.
The land for the center was donated by the state thanks in large part to Secretary of State Eric Clark. More than 150 volunteers	from
Pennsylvania came to Mississippi to work on the project.
Less than a year later, a new state-of-the-art facility now sits on the comer of Hwy. 90 and Road 556.
"Isn't this a blessed and beautiful day in Hancock County?" Laura
the center, said. "If these walls could talk, they would tell you a hundred stories of love, dedication, and sacrifice. This group (Bucks-Mont) has probably touched the lives of everyone in Hancock County in one way or the other."
The new center is equipped with more than ten rooms with ample space for recreation and rest time. The spacious facility is capable of housing more than 120 children, officials said.
When the children viewed their new center for the first time, many gazed with amazement at the new toys, rooms, and surroundings.
"It looks like a lot of fun," one youth said.
Hancock County leaders expressed their appre-
ter is yet another example of the continued spirit of rebuilding.
"We want to thank you all so much for this wonderful day," Supervisor Lisa Cowand	said.
"These people have wrapped their	arms
around us and not let go. This center is a beacon of hope. We want to educate our youth and teach them the values the	Bucks-
Mont people have shown us."
Among the	many
speakers at Tuesday's ceremonies was Major Jose Diaz of the Salvation Army.
Diaz called the Bucks-Mont leaders a "League of	Extraordinary
Gentlemen" in reference to a motion picture, and he also offered the hope that one day the children
benefit from what has happened over the past 19 months.
"Who knows, maybe in the year 2023 there will be another calamity fall on this country," He said. "And who will be there to help those in need? a 'League of Extraordinary Ladies and Gentlemen'	from
Hancock County."
At 2 p.m., the group gathered at Tercentenary Park in downtown Bay St. Louis to rededicate the park, built in 1999, but destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. The reconstruction was also a project of the Bucks-Mont group and students from Delaware Valley College in Doylestown, Penn.
At 4 p.m., the attention turned to animals as the
The Diamondhead Performing Arts Society starts the new year on Sunday, March 18, with a performance	by
Broadway legend Ken Page starting at 5:30 p.m. at the Diamondhead Country Club, 7600 Country Club Drive.
“Page by Page” takes you on a trip through time by combining the magical music of Broadway and the popular songs from top 40 radio.
On QnnHav Anri] 1
group travels to the county’s Port Bienville Industrial Park for a ceremonial groundbreaking announcing that construction will start soon on a $1 million state-of-the-art animal shelter at a site still to be selected.
“March 13 will be a great day, not only for the gracious people of Hancock County, but for the dedicated volunteers in Pennsylvania who have grown to love those people and a recovering Southern Mississippi, “ said Grover Friend, executive director of the Salvation Army Bucks-Mont Katrina Relief Project. “The events of the day are not a culmination, but an interlude in the rebuilding of the communities of Hancock County,” he added.
beginning at 7:30 p.m.. the “Pre-Fab 4” plays the music of the Beatles, with help from some friendly string and horn players.
On Sunday, May 13 at 7 p.m., come hear the Granner/Williamson Duo accompanied by classical guitarist Beau Bledsoe.
Tickets can be purchased at the door for $15 per adult or $3.50 per student. For more, call Kim Ross at 228-255-8124 or 228-806-
Diamondhead Performing Arts season begins Sunday