After 13 years of helping lead a group she helped form, Elmetra Patterson is stepping down from the Friends of Dean Park, Inc (FODP).
Patterson turned in her resignation in May of 2021 after helping setup the group in May of 2008. Her resignation will be formally completed when the Friends of Dean Park meet June 12 at Dean Park.
Patterson noted it was a bittersweet decision to leave the organization. She was proud of the many accomplishments of the group, especially with the improvements, attention, and work they helped bring to the park.
FODP Co-founder Patterson helped complete many projects at Dean Park and throughout the county as a member of FODP. The Park added many trees, flowers, and shrubbery as well raised garden beds to the park through Patterson’s direction and the FODP members.
Other members noted that Patterson will surely be missed as she was instrumental in helping to establish partnerships with many other organizations in Winston and surrounding Counties. She was honored for participating with FODP’s partners in helping them to reach their vision i.e. Winston County Girl Scouts Troop # 20012 Girl Scouts of Canton, MS Modern Woodmen of America, Youth Service Club (MWAYSC), 4 H Club, Community Counseling’s NFusion, and the NAACP’s Back to School Rally for several years. Also, she is credited with helping to supervise landscape assistants and helped train at Eiland Middle School, Fair Elementary, and Louisville Elementary Schools Cultivating Garden (a County Extension Project) and Focus Manor.
Patterson noted, while she was leaving the group, that the group is looking for new members and new members who are interested in leadership.
“We are seeking people to fill carry on the work of the FODP,” said Patterson.
The FODP are meeting June 12 at 11 a.m. Members are invited to the meeting as well as to a 9 a.m. cleanup day.
FODP is a 501(C) 3 nonprofit charitable organization that can be reached at 510.672-2106.
