`County prepares for big 2-0-0 in 2000`

By Denise Kadilak
Herald Staff Writer

Mercer County has started preparing for its 200th birthday.

Even though the big day isn't until March 12, 2000, county commissioners Thursday named a 14-member executive committee to start making plans for the big celebration.

Commissioner Chairman Dick Stevenson said the board did not take its responsibility lightly. It has spent the past several months meeting and selecting members for the committee.

``It was our goal to have a representative sample of the county participate,'' Stevenson said.

As for the party itself, Stevenson said, ``Our hope is to build a sense of community that encompasses the diversity of the county.''

The members approved Thursday make up the committee's core group, but others will be added.

Chairman of the new committee, John G. ``Jerry'' Johnson said, ``We hope to have one of the biggest shows in the year 2000.''

Johnson also hopes to update the county's 1909 history in time for the big party.

To help the volunteers get started, the commissioners also set aside $20,000 in the 1997 budget and hope to do the same in '98 and '99. Fundraisers will also help finance the celebration.

The Bicentennial Commission Executive Committee members are: Johnson, James Cattron; James Feeney; Edward Green; Roseann Hooper, secretary; Robert Jazwinski, treasurer; Kathryn Lima, vice chairperson; Katherine Mack, Barry Nelson, John Sava, Glenn Snyder, John Q. Stranahan, Richard Werner, Donna Winner.

The committee is now in the process of appointing members to subcommittees. Anyone interested in volunteering, please leave a message for Johnson at 662-3800, ext. 2272. Please include your general areas of interest and expertise.

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Updated Nov. 17, 1997
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