Dalton-Whitfield Archway Partnership Updates

Welcome to the Dalton-Whitfield Archway Partnership Blog. Check this blog regularly to learn about the priorities, goals, and actions of the Archway Partnership.



Friday, April 25, 2014

Library Interior Design Project Completed

Last fall, the Northwest Georgia Regional Library asked the Dalton-Whitfield Archway Partnership for assistance in creating a Workforce Development Center in the ground level of the Dalton library.  With an eye towards a promising grant opportunity, the library specifically asked for help developing a functional design plan for the space that would utilize existing resources and amenities but create a bright new space for learning.


After conversations with Archway Coordinator of Operations, Sue Chapman,  Associate Director and Interior Design Chair of the Lamar Dodd School of Art, Thom Houser, volunteered for the task.  Dr. Houser traveled to Dalton in December to meet with library staff and tour the room contemplated for the redesign.  He then returned to Athens, where he and Linda Floyd, Northwest Georgia Regional Library Director, continued their work long-distance.

In February, Professor Houser returned to Dalton to share the final plans with Linda Floyd and Library Board Chair, Tangela Johnson.  “The plans far exceeded our expectations, including every element we had requested while allowing the space to flow seamlessly,” said Linda Floyd.  “The Library Board is very appreciative of everything Archway and Professor Houser have done to help facilitate this project!”  These plans were presented to an anonymous, generous donor who has matched a State Legislative approved Allocation of $100,000 with the required $100,000.  Construction on the project should begin this summer. 

The new center will house: one large and one small classroom, tutoring rooms, a collaborative workspace with table and computers, a technology helpdesk with library staff, a comfortable seating area with electrical outlets for laptops and other wireless device usage, copy and fax machines, and printers.  This will be a state-of-the art learning facility open to the public with free classes.   

Linda Floyd (center), stands with Thom Houser at a planning meeting. 

The Archway Partnership Speaks at Local Rotary Club

On March 4, Archway Professionals Melissa Lu and Katy Green spoke to the Dalton Rotary Club about the Dalton-Whitfield First Five Coalition. The presentation included the group’s current goals, community-wide challenges in prenatal care and early literacy, and accomplishments. Photos of the event can be viewed below, and the presentation can be seen here.

 First Five Executive Committee Chair, Dixie Kinard, talks about Archway initiatives and introduces Archway Professionals Melissa Lu and Katy Green.

 Archway Education Professional, Katy Green, discusses First Five’s involvement in the community.


Archway Professional Melissa Lu thanks club members for their ongoing support.

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Saturday Academy Wraps Up

The Archway Partnership Saturday Academy pilot program finished with its final Saturday on April 12. An article highlighting the program was published in the local Daily Citizen newspaper and can be read here. Thank you to all of the families, volunteers, and organizations who made this possible - we couldn't have done it without you! To put their importance into perspective, here are some numbers:

30 families with 68 children participated; 
54 volunteers devoted a total of 357 hours of their time; and
15 collaborative agencies provided services, food, time, and energy!



Byron Castillo-Sanchez, 4, takes a test with Archway Education Professional Katy Green at the Mack Gaston Community Center. (Matt Hamilton/The Daily Citizen)


Monday, April 7, 2014

Young Professional Park Restoration Project: An Update

Our last update on the Dalton Whitfield Archway Partnership's involvement with the Young Professionals of Northwest Georgia (YPONG) discussed their intent to restore Varnell Park on February 22. 

They have since followed through with the project. You can read about their success, and see before and after photos here

Week of the Young Child

It's officially the Week of the Young Child! Learn what it is here.


Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Dalton-Whitfield Community "Springs" into Reading

An Archway-initiated book drive titled “Spring into Reading” recently concluded with more than 1,100 books donated! Recipient organizations/programs of the books include: local pre-k institutions, Sharing is Caring, and Book Nooks. More than 415 books from the drive were distributed during pre-k registration at the end of March. The ultimate goal of the book drive is to foster at-home reading for children with minimal exposure to books and family reading at home. Seven organizations hosted book bins for donations, and we salute the Dalton-Whitfield Community for a job well done! Pictured below are some snapshots from the book drive. 


Archway VISTA Melissa Morrison stands beside a book bin hosted by the Greater Dalton Chamber of Commerce.


Book Donation Bin


 Book donations included those from a local grocery store.


 These are just some of the books collected from the Dalton-Whitfield Regional Library.


A few of the 400+ books being prepared for pre-k registration in March.