Registration Saturday

NEESES – The town of Neeses’ summer recreation program continues to expand with the addition of a softball program for girls ages 10-13, Neeses Mayor Kenneth Gleaton announced Tuesday night during the regular town council meeting.

Registration for all ball programs will take place from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 10, at Neeses Town Hall, 6357 Savannah Highway.

Tee Ball will be available for boys and girls ages 4, 5 and 6. The Coaches’ Pitch program will include both boys and girls ages seven through nine.

Youth Baseball will only be open to boys ages 10-12.

In announcing the new softball program, Gleaton said Nancy Corbett “came forward to start girls’ softball. She did all the legwork including getting sponsors.”

Officials hope to have enough interest in the softball program to field three teams.

“We’re looking forward to seeing how that (the softball program) works out,” Gleaton said. He said about 80 percent of the participants register during the annual three-hour period. The $30 per player fee is required at the time of registration.

For more information about the summer recreation program, contact the town hall at 803-247-5811.

As far as the ball field is concerned, Gleaton reported that work has been done to eliminate some of the low spots. Members of council also discussed the best way to get permanent grass started at the facility.

Gleaton told council members that measurements for the shelving for the new baseball equipment room have been taken and construction will begin shortly.

Councilwoman Renee Olenick said she is discussing the plaque listing those for whom trees had been donated at the new ball field with the vendor. The mayor noted that the plaque needs to be one to which additions can be made in the future. It also needs to withstand being mounted outside in the elements, he said.

Members of council agreed the plaque should be installed before the facility is dedicated.

“The plaque is something everybody would like to see,” Gleaton said.

The mayor announced that the dedication will probably take place on a Sunday afternoon, possibly in March or April.

Olenick read a letter to members of the council from a group of Neeses residents urging the council to name the new ball field in honor of Mayor Gleaton. The letter listed all the ways the mayor has assisted the summer youth program throughout the years.

Completely taken by surprise and almost at a loss for words, Gleaton said, “We can take this up at a later date.”

Councilman Henry Gleaton did not agree with the mayor.

“If we’re going to name it, let’s just do it.” The councilman said. “I’ve got no problem with that.”

No decision was made.

Also during the meeting, the council members scheduled a meeting for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 20, to discuss purchasing equipment the town needs to maintain its property, including the ball fields and the lawn at the town hall complex.

In other business: