Park dedication brings out many in honor of ‘good role model’

Published 12:06 am Sunday, May 14, 2017

Smiling faces, live music, good times and crazy sunglasses.

If Saturday’s celebration is an indication of what’s to come for Burr Performing Arts Park, a precedent has been set.

Jeannefest 2017 was held in downtown Dalton Saturday in honor of Jeanne Burr, whose family donated $1 million for the park.

Burr, 90, is an advocate for the arts and active community member.

“Seeing everyone here has made this old gal very happy,” Burr said while looking through a pair of glittery, rose-colored sunglasses.

Staring back at Burr were those who came to the park’s groundbreaking and to celebrate with her. Many wore their choice of unique sunglasses, provided at a booth at the park.

Burr collects glasses and said she wanted everyone to enjoy a pair.

“It’s fun, you have to enjoy life,” she said. “You can’t sit back and take, you have to give.”

Burr’s generosity is the reason for the park, set to open in March 2018 at the site of the old Lee Printing and Office Supply on South Hamilton Street. The park will include a performance stage, seating and gathering area.

“I feel that it’s important for not only me, but our whole family to give,” she said. “We have gotten such great benefits out of living here.”

Burr moved from Ohio 50 years ago and said living in Dalton has been a great adventure.

“I hope this park, in some small way, will communicate the love I have for this town and all the people who have shaped mine and my children’s lives,” she said.

Burr thanked David Aft, president of the Community Foundation Northwest Georgia, for inspiration.

“I wanted to give back, but didn’t know how,” she said. “David came up with this wonderful idea of a park.”

Brenda Hoffmeyer, a friend of Burr’s, said when she heard about the donation for the park she wasn’t surprised.

“Jeanne has contributed to this community in so many different areas,” she said. “I love her dearly, she’s such a good role model and positive person.”

Deanna Mathis, a member of the park planning committee, said the group met every Friday for the last couple of months to discuss the dedication.

“We wanted to have a celebration of Jeanne and her donation and what she’s done for the community,” Mathis said.

Burr said the park is just a “thank you to Dalton for everything they’ve given me.”

“I’m having a ball today, there are people I haven’t seen in ages,” she said.

Destini Mitchell of Dalton said Burr is an “inspiration.”

“She’s such a beautiful soul and woman,” Mitchell said.

Mayor Dennis Mock proclaimed May 13, 2017, as Jeanne Burr Day.

“Citizen involvement is a vital part of a growing and thriving community,” he said. “The citizens’ contributions are the building blocks on which any city betters itself.”

Burr said she can’t wait until next year’s opening.

“You’ll see the fruits of all our labor,” she told the audience. “I promise to be on the stage, leading the first song, ‘Leaning on the Everlasting Arms.'”