T-Mobile made a Hometown Grant presentation to The Magee Preservation Commission (MPC) on December 13 in the amount of $50,000 at the opening of the monthly meeting.
The funds will provide much needed renovations for The Magee Community House, including a new roof, new floor, new windows and new HVAC system.
Local dignitaries attending the event were Senator Chris Caughman, Magee Mayor Dale Berry, Alderman Sammie Tebo, and Co-Lin Simpson Center Vice President Dr. Anika Floyd as well as members of the Magee Preservation Commission.
T-Mobile Senior Manager for LA/MS/TN Christine Lynn shared background information on the Hometown Grant program that began in the spring 2021, saying it is just part of their “commitment to bring 5G to rural America. More than just bringing wireless towers and new stores, T-Mobile wants to be part of the community and help small towns thrive,” she said.
These grants are awarded quarterly to 25 towns having a population of 50,000 or less. Plans also include providing $25 million in grant funding over the next five years for more community development projects throughout rural America.
Lynn closed her comments with the news that T-Mobile has committed to opening a brick and mortar store in Magee with a target date of June 2024.
Tiffany Kinslow, president of MPC, provided historical information about the Magee Community House dating back to Mrs. Nettie Williams, who deeded the property where the Community House now sits to the City of Magee. It was built in 1941 by Mr. L. D. White from Alabama and served as The Mims Williams Memorial Library until 1975, when a new library was built.
The Community House has been the site of many events including musical recitals, dances, school performances, little theatre plays, farmers’ markets, various seminars, meetings and senior programs.
Kinslow offered her gratitude for everyone who played a role in obtaining the grant funding including the MPC, the Magee Board of Aldermen and Mayor, and especially its writer, Penny Aguirre, City of Magee Zoning Director. “A special thanks goes to Penny Aguirre for her persistent pursuit of securing grants and her unwavering dedication. Without her hard work and determination, this grant would not have been possible!”
According to www.tmonews.com/2023/12 a press release on December 12, announced the latest recipients of Hometown Grants stating that 250 communities in 43 states have received funding since the program’s inception.
T-Mobile’s Consumer Group President, Jon Freier said, “With 250 recipients, we’ve officially hit the halfway mark with T-Mobile’s Hometown Grants, and the impact is astounding. This milestone isn’t just about the communities revitalizing their towns…it’s acknowledging the ripple effect – job creation and tens of thousands of volunteer hours sparking a profound wave of positive change throughout Small Town America – and I can’t wait to see what the next half brings.”
