Curlie DeRamus and Buster Porch of Gadsden were presented with Quality of Life proclamations by Mayor Sherman Guyton and the Gadsden City Council at the City Council meeting on Tuesday, August 15th.
Mayor Gutyon recognized Curlie DeRamus for his belief that “everyone is worthy of dignity and receiving respect” and his work to “ensure underserved populations have food, housing, and friendship.” When Jack’s restaurant moved from Downtown Gadsden, DeRamus took it upon himself to prepare and provide food for the monthly Musical Mondays event. Since then, city organizations have stepped in to help DeRamus cover the costs.
“Curlie is a special part of the community and seeks to understand and meet the needs of those he serves as well as to inspire them. You can always count on Curlie to give a kind word and, more often, to lift people’s spirits through telling jokes and hilarious stories,” Mayor Guyton said at the meeting.
Buster Porch, the retired mayor of Calumet Park, Ill. and a U.S. Air Force veteran, was also recognized for his contributions to the City of Gadsden. Porch has served on several city committees and currently volunteers his time to DJ music at Musical Mondays each month.
“In my 23 years in politics, I know there always has been and always will be a need for volunteers,” Porch said. “So to all the people who are complaining or unhappy or unsatisfied with politics or their community, I say, ‘Get up. Step Up. Get Involved.’ Your idea just might be the one to satisfy all needs.”
Mayor Guyton concluded the presentation by reading the proclamation: “I, Sherman Guyton, and the City Council, do hereby proclaim Tuesday, August 15, 2017, as a day of appreciation for Curlie DeRamus and Buster Porch, expressing our sincere gratitude for their dedication and efforts to enhance the quality of life for our citizens and for everyone who has enjoyed Musical Mondays at the Water Wall.”