Crystal Mersh, Foundation President, posted her project update to Social Media this week. As 2024 draws nigh, the construction projects around the Calhoun County Community Center will ramp up to a new level of excitement and some old and new players on the field.
“I just finished the detailed review of the construction schedule for next year. It is a little mind boggling to see how much detail has to be specified and sequenced to make this happen. 2024 will be a very busy year and by this time next year we hope to have an open house for the holiday season.
To this end, my hope is that next year we can come together and really make the holiday season attractive to visitors and shoppers. This helps everyone. Supporting small business is the second rung on our ladder to success, right after full engagement of the community in projects, government, and planning for the future. I could envision each December weekend with a different focus such as 1. Christmas Kick Off with parade & Children’s Party 2. Tour of Bethlehem 3. Lights in the park. Coming together to promote this would create a positive image of Calhoun and no doubt bring in people to spend time and money. The goal is to bring outside dollars into the county. It is estimated that every dollar that makes its way to Calhoun exchanges hands 5 times before exiting. This is how economies grow. If we continue to improve our circumstances at the rate we have this year, the sky is the limit.
On the construction front, as you can see below materials are arriving for the apartments. Hardway and crew will start framing next week.
Elevator shaft work continues with an on site visit from Otis.
Pool heater installation is 90% complete and will finish soon. Final grading and top soil addition pending Hardway returning to site. We are currently evaluating fencing options and hope to have this selected and underway soon.
Viking has secured contracts for the plumbing, and is now working on mechanical and electrical. The plumbing contractor has moved in some temporary storage so that they can get started.
Final structural drawings are due today so that we can finalize ordering 33,218 lbs of steel.
I will be transferring many items that I have purchased almost two years ago to Calhoun which include plumbing fixtures, furniture, lockers, and who knows what else is down there. It will be interesting to see it all make its way to Calhoun in Pods.
On the grant front, we are regrouping a bit and the timeline that we are on for construction is too fast to reapply for the grants we applied for this year and were not granted. I do understand that the federal government is not used to projects having matching funds and being on a schedule that does not allow them to sit and wait for grants. Therefore, we will likely move on to looking at operational support for bringing the center up from the federal funders. We are having great discussions with the state supported by Speaker Hanshaw. And Jason Cunningham is chasing a number of other more focused opportunities.
I have to say that we are very pleased with the progress in 2023 across the board. We appreciate so very much those who offer their time, talent, treasure, encouragement and most of all prayers. Where God guides…He provides. Merry Christmas to all Houners at home and far and wide.
With love,
Crystal”
As a community of friends and family, there are few ways we can become a member of the 1982 Crew:
- Give at every opportunity
- Show up and share the word about community events
- Go to Facebook and like and share the Foundation page (click the link at the top of Ridgeview and it will take you there.)
- Get excited! There’s Great Things in store for ‘24!
- When you hear someone being negative about the 1982 Foundation work or people, stop them, and tell them how great this has been for the County.
