According to Foundation President Crystal Mersh, there has been much progress in the last couple of weeks and this week is lined up for the same.
Pool Complex
With the Pool opening slated for Memorial weekend, the final walk through will be completed this week as well as the pump house and the slab in front of the bath house will be completed. The fence is due in next week and install will begin shortly thereafter. The design for the entrance from the parking lot is underway as well as the fix for the walking track that will need to be completed once the other work is complete. The Foundation has decided not to do the connector between the two concrete slabs, keeping the grass there at least for this season and see how it goes. Final grading is complete around the pool and ready for seed and mulch.
Jason Cunningham is now accepting applications for life guards. Interviews are being scheduled this week. If someone is interested in applying they may request the application by emailing: Jason@the1982foundation.org, Whitley@the1982foundation.org or Teresa@the1982foundation.org.
Other projects being addressed is the search, which will begin soon, for the Tiki Hut food truck, placing the pool furnishings and ordering Baja loungers.
New Construction at Avalon
The final bids are being awaited from contractors for the new construction foundation. The steel has been ordered and once the foundation is in, the building will go up quickly. Behind the new construction and the main building the Foundation will be installing a retaining wall with that work being completed in the next couple of weeks.
Main Building
Past Respects has been awarded the historical work on the masonry, doors and entries and windows. It has been determined that the windows can be saved due to the availability of craftsmen who specialize in this work, maintaining the architectural integrity of the building.
Inside, underground plumbing is complete with the exception of the teaching kitchen. Plumbing continues on the 3rd floor with three cast iron bathtubs in and three more to go. Hardway has two crews working there….one framing on the upper floors and one framing the floors on the bottom floor.
Ram Jack has completed the installation of the 14 helical support columns for the elevator and the restaurant area. Faith Construction from Elizabeth came out and did an estimate for the roofing. HVAC ducting is being built off site by Wood.
The 1982 Foundation is in the midst of grant season with the applications being made for a number of grants from both federal and state agencies with the hopes still of funding one third of the construction and most of the start up expense from grants. This leaves one third coming from tax credits and one third from private donations. Support has been received from WV Grants which is an ARC funded collaboration that supports grant research, technical support and writing. There is much appreciation for all of the local and state organizations that have provided The 1982 Foundation with letters of support and engagement.
Whitley Cottrell is preparing for the Spring Fling and is sourcing arts and crafts vendors, donations for the FCJ Youth Turkey Hunt, and folks who can help with children’s activities and other events. The Recovery Zone will be hosting their 2nd Annual Chili Cook Off. Please contact Aaron Spaur or Whitley Cottrell for a registration form.
Teresa Jones Overton is working on the research for the private K-12 school and other community engagement activities. On May 9 the Foundation will be hosting an event to share the project and progress with elected officials and community leaders from our neighboring counties and anyone else who is interested. Many counties have reached out and requested to come to this special event. It is also believed that Governor Justice will be coming for a tour this Spring as well.
Crystal added, “It is going to be a tremendously busy year. Keep on bringing that local economy in. Keep starting new businesses. Keep shopping locally. Support Make it Shine sponsored by Cabot Recycling Station and Lisa D’Ann Cooper to make it a record breaking clean up year. Come out and volunteer. Watch for Sweat Equity projects such as painting and brush removal soon. Grit. Grind. Grace. God.
Your friend, Crystal
