The 1982 Foundation representatives attended the Roane Co Chamber meeting and received an excellent update on the recent legislative session. The Foundation is in the process of working to develop a Chamber in Calhoun and it will be great to have a forum where businesses can come and get up to date information and support to grow their businesses.
They also met with CEC Engineering of Bridgeport on Tuesday to review the site and to have a preliminary look at the football field. The current flood tool represents an estimate and the area has not been formally mapped so this will one of the next endeavors that is done. There were encouraging discussions with their team of 3 civil engineers who are experts in this type of work.
The Foundation is formally working with The Viking Group to advise on the historical matters and planning for the main building, and in conjunction with Wishneff & Associates who will handle getting the building on the registry and the tax credits.
Wednesday evening Foundation members will meeting with Dr. Jessica Thompson of HRDF/HRDE/UH, LP of Morgantown to confirm out strategy for grant filings. Dr. Thompson and team will then work to file a number of grant applications for the project.
On Sunday, April 10, a letter of intent to apply for ear marked funds via Senator Manchin’s office was filed. This grant opportunity is significant and was focused on the Children’s Day Care Center and the Go & Grow Summer Camp Program.
The weekend will be a busy time for all 1982 Foundation collaborators and members as they’ll be ,
preparing for the Spring Fling and making certain all assignments and resourcing we need to support the event is in place. It will be an excellent event especially for the children. Crystal Mersh said ”We are so excited to see so many Calhoun children engaged in the various events and we can’t wait to see also the Farm Life Program on Saturday. This is going to be an excellent event.”
Thursday evening The Calhoun County Commission will determine whether or not to transfer the Wayne Underwood Field to The 1982 Foundation. Crystal stated that ”This has been 8 months in the making and many twists and turns and ultimately every single issue addressed. That being said the decision rests with the commission and the foundation will accept the decision and will also accept a “no decision” as no. Should the commission arrive at no or the equivalent thereof, we will have no further interest in the property at this time. I am 100% certain that the Calhoun County Commission will make the decision utilizing their best skills and judgement and with due consideration for Calhoun’s children, because failure to do so would be a breach of their oath of office.”
Crystal further stated that ”Friday and Saturday are both full days and Sunday morning the community is coming together for a sunrise service at the Calhoun Park. What an amazing way to celebrate and worship the day our Savior rose. I got cold chills typing that. It is a very special thing and I think that we should all be grateful that the churches are coming together to worship. Thanks to Victory Baptist Church for organizing this sunrise service. When God’s people come together, then we should expect great things to happen in our community.
So I hope you are all having a great week and we hope to see you on Thursday evening at 6:00 for the Commission meeting and then on the weekend at the Spring Fling events. It makes me so proud to see how our county is changing and growing despite a few growing pains which are always to be expected. BUT the progress is undeniable and the enthusiasm and pride in the community will continue to fuel the energy needed to Make Calhoun Great Again. My heart felt appreciation for all your prayers, efforts, blood, sweat and tears to move our community forward. #CalhounProud #calhounstronger.”
