2011 ANNUAL REPORT

“Improving The Community One Project At A Time” PO Box 117 - Alderson W Va. 24910 Made with Xara

2011 Annual Report Alderson Main Street had a very good year which means that the citizens of Alderson and the surrounding area

benefited greatly. Everyone is welcome to join AMS; members do not have to live in Alderson; its mission is to

help the local economy grow; and membership is a mere $15 per year. Perhaps the most visible project this year was the replacement of the center section of the roof of the Historic 1696 C&O Depot. Thanks to a grant from the WV Division of Highways Transportation Enhancement Grant Program

and matching funds from the Marie Leist Foundation, the Hollowell Foundation, our legislators through the

Community Development Office, and private donors, we were able to replace the leaking shingles with slate

shingles to match the original ones. This fall, AMS received $200,000 in additional funds from the Transportation

Enhancement program to finish the roof replacement and have the outside professionally scraped, repaired, and

painted. AMS was extremely fortunate to have a former resident of Alderson, Frank Dameron, leave a portion of his estate

to AMS. These funds will be multiplied many times through their use as matching funds for grants as well as for

other purposes. AMS is deeply grateful to have our community remembered in this manner. As a direct result of

this bequest, AMS was able to purchase a stretch of Greenbrier River bank and donate it to the Town of Alderson

for park space. Another project, the Greenbrier River Interpretative Center also took a major step toward completion when a

contract for the interior finishing, HVAC, and plumbing systems was awarded. Although this contract will not put

the finishing touches on the building, it will be usable. Plans call for this tourist information center to include a

small coffee shop and some retail space focusing on gardening supplies. In partnership with the Alderson Community Market, AMS provided space and guidance to this fledgling group.

The managers, Kevin Johnson and Stacey and Fritz Boettner, did an outstanding job of working with the vendors,

providing activities for children, and generating excitement in the community. The Town of Alderson helped with

insurance coverage and licensing issues. We have applied for several grants for this project and look forward to a

bigger and better Market in 2012. The most fun for everyone was the Christmas Homes Tour. More than 220 people enjoyed the bright sunshine

and the brightly decorated homes as well as a model train show, the Praise and Worship Team, had lunch, and got in a little shopping. Alderson was buzzing that day and everyone had a great time. AMS is an organization that

works. If you would like to be part of the team, meetings are the third Thursday of the month. Call President Judy

Lewallen (304-445-2394) for details.