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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. |
