This is a report on the activities surrounding the Alumni Park this year. We were successful in installing the first 200 memorial bricks at the entrance to the park. In addition we have poured concrete for seven benches that are to be placed along the river side of the park. These benches were purchased by individuals and classes as memorials. The benches will be installed in the spring of 2009 and plaques indicating their purpose will be erected...

We are now working on two projects for the spring. The first one is to get orders for another 100 bricks to be ordered in February and to have installed by the 4th of July 2009. As you know the cost for the bricks is $50 for three inscribed lines of 18 characters each. We have current orders for 30+ bricks and need to solicit orders for the remainder before February. For those of you who may be thinking about the purchase of a brick - now is the time to act. The sale of these bricks will allow us to complete the park landscaping with attractive trees, shrubs and flowers that will be a tribute to the school and town. Eventually, if we meet our long range goal of 750 bricks sold it will permit us to set up a permanent "scholarship" for a deserving young person from the Alderson area each year. It is our hope and expectation that our scholarship, along with those scholarships already in existence will be a perpetual gift to generations of our young people.

Our second project is one that has been kicked off by the V.F.W. That organization is going to install one flag pole at the entrance to the park and provide the American Flag to fly over the park. We would like to raise the funds necessary to construct a second flag pole which will allow us to fly the flag of the "Town of Alderson." The cost of the flag pole is $300. Volunteers will install the pole. If any of you are interested in making a contribution for this purpose it will be greatly appreciated by the Committee. Your contribution may be sent to Alderson Main Street, Post Office Box 117 Alderson, West Virginia. If any of you would like to defray the entire cost of this pole as an honorarium to family member or faculty, or deceased class member we acknowledge this gift with a bronze placques at the site.

The next time you visit Alderson please stop by the park. We believe that you will find it interesting. You may find photographs of the park on this web site. When you visit you may note that the weather vein on top is forged in copper and is a replica of the Alderson Indian. The trim around the gazebo is "maroon and grey."

Many of you have written to us about the park. Your comments have been very helpful, and we appreciate your support. We would appreciate your ideas and suggestions re the park and you may send them to me at andy6424@aol.com. or call me at 304 839-7178.