|
The
terrible winter of 2010 seems to finally be over. The recent
winter snows should completely satisfy those who long for the
“winters of our childhood years.” With spring upon us the tulips
appear they will be in full bloom in time for Easter, Now, I would
like to report on Alumni Park progress.
As you read this report there are some time- lines that I would
like to point out. Brick orders must be in within the next two
weeks. We are requesting contributions for this year’s
scholarship award to an incoming senior. The Easter Sunrise
Service will be conducted at Alumni Park.
First: It appears that the bronze plaques for memorial
benches, flag poles, and trees will be in place by the 4th.
Second: We will be completing a brick order within the next
two weeks. That means if you would like to order a brick then get
in touch with us now. As you know they are $50 for three lines of
text with 18 characters per line. This order will ensure that your
brick is also in place in time for the 4th. Also we estimate that
we will have the sidewalk completely filled with bricks with two
or three more orders. This has been very popular and all of those
who have ordered bricks seem very pleased. If you want to order a
brick call me at 304 839-7178 and I will help you compose the
language, or email me at andy6424@aol.com. We currently have
orders for about 50 bricks and would like to add at least another
20 or so.
The profit from this project is used for the maintenance and
improvement of the park. We hope to keep adding landscaping and
other improvements as this park has become the second most popular
site in our town (next to the depot)
Third: We continue to look for sponsors of events to use
the gazebo. Happily, we are pleased to tell you that this year the
annual Easter Sunrise Service will be conducted at Alumni Park.
This is a real honor, and the weather report indicates a beautiful
day so this “special service” will be enhanced by the sheer beauty
of the river and mountains. If your plans for the holiday include
a trip to Alderson please include this memorable service in your
plan. The Johnson Memorial Methodist Church will host a
“breakfast” immediately after the “service” and all are invited to
join in the “fellowship” of this occasion. Please plan to attend.
Fourth: Last year we instituted a “scholarship” for an
upcoming Senior at Greenbrier East High School. The requirement is
that the recipient live in the geographic area that formerly
served Alderson High School. We hope that we can increase the
stipend each year in order to eventually make it a really
meaningful contribution to the college education of a deserving
young man or woman. The only funds available for the scholarship
are those that are contributed to that specific purpose. With this
said I would ask you to consider making a donation to the
Scholarship Fund, and mail it to Alderson Main Street P O Box 117
Alderson, WV 24910. We need funds now, and would really appreciate
your consideration in this matter. We have a small balance from
last year, but not nearly enough to ensure that we will be in a
position to insure that we have enough to make this year’s
scholarship. A contribution of $25 would be good. A contribution
of $50 would be really good, but anything that you can afford will
help.
I am pleased to report that last year’s recipient, Josh Whitt had
a great senior year at East. As reported last year just after the
award was made Josh was the Student Body President at Greenbrier
East High School. The award was presented to him by another
Student Body President of 70 years ago Bill Simmons along with the
help of another Alderson special Alumni, Marjorie Lobban. The
first award was dedicated to the memory of Mr. H. R. McVey (more
than 50 members of Mr. McVey’s family were in attendance for the
ceremony), and Miss Stella Nelson.
Further, about Josh. We are all very excited to report to you that
Josh has been accepted and will be attending the U. S. Naval
Academy next year. His outstanding academic, and extra-curricular
activities made Josh one of 4 finalists for the slot at the
Academy, and eventually the successful candidate. Josh will depart
in early July for summer camp and the entire Alderson community
wishes him every success, and we will certainly follow his
academic and military career with great interest and “Alderson
Pride.”
Your contribution will help another young person in his or her
drive for excellence. This is truly a fund worth considering in
your charitable endeavors.
In conclusion I would like to report that each year Alderson is
blessed with a visit from groups of youngsters (high school and
college age) from all over the country. These young people come
here to assist in many projects involving the community, and in
many cases individuals within the community. Last year we were
fortunate to have a group of youngsters from Indiana help with
painting and clean-up at the park. This year we expect to host
another group who will assist in this work.
We look forward to seeing each of you in Alderson over the 4th,
and especially those of you who will be celebrating a “class
reunion” during your visit. |
