Support Project 11
Many people including me look at a set of stairs or steps and really do not give them a lot of thought. We put one foot in front of the other and move upward to our destination. We may think that the steps are hard to maneuver and a nuisance, but this does not prevent our being able to reach our desired target. But to a person with limited or no mobility, the steps represent another area of life that is off limits to them.
The steps at the Hartselle Fine Arts Center unfortunately prevent some of our citizens, especially the young and old, from attending events in this historic venue.
When it was built in 1916, not a lot of planning was put into handicapped accessibility. Things have changed! More and more events are being held at the center, and the use of the building has multiplied. It is sought after place for weddings, receptions, plays, art shows, dinners, musical events, spelling bees, reunions, and many more events important to our area. The HFAC Board of Directors would like nothing better than for all the citizens of Hartselle and the surrounding area to be able to attend events at the center. Over the last several years as first, the Hartselle Historical Society and now, the HFAC have worked on fundraisers and secured grants to preserve the building and install an elevator.
Even though funds have been raised, there is still a large amount of money needed to complete the elevator project. The overall cost of installing an elevator on the exterior of the building is approximately $350,000. Because of the terrain around the structure, it is also necessary to construct a ramp to access the elevator which has added to the cost.
Progress has been made in the past few months. The HFAC board has hired an architect and approved plans for the elevator and the ramp. Due to the large amount of money needed for the project, it will be completed in phases. The first phase will include a ramp that will enable visitors with mobility problems, in wheelchairs, or walkers to enter the main floor of the building where the majority of the events occur. The second phase will include the elevator that will provide access to all three floors.
In order to raise the balance needed for the elevator and ramp, the board has adopted Project 11. Simply stated, Project 11 asks each person to donate $11 or multiples of $11 to enable the Fine Arts Center to be accessible to all. The fundraiser is now in progress, and the goal is to have the project completed by 11/11/11. When you are contacted by mail or by a volunteer from the Center, please consider this project. Donations can be dropped off at the center or at the Hartselle Enquirer office.
Randy Garrison is the president and publisher of the Hartselle Enquirer.
