Posted: 7/12/05
Concession stand project ready to start; volunteers needed
By David Heiller
Argus News Editor
A Caledonia school concession stand/restroom project is poised to begin, and it could use your help.
Thatís the message that organizers want to get out now.
The Caledonia Rotary Club, which is coordinating the project, has raised $77,000 of the $90,000 needed for it. The school board hasnít approved the project yet, but it could do so at its next meeting on July18.
Work will start once the board approves it. The school district is not paying for any of the work.
Dave Nelson of Caledonia is volunteering his time as construction manager. He is asking for volunteers in several areas: excavation, concrete work, masonry, rough carpentry and trusses, siding, shingling, painting, drywall and drywall finishing, and finish trim work.
ěWith some contributions, that should be able to take us to the point we want to be,î Nelson said on July 7. ěThe real guts will be when the rough carpentry starts. Thatís when weíre really going to call on the volunteers.î
People can call him for more information at 507-450-3590; or call school board members Barb Hurley at 507-482-6873 or Mary Frank at 507-724-3893.
The building, which will contain a ticket booth, kitchen, and handicapped-accessible bathrooms, will take about three months, Nelson estimated. It will meet all Minnesota Department of Health codes, and will have nice bathrooms, Nelson said. ěItís going to be a nice building, a real nice building.î
Hurley expected the school board to approve the project. ěI would be surprised if they didnít,î she said on July 8.
ěEverybody on the board is so thankful that the Rotary has offered to come forward and help the school district this way,î she said. ěThe Rotarians have done a fantastic job to raise the money this way.î
Hurley noted that the building would probably not be done for the start of this fallís athletic season, as was originally hoped. ěWith community support, who knows what will happen,î she added. ěNever say never.î
Located near track and field
The building will be located along the path to the football/soccer/track field on the high school grounds. This location will eliminate the need for a sewer lift station, which would be required if it were located closer to the field and bleachers.
Water and sewer lines already exist to the spot, because the building was originally in the plans for the new school project when it was built in 2002. It was dropped because of a money shortfall.
The Caledonia Rotary Club took on the project as part of Rotary Club Internationalís 100th anniversary this year. Individual clubs are being asked to do a centennial project, both to promote the organization and to help the community.
People wishing to donate money can still do so. Send checks to ISD#299/Concession Stand Account, at 511 West Main Street, Caledonia, MN 55921.
Caledonia Argus
314 West Lincoln St.
P.O. Box 227
Caledonia, MN 55921-0227
507/724-3475
E-Mail: editor.argus@ecm-inc.com