MAY UPDATE

Yes, this blog was started in June. And yes, I'm not going back to post information from May. Part of the purpose of this blog is to serve as an archive of this community effort. There is much to be shared about all of the activities related to this unprecedented fundraising and community-building project. So expect a flurry of posts in this next week or so--all related to activities that have happened in the past few months (perhaps even years!).

Here is the May update:

FOUR MONTHS AND COUNTING. The Whetstone Recreation Center will formally re-open as the Whetstone Community Center on Saturday, September 6th! The 9,660 sq ft addition includes a 1,360 sq ft community room, a large multipurpose room, new upper and lower-floor restrooms and additional storage space. The center will feature an improved fitness room, game room, lobby and office. All classrooms will be updated and the building will be air conditioned for better year-around use. Check here to see photos of the construction progress.

COMMUNITY STIMULUS INVESTMENT. A gift to the Whetstone Renovation Initiative will help our newly expanded community center serve generations of local families and residents. It will help provide the space and the activities that will bring people together and enhance the quality of life in Clintonville. Consider using some of your economic stimulus rebate to give back to the community. Check here to see the types of items needed for the community center. See here for more information on donor options and recognition.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED. The Whetstone Renovation Initiative will be raising funds for fixtures and furnishings throughout the summer. We need help staffing tables at community events, working with local businesses to develop fundraisers and organizing “block parties” to benefit the renovation project. Email ernie@clintonvillechamber.com or bh@bhubbard.com to get involved.

ROOFTOP GRASS. The new addition at the community center will have a “green” or vegetated roof. The surface of the roof will be covered with 3-4” of soil and planted with drought tolerant, low-growing grasses and sedum. This will improve the roof’s insulation value, reducing heat loss and saving on cooling costs. It will also reduce stormwater run-off, help filter pollutants and absorb carbon dioxide. This is the first time the City of Columbus has installed a green roof on one of their buildings.

SNACK FOR A CAUSE. Many thanks to the Northern Kiwanis of Columbus for running the soccer snack tent on Saturday mornings. In addition to offering coffee, hot chocolate and a wide range of drinks and snacks, they sell “snack packs” of juice and crackers or granola bars for post-game team snacks (email adventurewoods@gmail.com and hekalbright@yahoo.com to reserve a snack pack for Saturday morning pick-up). The proceeds are split between the renovation project and other community-serving activities of the Kiwanis.

WAY BETTER THAN ANOTHER BOUQUET OF FLOWERS. Looking for a special—and lasting—gift to honor your mother? Declare your love and appreciation on an engraved brick on the Whetstone Community Center patio. Bricks are $125 for 4”x8” and $300 for 8”x8”. Look here for an order form.

LOOK FOR US AT THE MAY 3 FARMER’S MARKET. The Whetstone Renovation Initiative will be staffing a booth at Saturday’s Spring Sprout market. Stop by to see blueprints, ask questions or offer suggestions.