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kmv
Member
35 Posts |
 Posted - 05/10/2009 : 10:52:24 PM
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Hi, folks. I thought people on this discussion board might be interested in a project my husband Rob and I, along with our board of directors, are currently fundraising for in Three Rivers. It's called the Imagining Space campaign and the organization we helped found and run, *culture is not optional, currently has an offer in for the Huss School property. Here's a web site we set up with more information about the vision and the organization:
http://www.cultureisnotoptional.com/space
Rob and I are currently living in Grand Rapids, working at Calvin College, but we plan to move back to Three Rivers in a year. We helped open World Fare downtown five and a half years ago and are very much looking forward to moving back and continuing to serve the local community with our passions.
We're interested in hearing people's stories and ideas about Huss, along with your questions about what we're up to, as we want the community to be invested in the project. Thanks for listening! :)
Kirstin Vander Giessen-Reitsma |
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Buck
Forum Admin
USA
5724 Posts |
Posted - 05/10/2009 : 11:10:38 PM
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Kirstin I love the idea. Let me know if there is anything I can do to help you get the word out.
Government is too big and too important to be left to the politicians. |
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amazon
Member
95 Posts |
Posted - 05/11/2009 : 08:16:58 AM
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What kind of updating/remodeling will be required? The downtown buildings had to have LOADS of money put into them to meet "code."
Do you have grants-in-progress for part of this?
And for all you in-city people: let the commission know you do not want four more houses built; for pity's sake--look at all the houses for sale in this town. We don't need more; we need people to buy and care for what's there! |
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kmv
Member
35 Posts |
Posted - 05/11/2009 : 5:31:02 PM
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Thanks for the encouragement, Buck!
Amazon, there's a ton of updating and remodeling that will be required. The big things we're aware of right off the bat are the heating system and the windows. We're definitely planning to pursue grants for this process, although we're currently just in the very beginning stages of seeing if we can raise the initial money to secure the building. After that, we'll work with architects to find out specifically what is needed to bring the building up to code. |
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Buck
Forum Admin
USA
5724 Posts |
Posted - 05/12/2009 : 12:45:18 PM
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By the way there is more on this subject at the River Country Journal
Government is too big and too important to be left to the politicians. |
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caseyc1968
Frequent Poster
USA
261 Posts |
Posted - 05/15/2009 : 4:05:38 PM
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Sure would like to see the building utilized. It is a shame to drive by every day and see it begin to deteriorate. I would HATE to see it torn down just so more empty houses could be built there. I have lived in 2nd district for nearly 10 years now and can promise you that there are plenty of empty homes right here and now, with no one maintaining them. Let's keep the building and use it for our (the whole towns) benefit.
Casey Cox |
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kmv
Member
35 Posts |
Posted - 05/16/2009 : 7:50:23 PM
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Thanks for the feedback, Casey. It's good to hear from people in the district confirming our hunch that folks would like to see the building put to good use, rather than torn down.
Just a shameless plug: if there's a chance of this thing happening, we really need people to chip in what they are able to the fundraising campaign. We are bracing ourselves to approach major donors and pursue large grants to cover what we conservatively estimate will be $1.5-2 million in work to get the building up to code. However, that kind of money will be in the works over the next couple of years. In the short term, if this deal is going to go through, we need lots of ordinary people to contribute to the first $20,000 of the campaign. We've had everyone from college students to pastors to farmers to teachers contributing anywhere from $20 to $1,000 so far. If we can hit that first target, we're really excited about what can take shape there...for the whole town's benefit!
If you have questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch. The contact form on the Imagining Space web site goes straight to me and my husband, Rob (http://www.cultureisnotoptional.com/space). Thanks for listening! |
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Buck
Forum Admin
USA
5724 Posts |
Posted - 05/21/2009 : 7:19:41 PM
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Final countdown for campaign to save Huss School, serve community.
Government is too big and too important to be left to the politicians. |
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robvgr
Newbie
USA
14 Posts |
Posted - 05/21/2009 : 7:48:59 PM
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| Thanks, Buck! Every little bit helps ... :) |
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pepa
Obsessed Poster
1323 Posts |
Posted - 05/21/2009 : 10:33:40 PM
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I was so glad to hear that people are interested in saving Huss School. I think that the school board had made the biggest mistake in the world. To see such an integral part of TR destroyed just for more unwanted housing is a dam shame.
This it the short mindless of the school board and some of the powers that be in this town. I will try to make it to tomorrows meeting at World Fare on Friday. (5:30 pm).
quote:
"If electricity comes from electrons, does morality come from morons." unknown
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kmv
Member
35 Posts |
Posted - 06/08/2009 : 10:31:59 AM
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Check it out:
http://www.cultureisnotoptional.com/space/
We met our first goal to purchase Huss School! The closing hasn't happened yet because we're waiting on insurance, but I wanted you all to know that the school is in for some loving care and exciting new projects for the greater good of the community. Hooray! Raising $20,000 is just the beginning and we're going to need ongoing community input and support, so please let me know if you have suggestions for fund raising and other connections. |
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caseyc1968
Frequent Poster
USA
261 Posts |
Posted - 06/08/2009 : 10:48:15 AM
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Hurray!!!!Amen!!!!Kudos!!!!!
So grateful that this building will receive the tender loving care that it so deserves and that it will be utilized to benefit the community!!!! I may not have a lot of money kmv, but I am not afraid of hard labor, cleaning, or helping in any way I can. If that means making bake goods for a bake sale to raise funds or going door to door to raise awareness, I am willing to help out! Just let me know what I can do.
Casey Cox
"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit." |
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pepa
Obsessed Poster
1323 Posts |
Posted - 06/08/2009 : 11:06:03 AM
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Great Job guys great job! At least there is hope instead of another Welton style development.
quote:
"If electricity comes from electrons, does morality come from morons." unknown
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vblainev
Frequent Poster
USA
908 Posts |
Posted - 06/08/2009 : 11:49:28 AM
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| Amen. Great job ! I'll second the Welton development comment ! I would also be glad to offer some help ! |
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cuzimrite
Frequent Poster
918 Posts |
Posted - 06/08/2009 : 11:50:22 AM
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| Excellent news!! |
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Buck
Forum Admin
USA
5724 Posts |
Posted - 06/08/2009 : 12:56:41 PM
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More here. Congratulations Kirstin!
Government is too big and too important to be left to the politicians. |
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Imagining Space
