Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, August 13, 1993 TAG: 9308130282
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: PAUL DELLINGER NEW RIVER VALLEY BUREAU
DATELINE: PULASKI LENGTH: Medium
Supporters of a 13,820-square-foot Cougar Fitness Center have spent about a year raising money for the venture.
Its cost was estimated at $125,000 a year ago but is now projected as high as $225,000.
More than $81,000 in cash and $70,000 in contributions of labor or materials have been raised so far, and a delegation working on the project asked the School Board for permission to proceed with construction.
The money raised so far will pay for the building itself but not for the interior furnishings or equipment. However, the fund raising is continuing.
"We think we have the opportunity to raise the balance . . . very quickly, but we need to show people something," said Randy Chrisley, spokesman for the delegation. "So we ask you to let us start the project."
Once complete, the facility will be open to the community as well as to students.
"It is a physical fitness center, but it is a teaching center first," Chrisley said.
"This building will be given to the school system without the taxpayers paying one penny."
The goal is to complete the shell of the building by the start of 1994. The target date for completing the interior is July 1994.
"We think, once we start work, the fund raising will be much easier," Chrisley said. "We're excited about it. We can't wait until the doors are open and all of us are out there working out."
The board also heard from Pulaski YMCA Director Jack Leahy on plans to provide an extended day program for elementary school children.
"From the surveys that the principals have gotten back, there seems to be a real need at every one of the schools," Leahy said. "We think it'll be a very good program."
The cost to parents will be an annual registration fee of $20 for the first child and $5 for each additional child in the same family, and a daily rate of $4 for the first child and $3 for each additional family child for either before-school or after-school programs.
Registration and orientation for the programs will be from 7 to 8 p.m. Monday at Snowville Elementary, on Tuesday at Dublin Elementary, on Wednesday at Riverlawn Elementary, on Aug. 23 at Newbern Elementary and on Aug. 24 at Draper Elementary.
For Critzer, Claremont and Northwood Elementary schools in the Town of Pulaski, children will be transported by bus to and from the YMCA before or after school.
The other programs will be held at the schools.
Tutoring, homework time, recreation and snacks will be part of the programs.
"Depending on our staff, there may be some computer time available," Leahy said.
Freda Hubble will be the program director.
Employees will be trained for the program at the schools.
by CNB