Fond Farewell
Kathy’s First Check
Today is the last day for Kathy and Will Pearson at Easterday Construction. They are retiring and moving on to another phase of their lives. Talk about the end of an Era! Kathy has been here since 1976. 38 years! Will has been an employee off and on totaling about 25 years. I knew them long before I started working for Easterday Construction.
Will and Kathy moved to town when Will took a job running the Inn at what was then Culver Military Academy. Dad likes to tell the story of hiring them:
Kathy Pearson
“Kathy applied for a job with us. I was impressed and decided to hire her, but told her, ‘You won’t be here long!’ None of the previous Inn managers had lasted more than a few years. Unfortunately the same was true for Will. But by then Kathy had proven herself so valuable that I had to hire Will to keep Kathy! Guess she proved me wrong.”
When I was looking for someone in the office a few years back, I knew Will was unhappy where he was, but I was concerned about history and I was concerned about Will and Kathy working together in the office. I asked Dad his thoughts on the subject:
“Will was always a good employee and I can’t imagine that has changed. He wasn’t always the fastest estimator, but he stayed until he got the job done. He was always loyal, conscientious and always did the right thing. I don’t know that you can go wrong with him.”
Will Pearson
Dad was right in both cases. I don’t know that he could have done better than hiring Kathy and I have been pleased that I chose to hire Will.
I discussed their exit with the crew and they agreed that they would like to do an Open House for them so that the community, clients and friends can wish them well. Unfortunately (or fortunately for them) the Pearsons are headed to Alabama for a few months of warmer weather. We’ll have to postpone the celebration until they return. Keep an eye out here for a date sometime in March… but if you happen to catch them before they hit the road, please be sure to wish them well. Everyone at Easterday Construction does… Most of all me… I am not just losing employees, I am no longer going to see two good friends every day.
Kevin
Affordable Housing Conference
On behalf of the Town of Culver, I attended the Affordable Housing Finance Summit in Chicago last month. It was a three day event, running from Wednesday morning through Friday afternoon. It consisted of a lot of interactive presentations as well as networking opportunities. I have some experience dealing with HUD due to our Garden Court projects, but this was like taking a 200 level course when I really needed 101. I do feel like I learned a lot, while it was painfully obvious that I have a lot more to learn.
The dream of “Affordable Housing”
Affordable Housing has long been a topic in Culver. The issue has been further focused due to the completion of the Comprehensive Plan where affordable housing was addressed. The recent tax abatement granted to Elkay where they pledged to add 100 new employees also makes housing a local priority. This has also been a topic at several of the MCEDC Development for the Future meetings as other communities in Marshall County are recognizing the same need. Overall, MCEDC is aware of current expansions that are projected to add 500-600 new jobs in the next 12-18 months. Ginny Munroe, Culver Town Council President, asked me to be on a Task Force to address this issue for Culver. When the advertisement for the Summit came up, I volunteered to attend on the Town’s behalf.
Happy Jim Condon Day
Jim Condon – Plymouth H.S. Principal
Last evening I attended a celebration for Jim Condon, Plymouth High School Principal. He was being honored for being named Indiana High School Principal of the Year. I’m not sure what one does to stand out amongst your peers in the field of High School Principals, but being named such by peer review from other principals makes it quite an honor. Dan Tyree, Plymouth Superintendent of Schools, emceed the event where Jim received several awards and accolades. Plymouth Mayor, Mark Senter, spoke and presented Jim with a proclamation of Plymouth’s appreciation for him, part of which was to name December 11, 2014 Jim Condon Day in Plymouth.
Mayor Senter Congratulating Jim Condon
I mainly know Jim through our association on the Marshall County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) Board. Jim came on the board several years ago and in the time since I have grown to respect his thoughtful approach to all matters. I’m proud to call Jim a friend and also proud of his well-earned award. Congratulations Jim!
Oh, and Happy Jim Condon Day to all!
Picture Source: AM1050.com
Calvalcade Thank You
It was nice to get a hand written note from the Cavalcade Staff. Believe it or not, I still have my Cavalcades, though they are not regularly referenced. I know the work that went into producing the 2014 edition will be under appreciated by their classmates now, but no doubt appreciated greatly in the future.
