Fletcher Cemetery Veterans Memorial Dedication
I attended the dedication ceremony for the Fletcher Cemetery Veterans Memorial on Memorial Day last week. Despite an inordinately windy day, the rains held off and the ceremony was well received. Easterday Construction was contracted to provide the new memorial foundations, plaza and retaining walls. We donated the flag pole foundation and erection of the pole as well as some modifications to the sprinkler system.
As discussed previously here, we were a bit hesitant to take on the relocation of this priceless monument, but things came off without a hitch. (Move pictured here.) It looks good in its new location. It is now flanked by two new stone obelisks ready to receive the memorialization of future veterans.
Congratulations to the Fletcher Cemetery board for the completion of a great project. It will stand as a symbol of their respect for veterans for generations to come.
Fletcher Cemetery Veterans Memorial Dedication Announcement
This is a project from last year. We relocated the Veterans Memorial Monument to a new base with a plaza and pedestal bases for additional markers. We donated the installation of a new flagpole including the new concrete flagpole base. If you can’t attend this memorial dedication, please remember our veterans in your own way.
Grandpa Murphy turns 101
My grandfather, William K. (Bill) Murphy, turned 101 yesterday. Unfortunately he’s out at Miller’s Merry Manor, but he is doing pretty well for his age. Better than a lot of younger residents there! In any case, if you would like to wish him a Happy Birthday, he enjoys the company and has more than a few stories to tell.
The selfie to the right is grandpa with his great granddaughter and my niece, Kyanne. (Not being a selfie person, can anyone tell me why selfies reverse the picture???) Kyanne came up from Bloomington to join the party. We had cake and ice cream. The cake was big enough to share with the rest of the residents.
Hopefully I will luck out with a few of his good genes and more than a few of his good traits! He’s always been a gentleman and someone of which I’m proud.
Invest in Marshall County!
Four Year Capital Campaign “Invest in Marshall County” Launched
Plymouth, IN (April 27, 2015) – Bill Davis, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Marshall County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC), announces the launch of “Invest in Marshall County,” a four year campaign with the goal of increasing private sector participation to further grow and strengthen the county economy.
“Local governments across Marshall County have been very supportive of MCEDC’s economic development program over the past seven years,” stated Mr. Davis. “In anticipating the need for private sector participation, the Board adopted a long range strategic plan that will guide economic development activities and growth for the next five to ten years.”
Economic development is extremely competitive. The most successful programs are based on a number of key elements coming together, and funding from both the public and private sectors is a must.
The strategic plan, as adopted, highlights four specific programs:
- Business Expansion and Retention (BEAR) – Through the use of interviews with business leaders, the BEAR program aims to learn about the issues companies face so MCEDC can develop solutions. In particular, the BEAR program will uncover expansion opportunities, and assist in these expansions.
- Business Attraction – MCEDC will identify and develop our county’s business assets, and market them to targeted businesses in order to attract new industries to the area.
- Entrepreneurial Hub – MCEDC, with area partners, will develop an entrepreneurial center, incorporating elements for success and allowing innovative business ideas to prosper.
- Workforce Development Program – MCEDC, with area partners, will develop an immediate plan to address the availability of workers and ensure that our future workforce has the skills that our employers require.
The Lorax is here!
Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax
The much anticipated focal point for Yei-Yei’s Game Room arrived this week. The 600+ pound bronze Lorax has taken his place on the pedestal we built for him. The crew had given me a hard time about over-designing the structure for the pedestal base, but I think they changed their tune (toon?) when it took five stout men to move it into place. The delivery company sent two guys to place it and there is no way that would have happened. We were able to move it around adjacent to the exterior doors with a forklift, but from there it was all Egyptian style moving through finished space… in some cases over wood floors and ceramic tile that had to be protected. Fortunately we were able to accomplish this without mishap.
John Singleton as The Lorax
When he realized that he was going to have to help move the statue, John volunteered to take its place rather than do the heavy lifting. That was until it was pointed out that the Lorax is naked in the sculpture. John agreed with the rest of us that, “No one wants to see that!” Poor Lawana!
In any case, the statue is in place with no damage to it, the room or the movers. We are pleased to help the Owner realize their vision. The Lorax looks like it was meant to be there… which it was!
