Personal
Garden Court Board Position
I’ve written about Garden Court here numerous times. Easterday Construction Co., Inc. has a long relationship with them starting with the construction of Argos Garden Court in 1998. That was a new, stand-alone facility. In total we’ve built seven stand-alone facilities for them and completed remodeling work on four of their other facilities. (See projects here and here.) The last new facility they sponsored and we built was Culver Garden Court. Unfortunately the HUD program that they used as a funding vehicle was subsequently reduced. The HUD offices were moved out of Indiana to Chicago and Indiana became less of a priority for the remaining funds.
Garden Court, Inc. was organized in 1972 as a not-for-profit to provide housing and supportive services for the elderly of Plymouth and the surrounding communities. They presently own and manage twelve housing communities. Their twelve housing communities have a total of 333 apartment units. Their board of directors consists of volunteers from the community. They always try and find representatives from the communities that they serve.
It was through Garden Court that I met and became friends with Ron Liechty. Ron worked tirelessly for the organization. It was one of the many causes in which he believed and consequently dedicated his time and personal support. While technically Easterday Construction was employed by Garden Court, Inc., we always worked as partners to provide the best facility for the money allocated.
I attended a Garden Court, Inc. board meeting last week to discuss a potential future project. At that meeting I learned that they are short board members and are looking for volunteers. One position they would like to fill is a Culver Representative. It would be a conflict of interest for me to serve, but I told them I would put the word out in case someone is interested. They have a bi-monthly meeting in Plymouth.
Have included a link to a booklet they give out titled “Introduction to Garden Court, Inc.“. You can find a PDF here.
If you’re interested in joining the board or just want more information, contact Jim Causey, Board President. His email address is: jimncris1107@gmail.com
Merry Christmas!
Happy Thanksgiving
This past week most all of us celebrated Thanksgiving. The original Thanksgiving is known as a celebration of coming together after the a successful harvest. Most of us have moved away from direct ties to the harvest season, but Thanksgiving still celebrates a successful year. It has also morphed into a celebration of family. This has become more significant as our families have become more far flung. Often this is one of the few times we gather as family.
As I’ve mentioned here before, Easterday Construction Company is a family business. This has more than one meaning to me. While on one level, it references the ties I have to my great grandfather, Russell Easterday, who started the business, in my mind it also references my ties to the employees that have been here for year after year. Many ECC employees have been here for decades.
That longevity has benefits that translate into mutual knowledge in the way things are done and a confidence that you can’t buy. On the flip side it adds responsibility when considering jobs and a sense of urgency for finding work to keep everyone working. Employees in a small family business are also family and often friends.
As with many holidays, Thanksgiving has become extended. We had Thanksgiving with family the weekend before and celebrated Thanksgiving with friends the weekend after. In a way, we’ll be celebrating it with another group of friends we only see once a year next weekend. So, even though I’m a few days off the actual holiday, Happy Thanksgiving to and from everyone at Easterday Construction Co., Inc.!
Cornucopia image borrowed from www.timeanddate.com
Veterans Day 2016
I’m never sure how to start off posts on solemn holidays such as Veterans Day. “Happy” Veterans Day, doesn’t seem right, but how do you acknowledge the day? It doesn’t even seem appropriate to lump them in with other “holidays” since the themes should be respectful in lieu of festive.
Veterans Day can bring an odd mix of feelings. While there is and should be a deep respect and sense of loss for those that gave their lives for our Country, it does not seem inappropriate to celebrate those that returned home and the successes they had in protecting our Country and our ideals. You cannot elevate one above the other in achievement or sacrifice.
I did not serve in the military, but many in my family did, including my father, grandfather, an uncle and a great uncle of which I’m aware. I currently have a nephew serving in the military. My college roommate went through ROTC and served overseas for years. I have great respect for them all.
Since last Veterans Day, my grandfather passed away at 101. The Navy provided a tribute to him and added a plaque to his gravestone. (see right – MOMM3 is the designation for Motor Machinist Mate 3rd Class) He also received an Armed Forces Certificate which we received around Memorial Day this year.
For all the veterans in my family and throughout my extended family of fellow Americans… Thank you for your service. I hope this Veterans Day allows all Americans to pause and think about what your sacrifice has meant to them.
