NEWS -- Weeks of December, 2000
(all items in reverse chronological order)
December 18, 2000
The official count (no recount necessary) of the pennies collected by students at Happy Hollow School in November was 41,835 -- you do the math! Thank you Happy Hollow! And thank you Middlesex Savings Bank for counting the piles and piles of pennies from the "It Makes Sense, It Takes Cents" campaign. Also thank you Middlesex Savings Bank for your very generous contribution to the playground!
Feeding the last pennies into the counting machine at the Middlesex Savings Bank branch in Cochituate are Happy Hollow students (from left) Jackie Wogan, Lisa DeBassio, Kim Ripley, Juan Stone-Meyers and Jesse Diamond. The total raised was $418.35! Thanks kids!
December 7, 2000
Yes, we are very pleased.... the Playground is Open! Hurrah!
Thank you everyone for your kind wishes and thanks. Seeing kids out and enjoying the playground -- even in the cold -- is just wonderful. We are recharging the batteries, for there's much to be done.... it's far, far from over.
Everyone is tending to business, the holidays, family, etc. and planning has been, well, it's on the back burner as much as we'd like to keep the fire hot. The urgent need has been met to reopen, and now we can reflect, enjoy a little and then we'll plan for spring.
Two things, however:
- please see our fundraising page for links to shopping opportunities that will pay back money to help the playground!
- anyone missing tools, eMail us or call Ted (647-1544).... some of the name markings on tools wore off during the construction and we can't tell who things belong to!
A couple of quick answers to questions we've received.
Are you still raising money?
Yes! Although we have far exceeded our stated goal, we will continue brick sales (and there are a few t-shirts left) so we can create a fund for on-going repair and maintenance. We will not only make repairs, we'll look to make improvements as well. Every penny (thank you Happy Hollow School.... we're still trying to get them counted) will go to good use -- for materials, supplies and repairs.
Where are the bricks?
More than 110 bricks have been sold so far... These will be produced over the winter by a company in Washington state and delivered for spring or early summer installation. We'll be replacing the concrete walkway with these commemorative bricks. The bricks themselves are actually "pavers" or a bit bigger than bricks. The inscriptions are sandblasted into the paver, then the letters are filled with an epoxy... both to make it more readible, but also to keep out water which could crack the paver. When the walkway is installed we'll have a rededication ceremony.
Are you replacing the picnic tables?
Of course! These are among the most favorite items... for adults! The old tables could not be easily repaired so we're looking into buying conventional style picnic tables or building some new ones.... any volunteers with a winter workshop and a plan?
What about the swings?
The repair/replacement of the swings was always a phase 2 project for us, although we replaced the cushioning material this fall because it was convenient to do so. The current framework will only allow us to put one swing in each "bay" vs. the two that were there.... new safety guidelines since it was built. So.... we're looking into various options. Planning, planning, planning!
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