[D9640general] [eFlash_Rotary] Digest Number 788

[Garry D Krischock]

Message 
  1. 1495: Groundbreaking ushers in new beginning for Mississippi seniors 
Sat Apr 12, 2008 11:03 pm (PDT) 
Groundbreaking ushers in new beginning for Mississippi seniors
By Ryan Hyland 

During a ceremony hosted by Rotarians from Mississippi and Illinois 
on 12 March, anticipation prevailed for a new beginning as honored 
guests Long Beach Mayor William Skellie, Mississippi Governor Haley 
Barbour, and other state dignitaries broke ground on the multimillion 
dollar center. The event signified a commitment that Rotarians from 
Illinois districts 6440 and 6550 made to help Long Beach rebuild 
after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The storm destroyed the recreation 
center, fire station, two schools, and thousands of businesses. 

"After the storm, Rotary put Long Beach on the front burner and kept 
us there," says Skellie. "Their work on the senior recreation center 
just shows that Rotary is a go-to organization." 

Past district governors from the Chicago area, Brian Andersen 
(District 6450) and Jack Blane (District 6440), collaborated with 
Mississippi Rotary clubs in late 2005, pledging to raise more than 
$100,000 for the construction of the new senior center, which will 
double as an emergency shelter. 

The Long Beach Senior Recreation and Community Center is slated for 
completion in December and will house areas for craft making and 
meetings, as well as a cafeteria, two basketball courts, and a gym 
for seniors and local residents alike. It will be a gathering place 
and emergency refuge for the Mississippi communities of Gulfport, 
Pass Christian, and Pineville.

"It will be a place for first responders and a place of last resort 
for those who don't evacuate in time," says Long Beach club member 
Bob Kranz. A venue for first responders was desperately needed when 
Hurricane Katrina razed the local police station, he adds. 

More than $3.3 million has been allocated to the center through 
grants and contributions. Chicago-based Mittal Steel Company donated 
$500,000 and will provide construction oversight. Other groups also 
have made contributions, including a $2 million grant from the South 
Mississippi Planning and Development District and a $600,000 grant 
from the Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund. Donations also came from Rotary 
clubs across the United States.

"Were it not for the Rotary network, this project would not have 
worked," says Blane. "Our hearts and our money were dedicated to 
this."

The groundbreaking ceremony signaled an important and symbolic stage 
of a new beginning to Long Beach, says Skellie. He adds that he 
expects Rotary will continue to have a long-term impact on the 
community. "I applaud Rotary's dedication to bringing this community 
hope for a new day. We're sincerely grateful."

Source: Rotary International News 
Courtesy: eFlash_Rotary
 
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