Carnegie chairman gives credit, thanks for project supporters

To the Editor,Back in 2009, when Tecumseh Carnegie Preservation League was formed, the Carnegie building was full of mold and the foundation was in terrible shape, so much that people who know these things indicated that it was 1-2 winters before it would reach the point of no return. And, did I mention that we didn’t even own the building?With the help of very generous donors, we were able to purchase the building and then do what was necessary to bring the building back from the brink of disaster.Our next adventure is the repurposing of this iconic building by making it habitable without disturbing the stately presence of the building itself. We have had several ideas, and several organizations and individuals have expressed interest in becoming tenants. Our focus is that whatever the end use becomes, it must be self-sustaining.The current estimate to finish this job is roughly $325,000, a far cry from the $711,000 needed in 2009. We are almost to the point that we can see the light at the end of the tunnel! We still have more to do! We sincerely appreciate all our donors and sponsors! Even during the extended downturn in the economy, we still have been provided with the ability to do what needed to be done both with monetary and in-kind donations.Some who deserve special recognition are:First Federal Bank, Jeffrey Vereecke, Wendy Pizana, and their staff, as major sponsors over the past five years, donating $15,000 in cash, as well as other in-kind servicesScott Hill & Kreighoff-Lenawee — Our general contractor and a major supporter – latest project was installation of an energy efficient heating systemCraig Fulton, F & S Landscaping — donating lawn care at the Carnegie Building since the day we purchased itGleaner Tecumseh Arbor — Planting large flower pots on the Carnegie steps for several yearsLenawee Community Foundation — facilitating our 501 (C) 3 charitable statusJeff Weatherford, Tecumseh’s very own historic preservation expert — Work on cornices and facilitating trim painting and paint matchingOur annual fundraiser is Winefest, which was held November 10, raising $6,000 toward our goal. We would also like to thank those who participated:Jimmie Rice and his band — Been playing here as long as we’ve been doing WinefestOur wine vendors, working with us to make this event happenEvans Street Station — Beth, Alan, and all the staff, hosting this event for the past several yearsOur friends who attended to support our mission, bidders on the silent auction, and those who donated to this auctionOur Tecumseh Carnegie Preservation League committee members, who have been absolutely resolute in their vision for repurposing the Queen of all buildings on Chicago BoulevardNeedless to say, we are always looking for people to get involved, whether by donating time by joining our meetings, offering your ideas and expertise, or by donating money to help reach our goal. Please contact me at Evans Street Station to see what you can do to help.Richard JohnsonTecumseh