BGCWC Still Gathering Funds

MARIETTA TIMES - The countdown to construction has begun.

“Two more weeks and this is going to be rolling,” said Brad Erickson, of McConnelsville, as he went over blueprints and chalk markings on the concrete floor with Becca Johnson on Tuesday.

Erickson, a construction superintendent with Walsh Construction, had pencil marks on the page, a small pile of swept wood shavings to his right, and a critical eye as he made final preparations before the site is teaming with subcontractors.

Johnson slipped into the room Tuesday in a quiet respite between the business of facilitating education.

The site: The Boys and Girls Club of Washington County, 307 Lancaster St., Marietta.

Johnson is the executive director of the nonprofit, juggling both keeping the day program open in the midst of a global pandemic, managing multiple public school schedules and snow days (like Monday’s for Marietta City Schools) and coordinating the club’s renovations to create 8,323 square feet of multi-use space in the former Elston Lumber building beside the still-active railroad tracks.

“I can’t have any construction crossing there,” explained Erickson as the pair reviewed routes for contractors to bring in new trusses for the renovation, looking at which corners may need to be measured and triple-checked before demolition of the building’s old roof begins over the coming gymnasium floor.

But while there are red chalk outlines on the floor where a new bathroom facility, including showers, will go; and 2×4 boards lining the eastern wall that abuts CSX Transportation’s right-of-way, dollars from sponsors, residents and families are still needed to both complete the payment of this first phase of renovations and in local matching for Phase II before utilizing the second Ohio Capital Budget investment of $200,000 announced this past month.

“So that came from (Ohio Rep.) Jay Edwards,” Johnson explained of the second state allocation to the $1.27 million project. “That money is also OMHAS money.”

The first $500,000 state investment also came from the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services via a past grant that covers Phase I of construction.

Phase I, Johnson explained is locked in cost for $847,200.

“That is set, that’s the contract we’re working under as we solidify with Walsh who the subcontractors are going to be,” said Johnson, noting the goal is to use state-qualified subcontractors as close to home as possible.

Of that $847,200, another $18,500 have been pledged to date by sponsors, with a planned federal dollar investment from the city of Marietta’s Community Development Block Grant funds of $15,000 for an ADA-compliant wheelchair ramp.

“That’s going to be huge there around the other side,” said Erickson, describing the span of the new ramp to be installed.

But what about the remaining need of $313,700 to complete the first phase?

The nonprofit has $77,478 saved in its account currently, with consistent contributions from local businesses and patrons and neighborhood investment via the penny jar at the west side carry-out now owned by Josh Harris of Lowell. 

Additionally, the project has a donation from one Cynthia Summers for $5,900.

That leaves a $230,322 goal to reach by the end of spring.

“People are always asking how they can help,” said Johnson. “And there are some events like we just wrapped up our first Smitty’s pizza sale in January with ($187.50) raised. We’re going to repeat that event in February.”

The goal is to raise $500 from the Smitty’s events, another $1,000 from the ongoing t-shirt sale by the close of February and then look to pepperoni roll and cookie dough sales in the spring.

“But we’re also looking for sponsors, to have both that individual investment and the businesses, too,” she said. 

Look for more updates on construction progress and what the nonprofit has to offer in future editions of the Times.

To pledge support, round-up donations or sponsor the fundraising campaign go to bgcwcoh.org/gym.

How to Help:

¯ To pledge support, round-up donations or sponsor the fundraising campaign go to bgcwcoh.org/gym.

¯ To add your donation in-person, drop your change/cash into the penny jar at the Harris Carry-Out, 137 Franklin St., Marietta.