On December 7, the MACC got to show off its newly renovated rooms for the annual Tree Lighting. SMEPF volunteers had fun decorating Room 9 for Santa this year, and what a great Santa we had! Just down the hall, Mrs. Claus read stories to little ones as they enjoyed cookies and milk. The theater was packed with parents coming in and out to watch their kids on stage, and across the hall were even more kids making fun Christmas crafts. Sally Halloran kept the refreshment tables filled with goodies all evening, while the new Holiday Market filled the cafeteria with local artists selling jewelry, pottery, blankets, and other handmade gifts. It was great fun to see the SME building streaming with happy people everywhere.
Now, it’s the last day of 2019 and I’m looking back at photos to help me remember what was accomplished. Our volunteers contributed over 2,200 hours to revamp the art room, the staff office, two boy’s bathrooms, the lobby, the conference room, and the theater! We’re currently finishing up room 2, just in time for it to be used as the green room for the Signal Mountain Playhouse production of HARVEY in February. (Later this week we’re starting on the hallways, so let me know if you want to help paint!) We got a little exterior painting done before the cold temps chased us back inside. Kent Walker tore down the front portico ceiling, so it’s now ready for a new wood ceiling, which I can’t wait to see.
Fundraising for HVAC units will continue in the new year, until every room is comfortably heated and cooled. Room makeovers will continue, one-by-one, until all 20-something thousand square feet of the place looks amazing. Of course, in order for any of this to happen, we need your help. Your donation of time or money makes a big difference in helping us get things done.
I hope you’ll come by and be inspired by the wonderful character of the old grammar school. It doesn’t take long to realize it’s more than just a building.
Happy New Year, everyone!
~ Angie