We've got the okay from Big Nick Delin (the building owner) to do the mural on the full length of the old hardware store wall, and Paola is working on a design based on Toledo's history as a steamboat port. If you have stories from the time that the steamboats were coming through this area, please contact her at (360)219-8007 or paoladelaconcha@gmail.com.
Revised Steamboat Alley Design Proposal - courtesy Jamie Cimmings
In the meantime, we're having our first work day on May 22nd from 10 to 5 with pizza for lunch. We'll be primarily cleaning and priming the wall, but there will also be supplies on hand to start building crates and planters for the finished Alley. Please let me know if you can loan us ladders, garden hoses, scrub brushes, paint scrapers, paint rollers (with extensions), paint brushes, or drop cloths, or if you would like to donate paint roller covers, wall cleaner, or exterior latex paint. Likewise, if you know of opportunities for discounted paint, please let me know.
Since the March State of the Alley, we have received:
- $500 cash donation in memory of Viola Hayes, a Toledo High School graduate and owner-operator of Perniconi Gardens in Toledo for over 20 years.
- $100 cash donation from Don Brenner as well as awesome photos of the steamboats that came to Toledo.
- 150-200 feet of 3" diameter rope, a giant metal hook, reel wood, and a pier post from Donna and Mark Stith.
- A mess of pallets from Steve and Cheryl Padula at Bateaux Cellars.
- Research and copy for the interpretive signage from Joh Jones.
- A comprehensive plant plan from Gary Whiteside.
- One pound of cheese each from Black Sheep Creamery and Rosecrest Farm for our Cheese Days fundraiser (more on that below).
We will be raising further funds for the project via the sale of engraved pavers for the final walkway. The cost is $100 per 12 inch square paver that can be engraved as a memorial, a donor acknowledgement, or a brief message to future Steamboat Alley users.
We will also be fundraising at Cheese Days by selling $5 snacks at the Wine & Cheese tents on Saturday evening. Buyer's choice of homemade macaroni & cheese or a sampler plate of cheese, crackers, sausage, fruit and veggies. Engraved walkway pavers will also be available for pre-order at our table.
I've attached a picture of the most recent Steamboat Alley design that includes the extension beyond the brick building that we're hoping the city approves. It will also be viewable on the temporary seating in the Alley, which will be out sometime next week. Be sure to stop by!
Thanks to everyone who has supported this project. We've continued to benefit from a great community that sees a bright future for our pocket park, and I'm incredibly grateful for every contribution.
Contact Jamie Cummings, (360)864-2602 or jamie.cummings.toledo@gmail.com.
Thanks again for your generosity,
Jamie Cummings
Paola De la Concha Zindel adds: Thanks for this awesome work Jamie! I Will be catching up this week to gather the stories integrated to the mural and propose a design very soon!
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From Toledo School District: “Teaching school is a calling...May 2-6 is Teacher Appreciation Week.” More here. Volunteers appreciated too: “Thank you to the Higgenbottoms for their hard work on behalf of all children.” Fence nearly finished at Elementary School.
Today: May 2 Toledo City Council meets 6 p.m. first and third Mondays monthly. Dates may change if scheduled on or near a federal holiday. Visit www.toledowa.us or call (360)864-4564.
May 4 Toledo Senior Center Nutrition Lunch menu features country fried steak and mashed potatoes, peas and carrots, peaches and wheat bread, May 6 hamburger steak with mushroom gravy and baked potato, sliced carrots, fruit chunks and bread pudding. Nutrition Lunches Wednesday and Friday are sponsored in part by Area Agency on Aging. Cost is $3 for those 60+ years of age. Reservations required. Contact Diana, diana.haug@lewsicountywa.gov or call (360)864-2112.
Email your news, reviews and events to: toledo.columnist@gmail.com