By PAUL CHASON
Special to Atmore News
American Legion Post 90 has made a much-needed facility improvement to enhance building egress and to significantly improve safety for our members and our guests. Late last summer our “ancient” walkway into the kitchen suffered a huge break along the “raised” portion of the walkway creating a hole that could have caused a devasting injury to our members or guests.
After evaluating the repair costs, long-term return on investment, and facility appearance. the executive board voted to renovate and enhance the entire entryway. The project required support from local businesses and was phased to ensure timely project completion. The first phase required relocation of two storage sheds away from the building onto the concrete pad. Thanks to Circle E Buildings for making this happen. Jon accomplished this on New Year’s Eve – thank you! Phase two required rerouting of air conditioning electrical service and freon lines to get them above the “pour” line. Young Electrical and Coley AC made these two tasks a reality.
The most significant phase was the concrete pour accomplished by Sims Custom Concrete and Barns, LLC. The owner Jimmy Sims worked with us to ensure timely completion and eliminate our major concerns: easy, safe access for members and guests, and water drainage away from the building. The result is a much-improved entryway for rear access into our kitchen and meeting hall. A shorter, more direct route for members.
A special thanks to Legionnaire Dave Graham for his coordination and assistance during these projects.
The last phase of this project is to have handrails installed for safer building egress to support our “mature” membership and guests.
But – we are not finished yet! Last year we submitted a grant request to replace all our doors because of frame rot and severe threshold damage. We were not awarded; as a result, we still have trip and access hazards for our members and guests. The two rear egress points are our most damaged and are the priority. It would be fantastic if there are community members or businesses that can perform this work or can recommend someone who can help our Post with this project.
Billy Glenn Rushing Post 90 has already made positive changes for our membership in the New Year. We hope to grow so we can have a more positive impact on our community in 2020 and beyond.
Paul Chason is Post 90 Adjutant.