host posted on August 12, 2009 06:42
By Melanie Patterson
The North Jefferson News
Teachers at Fultondale High School got quite a back-to-school gift Monday.
Gone was the old teacher’s lounge, with it’s 1970s-era aqua-blue tile, the outdated appliances and lack of running water.
Instead, volunteers revealed a “Starbucks-style” break room with new paint, appliances, cabinets, countertops, tables, chairs and even ceiling tiles.
The New Members and Outreach Ministries at Gardendale First Baptist Church orchestrated the project, with help from community volunteers.
“We realize teachers have a tough job. We want to help them out any way we can,” said Phil Cronin, who heads up the outreach ministry. “This lets the teachers know we’re behind you, we’re praying for you and we believe in what you’re doing.”
FHS principal Donna Williamon played a big role too, by helping keep the project a secret from the teachers until Monday.
The room was padlocked all summer so teachers wouldn’t wander in on the surprise.
It was a big job, with Ashley Furniture making deliveries, workers in and out, and construction noise ongoing.
She had to bend the truth once or twice, telling teachers the furniture was for the newly-renovated home ec department.
She and the volunteers stayed up until midnight several nights to get the work done on time, Cronin said.
“You always feel good about your job and yourself when you can come to work and have a nice place,” said Williamon. “This was a nice ministry and community effort. We appreciate what everyone has done.”
Williamon said the old faculty lounge was 40 years old and badly needed renovating.
“It’s a nice change for beginning a new school year,” she said.
One of the most useful changes to the room was the addition of running water.
Cronin, who himself slung the sledgehammer to make a spot for the plumbing, said workers put in a new stainless steel sink with brass faucets.
They also installed a gadget in the bathroom that instantly heats water, so teachers no longer have to wash their hands with cold water.
Besides the new paint and sink, the break room has a new coffee maker, microwave, refrigerator, television and pub-style tables.
“There’s nothing like a baptist church putting in pub tables,” said Cronin.
The adjoining bathroom has a new vanity, mirror and lighting.
Several local businesses donated furniture or other items, including Marvin’s Building Materials and Home Centers, Ashley Furniture Homestore, Gentry Window Solutions, Laser Works of Alabama and Jeff Dennis Jewelers.