Making Good Things Happen

Written By: Donna Rhodes | Issue: July - 2022

Over the decades, friends of Peggy Crosby Center – board members, volunteers, supporters – have rattled the heavens, shaking gold-dust from the stars, and helping Peggy make extraordinarily good things happen in the Highlands community. PCC wants to express its deepest gratitude to all those movers and shakers. Peggy Board Member Gina Cogswell says, “In keeping with the Peggy Crosby Center’s mission ‘to provide affordable office space to organizations offering community services’, we have identified investments needed to maintain and update the facility.” But first, here is a summary of a few projects that demonstrate the generosity of donors:• Energy efficient upgrades and HVAC system replacements;• Addition of an air purification system;• A face-lift: Cosmetic improvements and new paint schemes;• Renovation of spaces to expand office space;• Infrastructure improvements including security cameras and handicapped accessible front door;• And ongoing, extensive landscaping (initiating a Highlands pollinator explosion) and resurfacing of parking areas;All of these upgrades not only improve the facility, but they also lift spirits, improve the quality of service to those in need, and strengthen the bond of provider and recipient. Even well-constructed facilities require ongoing maintenance. Here are upcoming additions to Peggy’s need-list:• Roof Replacement. They are currently considering options and estimates from contractors.• PCC Network Upgrades. This effort includes updating wire-less network equipment for the common areas and individual tenant wireless routers. These upgrades will be coupled with increased bandwidth and provide the ability to allocate the available bandwidth by tenant space.• Parking lot paving. An overlay of new asphalt is scheduled. Planning is also underway for an expansion of the entrance, which will provide a much-needed additional parking area. • Landscaping Improvements. The project will focus on the northern landscape, which will include needed repairs to the aged retaining wall on that side of the Center.Robert E. Smith, Peggy Crosby’s chair, conveys the board’s appreciation, “Thanks to all who have supported the PeggyCrosby Center over the years, and by way of that, support severalexceptional nonprofits and the benefits they provide to the Highlands community. Ours is a unique mission – ‘to serve those who serve others’ – one we are proud to bear.”If you’re curious, you can arrange a Peggy tour. Bring friends. Plan a snack or lunch at The Kitchen Carry Away. Contact James Plemmons for more information at (828) 526-9938 or [email protected].

by Donna Rhodes