Progress Athens Foundation to host ribbon cutting ceremony
On December 9, Progress Athens Foundation, Inc. (PAF) together with the Village of Athens will be hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house at 203 Alfred Street This is the location of the new village municipal building. The ribbon cutting ceremony will be at noon followed by an open house until 2 p.m. The public is invited to attend and guests will be treated to light refreshments.
In 2021, PAF was initially formed as a grassroots fundraising effort to purchase a building that would provide modern accommodations for the village clerk, police department, and Marathon County Public Library-Athens branch plus space for future expansion. To date, over $500,000 has been raised via donations of current and past members of the Athens area plus funds made available through grants.
The first phase of this project included the renovation of the building purchased in May and improvement of the adjacent parking lot. The village clerk and police department made their move to the new building in October and the MCPL-Athens branch followed in early November. An electronic sign, which will share community information, will also be added at this location.
The second phase of this initial project will consist of updating the landscaping around the new building and the renovation of the former municipal building at 221 Caroline Street. This renovation will include new bathroom facilities for the adjacent Athens Community Hall. The new bathrooms will be handicapped accessible. The future use for the remainder of this building has not yet been determined.
PAF President Tom Mueller shared, “I See OPEN HOUSE/ page 13 Open house
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like to think that for those of us whose families have been represented here in the Athens community for multiple generations, our ancestors would be proud of what our village has been able to accomplish by continuing their foresight.” Jessica Frahm, PAF secretary adds, “I’m honored to be a part of our deep, closely rooted Athens community and look forward to a bright, flourishing future as the result of planting progressive seeds together today. Soak in these amazing accomplishments and be proud of what can be done by working together.”
The overall mission of Progress Athens Foundation, Inc. is to look for and support opportunities to enhance economic development and recreational opportunities from youth to senior citizens and seeking opportunities that enhance the overall quality of life for our citizens. As this project nears completion, another project will be selected and announced. To stay updated, follow the group on Facebook at Progress Athens Foundation.
