It appears that the wind did not hamper construction this week.  Or maybe it just pushed everyone inside since so much interior work has been accomplished.  I posted a couple of cornerstone blessing pictures to start us off and then, as you will see, the tour starts in the office but  moves right on upstairs.  How quickly the electrical work seems to have been done considering the drywall is up in all of the upstairs classrooms and in the hallway.  The track and classroom space is now well defined and if you look closely, you'll see that entry into those classrooms is through a recessed doorway, creating somewhat of an alcove.  Pretty good planning for those folks who will soon be walking that track.  My favorite picture this week, though, is the 3rd story view of the multi purpose building.  Although the space is still quite bare, those windows really frame it.  No doubt they will provide a special environment for a theatrical performance since the future stage will be positioned right below them.  And oh how that light will shine down on us as we cut down the championship nets or more importantly, celebrate mass as one whole community.  One step closer, indeed.

                                                      Archbishop Gregory's blessing

                                                           Cornerstone post blessing

                                                                 Future office

                                                            Another office view

                                                         Drywall in upstairs classroom

                                                            Classroom wall going up

                                                          Track and classroom space

                                                3rd floor view of multi purpose building

                                                              Upstairs hallway

And so, our new building and property have been blessed.  How special yesterday was as we were able to be a part of Archbishop Gregory's visit and blessing of our cornerstone.  It was wonderful to see church, school, and the Athens community really come together to acknowledge such an important event in St. Joseph history.  As mentioned before, another step forward has been taken.  Since no one was allowed into the structure during yesterday's gathering, the pictures will speak volumes, especially the one with the drywall.  Yes!  The drywall will be going up soon!   Talk about framing a space!  Those of us who are teachers will soon be visualizing our classrooms and getting more excited about the new school year.  There is truly so much to be grateful for as you see the changes that have been taking place.  From duct work in the multi purpose building to the nearly completed walking track, this space will definitely touch many lives in the not too distant future.     

 

                                                            Track above lunchroom

                                                                      Track

                                                     Track view from retention pond

                                   View of "buzz in" door frame from first floor hall

                                                                DRYWALL!

                                        View of multi purpose floor from 3rd floor

                                            Duct work in multi purpose building

                               Duct work in lunchroom -- warming kitchen back right

                                                  Back of multi purpose building

                                                                Side of school

                                                              Front of school

Moving right along....that, indeed, is what's happening out at our new property.  The brick and granite are up and our new school and multi purpose building are once again really taking shape.  Next Tuesday, 4/17, will be a special and nonetheless, exciting day for all of us as Archbishop Gregory travels to Athens to bless our commemorative cornerstone.  The gates will open at 5:30 to welcome the Archbishop, so plan to be a part of this important event as we take another one of those peviously mentioned steps into our not so distant future as a school and church community. In the meantime, take a look at the most recent photos below.  The interior spaces are becoming well defined in the multi purpose building as the track gets closer to completion and trees have actually been planted along the walkway leading to the school.  My favorite this week has to be where those trees lead --- the double archways.  What a wonderful dose of character that in my opinion, makes the space feel warm and inviting.  Something as simple as a doorway has never meant so much!

                                Front entrance with cornerstone (bottom left)                                    

                                   Side of school with space for St. Joseph statue

                                                   Completed side of school

                                   Double archway leading into side of school

                               Tree lined walkway leading to school from Epps Bridge

                                        Front entrance to multi-purpose building
        

                                        Entrance into the multi-purpose building

                                              Entrance into future lunchroom

                                                   Future locker room

                                                       Locker room

                                                    Inside future lunchroom
                                                            

                                                 Kitchen with serving window

                                             Walking track on top of lunchroom

                                                Walking track with classroom walls going up

    Walking track on top of multi purpose building entrance

More fabulous weather has brought more fabulous change to our new school and multi purpose building.  The proof is in the pictures.  The multi purpose track is moving right along.  The walls below it are up and are allowing for spaces such as the future "lunchroom" to take shape.  It's going to be such a treat to have our own lunch space without having to work around a P.E. schedule.  My guess is the P.E. department will concur!  With those walls also comes locker rooms!  Now we're talking!  Those of us who coach and welcome visiting teams will now have a place to direct our opponents, but more importantly, a place to prep our own St. Joseph teams.  Both men and ladies locker rooms have three showers, too! Like I said...now we're talking!  I'll have to admit, though, my favorite picture this week is the last one.  Although a bit blurry, it's the picture of the beam signed by parishioners and school staff alike.  What a symbol of unity and support -- a symbol of faith and perseverance -- a symbol of belief that the dream of a new school and multi purpose building is coming to fruition.   Everyday is one step closer.  That final step through that front door, though, will be the best step ever!

Front entrance of multi purpose building with track above

2nd floor view looking down into multi purpose building -- future "lunchroom" space under track

Front of multi purpose building

Back and side view of school

Locker room far left corner of multi purpose building

Signed beam