About this user
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In 2000, the Ceres Alumni Association was founded by 29 former Ceres School students, and an impressive amount of work has been performed to restore the old gymnasium and agriculture building located on the campus. Both buildings now have new roofs, heating systems and water service. This work has been financed through the Alumni Association's numerous fund-raisers, private donations, and a $50,000 grant from the Hugh I. Shott, Jr. Foundation. The agriculture building, now called the Henry C. Groseclose F.F.A. and Agriculture Museum, has also been repainted, new electrical wiring has been installed, and a handicap access ramp has also been constructed.
The gymnasium, now called the George H. Peery, Sr. Center, has undergone several renovation projects as well. The basement of this building has been transformed into a state-of-the-art fitness center, complete with 13 Nautilus exercise machines. The locker room facilities on the main floor have been renovated into a fully functioning, modern kitchen with brand new appliances and cabinetry. The interior of the Peery Center has also been repainted. The interior of the Museum has been painted and houses various historical and cultural exhibits.
With this impressive amount of work already complete, a great deal still remains to be done. Immediate plans for the two buildings include the replacement of the gymnasium floor and new restroom facilities at the Groseclose facility. Outside, the deteriorating walkways, porch and steps on the two buildings will be repaired. An outdoor walking trail will also be constructed at the site.
The Peery Center is an important community facility for the residents of Ceres. The fitness center provides the community with an appropriate place to stay active and get healthy, while at the same time interacting with neighbors in a convenient location. The Center also provides an excellent place for community meetings and get-togethers, including class reunions for the alumni of the Ceres School. The Groseclose Museum houses wonderful examples of the history of Southwest Virginia, Bland County, the Ceres School, and the Ceres community, including exhibits documenting the 1926 origins of the F.F.A. and its founder, Henry Groseclose.
The Groseclose Museum also enriches the community of Ceres by serving as a tourist attraction. Since 2005, the Ceres School centers have received national recognition and benefits of federal funding to promote the overall tourism initiative in Bland County. The Groseclose Museum complements the tourism efforts by providing historical and cultural exhibits about Bland County and Southwest Virginia.
ENDOWMENT TRUST FUND
http://www.ceresva.org/CAA/Endowment.htm
In 2003, the Ceres Alumni Association approved the establishment of an Endowment Trust Fund to provide for the long range upkeep of the Groseclose Museum and the Peery Center gymnasium.
The purpose of the fund is to receive assets of any nature to provide a perpetual income for the maintenance and care of the above buildings. Many people are interested in making contributions to such a fund whereby the principal is retained and earnings are used to provide an annual income, knowing that such a fund will provide support for years to come. This could be of interest to individuals in estate planning or who no longer live in the area, but would like to leave a legacy to the community. It is also an opportunity to make a gift in honor or memory of family or friends.
Gifts may include direct cash gifts, stocks or bonds, real estate or include bequests in wills or insurance policies. Anyone interested in making tax deductible contributions may contact a member of the Endowment Fund Committee.
Ceres Alumni Association, LLC
PO Box 32
40 Ruitan Drive
Ceres, VA 24318
276 682-3989
info@ceresva.org
www.ceresva.org
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