by Michael Erskine
BIG LAKE—A lot of renovation work has been accomplished in the Big Lake School Hall thanks to a hardy group of volunteers—but there is still plenty of elbow grease to be applied over the next few weeks.
“Right now, they are working on wiping down the cupboards and walls,” said volunteer Lois Middaugh. “The drywall is done, and the spraying has been completed, but it will be a while yet.”
Unfortunately, the Big Lake School House Association has had to limit access to the property for insurance reasons, a move that has proven less than popular in the community.
“A lot of people were not happy when we had to put no trespassing signs on the playground equipment,” she said. “But it isn’t something where we have a choice.” Ms. Middaugh explained that until the remediation work is completed insurance issues dictate that policy.
“We have been very fortunate with our volunteers,” she said. “They have been fundraising with yard sales and such.” Many have gone above and beyond in their efforts. “I can’t take any credit,” said Ms. Middaugh. “Since I am working fulltime again, I just don’t have enough time to do that much.”
Nonetheless, Ms. Middaugh has been among the forefront of the charge to save the building which serves as a community hub for the Big Lake area from the wrecking ball.
