Lowe’s, Art Jones Construction Assist Minetto Students

MINETTO, NY – Minetto elementary school students will enjoy a bit of shelter as the result of a project undertaken by its home and school association.

Recently, a ribbon cutting was held for the new open air pavilion on the Minetto playground. The project was a work of love and caring by those who were involved in the fundraising and construction.

Several months ago the project kicked off. Lowe’s came on board and donated building materials.

Troy Fowler the store manager of Lowe’s said, “We have a corporate program called the ‘Lowes Hero Program’ to help the community when there is a need for something like this. This was perfect for Lowe’s to become involved with and it was a great opportunity to help Minetto school to put this up. It will be here for the kids, the public and the community.”

Lowe’s operations manager Kristine Frauenhofer said this project had a special meaning to her.

She said, “I went to school at Minetto Elementary and loved every minute of it. I not only went to school here, but my son did as well. We have quite a history at Minetto and it was great that Lowe’s could be part of this.”

Art Jones, of Art Jones Construction volunteered to build the structure and received help from his employees as well as Minetto Home and School Association members.

Jones said, “We were asked to partake in this by part of the community and the Lowe’s representatives. I thought it would be a good opportunity to put my hands to service for the community. I live a mile down the road, just outside the town, but we enjoy the playground. Our kids come here to play and I play basketball on the courts. So it was just a nice way to be able to contribute.”

The effort was appreciated by all.

Superintendent of Schools Bill Crist was on hand for the ribbon cutting ceremony.  He noted, “I am very appreciative of the cooperative efforts made by many groups and businesses to make this pavilion become a reality. I know this had been a desire of the home and school association. I would like to thank Lowe’s, Art Jones and all of the volunteers for providing this as someplace where our children can play, relax and study.”

Minetto Principal Dean Goewey said, “This will be a great place for students to come outside and read. I think this was an enormous collaborative effort and to have people come out and support our schools. Lowe’s and Art Jones, don’t have children here, but just wanted to come out to be involved in our community and help kids. That is really the magic of this whole thing.”

Goewey continued, “I am grateful as always whenever the community comes to the assistance of Minetto’s students. I thank Lowe’s for the donation of the materials and Art Jones for giving our students something special. Art supplied the flashing and shingles as well as creating the design of the pavilion and its actual construction with the assistance of home and school fathers.”

Goewey presented light up key chains and a Minetto School banner to all those who donated the new pavilion.

The wonderful addition to the Minetto playground started as a dream among home and school and has now become a reality. missing or outdated ad config

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