STAR CITY — Tugboat Depot will become more musical soon through a partnership with Star City and the Eye Foundation of America.
April O’Brien, with the Eye Foundation of America, told council about the nonprofit founded in 1977 by Dr. V.K. Raju, local ophthalmologist and adjunct clinical professor of ophthalmology at WVU’s School of Medicine. It aims to help prevent childhood blindness around the world and in locally.
O’Brien proposed a donation to the Star City park at this week’s Star City council meeting. Raju also attended.
O’Brien gave council members a few options for pieces, including a percussion set of flower instruments and two classic xylophones, a colorful Serenade style and a smaller Aria xylophone.
O’Brien said the Eye Foundation was willing to donate $2,000 to the project, and would like to have contributions or matching funds from Star City. If not, the organization would be able to do the Aria xylophone itself, with permission to place it.
“In my personal opinion, I think the children would like the flowers,” she said. “I think they would also like the Serenade style. I think there is a lot of musical education value in the Serenade style, but I appreciate your willingness to allow us to install something like this in the park.”
Council member Sharon Doyle asked if hotel/motel money could be used to put money toward the project, and Mayor Herman Reid said he thought that would be appropriate.
Doyle said she thought adults would enjoy the instruments as well as the children.
“I think it’s great for kids, but we have older populations that go down there,” she said. “They like to sit and watch the boats go by and stuff.”
Council decided to use hotel/motel money to help install both the flower percussion instruments and the Serenade xylophone.
O’Brien suggested the musical instruments be placed near the picnic tables and the free library.
Reid said city workers would be able to help with installation, and Star City Public Works Director Phillip Davis said he would love to help.
The project is expected to cost $7559, with the town paying $5,559, and the Eye Foundation of America contributing $2,000.
In other business:
City code enforcement official Lanie Martisko reported on an increase in building permits over the last two weeks. She said she spoke to a district manager about garbage piling up at the Star City Sheetz, and she she spoke with Clear Fiber about planting grass where digging was done for lines. Company officials agreed to do so.
Public works director Phillip Davis said crews are getting ready to begin paving.
Reid said the town will be advertising soon to rebid a landscaping contract.
- The next Star City council meeting will be at 7 p.m. March 26 at the Star City town hall
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