NEW LEXINGTON — On Friday afternoon, May 10, the sun was shining brightly over New Lexington, but nowhere was it brighter than at Mount Aloysius. At 2:35 p.m. the new CEO at Mount Aloysius, Tonya Leon, announced that the official groundbreaking for $1.2 million in improvements to the facility’s administrative building would be taking place in a few short minutes.
Those present for the ceremony included Mount Aloysius staff and residents, board members for the facility, family members, longtime supporters, Northrose General Contracting (NRGC) personnel, and several village and county officials including New Lexington Mayor Trent Thompson, Perry County Commissioner Scott Owen and Perry County Probate/Juvenile Judge Luann Cooperrider.
“Good afternoon, everyone, welcome to the groundbreaking ceremony for the re-investment of Mount Aloysius.” That’s all it took for those in attendance to break into applause when Tonya Leon made her opening statement. “We are incredibly excited to celebrate this milestone with you today.”
Following her opening welcome, Leon traced the history of Mount Aloysius starting when the facility first opened its doors for individuals with intellectual disabilities in 1969. The current building that is the target of this re-investment was constructed in 1984. The current construction project has been in the planning stage for two years with the total cost projected at just over $1.2 million.
“As we near the 55th anniversary of Mount Aloysius, we look forward to continuing exceptional services to individuals being served, our employees, and the community,” stated Leon as she concluded her opening remarks. Bill Shimp, president of the Mount Aloysius Board of Directors, took over the speaking chores once Leon had completed her fact check for the audience.
“This is a great event for us!” Shimp’s voice contained equal parts excitement and pride as he addressed the audience on the lawn at Mount Aloysius. He recognized several staff members including Shannon Jones, administration, with 15 years of service at Mount Aloysius and Kim Flood, director of Administrative Services for 23 years.
Shimp also took time to pay tribute to the former CEO at Mount Aloysius, Justin Gall, who passed away last September. “Justin started the planning for this building, so it’s fitting that we remember him,” stated the board president.
Additional individuals receiving accolades from Shimp included Pat Nash and Bill Addington from Park National Bank. “Our partnership with Park National Bank makes this project take off,” said Shimp.
Shimp also praised Troy Parker, Tom Anderson, Glenn Karr, and Judge Cooperrider for their continued outstanding support for Mount Aloysius.
Representing the NRGC firm that will be doing the construction work slated to begin Monday, May 13, were Joe North, NRGC president, and Chris Robbins, senior superintendent at the company. While neither spoke publicly to the crowd, the pair did provide details of the upcoming project prior to the ceremony’s start.
Up to 12 workers were to be on site when the work began Monday. Work on the project will take up to one year to complete. When finished, the completed project will add nearly 3,400 square feet of additional office space to the building.
While Bill Shimp’s voice was mix of excitement and gratitude, one of his last remarks contained a massive amount of pride when he told the crowd that, “This project did not receive one cent from the state of Ohio! Our donors made it possible!”
From the introduction of Tonya Leon by the social services coordinator at Mount Aloysius, Ben Brannon, to the opening of the snack bar following the speakers’ remarks, the groundbreaking ceremony could also have been tabbed the groundbreaking celebration. One look at this facility and its grounds speaks to the dedication of every individual who is part of the Mount Aloysius family.
The re-investment of $1.2 million for the administration building will only add to the continuing success story that is Mount Aloysius.
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