Republic firefighters’ new social hall called community asset
REPUBLIC – A social hall that the Republic Volunteer Fire Department is building near the Redstone Township Recreation Center will be more than a much-needed fund-raising tool for the department, according to local officials. They contend it’s a necessary addition to the community, as well.
“There’s nothing around here for functions,” said Ray Paris, one of the Redstone Township supervisors. “I think it’s a great venture that they’re taking on here, and I wish them well.”
The new hall will measure 100 by 80 feet and will hold 300 to 500 people for weddings, other social functions and fund-raisers. Construction costs are estimated at $300,000, with a completion anticipated sometime in February, according to Drew Harvilla, the president of the fire department. Harvilla said the fire department already has seen considerable support for the project.
“The land was donated by the Davis family. Randie Mullen owns Creative Financial Advisors, and she’s helping us with some fund-raising and financing,” Harvilla said.
State Rep. Peter J. Daley (D-California) helped the department acquire a $50,000 grant from the state Department of Community and Economic Development’s Community Revitalization Program.
“We’re moving along with this project. It’s a great project for the community. It’s one of the biggest grants we’ve given,” Daley said.
The new building will help the department raise the funds it needs for a new fire truck and other equipment. The department decided to refurbish its current truck to keep it on the road for another five to 10 years in order to construct the social hall so it could continue to generate funds for the future.
Since the Republic Volunteer Fire Department doesn’t have a social hall, it has been holding fund-raising events with the New Salem Volunteer Fire Department for the past several years.
Harvilla said that won’t end just because the department will have its own hall.
“We’re still going to be holding fund-raisers with them. Whether it’s in their building or ours, we’ll still be doing fund-raising together because we don’t have enough volunteers,” Harvilla said.
The Republic Volunteer Fire Department has 20 to 25 active members he said.
Although the hall is expected to be completed in February, Harvilla doesn’t anticipate it being done in time for Valentine’s Day. He knows that once it is done, it will be put to good use.
“The first thing we’re going to do will be a big fund-raiser,” he said. “I just want to get it built.”