112th Year, 23rd Issue Thursday, January 18, 2001 Sparta, North Carolina

Burr offers support for wellness center

By ROBBY LUCKE
Staff

U.S. Representative Richard Burr pledged his help in the attempt to raise funds for a wellness center in Alleghany County.

He cautioned, however, that federal funding would be limited and would likely amount to less than center supporters are hoping. Burr met with Alleghany Wellness Center Inc. board members at their headquarters in Sparta Jan. 11.

The meeting was part of an effort begun in May 1996 to build a wellness and recreation facility. The group plans to build a 38,000-square-foot building, including a six-lane indoor pool, therapy pool, gymnasium with indoor track, fitness and aerobic area, multipurpose room and kitchen.

In May 2000, the board purchased 16.3 acres on Collins Road as the site for the center.

Ron Worley, of Worley Associates of Richmond, Va., the project architect, said the total phase I budget would be about $4.1 million. Jack Martin, the board's steering committee co-chairman, said about one and a quarter million has been raised so far.

Dr. Beth Lyon-Smith gave a presentation at the meeting on the need for and benefits of the center.
 
 

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