The fountain at Millennium Park on the square in downtown Bucyrus has been closed for the year. On Saturday, November 13th braving cold temperatures and a little snow, five volunteers of the non-profit organization Projects, Inc. cleaned and shut down the fountain. Pictured from left to right are Dick Hulsmeyer, Projects, Inc. President; Andy Furner, Projects, Inc. board member; Ken Cameron and Mike Hoffman, both volunteers and former Projects, Inc. board members; and Joe Shadeed, Projects, Inc. Treasurer. “We want to make sure to thank Advanced Fiber Technology. They graciously store the fountain cover over the summer when it is not in use,” said Dick Hulsmeyer. “Advanced Fiber Technology employees, Phil Taylor, Leonard Nickler and Shaine Rayborn were allowed time to haul the cover uptown and helped us install it over the fountain for winter on Monday, November 15th. It saves us time and is a big help to have those guys available.”
Projects, Inc. is a support organization of The Community Foundation for Crawford County. “Many Bucyrus residents mistakenly think that the park, fountain and murals are owned by the City, but they are not,” stated Lisa Workman, Foundation President. “Projects, Inc. owns and maintains The Great American Crossroads Mural, Liberty Remembers Our Veterans Mural and Millennium Park. Opening, closing and cleaning the fountain is ALL carried out by Project, Inc. volunteers.”
Additional Projects, Inc. Board members are Andrea Presler, Larry Risner, and Dave Dotson. Projects, Inc. is always accepting donations as they do incur expenses like IRS filing fees, accounting charges, insurance coverage, landscaping, and even ongoing water treatment and repairs for the fountain and murals. Those wishing to donate towards the efforts of Projects, Inc. may do so by mailing or dropping off their contributions payable to Projects, Inc. at 254 E. Mansfield Street, Bucyrus, OH 44820.