President of the Lascassas-Milton Lions Club David Leonard and Lascassas Volunteer Fire Department Chief Trey Nunley sign an agreement to share the old Lascassas Elementary School. (Photo submitted)
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The Lascassas-Milton Lions Club has leased the remaining structure of the old Lascassas Elementary School from Rutherford County for several years, but the majority of the building will now see a new use.
The Lascassas Volunteer Fire Department will be taking over three of the four large classrooms in their efforts to better serve the community. The goal is to have staff on hand at a future date to respond to fires from the fire hall rather than volunteers responding from home.
Fire Chief Trey Nunley noted the fire department really needed more space, and being able to use the Lions Club building - located on the same property as the fire department - will solve those space issues. Plans are to convert the rooms for sleeping, training and a day use area, along with using one of the classrooms for much needed administrative office space. The fourth classroom will serve as the Lions Club meeting room.
Lions Club members said the cost of maintaining the aging structure was prohibitive, as well as a distraction from the organization’s main mission: The Lascassas-Milton Lions hold a Fish For Sight Charity fishing tournament each spring to raise funds for sight programs, supporting national, state and local services. Locally, the group pays for eye exams and prescription eyeglasses through an arrangement with local optometrists for those in the community who cannot afford such services.
The Lions also built a park, playground and picnic pavilion on the old school property as part of their mission of serving the community.
The two organizations signed an agreement, with approval from Rutherford County officials, on Jan. 5, with LVFD taking possession immediately of the three classrooms.
There is much work to be done on the building, and the Fire Department – a 501c3 nonprofit, volunteer entity – has a wish list, such as beds, new flooring, computers, office equipment and remodeling labor, it is hoping area businesses and individuals can help with. Following is the wish list, which is also posted at www.lascassasvolfire.com.
As their website states: “Our little fire department is blessed to have the support of the communities we serve. Without that support, we simply could not operate. Thank you for taking the time to view our wish list. The LVFD is an IRS 501c3 non-profit organization and all donations are tax-deductible. Please pass this information on to any group or individual you know who may be willing to contribute.”
To donate or volunteer, contact the Lascassas Volunteer Fire Department at 615-893-2506 or Chief Nunley at 615-410-6631 or e-mail trey@lascassasvolfire.com.
To learn more about the Lascassas/Milton Lions Club or to become a member, call 615-273-2376. |
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