Ice rink project skating towards reality

January 14, 1997

By LISA GRAYBEAL

Staff Writer, Waynesboro

ZULLINGER, Pa. - Doris Billow's dream of an ice rink is $100,000 closer to reality.

Since the Cumberland Valley on Ice kicked off its "The Dream Takes Shape" capital campaign three weeks ago, individuals and small businesses mostly from Waynesboro have contributed to a fifth of the goal to raise $500,000 by April, said Carol Henicle, president of the board of directors and executive director of the Greater Waynesboro Chamber of Commerce.

"We're off to a good start," Henicle said. "We're hoping everyone will join together to get this thing done."

The $500,000 is needed to secure financing for the rest of the project, Henicle said. Billow, a retired Waynesboro school teacher who the rink will be named after, bequeathed more than $500,000 for the project. That money will become available to the ice rink group when construction begins. The land for the ice arena, located off Pa. 16 just five miles from Interstate 81, has been purchased.

Board members expect to break ground on the ice rink this spring and open in the fall. They're hoping to reach the monetary goal by April, Henicle said. Though most of the fund-raising campaign has been concentrated in Waynesboro, Henicle said plans call for efforts throughout Franklin County.

Washington Township Manager Michael Christopher, a board member of the ice rink group, said the board is working on getting donations from larger corporations. But he added that plans for the ice rink provide a perfect opportunity for church groups, youth organizations and others to donate money by holding fund raisers of their own.

"CVOI is a viable organization and we're going to make this ice rink happen," Christopher said. "It will give young people the opportunity give them something to do and get them off the streets."

The ice rink complex will provide a place for hockey leagues, ice skating parties, figure skating lessons and other family-oriented activities, Christopher said.

"We may even have an Olympian come out of Cumberland Valley some day," he said.

Campaign pledges can be made over a three to five-year period for any amount. Send contributions to CVOI, Box 158, Zullinger, PA 17272. For more information, contact Henicle at 1-717- 762-7123.

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