Seasonal changes always seem to stir thoughtful moments for me about what has past, the present moment that surrounds me, and what the future may hold. The Labor Day Parade and festivities, which also marked the seasonal change for me, were fabulous and fun. Now I am harvesting, starting to put the garden to bed and slowly shifting toward a slower, colder and wetter time with more indoor activities. It is remarkable to me how much more water there seems to be in the Illinois River where I live since the Pomeroy Dam removal, despite the hot weather and the lateness in the season.
It’s been a good summer for the city. The splash pad was completed and has been a big hit along with the new play equipment. It is closed now as of Labor Day weekend. If the temperature continues to be high, it will be re-opened Saturday and Sunday from 12 – 7 p.m.
The Rockydale Wells project is almost completed and will be online soon after testing. The Bulk Water Station was moved out of a residential neighborhood to a commercially zoned property on the highway. The city of Cave Junction funded the beautiful electrical box wraps on main street, the new Welcome to Cave Junction sign on the north, and the mural happening on the old feed store building across from Shop Smart.
The library expansion project continues to move forward and construction is close to completion. In the past month, interior and exterior paint was completed. Carpeting and other flooring are installed. Cabinetry, bookcases, doors, and fixtures are in place throughout the building. The two vestibules are built, and sidewalks have been poured. An irrigation system, grass seeding, and parking lot upgrade are happening. The community meeting space and kitchen look fabulous. I am excited to see a meeting place resource like this that has never existed before in our community. I am really grateful and proud of the outstanding work that the Library District staff, contractors and city of Cave Junction have done to make this project happen. As you can tell, I am very excited about the library expansion and upgrade project. The “new” library will be a shining asset in our community. If all goes well, look for a grand opening sometime in October.