With noticeable improvements being made on a continual basis, the North Alexander School Association (NASA) is moving ever forward to restoring the old structure and has announced that it will hold a general membership meeting next Thursday, March 25, for the purpose of receiving new members and donations while establishing goals for the coming year.

“This will be the first membership meeting since the loss of our energetic and esteemed leader, Bill Bennett,” interim chairman Henry Harris said. “The board hopes to have a good turnout of those interested in learning what has been accomplished under Bill’s direction and what the current board hopes to achieve in the future.”

Some of those past accomplishments include a new roof that halted further deterioration of the structure, the replacement of all windows on the first floor, the installation of new concrete for the floor of the front porch and new limestone steps at the front entrance, and asbestos re- moval. Short-range plans include the continuation of window restoration, further clean-up on the second floor, a sprinkler system, and a restoration of the main staircase in the center of the building.

However, the ultimate purpose of the building once restoration is complete is still uncertain. Bennett began the task of establishing such a purpose about three years ago when he said that “something with very broad appeal would be best and that because of the land use agreement with the Alexander family, the building must have an educational purpose of some kind.” And while a number of possibilities have been discussed, no one particular purpose has been determined.

In the meantime, restoration efforts continue and NASA has announced that the 2007 “challenge grant” goal was met in 2009 which means that an additional gift of nearly $200,000 has been received for the project. Also, a memorial fund for Bennett has been established so that donors may contribute in his memory and, because of his tireless work on the project, there has been talk of naming some portion of the restoration after him.

Next Thursday’s membership meeting will be held at 5 p.m. at “Merry Oaks,” 519 N. Alexander Avenue, the home of Gail Boyd and Ted Bush. Thee will be a social time with refreshments followed by the business meeting.