Kitchen project builds steam

Just over $2,000 was raised for the Community Center Kitchen Remodel project at the Valentine's Day-themed fund-raising dinner held last Friday evening. The event was sponsored by the Odessa Chamber of Commerce and the Odessa High School FBLA.

The evening began with a social hour and an opportunity for community members to view the kitchen equipment already purchased by the Chamber of Commerce. When the dinner was ready to be served, guests were welcomed by Kim King and by FBLA representatives Carley Williams and Jacob DeWulf.

While guests enjoyed an entrée of either salmon, steak or chicken with shrimp, Lindsey Starkel, chairman of the kitchen remodel project, explained the proposals to the community. She shared drawings showing the equipment desired and the layout of the future kitchen. She also invited opinions on which of the two remodel options the Chamber should pursue.

Option 1 involves enlarging the kitchen within the current buildings by extending it to the west. Option 2 involves expanding the kitchen on the east side of the building.

The short-term goal of the project is to complete the exterior walls of the kitchen, including plumbing and electricity, and to install a commercial oven, while keeping the kitchen functional. The long-term goal is to create a commercial kitchen that is not only adequate for community functions, but can also be rented out for commercial use.

To keep costs down, the Chamber hopes that community members will volunteer to help with many aspects of the construction. King and Starkel have spent a great deal of time searching for used and refurbished kitchen equipment to keep the costs down as well. The community is invited to look at both proposals and share their thoughts with the Chamber representatives.